Twenty Years Of Congress
James Gillespie Blaine
119 chapters
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119 chapters
COPYRIGHT, 1884, BY JAMES G. BLAINE.
COPYRIGHT, 1884, BY JAMES G. BLAINE.
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TWENTY YEARS OF CONGRESS.
TWENTY YEARS OF CONGRESS.
Original Compromises between the North and the South embodied in the Constitution.—Early Dissatisfaction with National Boundaries. —Acquisition of Louisiana from France by President Jefferson.— Bonaparte's Action and Motive in ceding Louisiana.—State of Louisiana admitted to the Union against Opposition in the North.— Agitation of the Slavery Question in Connection with the Admission of Missouri to the Union.—The Two Missouri Compromises of 1820 and 1821.—Origin and Development of the Abolition
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CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER II.
Review of events before 1860 ( continued ).—Early Efforts to acquire Texas.—Course of President Tyler.—Mr. Calhoun appointed Secretary of State.—His Successful Management of the Texas Question. —His Hostility to Mr. Van Buren.—Letters of Mr. Clay and Mr. Van Buren opposing the Annexation of Texas.—Mr. Clay nominated as the Whig Candidate for the President in 1844.—Van Buren's Nomination defeated.—Mr. Polk selected as the Democratic Candidate.—Disquietude of Mr. Clay.—His Change of Ground.—His De
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CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER III.
Review ( continued ).—Triumph of the Democratic Party.—Impending Troubles with Mexico.—Position of Parties.—Struggle for the Equality of Free and Slave States.—Character of the Southern Leaders.—Their Efforts to control the Government.—Conservative Course of Secretaries Buchanan and Marcy.—Reluctant to engage in War with Mexico.—The Oregon Question, 54°, 40´, or 49°.—Critical Relations with the British Government.—Treaty of 1846.—Character of the Adjustment.—Our Probable Loss by Unwise Policy of
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CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER IV.
Review ( continued ).—Relations with Mexico.—General Taylor marches his Army to the Rio Grande.—First Encounter with the Mexican Army.—Excitement in the United States.—Congress declares War against Mexico.—Ill Temper of the Whigs.—Defeat of the Democrats in the Congressional Elections of 1846.—Policy of Mr. Polk in Regard to Acquisition of Territory from Mexico.—Three- Million Bill.—The Famous Anti-slavery Proviso moved by David Wilmot.—John Quincy Adams.—His Public Service.—Robert C. Winthrop c
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CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER V.
Review ( continued ).—Contrast between General Taylor and General Cass.—The Cabinet of President Taylor.—Political Condition of the Country.—Effect produced by the Discovery of Gold in California. —Convening of Thirty-first Congress.—Election of Howell Cobb as Speaker.—President Taylor's Message.—His Recommendations Distasteful to the South.—Illustrious Membership of the Senate.—Mr. Clay and the Taylor Administration.—Mr. Calhoun's Last Speech in the Senate. —His Death.—His Character and Public
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CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTER VI.
Review ( continued ).—The Strength of the Democratic Party in 1853.—Popular Strength not so great as Electoral Strength.—The New President's Pledge not to re-open the Slavery Question.—How he failed to maintain that Pledge.—The North-west Territory.—Anti- slavery Restriction of the Missouri Compromise.—Movement to repeal it by Mr. Clay's Successor in the Senate.—Mr. Douglas adopts the policy of repealing the Restriction.—It is made an Administration Measure and carried through Congress.—Colonel
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CHIEF JUSTICE TANEY AND MR. SUMNER.
CHIEF JUSTICE TANEY AND MR. SUMNER.
The aversion with which the extreme anti-slavery men regarded Chief Justice Taney was strikingly exhibited during the session of Congress following his death. The customary mark of respect in providing a marble bust of the deceased to be placed in the Supreme Court room was ordered by the House without comment or objection. In the Senate the bill was regularly reported from the Judiciary Committee by the chairman, Mr. Trumbull of Illinois, who was at that time a recognized leader in the Republic
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CHAPTER VII.
CHAPTER VII.
Review ( continued ).—Continuance of the Struggle for Kansas.— List of Governors.—Robert J. Walker appointed Governor by President Buchanan.—His Failure.—The Lecompton Constitution fraudulently adopted.—Its Character.—Is transmitted to Congress by President Buchanan.—He recommends the Admission of Kansas under its Provisions. —Pronounces Kansas a Slave State.—Gives Full Scope and Effect to the Dred Scott Decision.—Senator Douglas refuses to sustain the Lecompton Iniquity.—His Political Embarrass
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CHAPTER VIII.
CHAPTER VIII.
Excited Condition of the South.—The John Brown Raid at Harper's Ferry.—Character of Brown.—Governor Wise.—Hot Temper.—Course of Republicans in Regard to John Brown.—Misunderstanding of the Two Sections.—Assembling of the Charleston Convention.—Position of Douglas and his Friends.—Imperious Demands of Southern Democrats. —Caleb Cushing selected for Chairman of the Convention.—The South has Control of the Committee on Resolutions.—Resistance of the Douglas Delegates.—They defeat the Report of the
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MEETING OF CHARLESTON CONVENTION.
MEETING OF CHARLESTON CONVENTION.
It was at the height of this overwrought condition of the Southern mind, that the National Convention of the Democratic party met at Charleston on the 23d of April, 1860. The convention had been assembled in South Carolina, as the most discontented and extreme of Southern States, in order to signify that the Democracy could harmonize on her soil, and speak peace to the nation through the voice which had so often spoken peace before. But the Northern Democrats failed to comprehend their Southern
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CHAPTER IX.
CHAPTER IX.
The Tariff Question in its Relation to the Political Revolution of 1860.—A Century's Experience as to Best Mode of levying Duties.— Original Course of Federal Government in Regard to Revenue.—First Tariff Act.—The Objects defined in a Preamble.—Constitutional Power to adopt Protective Measure.—Character of Early Discussions. —The Illustrious Men who participated.—Mr. Madison the Leader.— The War Tariff of 1812.—Its High Duties.—The Tariff of 1816.— Interesting Debate upon its Provisions.—Clay, W
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TENDENCY OF OVER-PRODUCTION.
TENDENCY OF OVER-PRODUCTION.
An argument much relied upon and strongly presented by the advocates of free-trade is the alleged tendency to over-production of protected articles, followed uniformly by seasons of depression and at certain intervals by financial panic and wide-spread distress. These results are unhappily too familiar in the United States, but the protectionists deny that the cause is correctly given. They aver indeed that a glut of manufactured articles is more frequently seen in England than in the United Sta
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CHAPTER X.
CHAPTER X.
Presidential Election of 1860.—The Electoral and Popular Vote.— Wide Divergence between the Two.—Mr. Lincoln has a Large Majority of Electors.—In a Minority of 1,000,000 on Popular Vote.—Beginning of Secession.—Rash Course of South Carolina.—Reluctance on the Part of Many Southern States.—Unfortunate Meeting of South-Carolina Legislature.—Hasty Action of South-Carolina Convention.—The Word "Ordinance."—Meeting of Southern Senators in Washington to promote Secession.—Unwillingness in the South to
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FINAL ESTIMATE OF MR. BUCHANAN.
FINAL ESTIMATE OF MR. BUCHANAN.
In a final analysis and true estimate of Mr. Buchanan's conduct in the first stages of the revolt, the condition of the popular mind as just described must be taken into account. The same influences and expectations that wrought upon the people were working also upon him. There were indeed two Mr. Buchanans in the closing months of the administration. The first was Mr. Buchanan of November and December, angered by the decision of the Presidential election and more than willing that the North, in
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CHAPTER XI.
CHAPTER XI.
Congress during the Winter of 1860-61.—Leave-taking of Senators and Representatives.—South Carolina the First to secede.—Her Delegation in the House publish a Card withdrawing.—Other States follow.—Mr. Lamar of Mississippi.—Speeches of Seceding Senators. —Mr. Yulee and Mr. Mallory of Florida.—Mr. Clay and Mr. Fitzpatrick of Alabama.—Jefferson Davis.—His Distinction between Secession and Nullification.—Important Speech by Mr. Toombs.—He defines Conditions on which the Union might be allowed to su
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SOUTHERN GRIEVANCES NOT STATED.
SOUTHERN GRIEVANCES NOT STATED.
In all the speeches delivered by the senators from the seceding States, there was no presentation of the grievances which, in their own minds, justified secession. This fact elicited less notice at the time than it calls forth in retrospect. Those senators held in their hands in the beginning, the fate of the secession movement. If they had advised the Southern States that it was wiser and better to abide in the Union, and at least to wait for some overt act of wrong against the slave States, th
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CHAPTER XII.
CHAPTER XII.
Congress in the Winter of 1860-61.—The North offers Many Concessions to the South.—Spirit of Conciliation.—Committee of Thirteen in the Senate.—Committee of Thirty-three in the House.—Disagreement of Senate Committee.—Propositions submitted to House Committee.— Thomas Corwin's Measure.—Henry Winter Davis.—Justin S. Morrill— Mr. Houston of Alabama.—Constitutional Amendment proposed by Charles Francis Adams.—Report of the Committee of Thirty-three.— Objectionable Measures proposed.—Minority Report
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PROPOSITIONS OF THE PEACE CONFERENCE.
PROPOSITIONS OF THE PEACE CONFERENCE.
Meanwhile a body of men had assembled in the National Capital upon the invitation of the State of Virginia, for the purpose of making an earnest effort to adjust the unhappy controversy. The Peace Congress, as it was termed, came together in the spirit in which the Constitution was originally formed. Its members professed, and no doubt felt, an earnest desire to afford to the slave-holding States, consistently with the principles of the Constitution, adequate guaranties for the security of their
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ENACTMENT OF THE MORRILL TARIFF.
ENACTMENT OF THE MORRILL TARIFF.
Fruitless and disappointing as were the proceedings of this session of Congress on the subjects which engrossed so large a share of public attention, a most important change was accomplished in the revenue laws,—a change equivalent to a revolution in the economic and financial system of the government. The withdrawal of the Southern senators and representatives left both branches of Congress under the control of the North, and by a considerable majority under the direction of the Republican part
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CHAPTER XIII.
CHAPTER XIII.
Mr. Lincoln's Journey from Springfield to Washington.—Speeches on the Way.—Reaches Washington.—His Secret Journey.—Afterwards regretted.—Precautions for his Safety.—President Buchanan.— Secretary Holt.—Troops for the Protection of Washington.—Inauguration of Mr. Lincoln.—Relief to the Public Anxiety.—Inaugural Address. —Hopefulness and Security in the North.—Mr. Lincoln's Appeal to the South.—Fails to appease Southern Wrath.—Dilemma of the South. —The New Cabinet.—The "Easy Accession" of Former
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THE CABINET OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN.
THE CABINET OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN.
Mr. Lincoln constituted his Cabinet in a manner at least unusual if not unprecedented. It had been the general practice of Presidents, from the first organization of the government, to tender the post of Secretary of State to the man considered to be next in prominence to himself in the party to which both belonged. In the earlier history of the country, the expected successor in the Executive office was selected. This was indeed for a long period so uniform that the appointment to the State Dep
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CHAPTER XIV.
CHAPTER XIV.
President Lincoln and the Confederate Commissioners.—Misleading Assurance given by Judge Campbell.—Mr. Seward's Answer to Messrs. Forsythe and Crawford.—An Interview with the President is desired by the Commissioners.—Rage in the South.—Condition of the Montgomery Government.—Roger A. Pryor's Speech.—President determines to send Provisions to Fort Sumter.—Advises Governor Pickens.—Conflict precipitated.—The Fort surrenders.—Effect of the Conflict on the North.—President's Proclamation and Call f
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ADDITIONS TO THE CONFEDERACY.
ADDITIONS TO THE CONFEDERACY.
The effect of Major Anderson's surrender of Sumter and of the President's call for troops proved prejudicial to the Union sentiment in the slave States which had not yet seceded. It would be more correct, perhaps, to say that Mr. Lincoln's Proclamation was a test of loyalty which revealed the actual character of public sentiment in those States, till then not known in the North. Mr. Lincoln had done every thing in his power to conciliate them, and to hold them fast in their loyalty to the Union.
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THE ELECTION IN KENTUCKY.
THE ELECTION IN KENTUCKY.
In the eager desire of the loyal people to hasten all measures of preparation for the defense of the Union, fault was found with Mr. Lincoln for so long postponing the session of Congress. Between the date of his proclamation and the date of the assembling of Congress, eighty days were to elapse. Zealous and impatient supporters of the loyal cause feared that the Confederacy would be enabled to consolidate its power, and to gather its forces for a more serious conflict than they could make if mo
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CHAPTER XV.
CHAPTER XV.
Thirty-Seventh Congress assembles.—Military Situation.—List of Senators: Fessenden, Sumner, Collamer, Wade, Chandler, Hale, Trumbull, Breckinridge, Baker of Oregon.—List of Members of the House of Representatives: Thaddeus Stevens, Crittenden, Lovejoy, Washburne, Bingham, Conkling, Shellabarger.—Mr. Grow elected Speaker.—Message of President Lincoln.—Its Leading Recommendations. —His Account of the Outbreak of the Rebellion.—Effect of the Message on the Northern People.—Battle of Bull Run.—Its E
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THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
The House of Representatives was promptly organized by the election of Galusha A. Grow of Pennsylvania as Speaker. Mr. Grow came from the Wilmot district, on the northern border of the State, where the anti-slavery sentiment had taken earliest and deepest root. As Connecticut had in the Colonial period claimed a large part of the area of North Pennsylvania, her emigration tended in that direction, and this fact had given a distinct and more radical type to the population. Mr. Grow was himself a
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EFFECT OF REBEL VICTORY AT BULL RUN.
EFFECT OF REBEL VICTORY AT BULL RUN.
The Confederate victory at Bull Run produced great effect throughout the South. The fall of Sumter had been a signal encouragement to those who had joined the revolt against the Union, but as no blood had been spilled, and as the garrison had been starved out rather than shelled out, there was a limit to enthusiasm over the result. But now a pitched battle had been fought within cannon sound of the National Capital, and the forces of the Union had been put to flight. Jefferson Davis had come fro
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CHAPTER XVI.
CHAPTER XVI.
Second Session of Thirty-seventh Congress.—The Military Situation. —Disaster at Ball's Bluff.—Death of Colonel E. D. Baker.—The President's Message.—Capital and Labor.—Their Relation discussed by the President.—Agitation of the Slavery Question.—The House refuses to re-affirm the Crittenden Resolution.—Secretary Cameron resigns.—Sent on Russian Mission.—Succeeded by Edwin M. Stanton. —His Vigorous War Measures.—Victories in the Field.—Battle of Mill Spring.—General Order of the President for a F
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SECRETARY CAMERON RESIGNS.
SECRETARY CAMERON RESIGNS.
At the height of the excitement in Congress over the engagement at Ball's Bluff there was a change in the head of the War Department. The disasters in the field and the general impatience for more decisive movements on the part of our armies led to the resignation of Secretary Cameron. He was in his sixty-third year, and though of unusual vigor for his age, was not adapted by education or habit to the persistent and patient toil, to the wearisome detail of organization, to the oppressive increas
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CHAPTER XVII.
CHAPTER XVII.
Ball's Bluff Disaster.—Mr. Conkling's Resolution of Inquiry.— Unsatisfactory Reply of Secretary Cameron.—Second Resolution.— Second Reply.—Incidental Debate on Slavery.—Arrest of General Charles P. Stone.—His History.—His Response to Criticisms made upon him.—Responsibility of Colonel Baker.—General Stone before the Committee on the Conduct of the War.—His Examination.—Testimony of Officers.—General Stone appears before the Committee a Second Time.—His Arrest by Order of the War Department.—No C
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CHAPTER XVIII.
CHAPTER XVIII.
The National Finances.—Debt when the Civil War began.—Deadly Blow to Public Credit.—Treasury Notes due in 1861.—$10,000,000 required. —An Empty Treasury.—Recommendation by Secretary Dix.—Secretary Thomas recommends a Pledge of the Public Lands.—Strange Suggestions. —Heavy Burdens upon the Treasury.—Embarrassment of Legislators. —First Receipts in the Treasury in 1861.—Chief Dependence had always been on Customs.—Morrill Tariff goes into Effect.—It meets Financial Exigencies.—Mr. Vallandigham put
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CHAPTER XIX.
CHAPTER XIX.
The Legal-tender Bill.—National Finances at the Opening of the Year 1862.—A Threefold Contest.—The Country thrown upon its own Resources.—A Good Currency demanded.—Government takes Control of the Question.—Authorizes the Issue of $150,000,000 of Legal-tender Notes.—Mr. Spaulding the Author of the Measure.—His Speech.— Opposed by Mr. Pendleton.—Position of Secretary Chase.—Urges the Measure upon Congress.—Speeches by Thaddeus Stevens, Mr. Vallandigham, Mr. V. B. Horton, Mr. Lovejoy, Mr. Conkling,
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THE INTERNAL-REVENUE SYSTEM.
THE INTERNAL-REVENUE SYSTEM.
Grateful as was the relief to the people from legal-tender notes, it was apparent to Congress that a government cannot, any more than an individual, maintain a state of solvency by the continuous issuing of irredeemable paper. Money must not merely be promised, it must be paid. The Government therefore required a strong, efficient system of taxation—one that would promptly return large sums to the Treasury. From customs, an increasing revenue was already enriching the Government vaults, but the
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CHAPTER XX.
CHAPTER XX.
Elections of 1862.—Mr. Lincoln advances to Aggressive Position on Slavery.—Second Session of Thirty-seventh Congress adjourns.— Democratic Hostility to Administration.—Democratic State Conventions. —Platforms in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.—Nomination of Horatio Seymour for Governor of New York.—The President prepares for a Serious Political Contest.—The Issue shall be the Union or Slavery.—Conversation with Mr. Boutwell.—Proclamation of Emancipation.—Meeting of Governors at Altoon
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CHAPTER XXI.
CHAPTER XXI.
The President's Border-State Policy.—Loyal Government erected in Virginia.—Recognized by Congress and Senators admitted.—Desire for a New State.—The Long Dissatisfaction of the People of Western Virginia.—The Character of the People and of their Section.—Their Opportunity had come.—Organization of the Pierpont Government.— State Convention and Constitution.—Application to Congress for Admission.—Anti-slavery Amendment.—Senate Debate: Sumner, Wade, Powell, Willey, and Others.—House Debate: Steven
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CHAPTER XXII.
CHAPTER XXII.
National Currency and State Bank Currency.—In Competition.—Legal- tender Bill tended to expand State Bank Circulation.—Secretary Chase's Recommendation.—Favorably received.—State Bank Circulation, $150,000,000.—Preliminary Bill to establish National Banks.— Fessenden.—Sherman.—Hooper.—National Bank System in 1862.— Discussed among the People.—Recommended by the President.—Mr. Chase urges it.—Bill introduced and discussed in Senate.—Discussion in the House.—Bill passed.—Hugh McCulloch of Indiana
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CHAPTER XXIII.
CHAPTER XXIII.
Depression among the People in 1863.—Military Situation.—Hostility to the Administration.—Determination to break it down.—Vallandigham's Disloyal Speech.—Two Rebellions threatened.—General Burnside takes Command of the Department of the Ohio.—Arrests Vallandigham. —Tries him by Military Commission.—His Sentence commuted by Mr. Lincoln.—Habeas Corpus refused.—Democratic Party protests.— Meeting in Albany.—Letter of Governor Seymour.—Ohio Democrats send a Committee to Washington.—Mr. Lincoln's Rep
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THE BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE.
THE BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE.
While these interesting events were in progress the military exigency was engaging the attention of the people with an interest almost painfully intense. There was an urgent demand for an early movement by the Army of the Potomac. Mr. Lincoln realized that prompt success was imperatively required. The repetition of the disasters of 1862 might fatally affect our financial credit, and end with the humiliation of an intervention by European Powers. General Hooker was impressed by Mr. Lincoln with t
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MEETING OF THIRTY-EIGHTH CONGRESS.
MEETING OF THIRTY-EIGHTH CONGRESS.
The Thirty-eighth Congress met on the first Monday of December, 1863. The House was promptly organized by the election of Schuyler Colfax to the Speakership. He received 101 votes; all other candidates 81. Mr. Samuel S. Cox received 42 votes, the highest given to any candidate of the opposition. The vote for Mr. Colfax was the distinctive Republican strength in the House. On issues directly relating to the war the Administration was stronger than these figures indicate, being always able to comm
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PUBLIC AID TO THE PACIFIC RAILROAD.
PUBLIC AID TO THE PACIFIC RAILROAD.
In the previous Congress an Act had been passed which was approved by the President on the first day of July, 1862, to aid in the construction of a railroad and telegraph line from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean, and to secure to the government the use of the same for postal, military, and other purposes. The company authorized to build it was to receive a grant of public land amounting to five alternate sections per mile on each side of the road. In addition to the lands the Government
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CHARACTER OF GENERAL SHERMAN.
CHARACTER OF GENERAL SHERMAN.
The character and ability of General Sherman were not fully appreciated until the second year of the war. He had not aimed to startle the country at the outset of his military career with any of the brilliant performances attempted by many officers who were heard of for a day and never afterwards. With the true instinct and discipline of a soldier, he faithfully and skillfully did the work assigned to him, and he gained steadily, rapidly, and enduringly on the confidence and admiration of the pe
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CHAPTER XXIV.
CHAPTER XXIV.
Presidential Election of 1864.—Preliminary Movements.—General Sentiment favors Mr. Lincoln.—Some Opposition to his Renomination. —Secretary Chase a Candidate.—The "Pomeroy Circular."—Mr. Chase withdraws.—Republican National Convention.—Baltimore, June 7.— Frémont and Cochrane nominated.—Speech of Dr. Robert J. Breckinridge. —Mr. Lincoln renominated.—Candidates for Vice-President.—Andrew Johnson of Tennessee nominated.—Democratic National Convention.— Chicago, August 29.—Military Situation discou
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DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION, 1864.
DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION, 1864.
The Democratic National Convention was held nearly three months after the Republican Convention had renominated Mr. Lincoln, and only two months prior to the election. It had originally been called to meet in Chicago on the 4th of July; but as the time approached, the brighter military prospects and the rekindled national hopes left a darker Democratic outlook, and the assembling of the Convention had been delayed to the 29th of August. Several reasons had combined to secure the selection of thi
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CHAPTER XXV.
CHAPTER XXV.
President's Message, December, 1864.—General Sherman's March.— Compensated Emancipation abandoned.—Thirteenth Amendment.—Earnestly recommended by the President.—He appeals to the Democratic Members. —Mr. Ashley's Energetic Work.—Democratic Opportunity.—Unwisely neglected.—Mr. Pendleton's Argument.—Final Vote.—Amendment adopted.—Cases arising under it.—Supreme Court.—Change of Judges at Different Periods.—Peace Conference at Fortress Monroe.— Secretary Chase resigns.—Mr. Fessenden succeeds him.—M
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MR. FESSENDEN IN THE TREASURY.
MR. FESSENDEN IN THE TREASURY.
Soon after the Baltimore Convention, Mr. Chase resigned his position as Secretary of the Treasury. The relations between himself and the President had become personally somewhat unpleasant, but that there had been no loss of confidence or respect was proven by the President's nomination of Mr. Chase to be Chief Justice of the United States as the successor of the venerable Roger B. Taney, who died on the 12th of October (1864). William Pitt Fessenden succeeded Mr. Chase in the Treasury, and ente
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THE CHARACTER OF EDWIN M. STANTON.
THE CHARACTER OF EDWIN M. STANTON.
Nine months after the outbreak of hostilities the organization and equipment of the National forces were placed under the direction of Edwin M. Stanton as Secretary of War. Outside of his professional reputation, which was high, Mr. Stanton had been known to the public by his service in the Cabinet of Mr. Buchanan during the last three months of his Administration. In that position he had undoubtedly exhibited zeal and fidelity in the cause of the Union. He was a member of the Democratic party,
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CHAPTER XXVI.
CHAPTER XXVI.
Relation with Great Britain.—Close of the Year 1860.—Prince of Wales's Visit to the United States.—Exchange of Congratulatory Notes.—Dawn of the Rebellion.—Lord Lyons's Dispatch.—Mr. Seward's Views.—Lord John Russell's Threats.—Condition of Affairs at Mr. Lincoln's Inauguration.—Unfriendly Manifestations by Great Britain. —Recognizes Belligerency of Southern States.—Discourtesy to American Minister.—England and France make Propositions to the Confederate States.—Unfriendly in their Character to
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ENGLAND'S MALIGNANT NEUTRALITY.
ENGLAND'S MALIGNANT NEUTRALITY.
The truth is that the so-called neutral policy of foreign Powers was the vicious application of obsolete analogies to the conditions of modern life. Because of the doctrine of belligerent recognition had in its origin referred to nations of well established, independent existence, the doctrine was now pushed forward to the extent of giving ocean belligerency to an insurgent which had in reality no maritime power whatever. It was an old and recognized principle that the commercial relations of th
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FIXED POLICY OF THE UNITED STATES.
FIXED POLICY OF THE UNITED STATES.
This brief history of the spirit rather than the events which characterized the foreign relations of the United States during the civil war, has been undertaken with no desire to revive the feelings of burning indignation which they provoked, or to prolong the discussion of the angry questions to which they gave rise. The relations of nations are not and should not be governed by sentiment. The interest and ambition of states, like those of men, will disturb the moral sense and incline to one si
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ADDENDUM.
ADDENDUM.
The Tenth chapter of this volume having been given to the press in advance of formal publication, many inquiries have been received in regard to the text of Judge Black's opinion of November 20, 1860, referred to on pp. 231, 232. The opinion was submitted to the President by Judge Black as Attorney-General. So much of the opinion as includes the points which are specially controverted and criticized is here given—about one-half of the entire document. It is as follows:— . . . "I come now to the
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ERRATUM.
ERRATUM.
In Chapter VIII., there is some inaccuracy in regard to the number of killed in the John Brown raid at Harper's Ferry. According to the official report of Colonel Robert E. Lee, U.S.A., who commanded the military force that relieved Harper's Ferry, the insurgents numbered in all nineteen men,—fourteen white, five colored. Of the white men, ten were killed; two, John Brown and Aaron C. Stevens, were badly wounded; Edwin Coppee, unhurt, was taken prisoner; John E. Cooke escaped. Of the colored men
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THE APPENDICES.
THE APPENDICES.
The progress of the country, referred to so frequently in the text, is strikingly illustrated and verified by the facts contained in the several appendices which follow. The appendices include a variety of subjects, and they have all been selected with the view of showing the progress and development of the Nation in the different fields of enterprise and human labor. The tabular statements as to the population and wealth of the country will be found especially accurate and valuable. The statist
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APPENDIX B.
APPENDIX B.
                          Admitted By Cons- By 1st By 2nd By 3d By 4th By 5th By 6th By 7th By 8th By 9th By 10th STATES. to the titution, Census, Census Census, Census, Census, Census, Census, Census, Census, Census,                           Union. 1789. 1790. 1800. 1810. 1820. 1830. 1840. 1850. 1860. 1870. 1880. RATIO OF REPRESENTATION . . . . 30,000. 33,000. 33,000. 35,000. 40,000. 47,700. 70,680. 93,423. 127,381. 131,425. 154,325. Alabama . . . . . . . . 1819 . . . . . . . . 3 5 7 7 6 8 8 A
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APPENDIX D.
APPENDIX D.
Showing the Highest and Lowest Price of Gold in the New-York Market every Month, from the Suspension of Specie Payment by the Government in January, 1862, until Resumption in January, 1879, a Period of Seventeen Years.                 1862. 1863. 1864. 1865. 1866. 1867. MONTH. Highest Lowest Highest Lowest Highest Lowest Highest Lowest Highest Lowest Highest Lowest January . . . 103-5/8 100 160-3/4 133-5/8 159-3/8 151-1/2 233-3/4 198-1/8 144-5/8 129 137-7/8 132 February . . . 104-3/4 102-1/8 172
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APPENDIX E.
APPENDIX E.
The following statement exhibits the total valuation of real and personal estate in the United States, according to the Census Returns of 1850, 1860, 1870, and 1880. Both the "true" and the "assessed" valuation are given, except in 1850, which gives only the "true." The dispartiy between the actual propery and that which is assessed for taxation is very striking. The effect of the war and the consequent abolition of slavery on the valuation of property in the Southern States is clearly shown by
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APPENDIX F.
APPENDIX F.
In the following table, the column headed "Location" gives the valuation of the property located in each State and Territory, by the Census of 1880. The column headed "Ownership" gives the value of property owned by the residents of the several States and Territories, wherever that property may be located. Some interesting results are shown. Residents of New York own thirteen hundred millions of property not located in their State; residents of Pennsylvania, four hundred and fifty millions. Many
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APPENDIX G
APPENDIX G
The following table exhibits the amount of revenue collected at the Customs Houses on foreign imports each year, from 1789 to 1883, under the various tariff laws; also the amount of internal revenue collected each year, from the foundation of the government to 1883. The separate table gives the amount collected each year under the income-tax while in force, and the total amount received from the tax on spirits and beer for twenty-one years after it was first levied in 1862. Receipts of the Unite
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APPENDIX I.
APPENDIX I.
The following table exhibits in a condensed and perspicuous form the operations of the Post-Office Department, from the foundation of the government. The very rapid increase in the revenue of the department after 1860 will be noted. No. of Post Offices. | Extent of Post-Routes in Miles. | | Revenue of the Department. Years. | | | Expenditure of the Department. | | | | AMOUNT PAID FOR | | | | Salaries of Post-Masters. | | | | | Transportation of the Mail. 1790 75 1,875 $37,935 $32,140 $8,198 $22,
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APPENDIX J.
APPENDIX J.
The following table exhibits the number of miles of railroad in operation, and the number of miles constructed each year, in the United States, from 1830 to 1883 inclusive. It will be observed that nearly three-fourths of the total mileage have been constructed since 1869. Year. Miles in Operation the the End of each Year. | Miles Constructed each Year. 1830 23 | 1831 95 72 1832 229 134 1833 380 151 1834 633 253 1835 1,098 465 1836 1,273 175 1837 1,497 224 1838 1,913 416 1839 2,302 389 1840 2,81
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APPENDIX K.
APPENDIX K.
The following table gives the number of miles of railroad in operation in each State and Territory in the United States during the years 1865, 1870, 1875, 1877, 1879, 1880, 1881, and 1882 respectively. Maine . . . . . . . . . 521 786 980 989 1,009 1,004 1,027 1,056 New Hampshire . . . . . 667 736 934 964 1,019 1,014 1,021 1,038 Vermont . . . . . . . 587 614 810 872 873 916 918 920 Masschusetts . . . .. 1,297 1,480 1,817 1,863 1,870 1,915 1,959 1,967 Rhode Island . . . . 125 136 179 204 210 211 2
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APPENDIX L.
APPENDIX L.
This table exhibits the total amount of pensions paid by the government from its foundation, including those to soldiers of the Revolution, war of 1812, Mexican war, war of the Rebellion, and the various Indian wars. Year. Pensions. 1791 $175,813.88 1792 109,243.15 1793 80,087.81 1794 81,399.24 1795 68,673.22 1796 100,843.71 1797 92,256.97 1798 104,845.33 1799 95,444.03 1800 64,130.73 1801 73,533.37 1802 85,440.39 1803 62,902.10 1804 80,092.80 1805 81,854.59 1806 81,875.53 1807 70,500.00 1808 82
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APPENDIX M.
APPENDIX M.
The following table shows the distribution of the tonnage of the United-States merchant-marine employed in the foreign trade, the coasting trade, and the fisheries, from 1789 to 1883 inclusive. Foreign Trade. | Coasting Trade. | | Whale Fisheries. Year Ended | | | Cod Fisheries. | | | | Mackerel Fisheries. | | | | | Total Merchant-Marine. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Dec. 31, 1789 123,893 68,607 9,062 201,562 1790 346,254 103,775 28,348 478,377 1791 363,110 106,494 32,542 502,146 1792 411
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APPENDIX N.
APPENDIX N.
The following table exhibits the immigration into the United States by decades from 1821 to 1880.                                          1821 1831 1841 1851 1861 1871 Countries. to to to to to to 1881.                                          1830. 1840. 1850. 1860. 1870. 1880. England . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,055 7,611 32,092 247,125 251,288 440,961 76,547 Ireland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50,724 207,381 780,719 914,119 456,593 444,589 79,909 Scotland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,912
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APPENDIX O.
APPENDIX O.
The following table exhibits the quantity of coal produced in each State and Territory of the United States during the census years ended May 31, 1870, and 1880, and the calendar years 1876, 1877, 1878, 1879, and 1881 (weight expressed in tons of 2,240 pounds). STATE OR 1870. 1876. 1877. 1878. 1879. 1880. 1881. TERRITORY. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Anthracite . Pennsylvania . . 15,648,437 21,436,667 23,619,911 20,605,262 26,142,689 28,640,819 28,500,016 Rhode Island . . 14,000 14,
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APPENDIX P.
APPENDIX P.
The following table shows the number of men called for by the President of the United States, and the number furnished by each State, Territory, and the District of Columbia, both for the Army and Navy, from April. 15, 1861, to close of the war. STATES Aggregate. Aggregate AND Men furnished Reduced to TERRITORIES. Quota | Paid Commutation. a Three Years'                         | | | Total. Standard. Maine . . . . . . . . . 73,587 70,107 2,007 72,114 56,776 New Hampshire . . . . . 35,897 33,937
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APPENDIX Q.
APPENDIX Q.
The following table exhibits the school age, population, and enrollment of the States and Territories in 1881, with salaries paid to teachers, and total expenditure for schools.                           School Age.                           | School Population. STATES. | | No. Enrolled in Public Schools.                           | | | Aggregate Salaries Paid to Teachers.                           | | | | Total Expenditure. Alabama . . . . . . . . . 7-21 422,739 176,289 $384,769 $410,690 Arkans
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APPENDIX R.
APPENDIX R.
The following table gives some interesting and important statistics respecting colleges in the United States.                    No. Universities and Colleges.                    | No. Instructors in Preparatory Department.                    | | No. Students in Preparatory Department. STATES | | | No. Instructors in Collegiate Department. AND | | | | No. Students in Collegiate Department. TERRITORIES. | | | | | No. Volumes in College Libraries.                    | | | | | | Value of Grounds, B
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APPENDIX S.
APPENDIX S.
An exhibit of the legal-tender currency in circulation on the first day of January and the first day of July in each year since the first greenback was issued in 1862. Date. Amount. Jan. 1, 1863 . . $223,108,000 July 1, 1863 . . 297,767,114 Jan. 1, 1864 . . 444,825,022 July 1, 1864 . . 431,178,671 Jan. 1, 1865 . . 447,074,374 July 1, 1865 . . 432,687,966 Jan. 1, 1866 . . 425,839,319 July 1, 1866 . . 400,619,206 Jan. 1, 1867 . . 380,276,160 July 1, 1867 . . 371,783,597 Jan. 1, 1868 . . 356,000,00
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APPENDIX T.
APPENDIX T.
This table presents the number of national banks each year from the passage of the original Bank Act, with the average capital, deposits, and circulation for each year on or near October 1 = from 1863 to 1883. No. of Years. Banks. Capital. Deposits. Circulation. 1863 . . 66 $7,188,393 $8,497,682 1864 . . 508 86,782,802 122,166,536 $45,260,504 1865 . . 1,513 393,157,206 500,910,873 171,321,903 1866 . . 1,644 415,472,369 564,616,778 280,253,818 1867 . . 1,642 420,073,415 540,797,838 293,887,941 18
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APPENDIX U.
APPENDIX U.
The following table exhibits the principal items contained in the returns of the State banks of the country, yearly, from 1834 to 1861:— No. of Years. Banks. Capital. Deposits. Circulation. 1834 . . 506 $200,005,944 $75,666,986 $94,839,570 1835 . . 704 231,250,337 83,081,365 103,692,495 1836 . . 713 251,875,292 115,104,440 140,301,038 1837 . . 788 251,875,292 115,104,440 140,185,890 1838 . . 829 317,636,778 84,601,184 116,138,910 1839 . . 840 327,132,512 90,240,146 135,170,995 1840 . . 901 358,4
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APPENDIX V.
APPENDIX V.
The annexed map is designed to show, clearly and accurately, the territorial extent of the United States as established by the Treaty of 1783, with the various additions since made, by purchase, conquest, or voluntary annexation. The map is intended to illustrate many parts of the text, and, in connection with the various Appendices, will exhibit within small compass the expansion of free institutions, the growth of population, and the increase of material wealth with which the Republic has been
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TWENTY YEARS OF CONGRESS:
TWENTY YEARS OF CONGRESS:
From Lincoln to Garfield With a Review of the Events Which Led to the Political Revolution of 1860. by Norwich, Conn.: The Henry Bill Publishing Company. 1886. Copyright, 1884, by James G. Blaine. All rights reserved. Electrotyped and Printed By Rand, Avery, and Company, Boston, Mass ANDREW JOHNSON INSTALLED AS PRESIDENT.—CABINET AND SENATORS WITNESSES TO THE CEREMONY.—RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE NEW PRESIDENT DELICATE IN CHARACTER.—REQUIRING THE HIGHEST ORDER OF STATESMANSHIP.—THE QUESTION OF RECON
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TWENTY YEARS OF CONGRESS
TWENTY YEARS OF CONGRESS
Abraham Lincoln expired at twenty-two minutes after seven o'clock on the morning of April 15, 1865. Three hours later, in the presence of all the members of the Cabinet except Mr. Seward who lay wounded and bleeding in his own home, the oath of office, as President of the United States, was administered to Andrew Johnson by Chief Justice Chase. The simple but impressive ceremony was performed in Mr. Johnson's lodgings at the Kirkwood Hotel; and besides the members of the Cabinet, who were presen
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CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER II.
From saddening associations with the tragical death of Mr. Lincoln, popular attention was turned three weeks after his interment to a great military display in the Capital of the Nation in honor of the final victory for the Union. The exigencies of the closing campaign had transferred the armies commanded by General Sherman from the Mississippi Valley to the Atlantic coast. The soldiers of Port Hudson and Vicksburg, the heroes of Donelson, Chattanooga, and Atlanta, had been brought within a day'
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CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER III.
Mr. Johnson continued his public receptions, his interviews and his speeches for nearly a month after his accession to the Presidency—until indeed, in the judgment of his most anxious and most cautious friends, he had talked too much. All were agreed that the time had now come when he must do something. He evidently sought to impress the country with the belief that his Administration was to be marked by a policy of extraordinary vigor, that the standard of loyalty was to be held high, that the
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CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER IV.
Declining to seek the advice of Congress in the embarrassments of his position, President Johnson necessarily subjected himself to the counsel and influence of his Cabinet. He had inherited from Mr. Lincoln an organization of the Executive Department which, with the possible exception of Mr. Seward, was personally agreeable to him and politically trusted by him. He dreaded the effect of changing it, and declined upon his accession to make room for some eminent men who by long personal associatio
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CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER V.
A great opportunity was now given to the South. It was given especially to the leading men of the South. Only a few weeks before, they had all been expecting harsh treatment, many, indeed, anticipated punishment, not a few were dejectedly looking forward to a life of exile and want. The President's policy, which had been framed for him by Mr. Seward, charged all this. Confidence took the place of apprehension, the fear of punishment was removed, those who conscious of guilt had been dreading exp
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CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTER VI.
During the progress of events in the South, briefly outlined in the preceding chapter, the Thirty-ninth Congress came together—on the first Monday of December, 1865. The Senate and House each contained a large majority of Republicans. In the House Mr. Colfax was re-elected Speaker, receiving 139 votes to 36 cast for James Brooks of New York. The address of the Speaker on taking the chair is usually confined to thanks for his election and courteous assurance of his impartiality and good intention
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CHAPTER VII.
CHAPTER VII.
The debate on the direct question of Reconstruction did not begin at so early a date in the Senate as in the House, but kindred topics led to the same line of discussion as that in which the House found itself engaged. During the first week of the session Mr. Wilson of Massachusetts had submitted a bill for the protection of freedman, designed to overthrow and destroy the odious enactments which in many of the Southern States were rapidly reducing the entire negro race to a new form of slavery.
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CHAPTER VIII.
CHAPTER VIII.
With the disposition manifested in both Houses of Congress it was feared that the conflict between the Legislative and Executive Departments of the Government would assume a virulent and vindictive spirit. It was known that President Johnson was deeply offended by the indirect refusal of the House to pass any resolution in the remotest degree approving his course. He had doubtless been led to believe that the influence of such eminent Republicans as Mr. Seward in his Cabinet, Mr. Cowan and Mr. D
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CHAPTER IX.
CHAPTER IX.
The controversies between the President and Congress, thus far narrated, did not involve what have since been specifically known as the Reconstruction measures. Those were yet to come. The establishment of the Freedmen's Bureau was at best designed to be a temporary charity; and the Civil Rights Bill, while growing out of changes effected by the war, was applicable alike to all conditions and to all times. The province of the Special Committee on Reconstruction was to devise and perfect those me
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CHAPTER X.
CHAPTER X.
The hostility of the President to all measures which the Republican party deemed necessary for the proper reconstruction of the Southern States, had made a deep impression upon certain members of his Cabinet, and before midsummer it was known that a crisis was impeding. On the 11th of July Mr. William Dennison, the Postmaster-general, tendered his resignation, alleging as the chief cause the difference of opinion between himself and the President in regard to the proposed Fourteenth Amendment to
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CHAPTER XI.
CHAPTER XI.
The rejoicing over the result of the elections throughout the free States had scarcely died away when the Thirty-ninth Congress met in its second session (December 3, 1866). There was no little curiosity to hear what the President would say in his message, in regard to the issue upon which he had sustained so conclusive a defeat. He was known to be in a state of great indignation, and as he had broken forth during the campaign in expressions altogether unbecoming his place, there was some appreh
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CHAPTER XII.
CHAPTER XII.
The Fortieth Congress met at the very moment the Thirty-ninth closed—on the fourth day of March, 1867. The valedictory words of the presiding officers in both branches were followed immediately by the calling to order of the succeeding bodies. The contest between the President and Congress had grown so violent, the mutual distrust had become so complete, that the latter was unwilling to have its power suspended for the customary vacation of nine months between the 4th of March and the first Mond
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CHAPTER XIII.
CHAPTER XIII.
The financial experience of the Government of the United States in the years following the war is without precedent among nations. When Congress first met after the close of hostilities (December, 1865), it was as a ship sailing into dangerous and unknown seas without chart of possible channels. The Reconstruction problem before the country seemed at the time to be less difficult than the financial problem. Other nations had incurred great expenditures for war purposes, but had always left them
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CHAPTER XIV.
CHAPTER XIV.
As the result of the great victory over the President in the political contest of 1866, and of his stubborn maintenance of a hostile attitude, the ardent and extreme men of the Republican party began, in the autumn of that year, to discuss the propriety of ending the whole struggle by impeaching Mr. Johnson and removing him from office. They believed that his contumacious and obstinate course constituted a high crime and misdemeanor, and the idea of Impeachment, as soon as suggested, took deep r
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CHAPTER XV.
CHAPTER XV.
The stirring events which preceded the Presidential campaign of 1868 brought both parties to that contest with aroused feeling and earnest purpose. The passionate struggle of which President Johnson was the centre, had inspired the Republicans with an ardor and a resolution scarcely surpassed during the intense period of the war. The failure, on the 16th of May, to find the President guilty as charged in the Eleventh Article of Impeachment, was received by the public as a general acquittal, with
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CHAPTER XVI.
CHAPTER XVI.
While the result of the Presidential election of 1868 was, upon the record of the electoral votes, an overwhelming victory for the Republican party and its illustrious candidate, certain facts tended to qualify the sense of gratulation and triumph on the part of those who give serious study to the progress and results of partisan contests. It was the first Presidential election since the close of the war, and the candidates represented in sharp and definite outline the antagonistic views which h
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CHAPTER XVII.
CHAPTER XVII.
General Grant was inaugurated on Thursday, the 4th of March, 1869, amid a great display of popular enthusiasm. All parties joined in it. The Republicans, who had been embarrassed by President Johnson's conduct for the preceding four years, felt that they had overcome a political enemy rather than a man whom they had themselves placed in power; and the Democrats, who had supported Johnson so far as was necessary to embarrass and distract the Republicans, were glad to be released from an entanglin
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CHAPTER XVIII.
CHAPTER XVIII.
The changes in the Senate on the 4th of March, 1869, were notable in the character both of the retiring and incoming members. —Hannibal Hamlin of Maine, entered the Senate for the fourth time. His first election in 1848, to fill out the term of ex-Governor Fairfield, was for three years. He resigned at the close of his second term to accept the governorship of his State, and midway in his third term he was promoted to the Vice-Presidency. From his earliest participation in public life Mr. Hamlin
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CHAPTER XIX.
CHAPTER XIX.
The chief interest in the events of General Grant's first term was divided between questions of a diplomatic character and those arising from the condition of the South after Reconstruction had been completed. The first issue that enlisted popular attention was in regard to the annexation of the Dominican Republic. It was the earliest decisive step of General Grant's policy that attracted the observation of the people. The negotiation was opened on the request of the authorities of San Domingo,
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CHAPTER XX.
CHAPTER XX.
The civil war closed with ill-feeling amounting to resentment towards England on the part of the loyal citizens of the United States. They believed that the Government of Great Britain, and especially the aristocratic and wealthy classes (whose influence in the kingdom is predominant), had desired the destruction of the Union and had connived at it so far as connivance was safe; they believed that great harm had been inflicted on the American marine by rebel cruisers built in English ship-yards
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CHAPTER XXI.
CHAPTER XXI.
The opening of the Forty-second Congress, on the 4th of March, 1871, was disfigured by an act of grave injustice committed by the Senate of the United States. Charles Sumner was deposed from the chairmanship of the Committee on Foreign Relations,—a position he had held continuously since the Republican party gained control of the Senate. The cause of his displacement may be found in the angry contentions to which the scheme of annexing San Domingo gave rise. Mr. Sumner's opposition to that proje
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CHAPTER XXII.
CHAPTER XXII.
The Presidential canvass of 1872 was anomalous in its character. Never before or since has a great party adopted as its candidate a conspicuous public man, who was not merely outside its own ranks, but who, in the thick of every political battle for a third of a century, had been one of its most relentless and implacable foes. In the shifting scenes of our varied partisan contests, the demands of supposed expediency had often produced curious results. Sometimes the natural leaders of parties had
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CHAPTER XXIII.
CHAPTER XXIII.
The friends of General Grant intended that his second inauguration (March 4, 1873) should be even more impressive than the first; but the skies were unpropitious, and the day will long be remembered, by those who witnessed the festivities, for the severity of the cold,—altogether exceptional in the climate of Washington. It destroyed the pleasure of an occasion which would otherwise have been given to unrestrained rejoicing over an event that was looked upon by the great majority of the people o
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CHAPTER XXIV.
CHAPTER XXIV.
The course of President Grant's Administration in regard to the Finances had proved in all respects successful. The first bill which received his signature was the Act "to strengthen the public credit," approved March 18, 1869. It pledged the Government to the payment in coin, or its equivalent, of all obligations, notes, and bonds, except those where the law authorizing the issue stipulated that payment might be made in "lawful money," which simply meant legal-tender notes. The demand for this
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CHAPTER XXV.
CHAPTER XXV.
Between 1860 and 1876 the Presidential nominations of the Republican party had been predetermined and practically unopposed. The second nomination of Mr. Lincoln and the two nominations of General Grant were so unmistakably dictated by public opinion that they came without a contest. In 1876, for the first time since the Republican party had acquired National power, the candidate was not selected in advance, and the National Convention met to make a choice, not simply to register a popular decre
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CHAPTER XXVI.
CHAPTER XXVI.
President Hayes was inaugurated on the 5th day of March (1877)—the 4th falling on a Sunday. As matter of precaution the oath of office was administered to him by Chief Justice Waite on Sunday—Mr. Hayes deeming it wise and prudent that he should be ready as President of the United States to do his official duty if any Executive act should that day be required for the public safety. Although his title had been in doubt until within forty-eight hours of his accession, he had carefully prepared his
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CHAPTER XXVII.
CHAPTER XXVII.
The question of the fisheries has been in dispute between Great Britain and the United States for more than seventy years. During that period it has been marked by constantly recurring, and sometimes heated, controversy; and it will continue to be a source of irritation until the two Government can reach a solution which shall prove satisfactory, not only to the negotiators, but to the class of brave and adventurous men who, under both flags, are engaged in the sea-fisheries. For a long period e
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CHAPTER XXVIII.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
The last session of the Forty-fifth Congress closed without making provision for the expenses of the Legislative, Executive and Judicial departments, or for the support of the army. Differences between the two branches as to points of independent legislation had prevented an agreement upon the appropriation bills for these imperative needs of the Government. President Hayes therefore called the Forty-sixth Congress to meet in extra session on the 18th of March (1879). His Administration had an e
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CHAPTER XXIX.
CHAPTER XXIX.
During the latter years of General Grant's Presidency there had been some suggestion of his election for a third term. The proposition, however, did not meet with favor. Several State Conventions passed resolutions declaring as a matter of principle that two terms should be the limit for any President. General Grant himself discountenanced the movement and eventually ended it for the canvass of 1876 by writing a public letter announcing that he was not and would not be a candidate. As the electi
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ADDENDUM.
ADDENDUM.
Hon. Galusha A. Grow, who filled the important post of Chairman of the Committee on Territories in the Thirty-sixth Congress, criticises the statements made on pages 269-272 of Volume I. The anomaly was there pointed out that the men who had been most active in condemning Mr. Webster for consenting to the organization of the Territories of New Mexico and Utah in 1850 without a prohibition of slavery, consented in 1861 to the organization of the Territories of Colorado, Dakota, and Nevada without
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OMISSION.
OMISSION.
The names of the distinguished counsel on both sides who appeared before the International Tribunal at Geneva in 1871, were accidentally omitted from the foot-note on page 408, Volume II. Sir Roundell Palmer, afterwards Lord Chancellor (known as Lord Selborne), was sole counsel for the British cause, but was assisted throughout the hearing by Professor Montague Bernard and by Mr. Cohen. The American counsel, as eminent as could be selected from the American bar, were William M. Evarts, Caleb Cus
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THE APPENDICES. APPENDIX A. RECONSTRUCTION ACT OF THIRTY-NINTH CONGRESS.
THE APPENDICES. APPENDIX A. RECONSTRUCTION ACT OF THIRTY-NINTH CONGRESS.
Whereas no legal State government or adequate protection for life or property now exist in the rebel States of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, Texas, and Arkansas; and whereas it is necessary that peace and good order should be enforced in said States until loyal and republican State governments can be legally established: Therefore Be it enacted, &c., That said rebel States shall be divided into military districts and made sub
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SUPPLEMENTARY RECONSTRUCTION ACT OF FORTIETH CONGRESS.
SUPPLEMENTARY RECONSTRUCTION ACT OF FORTIETH CONGRESS.
Be it enacted, &c. , That before the first day of September, eighteen hundred and sixty-seven, the commanding general in each district defined by an act entitled, "An act to provide for the more efficient government of the rebel States," passed March second, eighteen hundred and sixty-seven, shall cause a registration to be made of the male citizens of the United States, twenty-one years of age and upwards, resident in each county or parish in the State or States included in his district
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SUPPLEMENTARY RECONSTRUCTION ACT OF JULY 19, 1867.
SUPPLEMENTARY RECONSTRUCTION ACT OF JULY 19, 1867.
Be it enacted, &c. , That is hereby declared to have been the true intent and meaning of the act of the 2d day of March, 1867, entitled "An act to provide for the more efficient government of the rebel States," and of the act supplementary thereto, passed on the 23d day of March, 1867, that the governments then existing in the rebel States of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, Texas, and Arkansas, were not legal State governments,
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AMENDATORY RECONSTRUCTION ACT OF MARCH 11, 1868.
AMENDATORY RECONSTRUCTION ACT OF MARCH 11, 1868.
Be it enacted, &c. , That hereafter any election authorized by the act passed March 23, 1867, entitled "An act supplementary to 'An act to provide for the more efficient government of the rebel States,' passed March 2, 1867, and to facilitate their restoration," shall be decided by a majority of the votes actually cast; and at the election in which the question of the adoption or rejection of any constitution is submitted, any person duly registered in the State may vote in the election
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APPENDIX B.
APPENDIX B.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of American in Congress assembled, That every person holding any civil office to which he has been appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and every person who shall hereafter be appointed to any such office, and shall become duly qualified to act therein, is, and shall be, entitled to hold such office until a successor shall have been in like manner appointed and duly qualified, except as herein ot
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AN ACT TO AMEND "AN ACT REGULATING THE TENURE OF CERTAIN CIVIL OFFICES."
AN ACT TO AMEND "AN ACT REGULATING THE TENURE OF CERTAIN CIVIL OFFICES."
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of American in Congress assembled, That the first and second sections of an act entitled "An act regulating the tenure of certain civil offices," passed March 2, 1867, be, and the same are, hereby repealed, and in lieu of said repealed sections the following are hereby enacted: That every person holding any civil office to which has been or hereafter may be appointed, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, a
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APPENDIX C.
APPENDIX C.
That said Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, unmindful of the high duties of his office and of his oath of office, and in disregard of the Constitution and laws of the United States, did heretofore, to wit: on the 18th day of August, 1866, at the city of Washington, in the District of Columbia, by public speech, declare and affirm in substance that the Thirty-Ninth Congress of the United States was not a Congress of the United States authorized by the Constitution to exercise legisl
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[APPENDIX] THIRTY-NINTH CONGRESS. REPUBLICANS IN ROMAN; DEMOCRATS IN ITALIC; ADMINISTRATION REPUBLICANS IN SMALL CAPITALS.
[APPENDIX] THIRTY-NINTH CONGRESS. REPUBLICANS IN ROMAN; DEMOCRATS IN ITALIC; ADMINISTRATION REPUBLICANS IN SMALL CAPITALS.
MAINE.—William Pitt Fessenden (1), Lot M. Morrill. NEW HAMPSHIRE.—Daniel Clark (2), Aaron H. Cragin. VERMONT.—Solomon Foot (3), Luke P. Poland. MASSACHUSETTS.—Charles Sumner, Henry Wilson. RHODE ISLAND.—Henry B. Anthony, William Sprague. CONNECTICUT.—James Dixon, Lafayette S. Foster. NEW YORK.—Ira Harris, Edwin D. Morgan. NEW JERSEY.— William Wright (4), John B. Stockton (5). PENNSYLVANIA.— Charles R. Buckalew , EDGAR COWAN. DELAWARE.— George Reed Riddle, Willard Saulsbury . MARYLAND.—John A. J.
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[APPENDIX] FORTIETH CONGRESS. REPUBLICANS IN ROMAN; DEMOCRATS IN ITALIC; ADMINISTRATION REPUBLICANS IN SMALL CAPITALS.
[APPENDIX] FORTIETH CONGRESS. REPUBLICANS IN ROMAN; DEMOCRATS IN ITALIC; ADMINISTRATION REPUBLICANS IN SMALL CAPITALS.
SENATE. Benjamin F. Wade of Ohio, President. John W. Forney of Pennsylvania, Secretary (1). MAINE.—Lot M. Morrill, William Pitt Fessenden. NEW HAMPSHIRE.—Aaron H. Cragin, James W. Patterson. VERMONT.—George F. Edmunds, Justin S. Morrell. MASSACHUSETTS.—Charles Sumner, Henry Wilson. RHODE ISLAND.—William Sprague, Henry B. Anthony. CONNECTICUT.—JAMES DIXON, Orris S. Ferry. NEW YORK.—Edwin D. Morgan, Roscoe Conkling. NEW JERSEY.—Frederick T. Frelinghuysen, Alexander G. Cattell. PENNSYLVANIA.— Charl
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APPENDIX D. FORTY-FIRST CONGRESS. REPUBLICANS IN ROMAN; DEMOCRATS IN ITALIC.
APPENDIX D. FORTY-FIRST CONGRESS. REPUBLICANS IN ROMAN; DEMOCRATS IN ITALIC.
SENATE. Schuyler Colfax of Indiana, President. George C. Gorham of California, Secretary. MAINE.—William Pitt Fessenden (1), Hannibal Hamlin. NEW HAMPSHIRE.—Aaron H. Cragin, James W. Patterson. VERMONT.—George F. Edmunds, Justin S. Morrill. MASSACHUSETTS.—Charles Sumner, Henry Wilson. RHODE ISLAND.—Henry B. Anthony, William Sprague. CONNECTICUT.—Orris S. Ferry, William A. Buckingham. NEW YORK.—Roscoe Conkling, Reuben E. Fenton. NEW JERSEY.—Alexander G. Cattell, John P. Stockton . PENNSYLVANIA.—S
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APPENDIX E. FORTY-SECOND CONGRESS. REPUBLICANS IN ROMAN; DEMOCRATS IN ITALIC.
APPENDIX E. FORTY-SECOND CONGRESS. REPUBLICANS IN ROMAN; DEMOCRATS IN ITALIC.
SENATE. Schuyler Colfax of Indiana, President. George C. Gorham of California, Secretary. MAINE.—Hannibal Hamlin, Lot M. Morrill NEW HAMPSHIRE.—Aaron H. Cragin, James W. Patterson. VERMONT.—George F. Edmunds, Justin S. Morrill. MASSACHUSETTS.—Charles Sumner, Henry Wilson. RHODE ISLAND.—Henry B. Anthony, William Sprague. CONNECTICUT.—Orris S. Ferry, William A. Buckingham. NEW YORK.—Roscoe Conkling, Reuben E. Fenton. NEW JERSEY.— John P. Stockton , Frederick T. Frelinghuysen. PENNSYLVANIA.—Simon C
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APPENDIX F. FORTY-THIRD CONGRESS. REPUBLICANS IN ROMAN; DEMOCRATS IN ITALIC.
APPENDIX F. FORTY-THIRD CONGRESS. REPUBLICANS IN ROMAN; DEMOCRATS IN ITALIC.
SENATE. Henry Wilson of Massachusetts, President. George C. Gorham of California, Secretary. MAINE.—Hannibal Hamlin, Lot M. Morrill. NEW HAMPSHIRE.—Aaron H. Cragin, Bainbridge Wadleigh. VERMONT.—George F. Edmunds, Justin S. Morrill. MASSACHUSETTS.—Henry Wilson (1), Charles Sumner (2). RHODE ISLAND.—Henry B. Anthony, William Sprague. CONNECTICUT.—Orris S. Ferry, William A. Buckingham (3). NEW YORK.—Roscoe Conkling, Reuben E. Fenton. NEW JERSEY.— John P. Stockton , Frederick T. Frelinghuysen. PENN
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APPENDIX G. FORTY-FOURTH CONGRESS. REPUBLICANS IN ROMAN; DEMOCRATS IN ITALIC.
APPENDIX G. FORTY-FOURTH CONGRESS. REPUBLICANS IN ROMAN; DEMOCRATS IN ITALIC.
SENATE. Thomas W. Ferry of Michigan, President. George C. Gorham of California, Secretary. ALABAMA.—George E. Spencer, George Goldthwaite . ARKANSAS.—Powell Clayton, Stephen W. Dorsey. CALIFORNIA.—Aaron A. Sargent, Newton Booth. COLORADO.—Jerome B. Chaffee, Henry M. Teller. CONNECTICUT.— William W. Eaton , Orris S. Ferry (1). DELAWARE.— Thomas Francis Bayard, Eli Saulsbury . FLORIDA.—Simon B. Conover, Charles W. Jones . GEORGIA.— Thomas Manson Norwood, John B. Gordon . ILLINOIS.—John A. Logan, R
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APPENDIX H. FORTY-FIFTH CONGRESS. REPUBLICANS IN ROMAN; DEMOCRATS IN ITALIC.
APPENDIX H. FORTY-FIFTH CONGRESS. REPUBLICANS IN ROMAN; DEMOCRATS IN ITALIC.
SENATE. William A. Wheeler of New York, President. George C. Gorham of California, Secretary. ALABAMA.—George E. Spencer, John T. Morgan . ARKANSAS.—Stephen W. Dorsey, Augustus H. Garland . CALIFORNIA.—Aaron A. Sargent, Newton Booth. COLORADO.—Jerome B. Chaffee, Henry M. Teller. CONNECTICUT.— William W. Eaton, William H. Barnum . DELAWARE.— Thomas F. Bayard, Eli Saulsbury . FLORIDA.—Simon B. Conover, Charles W. Jones . GEORGIA.— John B. Gordon, Benjamin H. Hill . ILLINOIS.—Richard J. Oglesby, Da
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APPENDIX I. FORTY-SIXTH CONGRESS. REPUBLICANS IN ROMAN; DEMOCRATS IN ITALIC; GREENBACKERS IN SMALL CAPITALS.
APPENDIX I. FORTY-SIXTH CONGRESS. REPUBLICANS IN ROMAN; DEMOCRATS IN ITALIC; GREENBACKERS IN SMALL CAPITALS.
SENATE. William A. Wheeler of New York, President. John C. Burch of Tennessee, Secretary. ALABAMA.— John T. Morgan, George S. Houston (1). ARKANSAS.— Augustus H. Garland, James D. Walker . CALIFORNIA.—Newton Booth, James T. Farley . COLORADO.—Henry M. Teller, Nathaniel P. Hill. CONNECTICUT.— William W. Eaton , Orville H. Platt. DELAWARE.— Thomas F. Bayard, Eli Saulsbury . FLORIDA.— Charles W. Jones, Wilkinson Call . GEORGIA.— Benjamin H. Hill, John B. Gordon (2). ILLINOIS.— David Davis , John A.
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