Bills and Resolutions in the Senate, at the Opening of the Session of Congress, December 4, 1865.
This session of Congress was occupied by Reconstruction, especially the question of suffrage for the colored race, with differences between Congress and President Johnson, culminating at the next Congress in his impeachment.
Mr. Sumner, on the first day of the session, as soon as he could obtain the floor, introduced the following measures.
A bill to carry out the principles of a republican form of government in the District of Columbia.
A bill to preserve the right of jury trial, by securing impartial jurors in the courts of the United States.
A bill to prescribe an oath to maintain a republican form of government in the Rebel States.
A bill in part execution of the guaranty of a republican form of government in the Constitution of the United States.
A bill supplying appropriate legislation to enforce the Amendment to the Constitution prohibiting Slavery.