A bill to enforce the guaranty of a republican form of government in certain States whose governments have been usurped or overthrown.
A joint resolution proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
Concurrent resolutions declaring the adoption of the Constitutional Amendment abolishing Slavery.
Resolutions declaring the duties of Congress in respect to guaranties of the National Security and the National Faith in the Rebel States.
Resolutions declaring the duty of Congress, especially in respect to loyal citizens in the Rebel States.
This series of propositions attracted the attention of the country. Expressions of sympathy and gratitude were abundant. Colored fellow-citizens at Philadelphia addressed Mr. Sumner in earnest words.
“Philadelphia, Pa., December 6, 1865.
“Hon. Charles Sumner:—
“Dear Sir,—At a large and enthusiastic meeting of the colored citizens of this city, held in the Philadelphia Institute this evening, the undersigned were charged with the duty of conveying to you, in behalf of twenty-five thousand disfranchised Americans here, their most heartfelt gratitude for the noble, fearless, patriotic stand taken by you at the opening of the present Congress. No day of our lives seems brighter than that upon which the foremost champion of Freedom boldly directs the attention of the nation to a series of clear, sound, statesmanlike measures looking to the complete enfranchisement of America.
“We speak but faintly, though truthfully, when we say that four millions of Americans will ever cherish with the warmest gratitude of their hearts, and hand down as a precious legacy to their children, the name of Charles Sumner,—Charles Sumner, who has at all times and under all circumstances, even when friends faltered and foes exulted, stood firm, unflinching, immovable, uncompromising, on the rock of Justice and Liberty.