CARRYING OUT THE GUARANTY OF REPUBLICAN GOVERNMENT, AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE PROHIBITION OF SLAVERY.
Joint Resolution in the Senate, February 2, 1866.
The following joint resolution, introduced February 2d, is a modification of a bill introduced at the beginning of the session.[38]
Joint Resolution carrying out the guaranty of a Republican Form of Government in the Constitution of the United States, and enforcing the Constitutional Amendment for the Prohibition of Slavery.
Whereas it is provided in the Constitution, that the United States shall guaranty to every State in this Union a republican form of government;
And whereas, by reason of the failure of certain States to maintain governments which Congress can recognize, it has become the duty of the United States, standing in the place of guarantor where the principal has made a lapse, to secure to such States, according to the requirement of the guaranty, governments republican in form;
And whereas, further, it is provided in a recent Constitutional Amendment, that Congress may “enforce” the prohibition of Slavery by “appropriate legislation,” and it is important to this end that all relics of Slavery should be removed, including all distinction of rights on account of color:
Now, therefore, to carry out the guaranty of a republican form of government, and to enforce the prohibition of Slavery,