The first stage in this series—you [Mr. Anthony, of Rhode Island, in the chair] remember it; you were here; the Senator from Nevada was not here—goes to February 11, 1862, when
“Mr. Sumner submitted resolutions declaratory of the relations between the United States and the territory once occupied by certain States, and now usurped by pretended governments without constitutional or legal right.”
In these resolutions it is declared, that, after an act of secession followed by war,
“The territory falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of Congress, as other territory, and the State becomes, according to the language of the law, felo de se.”
The resolutions conclude as follows:—
“And that, in pursuance of this duty cast upon Congress, and further enjoined by the Constitution, Congress will assume complete jurisdiction of such vacated territory where such unconstitutional and illegal things have been attempted, and will proceed to establish therein republican forms of government under the Constitution, and, in the execution of this trust, will provide carefully for the protection of all the inhabitants thereof, for the security of families, the organization of labor, the encouragement of industry, and the welfare of society, and will in every way discharge the duties of a just, merciful, and paternal government.”[242]
Sir, there was the beginning of Reconstruction in this Chamber. That was its earliest expression.
On the 8th of February, 1864, it appears that
“Mr. Sumner submitted resolutions defining the character of the national contest, and protesting against any premature restoration of Rebel States without proper guaranties and safeguards against Slavery and for the protection of freedmen.”[243]