This I take to be the great question between the President and Congress. If their constitutions are not approved of, they would be sent back, until they have become wise enough so to purge their old laws as to eradicate every despotic and revolutionary principle until they shall have learned to venerate the Declaration of Independence. [4] Holding them like clay in the hands of the potter,[5] we must see that no vessel is made for destruction. Within these limitations, we hold it to be the duty of the government to inflict condign punishment on the rebel belligerents, and so weaken their hands that they can never again endanger the Union; and so reform their municipal institutions as to make them republican in spirit as well as in name. . . We have imposed upon them the privilege of fighting our battles, of dying in defense of freedom, and of bearing their equal portion of taxes; but where have we given them the privilege of ever participating in the formation of the laws for the government of their native land? As a Congressman, Stevens during the Civil War urged the administration to free and arm the slaves and by 1865 favored black suffrage in the South. Copperheads, or Peace Democrats, were those who had opposed war with the South. . In the second place, it is a necessity in order to protect the loyal white men in the seceded States. Such is the law of God and such ought to be the law of man. There are several good reasons for the passage of this bill. . For these, among other reasons, I am for negro suffrage in every rebel State. One of the most atrocious murderers that has ever been let loose upon any community has lately been liberated under this very decision, because the Government extended it, perhaps according to the proper construction, to the conquered States as well as to the loyal States. 2023 coronavirus newsletters web on may 8 1866 thaddeus stevens delivered this speech introducing the fourteenth amendment in the u s He claims the right to reconstruct by his own power. Congress insists on changing the basis of representation so as to put white voters on an equality in both sections, and that such change shall precede the admission of any State. . Let us at least escape that condition. Let all who approve of these principles rally with us. I am now confining my arguments to Negro suffrage in the rebel States. Free for commercial use, no attribution required. Impartial suffrage, both in electing the delegates and ratifying their proceedings, is now the fixed rule. Possibly the people would not have inaugurated this revolution to correct the palpable incongruities and despotic provisions of the Constitution; but having it forced upon them, will they be so unwise as to suffer it to subside without erecting this nation into a perfect Republic? No former laws, no former compacts or treaties existed to bind the belligerents. Such a course would be senseless, inconsistent, and illogical. Topics: reconstruction us history, states rights american politics, history, civil war, politics and government, 19th century, republican party us 1854, lawyers, slavery, united states bureau of refugees freedmen and abandoned . Genin was an Ohio Congressman. Civil Rights Cases, 109 U.S. 3 (1883) The Civil Rights Act of 1875, sometimes called the Enforcement Act or the Force Act, was a United States federal law enacted during the Reconstruction era in response to civil rights violations against Indigenous Americans. No one then supposed that those States had any governments, except such as they had formed under their rebel organization. Another good reason is, it would insure the ascendancy of the Union party. . Charlotte Fowler's Testimony to Sub-Committee on R Letter to William L. Dayton, Ambassador to France. Since, then, the President cannot enact, alter, or modify a single law; cannot even create a petty office within his own sphere of duties; if, in short, he is the mere servant of the people, who issue their commands to him through Congress, whence does he derive the constitutional power to create new States; to remodel old ones; to dictate organic laws; to fix the qualification of voters; to declare that States are republican and entitled to command Congress to admit their Representatives? .? Other Republicans believed that the South had to be reconstructed in a fundamental way. thaddeus stevens speech on the reconstruction acts summary thaddeus stevens speech on the reconstruction acts summary July 3, 2022 In honey baked ham potatoes au gratin recipe Now, Mr. Speaker, unless Congress proceeds at once to do something to protect these people from the barbarians who are now daily murdering them; who are murdering the loyal whites daily and daily putting into secret graves not only hundreds but thousands of the colored people of that country; unless Congress proceeds at once to adopt some means for their protection, I ask you and every man who loves liberty whether we will not be liable to the just censure of the world for our negligence or our cowardice or our want of ability to do so? . The people have once more nobly done their duty. [Senate Hearing 110-] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009 ---------- WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2008 U.S. Senate, Subcom . . Their subjects had liberty of motion and of labor, but the laws were made without and against their will; but I must declare that, in my judgment, they were as really free governments as ours is to-day. Republicans saw this law, and three supplementary laws passed by Congress that year, called the Reconstruction Acts, as a way to deal with the disorder in the South. The war was acknowledged by other nations as a public war between independent belligerents. Thaddeus Stevens was one of the main leaders of the Radical Republican faction in Congress during Reconstruction. . . In the midst of the political Babel which has been produced by the intermingling of secessionists, rebels, pardoned traitors, hissing Copperheads,[2] and apostate Republicans, such a confusion of tongues is heard that it is difficult to understand either the questions that are asked or the answers that are given. President Lincoln, Vice President Johnson, and both branches of Congress repeatedly declared that the belligerent States could never again intermeddle with the affairs of the Union, or claim any right as members of the United States Government until the legislative power of the Government should declare them entitled thereto. . Now they are the victims of daily murder. Wendell Phillips, Speech Criticizing the Fourteenth Amendment, October 26, 1866. (14) Thaddeus Stevens, speech in Congress (3rd January, 1867) Since the surrender of the armies of the confederate States of America a little has been done toward establishing this Government upon the true principles of liberty and justice; and but a little if we stop here. He might have extended the laws of his empire over them, allowed them to retain portions of their old institutions, or, by conditions of peace, have fixed upon them new and exceptional laws. What Shall Be Done with the Slaves If Emancipated? . What are the great questions which now divide the nation? Possibly a jury might be packed to convict, but that would not be an impartial jury. Congress refuses to treat the States created by him as of any validity, and denies that the old rebel States have any existence which gives them any rights under the Constitution. Think not I would slander my native land; I would reform it. 13 Articles of Impeachment, March 4, 1868. Having now no governments, they must have enabling acts. The protection of slavery was worthy and right? . But if the States are States in the Union, then when war ceases they resume their positions with all their privileges untouched. . Available in hard copy and for download. They each raised more than half a million armed men. the former Confederate states and in ensuring equal rights for all in the south. I pronounce it no nearer to a true Republic now when twenty-five million of a privileged class exclude five million[1] from all participation in the rights of government. The Federal arms triumphed. Like Senator Charles Sumner, Stevens was pushing for national efforts beyond the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the 14th Amendment. Paraphrase of a remark in a speech by Thomas Hedges Genin (17961868), October 1865. No Government official, from the President and Chief Justice down, can do anyone act which is not prescribed and directed by the legislative power. just this much, and no more: every man, no matter what his race or color; every earthly being who has an immortal soul, has an equal right to justice, honesty, and fair play with every other man; and the law should secure him these rights. They had all been melted and consumed in the fierce fires of the terrible war. She would be overwhelmed and demoralized by the Jews, Milesians6 and vagabonds of licentious cities. . We have even given them that highest and most agreeable evidence of liberty as defined by the great plebeian the right to work. But in what have we enlarged their liberty of thought? . The same law which gives a verdict in a White mans favor should give a verdict in a black mans favor on the same state of facts. He claims the right to reconstruct by his own power. The confederate States refused to negotiate with the United States, except upon the basis of independence of perfect national equality. Congress left many of the details to the Joint Committee on Reconstruction -- a special congressional committee comprised of leading members of Congress, including Thaddeus Stevens, John Bingham, and Jacob Howard. Congress must create States and declare when they are entitled to be represented. Now, sir, if that decision be the law, then it becomes the more necessary that we should proceed to take care that such a construction as that shall not open the door to greater injuries than have already been sustained. But we propose to confiscate all the estate of every rebel belligerent whose estate was worth $10,000, or whose land exceeded two hundred acres in quantity. . Now, you must divide them between loyalists, without regard to color, and disloyalists, or you will be the perpetual vassals of the free trade, irritated, revengeful South. . "Reconstruction," Hon. Reply of the Colored Delegation to the President. . Heretofore, it had more the features of aristocracy than of democracy. Thaddeus Stevens, Speech on the Fourteenth Amendment, June 13, 1866. But it will be said, as it has been said, This is negro equality! What is negro equality, about which so much is said by knaves, and some of which is believed by men who are not fools? If the doctrine enunciated in that decision be true, never were the people of any country anywhere, or at any time, in such terrible peril as are our loyal brethren at the South, whether they be black or white, whether they go there from the North or are natives of the rebel States. He told NPR, for instance, "The abuse of the South after . [Radical Republican Thaddeus Stevens was a Congressman from Pennsylvania who long opposed slavery and advocated for black suffrage. Thaddeus Stevens, Charles Sumner, and Benjamin Butler were among the leaders of the . Eleven States, possessing a very large extent of territory, and ten or twelve million people, aimed to sever their connection with the Union, and to form an independent empire, founded on the avowed principle of human slavery and excluding every free State from this confederacy. But it will be said, as it has been said, This is Negro equality! What is Negro equality. Are such men fit to sit in the places of statesmen? The Constitution of the United States: Is It Pro-S Emancipation and Its Results--Is Ohio to be Africa Harpers Weekly Editorial on Emancipation, Forty Acres and a Mule: Special Field Order No. The leader of the Radical Republicans in the House, Stevens was a lawyer, politician, and staunch abolitionist. The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, 1868. Following the battle Union dead were buried by Confederates in a mass grave, but there was no massacre. Thaddeus Stevens (1792-1868) was the most famous Radical Republican in the House of Representatives (1849-1853, 1859-1868). . Reply of the Colored Delegation to the President. He became one of Andrew Johnson's fiercest critics and an early advocate of his impeachment. President Lincoln encouraged reconciliation, and a respect for the constitutional limits of the authority of the President, the Congress and the states. Dated: 1835. I am now confining my arguments to negro suffrage in the rebel States. Thaddeus Stevens was a member of the House of Representatives from Pennsylvania. Throughout the Reconstruction period, the Democrats and Republicans held different goals for the "reconstruction" of Arkansas. That is the extent of the power of Congress over the elective franchise, whether in a Territorial or State condition. Author: Unknown Source: National Archives. "Most historians describe (Stevens) as the manager of the 14th Amendment," says Matthew Pinsker, an American history professor at Dickinson College and a J.P. McCaskey . . Upon the character of the belligerent, and the justice of the war, and the manner of conducting it, depends our right to take the lives, liberty and property of the belligerent. Griffith's film depicted Reconstruction as an utter failure in part because of the unyielding attitudes of radicals like Austin Stoneman (the character based upon Stevens). The same difficulties would exist in attempting forfeitures, which can only follow conviction in States protected by the Constitution; and then it is said only for the life of the malefactor. is there some way to avoid hanging lines like this? Now they are the victims of daily murder. They passed the Military Reconstruction Acts of 1867, which divided the South into five military districts and outlined how the new governments would be designed.Under federal bayonets, blacks, including those who had recently been . . Charlotte Fowler's Testimony to Sub-Committee on R Letter to William L. Dayton, Ambassador to France. By what civil weapon have we enabled them to defend themselves against oppression and injustice? thaddeus stevens speech on the reconstruction acts summarywestcliff university visa acceptance rate. The same law which condemns or acquits an African should condemn or acquit a white man. What would he like to do? . Radical Republican congressional leader during Reconstruction (1865-77) who battled for freedmen's rights and insisted on stern requirements for readmission of Southern states into the Union after the Civil War (1861-65). For I believe, on my conscience, that on the continued ascendancy of that party depends the safety of this great nation. How far their liabilities remained there was more difference of opinion. He defended the system of segregation developed in the South after Reconstruction (including lynching); segregation was not challenged until the 1950s and 1960s. Proclamation Revoking General Hunters Emancipatio President Abraham Lincoln, Proclamation of Amnesty Wade-Davis Bill and President Lincolns Pocket Vet We Are Fighting for Independence, Not Slavery. Figure 17.2. Mr. Speaker, I am very anxious that this bill should be proceeded with until finally acted upon. For I believe, on my conscience, that on the continued ascendancy of that party depends the safety of this great nation. This must be done even though it drive her nobility into exile. He must ask leave of Congress. . Do you avow the party purpose? [Radical Republican Thaddeus Stevens was a Congressman from Pennsylvania and one of the primary champions of Congressional measures like the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Fourteenth Amendment, and the Reconstruction Act of 1867. In reconstruction, therefore, no reform can be effected in the Southern States if they have never left the Union. PA's #1 Technical College. Their government became perfectly organized, both in its civil and military departments. In this speech before Congress, Stevens argues for the passage of his Reconstruction plan, which included granting freed slaves the right to vote. This war had its origin in treason without one spark of justice. In states that have never been restored since the rebellion from a state of conquest, and which are this day held in captivity under the laws of war, the military authorities, under this decision and its extension into disloyal states, dare not order the commanders of departments to enforce the laws of the country. I knew that the loyal North would conquer the rebel despots who sought to destroy freedom. . thaddeus stevens speech on the reconstruction acts summary. They, with their kindred Copperheads of the North, would always elect the President and control Congress. 15, Excerpts from the Journal of Gertrude Thomas, Congressional Debate on the 14th Amendment. On May 8, 1866, Thaddeus Stevens delivered this speech introducing the 14th Amendment in the U.S. House of Representatives. They have determined that while in their keeping the Constitution shall not be violated with impunity. If it be just, it should not be denied; if it be necessary, it should be adopted; if it be a punishment to traitors, they deserve it. The entire speech appears below. FELLOW-CITIZENS: In compliance with your request, I have come to give my views of the present condition of the rebel States of the proper mode of reorganizing the government, and the future prospects of the republic. . The Congressional elections of 1866 brought Radical Republicans to power. The wagon of Watson was broken. Related research topic ideas. The Democrats wanted to maintain the idea of white supremacy. Address Before the General Assembly of the State o Executive Documents on State of the Freedmen, Articles of Impeachment of Andrew Johnson, Proclamation on Enforcement of the 14th Amendment. But reformation must be effected; the foundation of their institutions, both political, municipal and social, must be broken up and re-laid, or all our blood and treasure have been spent in vain. They formed an entirely new constitution; a new and distinct government, called the confederate States of America. They passed their own laws, without regard to any former national connection. We have broken the material shackles of four million slaves. The Polices of ReconstructionWarm Up Directions: Read the excerpt of the document below, and answer the three. I am not fond of sanguinary punishments, but surely some victims must propitiate the manes4 of our starved, murdered, slaughtered martyrs. Policy, if not justice, would require that the poor, the ignorant, and the coerced should be forgiven. In the speech below which Stevens gave in the U.S. House of Representatives on January 3, 1867 supporting the Reconstruction bill Read More(1867) Thaddeus Stevens, "Reconstruction"