They have rejected the Constitutional amendments we have tendered them.

They are engines of oppression against all loyal men.

They are not republican in form or purpose.
Let them not only be ignored as legal governments, but set aside because they are illegal." Mr.Lawrence suggested some amendments that would give to all the people the protection of the judiciary under National authority.
-- Mr.Russell Thayer of Pennsylvania argued warmly for the bill, and said, "This measure will be of brief duration, and will be followed, as I am informed, by other measures, which will secure the permanent and peaceful restoration of these States to their proper and just position in the Union, upon their acceptance of such terms as are necessary for the future security of the country.

When that is done, and when order is restored, and permanent protection is guaranteed to all the citizens of that section of the country, this measure will be abrogated and abandoned." -- Mr.Shellabarger argued in favor of the bill, and said in conclusion, "This measure, taken alone, is one which I could not support unaccompanied by provisions for the rapid and immediate establishment of civil government based upon the suffrages of the loyal people of the South.

I could not support a military measure like this if it was to be regarded as at all permanent in its character.