As the basis of representation in the Constitution has always given the slave States an advantage, these States, now that slavery was abolished, should not be permitted to oppress the negro population and use them merely for an enlarged Congressional power to the white men who had precipitated the rebellion.

As the war to maintain Union and Liberty had cost a vast treasure and sacrificed countless lives, the States that had forced the bloody contest should agree by solemn amendment to the Constitution that the National debt and the pension to the soldier should be secured.

Those conditions--applying to all the States alike, to the loyal and the disloyal in the same measure--must be honorably agreed to by the States that had gone into Disunion before they should be permitted to resume and enjoy the blessings of Union.

History and the just judgment of mankind will vindicate the wisdom and the righteousness of the Republican policy, and that vindication will always carry with it the condemnation of Andrew Johnson.
The long contest over Reconstruction, so far as it involved the re-admission of the States to representation, was practically ended.
Eight of the eleven Confederate States, at the close of June 1868, had their senators and representatives in Congress.

Three--Virginia, Mississippi, and Texas--were prevented by self-imposed obstacles from enjoying the same privilege until after President Johnson had retired from office.