There was a strong desire to place it on such substantial foundation as should prevent the possibility of sinister interpretation by the Judiciary, and guard it at the same time against different constructions in different States.

This was an omission in the original Constitution--so grave an omission, indeed, that the guarantee entitling citizens of each State to the privileges and immunities of citizens of the several States, was in many cases ignored, often indeed defied and destroyed.

If we were now to have a broader nationality as the result of our civil struggle, it was apparent to the mass of men, as well as to the publicist and statesman, that citizenship should be placed on unquestionable ground--on ground so plain that the humblest man who should inherit its protections would comprehend the extent and significance of his title.
A third point had taken possession of the popular mind, quickened and intensified as it was by the conflict between the President and Congress.

The President, as already stated, had by the lavish use of the pardoning power signalized his change on the subject of Reconstruction.

Many of the worst offenders in the Confederate cause had received Executive clemency.