.

THE RULE OF THE MAJOR GENERALS.
From the passage of the reconstruction acts to the close of Johnson's Administration, Congress, working the will of the radical majority, was in supreme control.

The army carried out the will of Congress and to that body, not to the President, the commanding general and his subordinates looked for direction.
The official opposition of the President to the policy of Congress ceased when that policy was enacted into law.

He believed this legislation to be unconstitutional, but he considered it his duty to execute the laws.

He at once set about the appointment of generals to command the military districts created in the South,* a task calling for no little discretion, since much depended upon the character of these military governors, or "satraps," as they were frequently called by the opposition.