violation of this principle.

"This bill imposes martial law at once, and its operations
will begin so soon as the General and his troops can be put
in place. The dread alternative between its harsh rule and
compliance with the terms of this measure is not suspended,
nor are the people afforded any time for free deliberation.
The bill says to them, Take martial law first, then
deliberate.

* * * * *

"The bill also denies the legality of the governments of ten
of the States which participated in the ratification of the
amendment to the Federal Constitution abolishing slavery
forever within the jurisdiction of the United States, and
practically excludes them from the Union. * * *

"That the measure proposed by this bill does violate the
Constitution in the particulars mentioned, and in many other
ways which I forbear to enumerate is too clear to admit of
the least doubt.

* * * * *

"I am thoroughly convinced that any settlement, or
compromise, or plan of action which is inconsistent with the
principles of the Constitution, will not only be unavailing,
but mischievous; that it will but multiply the present evils
instead of removing them. The Constitution, in its whole
integrity and vigor, throughout the length and breadth of
the land, is the best of all compromises. Besides, our duty
does not, in my judgment, leave us a choice between that and
any other. I believe that it contains the remedy that is so
much needed, and that if the cooerdinate branches of the
Government would unite upon its provisions, they would be
found broad enough and strong enough to sustain, in time of
peace, the nation which they bore safely through the ordeal
of a protracted civil war. Among the most sacred guarantees
of that instrument are those which declare that 'each State
shall have at least one Representative,' and that 'no State,
without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage
in the Senate.' Each house is made the 'judge of the
elections, returns, and qualifications of its own members,'
and may, 'with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a
member.'"

* * * * *

"And is it not far better that the work of restoration
should be accomp