bing certain terms on which they
might secure representation in Congress, and recognition of "all their
rights under the Constitution."

By these and many other events which had transpired since the
expiration of the preceding Congress, the legislation pertaining to
reconstruction had become a work of vast complexity, involving
principles more profound, and questions more difficult, than ever
before presented for the consideration and solution of men assembled
in a legislative capacity.

At twelve o'clock on the day designated in the Constitution for the
meeting of Congress, the Senate assembled, and was called to order by
Hon. Lafayette S. Foster, President pro tempore. Senators from
twenty-five States were in their seats, and answered to their names.
Rev. E. H. Gray, Chaplain of the Senate, invoked the blessing of
Almighty God upon Congress, and prayed "that all their deliberations
and enactments might be such as to secure the Divine approval, and
insure the unanimous acquiescence of the people, and command the
respect of the nations of the earth."

Soon after the preliminary formalities of opening the Senate had
transpired, Benjamin F. Wade, Senator from Ohio, inaugurated the
labors of the Thirty-ninth Congress, and significantly foreshadowed
one of its most memorable acts by introducing "a bill to regulate the
elective franchise in the District of Columbia."

The Senate signified its willingness to enter at once upon active duty
by giving unanimous consent to Mr. Sumner, Senator from Massachusetts,
to introduce a number of important bills. The measures thus brought
before the Senate were clearly indicative of the line of policy which
Congress would pursue. The bills introduced were designed "to carry
out the principles of a republican form of government in the District
of Columbia;" "to present an oath to maintain a republican form of
government in the rebel States;" "to enforce the amendment to the
Constitution abolishing slavery;" "to enforce the guarantee of a
republican form of government in certain States where governments have
been usurped or overthrown."

Senator Wilson, of Massachusetts, was not behind his distinguished
colleague in his readiness to enter upon the most laborious
legislation of the session. He introduced "a bill to maintain the
freedom of the inhabitants in the States declared in insurrection by
the proclamation of the President on the first of July, 1862."

Senator Harris, of New Yor