this constitutional amendment. The first was
recognized as a popular decision needing only the formality of an
announcement by the convention; and the full emphasis of speech and
resolution had therefore been centered on the latter as the dominant and
aggressive reform upon which the party would stake its political
fortunes in the presidential campaign. Mr. Lincoln had himself suggested
to Mr. Morgan the wisdom of sounding that key-note in his opening speech
before the convention; and the great victory gained at the polls in
November not only demonstrated his sagacity, but enabled him to take up
the question with confidence among his recommendations to Congress in
the annual message of December 6, 1864. Relating the fate of the measure
at the preceding session, he said:

"Without questioning the wisdom or patriotism of those who stood in
opposition, I venture to recommend the reconsideration and passage of
the measure at the present session. Of course the abstract question is
not changed, but an intervening election shows, almost certainly, that
the next Congress will pass the measure if this does not. Hence there is
only a question of time as to when the proposed amendment will go to the
States for their action. And as it is to so go at all events, may we not
agree that the sooner the better? It is not claimed that the election
has imposed a duty on members to change their views or their votes any
further than, as an additional element to be considered, their judgment
may be affected by it. It is the voice of the people, now for the first
time heard upon the question. In a great national crisis like ours,
unanimity of action among those seeking a common end is very
desirable--almost indispensable. And yet no approach to such unanimity
is attainable unless some deference shall be paid to the will of the
majority, simply because it is the will of the majority. In this case
the common end is the maintenance of the Union; and among the means to
secure that end, such will, through the election, is most clearly
declared in favor of such constitutional amendment."

The joint resolution was called up in the House on January 6, 1865, and
general discussion followed from time to time, occupying perhaps half
the days of that month. As at the previous session, the Republicans all
favored, while the Democrats mainly opposed it; but important exceptions
among the latter showed what immense gains the proposition had made in
popular