on. The speech was a
vigorous protest against the proposed removal of the troops from the
South, Mississippi in particular, where the military authorities were
still in control. The speech made a profound impression on the Senate
and clearly indicated the manly stand which Senator Bruce was
preparing to take against the injustices practised against Negro
citizens both North and South.[3]

The regular session of the Forty-fourth Congress, which convened on
Monday, December 6, 1875, gave Senator Bruce numerous opportunities
for energetic efforts. Early in the session, he presented a petition
of the Sons of Temperance of the District of Columbia, praying for
legislation for the District of Columbia and the Territories; for the
prohibition of the importation of alcoholic liquors from abroad and
that total abstinence be made a condition of the civil, military, and
naval service. Later he introduced a Bill "to provide for the payment
of bounties, etc., to colored soldiers and sailors and their
heirs."[4] His first important opportunity for valuable service came
during the discussion of the resolution to admit former Governor
Pinchback as a Senator from Louisiana. The resolution had been
presented on March 5, 1875, at the special session of the
Senate--"That P. B. S. Pinchback be admitted as a Senator from the
State of Louisiana for the term of six years, beginning with the
fourth of March 1873." Senator Bruce delivered the following address:

When I entered upon my duties here as Senator from Mississippi,
the question ceased to be novel, and had already been elaborately
and exhaustively discussed. So far as opportunity has permitted
me to do so, I have dispassionately examined the question in the
light of the discussion, and I venture my views now with the
diffidence inspired by my limited experience in the consideration
of such questions and by a just appreciation of the learning and
ability of the gentlemen who have already attempted to elucidate
and determine this case.

I believe, Mr. President, whatever seeming informalities may
attach to the manner in which the will of the people was
ascertained, Mr. Pinchback is the representative of a majority of
the legal voters of Louisiana, and is entitled to a seat in the
Senate. In the election of 1872, the white population of the
State exceeded, by the census of 1872, the colored population by
ab