^ 131. Beoonstruction by Ckmgress (1867-1870).
A caucus of Republican members framed a programme,
and Confess carried it out with a high hand over what*
Acts to curb ^v®*" vctocs Mr. Johnson ventured to inter-
the President, pose. It was provided that Congress should
convene on the 4th of March, instead of in December,
in order to deprive the President of the opportunity for



1867-1870.] Reconstruction by Congress. 267

the exercise of authority afEorded by the long Congres-
sional recess ; the rules were ^strengthened which were
to prevent southern members from getting their names
upon the roll at the organization of the new Congress ; an
Act was passed, — known as the Tenure of Office Act, —
making the President's power of removal from office, as
well as his power of appointment, subject to tne approval
of the Senate ; and a rider to the Appropriation Bill made
General Grant, already in charge of the whole military
force of the government, practically independent of the
President in his command. Universal suffrage was estabf
lished in the District of Columbia and in the Territories.
Nebraska was admitted to the Union, March i, 1867. Ne-
vada had been added to the list qf States, October 31, 1864.
These measures were but to establish the authority and
The decern- prestige of the majority. They simply cleared
struction Act. the way for the great Reconstruction Act
which became law March 2, 1867. On March 4 the
new Congress convened : bef oreThe end of the month it
had passed a supplementary Act which completed this
extraordinary legislation ; and the process of disciplinary
and compulsory reconstruction went forward at once.
