If  to-morrow  either  branch  of  Congress  would  declare  that  upon  the
presentation  of  their  credentials  members  constitutionally  elected  and
loyal  to  the  General  Government  would  be  admitted  to  seats  in  Congress,
while  all  others  would  be  excluded  and  their  places  remain  vacant  until  the
selection  by  the  people  of  loyal  and  qualified  persons,  and  if  at  the  same
time  assurance  were  given  that  this  policy  would  be  continued  until
all  the  States  were  represented  in  Congress,  it  would  send  a  thrill  of  joy
throughout  the  entire  land,  as  indicating  the  inauguration  of  a  system
which  must  speedily  bring  tranquillity  to  the  public  mind.
While  we  are  legislating  upon  subjects  which  are  of  great  importance
to  the  whole  people,  and  which  must  affect  all  parts  of  the  country,  not
only  during  the  life  of  the  present  generation,  but  for  ages  to  come,  we
should  remember  that  all  men  are  entitled  at  least  to  a  hearing  in  the
councils  which  decide  upon  the  destiny  of  themselves  and  their  children.
Andrew  Johnson  511

At  present  ten  States  are  denied  representation,  and  when  the  Fortieth
Congress  assembles  on  the  4th  day  of  the  present  month  sixteen  States
will  be  without  a  voice  in  the  House  of  Representatives.  This  grave
fact,  with  the  important  questions  before  us,  should  induce  us  to  pause  in
a  course  of  legislation  which,  looking  solely  to  the  attainment  of  political
ends,  fails  to  consider  the  rights  it  transgresses,  the  law  which  it  violates,
or  the  institutions  which  it  imperils.  ANDREW  JOHNSON


PROCLAMATIONS.
Andrew  Johnson,  President  of  the  United  States  of  America.
