From the crime of rebellion they had been freed by the President, but it was expected that Congress would clearly define the difference between pardoning a rebel for treason to his county and endowing him with the right to enjoy the honors and emoluments of office.
Blaine emphasizes the need for Congress to differentiate between pardoning rebels and granting them political rights.
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Their success as civil magistrates, as legislators, as executives was not less marked and meritorious than their illustrious service in war.
In my judgment our sole authority for the acts which we have done during the last four years was the authority communicated to Congress by the Constitution to suppress insurrection.
He was a lawyer in full practice, a man of the highest integrity, without fear and without reproach.
Durant speaks of no duty, apparently thinks of none resting upon Southern Union men.
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