It was intended to be, and was, a representative body of true Union men, of the men who had borne persecution for Loyalty's sake, of the men who, having aided in achieving great victory, were resolved that it should not fail to bear its legitimate fruits.
Blaine emphasizes the importance of loyalty and the sacrifices made by Union supporters during the Civil War.
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That is his work and it cannot properly be taken out of his hands.
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.
Of course the Rebellion will never be suppressed in Louisiana if the professed Union men there will neither help to do it nor permit the Government to do it without their help. . . .
But in the treatment of the colored man, now proposed, there was absolute heartlessness and rank injustice.
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