It is not well to assume these allegations to be true without the fullest investigation and inquiry by the legislative power, for, if true, the gravest questions of public policy arise that we have been called upon to consider since the close of the Civil War.
Sherman emphasizes the need for thorough investigation into serious allegations affecting public policy post-Civil War.
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Is it not, therefore, possible to frame a bill which will punish the prominent actors in the rebellion, proclaim amnesty to the great mass of citizens in the seceding states, and separate them from their leader?
I believe that it will give a reasonable fair protection for the great industries of agriculture, manufacture, and commerce, which lie at the basis of the prosperity of this country.
What a pity, he said, it would have been if so great a country as the United States had been disrupted on account of slavery.
Some of you broke down the only political organization that could compete with us, and thus gave us an easy victory.
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