Conspectus of the History of Political Parties and the Federal Government/Conspectus of Political History/Johnson
Johnson’s Administration.
Johnson’s accession.—On his accession to the presidency, President Johnson expressed himself strongly in favor of the punishment of those who had seceded. “The American people must be taught to know that treason is a crime,” he said, and his “past course must be the guaranty of his future conduct.” It was generally believed that his administration would be severe on the confederate states. His views appear to have been modified soon afterward.
Reconstruction.—The President’s opinion of the condition of the seceded states was, that they had never left the Union, and could not, though they had broken their relations with it. All that was necessary to rehabilitate, or “reconstruct,” them, as it was called, was the recognition of the national government. The Republicans in Congress, and throughout the country, dissented from the President’s views, and thought the confederate states should be held in a territorial condition till Congress was satisfied that the rights of the freedmen were safe. The Democrats supported the President. At first, the provisional government and the general tenor of the President’s policy were favored by the Republicans; but a decided difference was developed within the year, and the President and the Republicans finally separated completely. On the 2d of March, 1867, a bill to reconstruct the confederate states was passed over the President’s veto. It divided those states into five military districts, each to be commanded by a general, and governed by civil tribunals, when military commissions were not deemed suitable. The states were allowed representation in Congress, on the formation of a state government by “a convention of delegates, elected by all the citizens of whatever race, color, or previous condition.” This measure was vehemently resisted and denounced by the Democrats. Acts to perfect this system of reconstruction were afterwards passed.
Party changes.—A small number of Republicans adhered to the President after his separation from the party, and, with him, were brought into close connection with the Democrats.
Thirteenth amendment.—The thirteenth amendment of the constitution, abolishing slavery in the United States, went into force December 18th, 1865. It was opposed by the Democrats.
Freedmen’s Bureau.—A bill to enlarge the power of the Freedmen’s Bureau was passed by Congress, and vetoed by the President, February 19th, 1866. It was strenuously opposed by the Democrats.
Civil rights bill.—In March, 1866, a bill was passed to establish and protect the civil rights of the freedmen, making them citizens of the United States, and giving them the right to sue and be sued, to make contracts, and exercise other civil duties, and punishing by fine and imprisonment any one interfering. It was passed over the President’s veto. The Democrats opposed the bill.
Fourteenth amendment.—To assure the civil rights of the freedmen, the fourteenth amendment of the constitution was passed by Congress, June 18th, 1866. The Democrats opposed it, and the President sent a message that he could not approve it, but would submit it to the states. It was proclaimed in force July 28th, 1868.
Negro suffrage.—On the 7th of January, 1867, an act was passed giving the right of suffrage to the negroes in the District of Columbia and the territories. It was vigorously opposed by the Democrats.
Limiting the President’s power.—The antagonism between the President and the Republicans led to systematic efforts to limit his power. He was deprived of the right to proclaim general amnesty in January, 1867, though he denied the validity of the act and continued to exercise the right. The 40th and all succeeding Congresses were authorized to meet directly after adjournment, so as to keep a constant check on the President. A provision of the Army Appropriation bill nullified his command of the army, by requiring him to give orders through the General in command. In March the “Tenure-of-Office bill” was passed, providing that the President should not remove civil officers without the consent of the Senate, and making a violation of it a “high misdemeanor.” He was allowed to suspend, but not remove an official; and if the Senate, at the next session, refused to concur, the official should be restored. The Democrats opposed all these acts.
Removal of Secretary Stanton.—The President, on the 15th of August, 1867, attempted to remove Edwin M. Stanton from the office of Secretary of War. Mr. Stanton, refusing to leave, was suspended under the Tenure law, and General Grant put in his place. The next January, the Senate refused its assent, and General Grant gave up the office to Mr. Stanton. Then, on February 21st, 1808, the President determined to remove him in defiance of the “Tenure act,” and put General Lorenzo Thomas in the office. Mr. Stanton held firm, and notified the Speaker of the House of the President’s action.
Impeachment.—The violation of the “Tenure-of-Office” act being a “high misdemeanor,” the House resolved, February 24th, to impeach the President, the Democrats opposing. The articles of impeachment were mainly for violating the “Tenure-of-Office” act. The trial, resulting in the President’s acquittal, was begun in the Senate, on the 5th of March, 1868, and continued until May 16th.
Confederate.—After the war, most of those who had belonged to the Confederacy associated themselves with the Democratic party.
Election in 1868.—The Republican national convention met in Chicago on May 20th, 1808, and nominated General U. S. Grant for President, with Schuyler Colfax, of Indiana, for Vice-President. The Democrats met in New York City on July 4th, and nominated Horatio Seymour, of New York, for President, and Francis P. Blair, of Missouri, for Vice-President. [See D. and Pl.] The contest was made almost wholly upon issues growing out of the war and the reconstruction policy of Congress. General Grant and Mr. Colfax were elected by 214 electoral votes, to 80 for Seymour and Blair, counting the vote of Georgia, which was contested. Without it their vote was 71.