States as still in any sense States of the Union. It was in
effect a declaration that those States had successfully
seceded--that their elimination from the Union was an
accomplished fact--that the Union of the States had been
broken--and that the only method left for their return that would
be considered by Congress was as conquered and outlying
provinces, not even as Territories with the right of such to
membership in the Union; and should be governed accordingly until
such time as Congress should see fit (IF EVER, to use the
language of Mr. Stevens in the House) to devise and establish
some form whereby they could be annexed to or re-incorporated
into the Union.

It was at this point--on the great question of Reconstruction, or
more properly of Restoration--that the disagreements originated
between the Executive and Congress which finally culminated in
the impeachment of Mr. Lincoln's successor; and that condition of
strained relations was measurably intensified when, on the
following July 4th, a bill was passed by Congress making
provision for the reorganization and admission of the revolted
States on the extreme lines indicated by the above action of
Congress and containing the very extraordinary provision that the
President, AFTER OBTAINING THE CONSENT OF CONGRESS, shall
recognize the State Government so established. That measure was
still another and more marked rebuke by Congress to the President
for having presumed to initiate a system of restoration without
its consultation and advice. Naturally Mr. Lincoln was not in a
mood to meekly accept the rebuke so marked and manifestly
intended; and so the bill not having passed Congress till within
the ten days preceding its adjournment allowed by the