Page:Disunion and restoration in Tennessee (IA disunionrestorat00neal).pdf/45



", Thursday, July 18. To, Sec. of War,   Washington, D. C.

"My compliments to the President. We have carried the Constitutional Amendment in the House. Vote 43 to 18; two of his tools refusing to vote.

""

On the same day the news of this ratification was received, Mr. Bingham introduced into the House the following resolution:

"Joint resolution declaring Tennessee again entitled to Senators and Representatives in Congress.

"Whereas, The State of Tennessee has in good faith ratified the article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States proposed by the Thirty-ninth Congress to the Legislatures of the several States, and has also shown, to the satisfaction of Congress, by the proper spirti of obedience in the body of her people, her return to her due allegiance to the Government, laws, and authority of the United States; therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the State of Tennessee is hereby restored to her former proper practical relation in the Union, and again entitled to be represented by Senators and Representatives in Congress, duly elected and qualified, upon their taking the oaths of office required by existing laws."

In urging the immediate adoption of the resolution, Mr. Bingham declared that: "Inasmuch as Tennessee has conformed to all our requirements; inasmuch as she has, by a majority of her whole Legislature in each House, ratified the amendment in good faith; inasmuch as she has of her own voluntary will conformed her constitution and laws to the Constitution and Laws of the United States; inasmuch as