Hon. Theophilus Parsons, the learned Law Professor and law writer, wrote from Cambridge:--
“Congress has hard work before it,--about as hard as Grant had to take Richmond; but I suppose it will be done somehow.”
Hon. Charles W. Upham, a scholar and writer, formerly Representative in Congress from the Essex District in Massachusetts, wrote from Salem:--
“Stick to the noble ground you have taken, and let reason and events put the President in harmony with you and the people.”
With such voices from the people the great work of the session began.
The bad spirit which belonged to the days of Slavery seemed also to return. The following, to Mr. Sumner from ----, dated “Paymaster General’s Office, Washington, December 11, 1865,” recalled other days.
“I conceive it to be my duty to impart the following information, in which you may be interested.
“Calling your name yesterday, in conversation with a citizen of this city, he casually remarked that you would probably be killed before the expiration of this session,--that two or three were sworn against you.
“I paid no apparent attention to the remark at the time, nor asked any question with regard to it; but, if I can serve you in the matter any further, I am at your command.”
Mr. Sumner did not notice this letter, or follow it with any inquiry. He was accustomed to such reports.
COLORED SUFFRAGE IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
A Bill to carry out the principles of a Republican form of Government in the District of Columbia.
_Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled_, That no person, in other respects qualified to vote within the District of Columbia, shall be excluded from that right by reason of race or color.
SEC. 2. _And be it further enacted_, That any person whose duty it shall be to receive votes at any election within the District of Columbia, who shall refuse to receive or shall reject the vote of any person entitled to such right under this Act, shall be liable to an action of tort by the person injured, and shall be liable, upon indictment and conviction, if such act was done knowingly, to a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or to both. And where the person injured is of African descent, one half the jury impanelled to try the action or indictment shall be of African descent.