[444] not be enough if you give it to those who read and write; you will not in this way acquire the voting force which you need there for the protection of Unionists, whether white or black. You will not secure the new allies which are essential to the national cause. As you once needed the muskets of the Colored persons, so now you need their votes; and you must act now with little reference to theory. You are bound by the necessities of the case. Therefore, when I am asked to open the suffrage to women, or when I am asked to establish an educational standard, I cannot on the present bill simply because the controlling necessity under which we act will not allow it. By a singular providence, we are now constrained to this measure of enfranchisement for the sake of peace, security, and reconciliation, so that loyal persons, white or black, may be protected, and that the republic may live. Here in the District of Columbia we begin the real work of reconstruction, by which the Union will be consolidated forever.The Bill was passed by a large majority; but being vetoed by the President, as all good measures then were, it was passed over his veto by two-thirds of both Houses.
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