MR. MORTON. I do not pretend that there is any clause in the Reconstruction Acts which in express words requires us to admit Virginia upon the compliance with certain conditions; but what I mean to say is, that there went forth with those laws an understanding to the country, as clear and distinct as if it had been written in the statute, that upon a full and honorable compliance with them those States should be admitted. I will ask my friend from Massachusetts if that understanding did not exist? MR. SUMNER. My answer to the Senator is found in the last section of the Act authorizing the submission, of the Constitutions of these States, as follows:-- “That the proceedings in any of said States shall not be deemed final, or operate as a complete restoration thereof, until their action respectively shall be approved by Congress.”[191] What is the meaning of that? The whole case is brought before Congress for consideration. We are to look into it, and consider the circumstances under which these elections have taken place, and see whether we can justly give to them our approval. Is that vain language? Was it not introduced for a purpose? Was it merely for show? Was it for deception? Was it a cheat? No, Sir; it was there with a view to a practical result, to meet precisely the case now before the Senate,--that is, a seeming compliance with the requirements of our Reconstruction policy, but a failure in substance. Now I will read what was in the bill of March 2, 1867, entitled “An Act to provide for the more efficient government of the Rebel States.”[192] It declares in the preamble that “it is necessary that peace and good order should be enforced in said States,”--strong language that!--“until loyal and republican State governments can be legally established.” That is what Congress is to require. To that end Congress must look into the circumstances of the case; it must consider what the condition of the people there is,--whether this new government is loyal, whether it is in the hands of loyal people. To that duty Congress is summoned by its very legislation; the duty is laid down in advance. And so you may go through all these Reconstruction statutes, and you will find that under all of them the whole subject is brought back ultimately to the discretion of Congress. This whole subject now is in the discretion of Congress. I trust that Congress will exercise it so that life and liberty and property shall be safe.