“The people there are my fellow-citizens, and gladly would I hail them, if they would permit, as no longer _a section_, no longer _the South_, but an integral part of the Republic, under a Constitution which, knowing no North and no South, cannot tolerate _sectional_ pretension. Gladly, in all sincerity, do I offer my best effort for their welfare. But I see clearly that there is nothing in the compass of mortal power so important to them in every respect, morally, politically, and economically--that there is nothing with such certain promise to them of beneficent result--that there is nothing so sure to make their land smile with industry and fertility,--as the decree of Equal Rights I now invoke.… This is our retaliation. This is our only revenge.”[217] In an address at the Music Hall, in Boston, October 2, 1866, entitled “The One-Man Power _vs._ Congress,” I declared that the Reconstruction I sought was one where “the Rebel region, no longer harassed by controversy and degraded by injustice, _will enjoy the richest fruits of security and reconciliation_,”--and then added, “_To labor for this cause may well tempt the young and rejoice the old_.”[218] Then, in the same address, I said:-- “Our first duty is to provide safeguards for the future. This can be only by provisions, sure, fundamental, and irrepealable, fixing forever the results of the war, the obligations of the Government, and the equal rights of all. Such is the suggestion of common prudence and of self-defence, as well as of common honesty. To this end we must make haste slowly. States which precipitated themselves out of Congress must not be permitted to precipitate themselves back. They must not enter the Halls they treasonably deserted, until we have every reasonable assurance of future good conduct. We must not admit them, and then repent our folly.… “But, while holding this ground of prudence, I desire to disclaim every sentiment of vengeance or punishment, and also every thought of delay or procrastination. Here I do not yield to the President, or to any other person. Nobody more anxious than I to see this chasm closed forever. “_There is a long way and a short way. There is a long time and a short time._ If there be any whose policy is for the longest way or for the longest time, I am not of the number. _I am for the shortest way, and also for the shortest time._”[219] Then in considering Reconstruction in the Senate, March 16, 1867, I said:--