CHAPTER XIX

CROSSING THE RUBICON

Decision of the Supreme Court in the Milligan case--It declares all trials of civilians by military commissions unlawful--It implies that Andrew Johnson's policy was preferable to that of Congress--All the members of the Cabinet support the President's policy--Stanton, however, secretly confers with the radicals to undermine the President--Sumner and Stevens become the leaders in Congress and pass bills annulling state governments in the South--The Conservatives follow reluctantly, believing that the negroes cannot be protected unless they have the right to vote--Remarkable series of Reconstruction Acts passed in 1867 and 1868--The case of Georgia--Trumbull overthrows Governor Bullock and his senatorial supporters 288