Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: The reassembling of Congress, marking, as it does, the procession of our national history, is always regarded with interest by the people for whom it is to legislate. But it is not unsafe to say that millions more than ever before, North, South, East, and West, are looking to the Congress which opens its session to-day, with an earnestness and solicitude unequaled on similar occasions in the past. The Thirty-Eighth Congress closed its constitutional existence with the storm-cloud of war still lowering over us: and, after a nine months' absence, Congress resumes its legislative authority in these council halls, rejoicing that from shore to shore in our land there is peace.

Its duties are as obvious as the sun's pathway in the heavens. Representing, in its two branches, the States and the people, its first and highest obligation is to guaranty to every State a republican form of government. The rebellion having overthrown constitutional State governments in many States, it is yours to mature and enact legislation which, with the concurrence of the Executive, shall establish them anew on such a basis of enduring justice as will guaranty all necessary safeguards to the people, and afford, what our Magna Charta, the Declaration of Independence, proclaims is the chief object of government—protection to all men in their inalienable rights. [Applause.] The world should witness, in this great work, the most inflexible fidelity, the most earnest devotion, to the principles of liberty and humanity, the truest patriotism, and the wisest statesmanship.

Heroic men, by hundreds of thousands, have died that the Republic might live. The emblems of mourning have darkened White House and cabin alike. But the fires of civil war have melted every fetter in the land, and proved the funeral pyre of slavery. [Applause.] It is for you, Representatives, to do your work as faithfully and as well as did the fearless saviors of the Union on their more dangerous arena of duty. Then we may hope to see the vacant and once abandoned seats around us gradually filling up, until this Hall shall contain Representatives from every State and district; their hearts devoted to the Union for which they are to legislate, jealous of its honor, proud of its glory, watchful of its rights, and hostile to its enemies. And the stars on our banner, that paled when the States they represented arrayed themselves in arms against the nation, will shine with a more brilliant light of loyalty than ever before.

Invoking the guidance of Him who holds the destiny of nations in the hollow of His hand, I enter again upon the duties of this trying position, with a heart filled with gratitude to you for the unusually flattering manner in which it has been bestowed, and cheered by the hope that it betokens your cordial support and assistance in all its grave responsibilities.

I am now ready to take the oath of office prescribed by law.

• First Address of the Speaker (introduced on 1865-12-04 12:00:00 - CREATE - e128363) [This document]

• First Address of the Speaker (introduced on 1865-12-04 12:00:00 - CREATE - e128363) [This document] [view current proposal at this moment]