RESOLUTIONS. 317

sident Johnson, as laid down in his official message
to Congress of December, and pledge the co-
operation of the General Assembly in all proper
measures looking to the reconstruction and restora-
tion of the revolted States, upon the plan therein
indicated; that the General Assembly have entire
confidence in the firmness, patriotism and honesty
of Andrew Johnson, and his determination to ad-
minister the government entrusted to his charge
upon principles of sound wisdom, enlightened
statesmanship, and unswerving loyalty.

Resolved as the sense of this body, That the States
of this Union cannot he broken or destroyed in any
mode other than that pointed out in the Constitu-
tion itself; and that a recognition of the principles
that the rebellion has annulled, or in any manner
compromised their separate existence, as integrals
of our common Union, or reduced them to a mere
territorial relation, is at war with the express terms
of our organic law, and admits the inability of this
government to maintain itself, against civil war
and domestic insurrection.

Resolved, That the control of the elective fran-
chise is a function residing in the States, and may
be restricted or enlarged as said States may deem
most advantageous for the public welfare; that
any attempt by Congress or other co-ordinate
branch of this government, to force universal negro
suffrage without the consent and sanction of the
States, would be a palpable, open and unauthorised
interference with the principles upon which this
government was formed, and unwise and impolitic
in the condition of our public affairs.

Resolved, That a Joint Committee of the Two
Branches of this General Assembly be appointed
to communicate in person a copy of these resolu-
tions to his Excellency, Andrew Johnson, Presi-
dent of the United States.