“The same oligarchy that broke up the Union condescends to reenter it, with the same steps, with the same usage, under the flag of the same principle,” he sang out. Former Confederates are taking cover under Johnson’s wing, Phillips continued, and if Johnson isn’t a traitor, he’s definitely an enemy. Yes, sure, slavery has been abolished, and black men and women can no longer be sold on the auction block. But were they free to set their own price for their labor? Could they own property? Get married? Could they choose to live where they wanted or travel freely? Could they attend schools—and
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