Shining City Audio, a John Meacham and C-13 original studio.

January 31st, 1865, Congress approves the abolition of slavery in the United States.

I'm John Meacham, and this is Reflections of History.

The President had run for re-election on the amendment, making no secret of his views about the future of slavery.

The 1864 Republican platform had called for the passage of a constitutional abolition amendment,

and Abraham Lincoln had prevailed in a hard fought, touch-and-go election.

After the voting in his annual message, Lincoln had written Congress.

At the last session, a proposed amendment of the Constitution abolishing slavery throughout the United States passed the Senate,

but failed for lack of the requisite two-thirds vote in the House of Representatives.

Although the President is the same Congress, and nearly the same members,

and without questioning the wisdom or patriotism of those who stood in opposition,

I venture to recommend the reconsideration and passage of the measure at the present session.

Of course, the abstract question is not changed, but an intervening election shows almost certainly that the next Congress will pass the measure if this does not.

Hence, there is only a question of time as to when the proposed amendment will go to the States for their action.

And as it is to so go at all events, may we not agree that the sooner the better.

It is the voice of the people now for the first time heard upon the question.

In a great national crisis like ours, unanimity of action among those seeking a common end is very desirable, almost indispensable.

Now, on this date in 1865, the House fell in line.

The New York Tribune reported Lincoln's comments after the Congressional vote.

The President said he supposed the passage through Congress of the Constitutional Amendment for the abolishment of slavery throughout the United States was the occasion to which he was indebted for the honor of this call of a people.

The occasion was one of congratulations to the country and to the whole world.

But there is a task yet before us to go forward and consummate by the votes of the States that which Congress so nobly began yesterday.

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