"In compliance with your request, I have come to give my views of the present condition of the rebel States of the proper mode of reorganizing the
Government, and the future prospects of the Republic. During the whole progress of the war, I never for a moment felt doubt or despondency. I knew
that the loyal North would conquer the rebel despots who sought to destroy freedom. But since that traitorous confederation has been subdued, and
we have entered upon the work of "reconstruction" or "restoration," I cannot deny that my heart has become sad at the gloomy prospects before
us... We especially insist that the property of the chief rebels should be seized and appropriated to the payment of the National debt, caused by the
unjust and wicked war which they instigated."
-Representative Thaddeus Stevens, Speech, 1865
In this speech excerpt, which Reconstruction issue does Stevens address?
O A equal protection under the law
O
B. confiscation of Southern land
O C. loyalty oaths for Southern leaders
O D. process of state readmission