From what has been said in the last preceding chapter with reference to the condition of the states which seceded during the war of the Rebellion, it is evident that Congress, in providing for the reorganization of governments in those states after the restoration of peace, did not act under the authority to admit new states to the union, but rather under the authority to guarantee a republican form of government. The states were not readmitted, but provision was made for the re-establishment of governments therein.