This Day in Republican History 09/23/05

September 23, 1816 Birth of U.S. Rep. and Secretary of State Elihu Washburne (R-IL), a founder of the Republican Party and early advocate for the civil rights of African-Americans A strong opponent of slavery, Washburne became a leading figure in the group that became known as the Radical Republicans. Although privately critical of some of his policies, he remained loyal to Abraham Lincoln throughout the Civil War. He also promoted the career of his friend, Ulysses S. Grant. Washburne opposed the policies of President Andrew Johnson and argued that Southern plantations should be taken from their owners and divided among the former slaves. He also attacked Johnson when he attempted to veto the extension of the Freeman's Bureau, the Civil Rights Bill and the Reconstruction Acts.