The Sun.
London, England, 1863-12-23 00:00:00

THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION.

I may add, at this point, while I remain in my present
position I shall not attempt to retraot or modify the Emanci-
pation Proclamation, nor shall I return to slavery any per-
son who is free by the terms of that proclamation, or by any
of the acts of Congress•

For these and other reasons, it is thought best that sup-
port of these measures shall be included in the oath, and it
is believed that the Executive may lawfully claim it in re-
turn for pardon and restoration of forfeited rights, which he
has a clear constitutional power to withhold altogether, or
grant upon the terms he 0101 deem wisest for the public
interest.

It should be observed also that this part of the oath is sub-
ject to the modifying and abrogating power of legislation
and supreme judicial decision.

CONCLUSION.

The proposed acquiescence of the National Executive in
any reasonable temporary State arrangement for the freed
people is made with the view of possibly modifying the con-
fusion and destitution which must at best attend all classes
by a total revolution of labour throughout whole States.
It is hoped that the already deeply afflicted people in these
States may be somowhat more ready to give up the causo of
their affliction, if to this extent this vital matter be left to
themselves. While no power of the National Executive to
prevent an abuse is abridged by the proposition, the sug-
gestion in the proclamation as to maintaining the politica
framework of the States on what is called reconstruction,
is made in the hope that it may do good without danger of
harm. It will save labour and avoid great confusion. But
why any proclamation now upon the subject ? This subject
is beset with the conflicting views that the step might be
delayed too long, or be taken too soon.
In some States the elements for resumption seem ready
for ac'ion, but remain inactive, apparently for want of a
rallying point—a plan of action. Why shall A adopt the
plan of B, rather than B that of A ? And if A and B should
agree, how can they know but that the General Government
here will reject their plan P By the proclamation a plan is
presented which may be accepted by them at, a rallying point,
and which they are assured i advance will not be rejected
here. This may bring them to act sooner than they other-
wise would.

The objections to a premature presentation of a plan by
the National Executive consists in the danger of committees
on points which could be more safely left to further develop •
meats. Caro has been taken so to shape the denouement as
to avoid embarrassment from this source, saying that on
certain terms certain classes will be pardoned, with rights
restored,

It is not said that other classgas and other terms will never
be included, saying that reconstruction will be accepted if
presented in a specific way. It is not said it will never be
accepted in any other way. The movements by State action
for emancipation in several of the States not included in the
emancipation proclamation, are matters of profound gratu-
lation.

And while I do not repeat nor detail what I have hereto•
fore so earnestly urged upon this subject, my general views
and feelings remain unchanged : and I trust that Congress
will omit no fair opportunity of aiding these important steps
to the great consummation. In the midst of other cares,
however important, we must not lose sight of the fact that
the war power is still our main reliance. To that power alone
can we look fur a time to give confidence to the people in the
eanteeted regions that the insurgent power will not again
overrun them. Until that confidence shall be established,
little can be done anywhere for what is called reconstruction.
Hence our chiefest care must still be directed to the army
and navy, which have thus far borne their harder part so
nobly and well ; and it may be esteemed fortunate that in
giving the greatest efficiency to these indispensable arms we
do honourably recognise the gallant men, from commander
to sentinel, who compose them, and to whom more than to
others the world must stand indebted for the harms of free.
dom disenthralled, regenepted, enlarged, and perpetuated.
.A.BILAIIAX LINCOLN.
December 8, 1863.

The following Proclamation is appended to the
Message:—
PROCLAMATION.
Iphrcorvend tbinaantdthbye thei,resident obeal have power to grant
Constitution of the United States
it is li