The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-12-13

stitution and laws against which they are
in armed rebellion; and as the service of
their slaves constitute the chief property of
the rebels, such property should fare the
common fate of war to which they have de-
voted the property of loyal citizens.
ALL THE MEANS TO BE EMPLOYED.
Whlleslt is plain that the slave property
OF the South is justly subjected to all the
consequences OF this rebelious war, and
that the Government would be untrue to its
trust in not employing all the rights and
powers OF war to bring it to a speedy close,
the details of the plan for doing SO, like all
other military measures, must, in great de-
gree be left to be determined by particular
exigencies. The disposition ofother property
belonging to the rebels that becomes subject
to our arms is governed by the circumstances
OF the case. The Government has no power
to hold slaves, none to restrain a slave OF his
liberty nor to exact his service. 1t has
right, however, to use the voluntary service
OF slaves liberated by war from their mas,
tiers, like any other property of the rebels,
IN whatever mode may be most efficient for
the defence OF the Government, the prosecu.
ton of the war, and the suppression of the
rebellion. 1t is as clearly right of the
Government to arm slaves, when it may
become necessary, as it is to use gunpowdef
taken from the enemy. Whether it is ex.
pedIent to do SO is purely military ques
ton. The right is unquestionabe by the
laws of war. The expediency must be de.
termined by circumstances, keeping in view
the great object of overcoming the rebels,
re establishing the laws, and restoring peace
to the nation.
1t is vain and idle for the Government to
carry on this war, or hope to maintain its
existence against rebelli0us force, without
employing all the rights and powers of war.
As has been said, the right to deprive the
rebels of their property in slaves and slave
labor, is as clear and absolute as the right
to take forage from the field, or cotton from
the warehouse, OR powder and arms from the
magazine. To leave the enemy in the pos
session Ct such property as forage and
cotton and military stores, and the means of
constantly reproducing them, would be
madness. 1t is, therefore, equal madness to
leave them in peaceful and secure possession
OF slave property more valuable and efficient
to them for war, than forage, cotton, and
military stores. Such policy would be
national suicide. What to do with
that species of property, is ques>
ton that time and circumstance will
solve, and need not be anticipated fur
ther than to repeat that they cannot be
held by the Government as slaves. 1t
would be useless to keep them as prisoners
Of war and self-preservation, the highest
duty OF government, or OF individuals,
demands that they should be disposed of or
employed in the most effective manner that
will tend most speedily to suppress the IN
surrecti0n and restore the authority of the
Government. If it shall be found that the
men who have been held by the rebels as
slaves are capable of bearing arms and
performing efficient military service, it is
the right and may become the duty of the
Government TO arm and equip them, and
employ their services against the rebels,
under proper military regulation, discipline
and command.
But in whatever manner they may be
used by the Government, it is plain that,
once liberated by the rebellious act of their
masters, they should never again be restor-
ed to bondage. By the masters treason
and rebellion he torfeits all right to the la
Dor and service of his slave and the slave
of the rebellious master, by bis service to
the Government, becomes justly entitled TO
freedom and protection.
The disposition to be made of the slaves
OF rebels, after the close of the war can be
safely left to the wisdom and patriotism of
Congress. The representatives of the peo-
pie will unquestionably secure the slave
holders every right to which they are enti-
tied under the Constitution of the country.
SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.
To the PRESIDENT.
The difference between the above and the
views OF the President, as contained in the
report, is vital, and may possibly lead to a
disruption of the Cabinet. The President
adheres to the line of policy which he pro-
claimed in his inaugural, that is, to put
down the rebellion, but at the same time to
maintain inviolate the Constitution and
laws OF the United States. In doing this,
it becomes all loyal citizens to give him
their hearty support, regardless OF the
clamor of ultra aDtirslavery men, who
would not be satisfied to have the rebellion
put down, unless the whole South was ru-
ined and drenched in blood