The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1861-12-13

with such states respectively, that such peisons.
on such acceptance by the general Govern
men, be al once declared free, and that in any
event, steps be taken Tor colonizing both class
es, Or the one first mentioned, if the other shall
not be brought into existence, at some place or
places ~ climate congenial to them. Il
might be we'll TO consider, whether the free
coiored people already in the United States
could not, SO far as individuals may desire, be
included IN such colonization. To carry
out The plan OF colonization may involve the
acquiring OF territory, and also the appgopria-
ton OF money beyond that TO be expended in
the territorial acquisition. Having pract;ced
the acquisition OF territory for nearly sixty
years, the questions OF constitutional power to
40 so IS no longer an open one. With Us the
power was Questioned at first by Mr.. Jefferson,
who however, IN the purchase OF LOUISIANA,
yielded ms scruples on the plea of great ex-
pedIency. fiji be said that the only legtti-
mate object Of acquiring territory IS TO furnish
homes for white men, this measure effects that
object, for the emigration OF colored men
leaves additional room for white men remain
ing or coming here. Mr. Jefferson, however,
placed the importance of procuring Louisiana
more on political and commercial grounds than
Ptot"ti"S iOo'i ioI PoPuidtioH.
On the whole proposition, including the ap-
preparation OF money, with the acquisition of
territory, does not the expendiency amount to
absolute necessity that without which the sov-
ernment itself cannot be prepetuated?
The war continues. In considering the poll
icy to be adopted for suppressing the insurrec-
ton, I have been anxious and careful that the
inevitable conflict for the purpose shall not de-
J.
tl0nary struggle. | have, therefore. in every
case, thought it proper to keep the integrity of
the union prominent as the primary object of
the contest on our part, leaving all questions
which are not OF vital military importance to
the more deliberate action Of the Legislature.
In the exercise of my best discretion, | have.
adhered to the blockade of the ports held by the
insurgents instead of putting in force by pro-
clamation the law of Congress enacted at the
late session for closing these ports So also
obeying the dictates of prudence, as well as the
obligations of laws, instead of tFanscendl1g,
have adhered to the act of Congress to confis-
cate properly used for insurTeciionaIV PURPOSES.
proposed, IFS pTopriety will be duly consider
ed. The Union must be preserved, and hence,
all indispensable means must be employed.
We should not be in haste 10 determine that
radical and extreme measures, which may
reach the loyal as we'll as the disloyal, are in
dispensible. The inaugural address at the be-
ginning of the administration, and the message
TO Congress at the late special session, were
both mainly devoted TO the domestic controver-
sy out of which the insurrectlon and conse-
quent war have sprung. Nothing now occurs
to add or substract TO or from :he principles or
general purposes stated and expressed in thoas:
documents. The last ray of hope for preser-
wing the Union peaceaby expired with the as
saut upon Fort Sumter, and general review
OF what has occurred since may not be unprof-
liable. What was painfully unCertaiR then H.
much better defined and more distinct, and the
progress of events is plainly IN the right di-
rectlop. The insurgents claimed strong sup
port from north of Mason and Dixon's hoe, aud
the friend of the Unnn were not free from ap-
prehension on that point. This however was
soon settled definitely and on the right side.
South of the llne, noble little Delaware led off
right from the first, Maryland was made to
seem against the Union, and our soldiers were
assailed, bridges were burned and railroads
were torn up within her limits, and we were
many DAYS at one time without the ability 10
bring single regiment over her soil e the
capitol. Now her bridges ald railroads are.
repaired and open TO the government. She
already gives seven regiments to the cause OF
the Union. and none to the enemy, and her
people, at regula: election, have sustained
the cause ofthe Union by a larger majority
and larger aggregate vote than they ever be-
fore gave 10 any candidate on any question.
Kentucky, too, for some time iG doubt, is now
decidedly, and, / think, unchangeably ranged
on the side of the Union. Missouri is compar-
atIveiy quiet, and, believe, cannot again be
overrun by the insurrectionsts These three
States, of Mary land, Kentucky and Missouri.
neither of which would promise asingle sok+
dier at FIRST have now an aggregate OF not less
than forty thousand in the field for the Union,
while of their citizens certainly not more than
third of that number, and they o. doubtful
whereabouts and doubtful existence, are in
arms against it. After somewhat bloody
struggle of months, Winter closes on the Un-
ion people of Western Virginia leaving them
masters of their own country. An insurgent
force OF about 1900 for months dominating
the narrow ppninsular region constituting the
counties of Accomac and Northampton, and
known as the eastern shore OF Virginia, togeth-
er with some contiguous parts OF Maryland,
have laid down their arms, and the people
there have renewed their allegiance and ae-
cepted he protection of our old flag. This
leaves no armed insurrectionists north of the
Potomac, ror east OF the Chesapeake. Also we
have obtained footing at each of the lsOla-
ted points on the southern coast OF Hatteras,
Port Royal, Tybee Island, near Savannah, and
Ship Island, and We likewise have some gen.
eral accounts OF popular movements in be-
halt OF the Union in North Carolina and TIN
nesspe. These things demonstrate that he
cause Of the Union is advancing steadily south
ward.
Sincn unllr lasi adinnrnmenl Iisnt Gen, 2cntt