Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1861-12-11

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and also the app ropriation of money 6e>
/ yond that to be expended in the terrific.
rial acquisition. Having practised the
acquisition of territory for nearly sixty
years, the question of the Constitutional
power TO do 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 his
scruples on the plea Of great expedency.
If it be said that the only legitimate ob-
ject of acquiring territory is to furnish
homes for white men, this measure effects
that object, for emigration of colored men
leaves additional room for white men res
manning or coming here Mr.. Jefferson,
however placed the importance of pros
curing Louisiana more on political and
commercial grounds, than on providing
room for population.
On this whole proposition, including
the appropriation of money, with the ac-
QUESTION of territory, does not the expe-
diency amount to absolute necessity with,
out which the Government itself cannot
be perpetuated if the var continues.
In considering the policy to be adopted
for suppressing the insurrection, have
been anxious and careful that the inevita.
bic conflict for this purpose shall not de-
generate into violent and remorseless
revolutionary 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 l
have adhered to the blockade OF the ports
d, held by the insurgents, instead Of putting
i'll force by proclamation the law of Con-
gress enacted at the late session for clos.
, ing these ports So also obeying the die,
ta.es Of prudence rs well as the obligations
of law, instead of transcending have adj
hered to the act of Congress to confsCste
property used Cor insurrectionary purpos-
es. If a new law upon the same subject
shall be proposed, its proprlety will be
duly considered.
The Union must he preserved, and
hence all indispensable means must be
employed. We shall no: be in haste to de-
termne that radical and extreme measure,
which may roach the loyal as well as the
disloyal, are indispensable.
The inaugural address at the beginning
of the Administration and the message to
Congress at the late special session, were
both mainly devoted to the domestic con,
troversy out of which the insurrection
and consequent war have sprung.
Nothing more occurs ID add or subtract
to or from the principles or general pur-
poses stated and expressed in that docu-
ment, The last ray of hope for preserv~
ing the Union, peaceably, expired at the
assault upon Fort Sumter, and a general
. rau Nf ut n has oCppprnl gipna
not be improbable.
What was painfully uncertain then, is
much better defined and more distinct
now, and the progress o! events is plainly
in the right direction. The insurgents
confidently claimed a strong support from
North of Mason aud Dixon's line, and the
friends of the Union were not free from
apprehension on that point. This, how.
ever, was soon settled definitely, and on
the right side.
South OF the line, noble little Delaware
led off right from the first Maryland vas
made to seem against the Union. Our
soldiers were assaulted, bridges were burn
ed, and railroads torn up within her lin
, it's and we were many days, at one time,
without the ability 10 bring single regi-
ment over her soil to the deferce of the
Capital.
Now her bridges and Railroads are re-
paired and open to the Government. She
already gii es seven regiments to the cause
Of the Uoion, and none to the enemy, and
her people at a regular election have sus-
tanned Tie Union by large majority, and
a larger aggregate vote than they ever be-
fore gave to any candidate on any ques-
tior.
Kentucky, too, for some time in doubt
is now decidedly and, ! think, unchang
ably Oh the side of the Union. Missouri
is comparatively quiet and believe can
not be oyerrun by the lnsurrectionists.--
These three States Of Maryland, Kentucky
and Missouri neither Of which would
promise single soldier, ut first, have nov
an aggregate OF not less than forty thous-
and men in the field, for the Union,
whilc of their citizens certainly not moro
8 third o. that numberand they of doubt
ful whereabouts, and doubtful existence,
are in arms against it. After
somewhat bloody struggle of some
months. Winter closes on the Union
people of Western Virginia leaving them
masters Of their own country.
An insurgent force ofabout fifteen hum
dred for months dominating the narrow
pennsular region OF the counties oil Acco~
mac and northampton, and known as tho
! Elstern Shore Of Virginia together with
some contiguous parts of Maryland, have
| laid down their arms and the people there
have renewed their allegiance to and ac-
cepted the protection Of the old flag. This
leaves no med insurrection north of the
Potomac or east of the Chesapeake. 5
Also, we have obtsined footing at each
of the isolated points on the southern
coast of IIatteras, Port Royal, Iybee Is.
land near Sayannah,and Ship Island; and
we likewise have some general accounts
Of popular movements IN behalf OF tho .
Union. in North Carolina and Tennessee.
These things demonstrate that the cause
of the Union is advancing steadily south,
ward. ......r.
Since your last adjournment, II. Gen
/ Scott has retired from the heal OF the sr~
my. During his long life the nation has