The Plymouth weekly Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1860-1869, 1861-12-12
THE NEGRO QUESTION In THE
ADMINISTRATION.
The Difference Between the Pres
idcni and his Cabinet, and
its Explanation.
THE PRESIDENT N0DlFIES THE REPORT OF
THE SECRETARY OF WiR.
"oLD ABE SUPPOSED TO BE FIRM.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9.
An importan: Cabinet meeting has beer
held to- day in reference 20 these exciting
matters The Preside seems determined
to adhere faithfully and unswervibgly to
the line of policy which he proclaimed in
his inaugural, and on which he has since
conducted his administration is, to
rut down the rebellion by using III the
national resources. but at the same time to
maintain invioIae the constitution and
laws of the United States Between his
policy and that of the Secretary Of War
there seems to be wide gulf. One or
the other must yield; and | need not say
his responsibility TO the nation, and will
not allow Himself to be turned aside from
the straight path of duty by any crotchets
or views of policy that may be entertained
by any Of his subordinates.
The Secretary of War is not only at va
rance with the President in regard TO the
policy under which the war is to be con.
Quoted on our side, but is also, have
reason 10 believe. at variance with the
Commander in Chief In regard to the
disposition to be made of the slaves in the
regions that may be or have been subdued
bv our arms, General McClellan's views
seems to coincide with those of the Presi-
dent. Mcclellan recognize the necessity
of adopting some well defined and uniform
mode Of treating this subject but is deci-
dedly opposed TO that proposed by Secre-
tarv Cameron. | understood that he has
it in contemplation to issue a general or
der, in "A few days, to the commanders Of
the several military departments, enioin-
ing upon them observance of the course Of
policy embraced in the recen. proclama-
ton of Gen. Dix, and also in that of Gen.
flalleck. Any attempt to carry into ope-
ration the sentiments Of Secretary Came.
ron. with reference to arming the slaves.
would be inevitably attained with most
disastrous consequences. 1t would proba-
bly, lead to the resignation of Gen. Nc
Cleilan and the general disorganization of
the army. This danger is we'll known to
the President, and is one of the powerful
motives actuating him to disapproval of
the views which Secretary Cameron de-
sired TO eLunciate in his report. and to
make prevail in the conduct of the war;
Mr.. LiDcoln's own views are decidedly
averse TO the extreme measures proposed
by Mr.. Cameron; but, if there were no
other cause TO lead HIM to set face obsti-
nately against them. their extremely dan
gerous effect upon the army would be all
sufficient. 1t is no wonder, therefore,
that there is anxiety and trepdation among
members of Congress. army officers, and
the whole community, growing out OF the
non-delivery of the message day. l
believe that the moderate and constitution
al views Of the President will prevail. and
that the ultra extreme measures of abeli
tionists in the Cabinet. in Congress. and
IN public life will meet with failure and
discontinue.
From the N. Y Tribune. Dec. 4.
THE PRESIDENT AND GEN. CAMERON.
The readers of our daily of yesterday
morning may have been surprised to fiji d
no aluslon TO the topic which excited
most interest at tie Federal metropolis
namely. the reported disagreement be.
tween the President and the Secretary Of
War with regard to that portion of the re-
port of the latter which treats on the use
TO be made of the slaves of rebels. Other
journals had information on this subject:
we had none. simply because, while their
Washington dispatches respecting it were
allowed to come through in due course,
ours was suppressed by the government
censor in the Washington telegraph office.
Having received it by mail, we give it now
as part of the history Of the times. simply
remarking that we DO not understand that
it was suppressed for lack Of truth, but
rather for excess of it,
THE SUPPRESSED DISPATCH.
"WAsnINGToN, Dec. 9, 1861.
4" The call OF the roll had scarcely ended
in the House, when the temper Of the
people was strikingly manifested by their
representatives. Fastening. without delay
ing moment for Presidential or other
message, to pass a resolution emancipating
the slaves of rebels within the military ju-
risdiction. Before the vote upon it was
recorded, painful rumor porvaded the
Hall that the President had taken open
issue on this very question with Secreta-