Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1861-12-13

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that, being forced by traitors and rebels TO
the extremity Of war, all the rights and
powers of war should be exercised TO bring
it to speedy end.
Those who make war against the Gov
eminent justly forfeit all rights of property,
privilege, or security, derived from the Con-
stitution and laws, against which they are
in armed rebellion; and as the labor and
service Of their slaves constitute the chief
property of the rebels, such property should
share the common fate of war to which they
have devoted the property of loyal citizens.
! While 1t Is plain that the slave property
of the South is justly subjected to ali the
consequences of this rebellious 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 speedy close,
the details Of the plan for doing so, like all
other military measures, must in great
degree be left to be determined by particu-
lar exigencies. The disposition Of other
property belonging to the rebels that be-
comes subject to our arms is governed by
the circumstances of the case. The Gov
eminent has no power to hold slaves, none
to restrain n slave of his liberty, or TO exact
his service.
1t has right, however, to use the volun-
tary services of slaves liberated by war from
their rebel masters, like any other property
Of tho rebels, in whatever mode may be
most efficient for the defense ofthe Govern
ment the prosecution of the war and the
suppression of the rebellion. 1t is as clear
ly right of the Government to arm slaves,
when it may become necessary, as it is to
use gunpowder taken from the enemy
. Whether it is expedient 10 do so is purely
military question. The expediency must
>, be determined by circumstances, keeping in
: view the great object of overcoming the reb.
er els, re-establishing the laws and restoring
peace to the nation.
1t is vain and idle for the Government TO
g carry on this war, or hope to maintain its
existence against the rebelious forces, with
k out employing all the rights and powers of
war. As has been said, the right to de-
+ prive 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
S enemy in the possession of such property
rs forage and cotton and military stores,
: and the means of constantly reducing them,
rr would be madness. 1t is, therefore, equal
madness to leave them in peaceful and se-
Ks cure possession Of slave property, more val
liable and efficient to them for war, thar
forage, cotton AID military stores. SucI
n policy would be national suicide.
,e What to do with that species of property
:, is a question that time and circumstance
=" will solve, and need not be anticipated fur
ther than to repeat that they cannot be
O. held by the Government AS slaves
ie would be useless to keep them as prisoner,
le Of war; and self preservation, the highes
L duty of a government, or of individuals, de
r mands that they should be disposed of ol
tx employed in the most effective manner that
K will tend most speedily TO suppress the in
III sunection and restore the authority of the
m Government. If it shall be found that The
o. men who have been held by the rebels a
oy slaves are capable of bearing arms and per
ht forming efficient military services, it is thu
u right, aud may become the duty ofthe Gov
or ernment to arm and equip them, and EN-
ploy their services against the rebels, unde
as proper military regulation, discipline AM
ed command.
TO- But in whatever manner they may b
p- used by the Government, it is plain thai
nd once liberated by the rebellious acts of thei
he masters, they should never again be restor
'p- ed to bondage. By the masters treaso
on and rebellion, he forfeits all right to tn
nd labor and service of his slave; and the slav
of the rebellious master, by his service t
rs, the Government becomes justly entitled t
lat freedom and protection.
he The disposition TO be made of the slave
on of febels, after the close of the war, can b
er- safely left to the wisdom and patriotism
de- Congress. The Representatives of the PEI
it pie will uuquestionably secure to tho 10y
rec Shareholders every right which they are e
tly titled under the Constitution of the countr
ion WATCH THEM-All railroad bridges
ov- the North, the preservation of which is il
lst, portant in military sense, and all arseua
he aud manufactures of Government propert
he should be watched with the utmost viga
its ence. The bridge burning in eastern Te
ous nessee will exasperate as we'll as disheartt
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