Daily national Republican. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1862-1866, 1862-12-03
THE MESSAGE.

THE MESSAGE.
The part Of the Presidents message which lie
devoted to the emancipation question 10 the
only feature which Is likely to elicit much dis
cussion. ... ....
The originality of Mr.. Lincoln's propositions
and arguments cannot fail to strike the country,
and the world, and must, therefore, call out a
pretty broad and full discussion of the slavery
question.
He proposes some alterations In the Consti.
tuition, which, Of themselves, will be considered
grave matters Of great public interest. The
chief feature of this proposed alteration upon
which we shall now comment, Is the time allow
ed to the States In which TO put an end TO
slavery.
The proposition does not meet opnHjews, for
SIS the loyal Shareholders are to be compensated
for their human chattels, 1t strikes us that Free
dom should be more speedily conferred upon
the bondman. He is entitled to his liberty to-
day, as much as his children will be thirty-sev
years hence. We can readily understand, how
ever, the Presidents purpose. 1t is to find
some common ground upon which there may
be agreement of all parties, and of men of every
The President evidently wishes to bring the
border State people to adopt an emancipation
policy which shall look to the ultimate extinc-
tion of slavery. Mr.. Lincoln would, If we un-
derstand him, lead the people of these States to
do something to save themselves from loss be-
fore 1t shall be too late; hence he proposes that
Congress and the loyal States shall tender to
them, through the forms of constitutional
amendment, motive for action. Viewing the
Presidents proposition in this light, we can
readily appreciate his views as we'll as the pa
triotism which inspired them.
There is another view Of this perplexing ques-
ton which may have Influenced the President
in offering these opinions, and arguments to the
country. The South entertain the notion very
generally that the North has no right TO enter
fere in any way with their peculiar institu-
ton - that Northern opinions and principles
are all wrong upon the subject of slavery.
They DO not therefore care TO move even when
it is proposed to pay them for their slaves, lest
it might seem like yielding to Yankee pressure
and Yankee opinion. We find this 10 be the
stick with many alaveholders with whom we
nave conversed. Mr.. Lincoln would obviate
this BY so altering the Constitution that it shall
oe deemed matter of sacred compact, and the
whole country pledge itself thus to carry out in
good faith each particular act in the great work
Of emancipation.
The Presidents argument, from his premises,
4, sound and able, aud, as we have said else
where, will make an impression upon the coun-
try.
The thirty.seven yesrs-the time fixed by the
President as the limit of slavery-will proba-
oily never be adopted, and If 1t were adopted in
form, slavery would come to an end long be.
lore 1900.
The English Government tried the appren-
I!ceshp system In their colonies, but the plant.
eT. rejected it, and took immediate emancips.
zion, and hence 100000 human beings went
free in single day. Soft will be in this coun-
try long before 1900. Nevertheless, Mr.. Lin
coan's proposition is definite one, and con.
HRry opinions may hsrnonize upon some
middle ground.
We are in favor Of compensated emsncips
sion, and we are so because we believe that tho
perpetuity Of this country under one govern
laent Is an iIaPossibility while slavery exists
moreover, We are so because we believe that the
North should bear its part Of the expense in
getting rid Of slavery. The North has shared
in the profits Of slavery, If, indeed, there have
been any profits. AT any rate, it is no NOR,
than just that the North should tax itself to ge
rid Of slavery and of all its concomitsnt evils
What is money compared to freedom7
We can cay frankly that we like the message
without pretending to agree with every view
therein presented.
1t bears upon its every page, not only mark
of sbillty and honesty, but of true statesman
ship, and we cordially commend it to the coun
try, hoping that 1t will tend greatly TO Tranquil
Hze our distracted country, and lead to the con
summation Of those grand results which "
have no doubt our patriotic President desire
so devoutlv.