Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1862-12-11

The plau consisting of these article is re-
commended, not but that a restoration of the
national authority would be accepted without
is adoption
Nor will the war, nor proceeding under the
proclamation ofSeptember %, 1862, be stayed
because Of the Recommendation of this plan. It's
timely adoption | doubt not, would bring res
torsttion, and thereby stay 10th.
And, Notwithstanding this plan, the recon-
mendation that Congress provide by law for
compensating any Estate which may adopt
EN- ancpation, before this plan shall have been
acted upon, is hereby earnestly renewed.
Such would be only an advance part of the
plan, and the same arguments apply TO both.
This plan Is recommended rs Il means, not
in exclusion OF, but additional to, all others
for restoring and preserving the national au-
thority throughout the Union. The subject is
presented exclusively in IT: economical aspect
The plan would, I am confident, secure peace
more speedily and maintain it more permanent
~ than can be done by force alone, while all
ll-would cost, considering amounts, and man
ner of payment, and time of payment would
be easier paid than will be the additional cost
OF the war, If we rely solely upon force. 1t is
much-very much--that it would cost no
blood OF all.
The plan is proposed ms permanent constitu-
tlonal law II cannot become such without
inc SohCufIcuCe ui iFslr l"o-tHiEuS VI Npi'-
gress aud, afterwards, ihree-forihs'of the States
will necessarily include seven Of the slave
States. Their concurrence, II obtained, will
give assurance of their severally adopting en-
ancipation, ut no very distant day, upon the
new constitutional terms. Tais assurance
would end the struggle now and save the u
MON forever.
do not forget the gravity which should
charnctereize paper addressed to the Con
gress OF the nation, by the Chief Magistrate
OF the nation. Nor DO | forget that some of
yon are my seniors; nor that many OF YOU
have more experience than |, in the conduct
of public affairs. Yet trust that in view of
the great responsibility resting upon me, you
will perceive no want of respect to yourselves
in any undue earnestness | may seem 10
display.
Is it doubted, then, that the plan ! propose,
If adopted, would shorten the war, and thus
lessen its expenditure of money and of bloodE
Is il doubted that il would restore the nation
al prosperity, and perpetuate both indefinite
ly? Is 1t doubled that we here, Congress and
Executive can secure its adoption " III
not the good people respond To united, aud
earnest appeal from us? Can We can they by
any other means so certainly, OF so speedily
assure these vital objects? We can succeed
only by concert. 1t Is not can aHgo5 US ~
dgiRe better" but "can We al do better" Oh
ject whatsoever is possible, still the question
recurs "can we do better" Tue dog2as OF
the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy
present. The occasion is piled high wiki diff
fculty, and we must rise with the occasion.
As our case is new, so we must think anew,
and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves,
and then we shall save our country,
Fellow-citleee 5rs cannot escape history.
We, Of this Congress and this Administration,
will be remembered in spite Of ourselves No
personal significance or insignlticance, can
spare one or another of US. The fiery trial
through which we pass will light us down in
honor OF dishonor, to The latest generation.
We say We are for the Union. The world will
not forget that we sJv this We know how
10 save the Union. The world knows We 10
know how 10 save it. Ne-eyeu srs i.r.- (
hold the power and bear the RESI- on>ililily.-
In FirI'g ireet>m 10 the s3grs, re assure Tree /
dom 10 the trsc--honorlhie al Ike in what we
give and what We preserve. We shall nobiy .
save or meanly lose the last, best, hope Of
earth. Other means may succeed, this could
not hail. The way is plain, peace'u! generous {
;ust-a way which, it followed the world viii
to-cvcr applaud, aud Col mast forever, bless.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
H.c,Ia'cr | 1862