, 1862-12-20

toration of national authority would be accepted
without its adoption, will the war or proceedings
under the proclamation OfSept. b. 1852 be stayed,
because Of the recognition of this plan. Its timely
adoption doubt not, would bring restoration, and
thereby stay both. Notwithstanding this plan, the
recommendation that Congress provide by law for
cOmpensatng any State that may adopt emancipa-
ton before this plan is acted on is hereby earnestly
renewed. This plan is recommended as a measure,
not in conclusion Of but additional to, all others for
restoring and preserving the national authority
throughout the Union. The subject is presented
exclusively in its economical aspect The plan will,
confident, secure peace more speedily than can be
done by force alone. 1t would cost less considering
the amount and manner of payment and the times of
payment, and amounts would be easier paid than will
be the additional cost of the it we rely solely on
force. 1t is most likelyi will cost no blood at all
The plan is proposed as permanent, constitutional
law. IF obtained now upon constitutional terms with
Union forever.
do not forget the gravity of paper addressedt to
the Congress Of the nation by its Chief Magistrate,
nor do forget that some few Of you are my Seniors
or that many of you have more experience than IN
the conduct of public affairs yet trust in view Of
the great responsibility resting upon me, you will
perceive want Of respect to yourselves in any un-
due earnestness l may seem to display.
Is it doubted that the plan | propose, If adopted,
will shorten the war: and thus lessen its eXpendl-
lures Of money and blood! Is it doubted that 1t
would restore the national prosperity, and perpetu-
ate both indefinitely Is it doubted that if Congress
and the Executive Commite secure its adoption, the
good people will respond to united and earnest ap-
peal from US ! Can we, they by any other means
SO certainly or so speedily these vital objects
We can succeed only be concert; is not any of
imagine better, but any Of us do better Ob-
iect what and hOwsoeYer possible, still the question
recurs, g Can do betterY' The dogmas of the
quiet past inadequate to the stormy present. The
occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must
rise with the occasion. AS our case is new, so we
must think and act anew. We must disenthral our
selves, and then we shall serve our country Fellow
citizens, cannot escape history we, of this Con
gress will be remembered in spite of ourselves. No
personal significance insignifcance can spare one
or another Of us. The fiery trial through which we
pass will light us down in honor dishOnor to the
last generation We say we are for the Union. The
world will not forget while say this that we know
how to save the Union. The world knows we do
know how to save. We hold the power and bear the
responsibility. In giving freedom to the slave, we
insure freedom to the free and honorable alike. In
what we give and what we preserve, we shall noby
save or eanly lose the last best hope Of earth 9th
er means may succeed. This could not fail. The
way is plain, peaceful and glorious Just such way
which, if followed, the world will applaud and God
must forever bless. ABRAHAM LINCOLN.