The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1862-12-04

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tofore colored people have fed North.
to some extent, from bondage and now
perhaps from both bondage and desti-
tuition; but if gradual emancipation and
be adopted, they will have
neither to flee from. Their own mas
tiers will give them wages, at least till
now laborers can be procured, and the
freed men in turn will gladly give their
labor for wages, till new homes can be
found for them in congenial chimes,
ana with people of their own blood and
race. This proposition can be trusted
on tne mutual interests involved, and,
IN any event, cannot the North decide
for itself whether to receive them.
Again as praticed proves more than
theory in any case, has there been any
Eruption northward because eff the alb
olishment of slavery in the District of
Columbia last spring? What l have
said of the proportion of free colored
persons to the whites in the District of
Columbia is from the census of 1860,
having no reference to persons called
contrabands, nor to those made free by
the act of Congress abolishing slavery
here.
The plan consisting of these articles
is recommended, not but that restora-
ton of the national authority would be
accepted without its adoption, nor will
the war or proceedings under the proc
clamation of September 22d, 1862, be-
stayed because Of the recommendations
of this plan. Its timely adaptation 1.
doubt not would bring restoration, and
thereby stay both, and Notwithstanding.
this plan.
The recommendation that Congress
provides by law for compensating any
State which may adopt the emancipa-
ton act before this plan shall have been
acted upon, is hereby earnestly re-
newed. Such would only be an ad-
vance part of the plan and the same ar
guments apply TO both. This plan is
recommended as means not in con-
clusion of, but additional to all others
for restoring and preserving the nation
al authority throughout the Union. The
subject is presented exclusively in its
economical aspect. The plan would, [
am confident, secure peace more speed
lily than can be done by force alone,
while it would cost lest considering
amounts and manner of payment and
times of payment, and the amounts
would be easier paid than will be the
additional cost of the war if we rely
solely upon force. 1t is most likely
that it would cost no blood at all.
The plan is proposed as permanent
constitutional law. 1t cannot become
such without the concurrence, first, Of
two-thirds of Congress, and afterwards
three-forths of the States. The requi-
site three-quarters of the States will nee
essarily include seven ofthe slave States.
If obtained, it will give assurance of
their severally adopting emancipation
at no distant day, on the new constitu-
tional terms. This assurance would
end the struggle now, and save the.
Union forever.
do not forget the gravity of paper addressed
to the Congress of the nation, nor do forgetthat
some few are my seniors, or that many of you have
more experience than l in the conduct of public
affairs
Yet trust that in view of the great responsible
lty resting upon me, you will perceive no want of
respect to yourselves in any undue earnestness 1
may seem to display.
Is it doubted then that the plan | propose if
adopted will shorten the war, and thus lessen its
expenditure of money and blood? Is it doubted
that it would restore the national prosperity and
perpetuate both indefinitely?
Is it doubted that if we here Congress and Ex-
ecutive can secure its adoption, the good people
respond to united and earnest appeal from us?
Gan we, can they by any other means certain
ly or so speedily assure these vital objects? We
can succeed only by concert
1t is not can any of imagine better, but still
| the question recurs, can We do better.
The dogmas of the quiet past are 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 must think and act anew;
we must disenthral ourselves, and then we shall
save country.
Fetto,C-cstizens: We cannot escape history. We
of this Congress will be remembered in spite of
ourselves. No personal significance or insignif--
canoe can spare one or another of us. The fiery
trial through which We pass will light US down in
honor or dishonor to the latest generation. We
say are for the Union. The world will not for
save the Union. The world knows we do know how
to save. We, even we, hold the power and bear
the responsibility.
In giving freedom to the slave we insure freedoms
| to the free. Honorable alike in what we give and
what We preserve, we shall nobly save or meany
lose the last best hope of the earth.
Other means may succeed, this could not fail
The way is plain, peaceful, generous, just, way
which, if followed the world will applaud, and God
| must forever bless.
(Signed) ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
Washinpto Dec 1850