Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1862-09-30
The Presidents Emancipation Proclamation

The Presidents Emancipation Proclamation
The decisive step has at last been taken by
President Lincoln. The issue on which the war
il to be hereafter waged has been stated. The
policy of the campaign has been authorltatiyely
announced Emancipation, as a war measure,
has at length been resorted to, and the mighty
word which will make this Republic free mas
been spoken President Lincoln has obeyed the
impulses OF his own heart, the conviction of his
Judgment, and the ardent and impatient wish Of
twenty million Of people, by initiating the
movement which will result in the speedy free
dom OF nine-lenths of the slaves in the United
States, and the gradual emancipation of the re-
ma ming tenth This is the greatest victory Of
the war, the most damaging blow which the re-
bellion has yet received, and the grand utter
ance which will thrill through the North like
inspiring buge notes. rallyng to the govern
ment millions whose eyes had grown weary
with watching for the dawnng light Of the day
of freedom Let us, with devout thanksgiving,
praise the great Dsposer Of human events, that
he has put it into the heart of Abraham Lincoln
to wed his name to this great, browning, and
benefcent act of the 10th century.
OF the details of this Proclama ton there is
hardly need to speak. They are SO plain and
explicit that the most ultra prosavery turnkey
cannot mistake their meaning. They have but
one Interpretation, and that is wholly in the in
terest Of freedom. The President announces
that the war is to be waged hereafter US hereto
fore - for the object Of practically restoring the
Constitutional relation between the United
States and the people thereof in the States
where that relation is, or may be suspended or
disturbed" To this end, on the first day of
January next, rebelious territory is to be made
tree. and all slaves within such territory are to
be absolutely and Internationally enancipated
and the Federal power is pledged to maintain
such freedom. The time until the first Of Jan
sary is gwen as locus pGnitent'g to such IN
.ureent States as shall ureer To take theii
chances OF saving slavery, by returning to thell
allegiance to the old Gag rather than by con
tlnulug their treason.
But this is not all of this Proclamation. Pres
ident Lincoln goes further, and commands ODE
dience to the laws of the lands, and orders al
military and naval officers " to observe, ODE.
and enforce these laws. The sections OF tn
laws OF the last Congress referred to are broa'
aud comprehensive, and as our armies advanc
South, will, II enforced, us they now must be
practically abolish slavery We trust this wi
settle The question of obedience to the laws c
the land and that We shall hear no more ira
torous suggestions that the civil power OF tn
nation must not NEEDLE with the conduct OF tn
the war, or the pro-savory instincts OF some q
our Generals. The word has now been spoke
by the commander in-chief of the army and ma
w, and the soldier has but one duty and tina
is unhestating and complete obedience
The great truth, that it is only through til
destruction of Slavery that this Republic ca
bs preserved, has now taken national expression
The people have believed it for months, and tn
Government uttes it to-day. 1t is the grea
lesson Of the war taught by the fierce and mul
derous attacks OF Slavery upon the Nations
life. That truth, this shining watchword,
nov inscribed upon our banners, i'radiatlu
them with new glory and significance. A
Mcclellan marches his victorious army agai
INTO Virginia, it goes to libera,e the men of III
south, of whatever color, from the oppressio
of treason aud traitors. IL now makes issu
with treason and the Coniederacy which res
rpon slavery as iIs browning excellence and chi
support, the nation lighting iot liberty Il