Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-12-16

UIeaCu OF 1aitu. may uuu o. IhiS POiut tho.
while remain in my present position, shall
not attempt to repeat or modify the Emanci-
patton Proclamation. 1t should be observed
also that this part OF the oath is subject to
the modifying and abrogating power OF legis-
lstion, and supreme judicial decision.
The proposed acquiescence of the National
Executive in any reasonable and temporary
state arrangement for the freed psople, is
made with the view OF possibly modify ing the
confusion and destitution which must at best
attend all classes by total revolution of labor
throughout whsle States. 1t is hoped that
the already deeply afflicted people in those
States may be somewhat more ready to give
up the cause of their objective If, 10 this ex-
tent, this vital matter be left 20 themselves,
while no power of the National Executive to
prevent an abuse, Is abridged by the PROPOSE
tion.
The suggestion in the proclaim alton as to
maintaining the political framework of the
State sonlw hat is called reconstruction,is made
in the hope that it may do good without the
danger of harm. 1t will save labor and avoid
great confusion. But why any proclamation
upon this suhject This question is be-
set with the conflicting news that the step
might be delayed too long or be taken too soon.
In some States the elements for resumption
seem ready for action, but remain reactive ap,
parentiy for want of rahying point-a plan
of action. Why shall a adopt the plan of B
rather than B that of Ar And if a and B should
agree, how can they know but that the Gen
eral Government here will reject their plan
By the proclamation plan is presented which
may be accepted by them rallying point,
and which they are assured in advance will
not be rejected here. This may bring them TO
act sooner than they otherwise would.
The objection to premature presentation
o. plan by the National Executive consists
in the danger or committals on points which
could be more safely left to further develop
ments. Care has been taken to SO shape the
document as TO avoid embarrassment from
this source.
In saying that on certain terms certain clas-
rses will be pardoned with their rights restor-
ed, it is not said that other classes on other
terms will never be included In saying that
ii reconstruction will be accepted If presented
In specified way, it is not said that it will
never be accepted in any other way.
The movements, by State action, for ernan-
cipatioH ip several of the States not included
in the Emancipation Proclamation, are mat
tiers of profound gratulation.
And while do not repeat in detail what
have heretofore so earnestly urged upon this
subject, my general views and feelings remain
unchanged, and trust that Congress will
omit no fair opportunity of aiding these steps
to the great consummation.
In the midst of other cares, however impor-
tant, We must not lose sight of the fact that
the war power is still our main reliaDce-to
that power alone can we look, yet for a time
TO give confidence TO the people in the con-
tested regions that the insurgent power will
not again overrun them. Until that conf
dence shall be established little can be done
:nywhere for what is called Reconstruction
nence, our ehiefest cares must still be directed
TO the army and navy, who have thus far
bornc their harder part so nobly and well; and
1t may be esteemed fortunate that in giving
the greatest efficiency TO these indispensable
armies, We do also honorably recognise the
gallant men, from commander to sentinel,
who compose them aud to whom more than to
others the world must stand indebted fo- the
home OF freedom, disenthralled, regenerated,
enlarged and perpetuated.
4 ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
DECEMBER s, 1868.
The following is the Proclamation appended
TO the Message:
PROCLAMATION.
Whereas, In and by the Constitution of the
United States, IL is provided that the Presi
dent shall have power to grant reprieyes and
pardons for an otfense against the United
States, except in cases of impeachment aud
WEereas, A Rebellion now exists whereby
the loyal State Governments of several States
have for long time been subverted, and many
persons have committed and are now guilty
of treason against the United States, and
Whereas, With reference to said rebellion
and treason, laws have been enacted by Con-
gress declaring forfeitures and confiScation OF
property and liberation Of slaves, all upon
terms and conditions therein stated aud also
declaring that the President was thereby
thorized at any time thereafter, 10y proclama-
tion, to extend to persons who may have par
ticIpated in the existing rebellion in any State,
or part thereof, pardon and amnesty. with
such exceptions and at such times and on such
conditions as he may deem expedient for the
public welfare, and
Whereas, The Congressional declaration
for limited and conditional pardon accOrds
with the well-established judicial exposition
of the pardoning power, and
Whereas, With reference to the said Rebel
lion the President of the United States has
issued several proclamations with provisions
in regard TO the liberation OF slaves, and
Whereas, Il is now desired by some persons
heretofore engaged in the said Rebellion TO
resume their allegiance TO the United States,
and to reinangurate loyal State Governments
within and for their respective States;
Therefore 1 , Abraham lincoln, President of
the United States, do proclaim, declare and
make known to all persons who have directly
o bv implication partcipat ed in the existing
Rebellion, except as hereinafter excepted, that
full pardon is hereby granted to them and
each OF them, with restoration of all rights of
property, except to slaves, and in property
cases where the rights of third parties shall
have intervened, and upon the condition that
every such person shall take and subscribe an
oath invioate, and which oath shall be regis
tered for per manent preservation, and shall be
of the tenor and effect following, to wit:
II, -, do solemnly swear in presence
OF Almighty God, that will henceforth faith
fully support, protect and defend the Consti
tuition of the United States and the Union of
the States Hereunder, and that will, in like
manner, abide by and faithfully support all
of CODprasS passed dnriDp fha
Rebellion with reference to slaves, so long
and far as not renaaled rnndife or bel