Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1863-12-11

erument, constructed 10 whole or In preponder-
asiDR part from the very element against who're
hostility and violence II il to he pro eo.ed, 10
simply absurd. There must be test by which
to separate opposing elements, so as to build
-ooly from the sound, and that test is sufficient
and liberal one, which accepts a. sound whoev
or will make swurn recantatlon Of bis former
unsoundness.
But if il be prot or TO require as test of ad.
miesion to the political body, 40 oath Of allie
glance to the Constitution of the United States
and TO the Union under II, why not also TO the
lave and procs marions In regard to slavery Z
Those laws and proolsmstlons were enacted
and put forth for the purpose OF aiding in the
suppression of the rebellion. To give them
the fullest effect there had to be pledge for
their maintenance. In my judgment they have
aided, end will further aid, the cause for which
hey were enacted. To give up this principle
would be not on'y to reirquish lever Of pow
er, but would also be cruel and astounding
breach of faith. may add, at thi point, that
while remain 10 my present position, shall
not sttem pt 10 retract or modidy the e na1cipa'
tion Proclamation, nor shall return to slavery
sny person who is made free by the terms of
the plocla amation. or by sny act OF CoDgress.-
For these, aud other reosons, IL is thought best
that the support of these pereons shall be In
utive may lawfully claim IL in return for par
don, and the restoration of projected rights
which be has q clear constitutional power to
withhold altogether, or grant upon the terms
which he shall deem wisest for the public inter
est. II ebould 10 observed, alec. that this part
of the 90 tn is subiect to the modifying and alb
rogating pow 81 OF legislation and supreme ID
dicial decision. The proposed scquiescence OF
the National Executive In any honorabe tenn
porary State artangem ent for the freed people,
IL made with view of possibly modifying the
confusion and distressing destitution which
must, OF least, attend all classes, by a total
revolution OF labor throughout the whole Statos.
1t Is hoped that the already deeply-s FL cted
people In those States may be someNbst moi Q
ready TO give up the cause Of their filiction,
and to this extent this vital matter ia life to
themselves, while no power OF the National
Executive TO preveut an abuse is abridged by
tLis proposition.
The suggestion In the proclamation as to
maintaining The political framework Of the
States on what's cllled construction, IL made
10 the hope that II may do gooi without harm.
IL will favor labor, aud avoid great confusion.
But Why any proclamation nov up>n tie suhjeot1
This question ie beeet with the conh citing VIewE
tina: the etep might be delayed too long or be
taken TOO soon. In come of the States the
elements for rssumotion have been really for
seton; but remain inactive, apparently fof
want of a rallying point or plsn Of action.
Why shall A. adopt tie pl n of B rather
than B. that of Al Ii A. and B. should agree
how can they know that the General Govern.
ment here will espect their plant By the
proclamation, a plan lie presented which m ~ be
accepted by them as a raj yOg point, aud which
will not be rejected here. Thie may bring The m
to act sooner than they otherwise wouli. The
objection 30 premature presentation Of plan
by the National Executive, consists In the
danger OF coumittlls 10 points which could be
more safely left to further Developments Care
has been taken to 30 ehape the document as to
avoid embarrassme eat from this source. ln say
ing that, on certain terms, certain classes will
be paidoned, with their rights rest.red, IL isr 10
said that other classes, on ether terme, will
never be included. la saying that reconstruc
tion will be accepted, it presented 10 specified
way, Il ie not said that it will be accepted In no
other way. The movements by S5ate action
for EN- sBciption, not inclnded In the En- auci-
patioa Proclamation, are matters OF profound
gratulatiop; aud, while do not repeat Whist |
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 important
steps to the great cCnsu0mGtion.
10 the midst of other csree, however imDor
tant, we must Dot lose sight OF the fact that the
war power is still our main reliance. To that
power alone eau we lock ye', for time, to give
confidence TO the people in contested regirna, |
that the iDsurgent power will not again over
run them. Until that confidence shall be es |
tablished, little can be done anywhere for what
10 called reconstruction. Hence, our chieiest
care must still be directed TO our army and
nav, who have thus far borne their harder
part so noby aud we'll; aud 1t may be esteem.
Ell fortunate that, in giving the greatest Of.
fcenoy TO their Indispensable arms, we do a'so
honorably encourage gallant meo, rom com
mauder 10 sentinel, who compose them, and
to whom, more than al Others, the world
must stand indebted, for the home Of free
dom, disenthralled, regentrAted, enlarged, and
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WNHlNar:N, December 8, 1863.