Mineral Point weekly tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1859-1868, 1863-12-16


The proposed acquiescence of the National
Executive in any honorable temporary state
arrangement for the freed people, is made
with the view of possibly modifying the con-
fusion which must, at best, attend r? all
classes by a total revolution of labor through
| out the revoiIed states
It is hoped that the already deeply afflicted
people in those states may be somewhat more
ready to give up the cause of their affection
to this extent, if this vital matter be left to
themselves, while no power of the National
Executive TO prevent abuse is abridged
by the proposition. The suggestion in the
proclamation to maintaining the political
frame work of the States or what is called
reconstruction, is made ii the hope that it
may do good without the danger of doing
harm. 1t viii save labor and avoid great
confusion
But why any proclamation now upon this
subject This question is beset with the
conflicting views that the step might be de
layed too long, or be taken too soon. In
some States the elements of a resumption
seem ready for action, but remain inactive,
apparently for want of rallying point or
plan OF action Why shall A adopt the plan
of B. rather than z that of A: and if 4 and
b should agree how can they know that the
General Government here will respect their
plans? BY the Proclamation a plan is pre-
scented which may be accepted by them as IA
advance viii not be rejected here. This may
bring them to action sooner than they other
wise would
The objection to premature presentation
of plan by the National Executive consists
in the danger of committal on points which
could be more safely left to future develope-
ment. Care has been taken to shape the doe
ument SO as TO avoid embarrassment from
this source. In saying that certain classes
he r1n with bai Tpl,+
1t l. not said that other classes, on other
terms, will never be included In saving
that a reconstruction will be accepted if pre-
sented in specified way, it is not said that
1t will never be accepted in any other way.
EMANCIPATION.
The movements for emancipation in seve-
raj Of the States not included in the emanci-
patton proclamation matters of profound
congratulation, and while | do not repeat in
detail what | have heretofore so earnestly
said upon this subject, my general views and
feelings remain unchanged, and trust Con
gress will omit no fair opportunity OF aiding
these important steps to the great consumma-
ton.
TRIBUTE TO SOLDIERS AND SAILORS
In the midst of other cares, however i'm
portant, we must not lose sight Of the tact
that the war power is still our main reliance.
give confidence to the people in the contested
regions that the insurgent power will not again
oyerrun them. Until that confidence shall
be established little can be done anywhere
tor what Is called reconstruction, hence our
chief efforts must be directed to the army
and navy who have thus far done their hard
er part so nobly and well. 1t may be es-
teemed fortunate that in giving the greatest
efficiency to their indispensable arms we do
al nDp
the commander to the sentinel, who compose
them, and to whom, more than all others, the
world must stand indebted for the home OF
freedom, disenthralled, regenerated, enlarged
and perpetuated.
(Signed) ABRAHAM LINCOLN
December s, 1868.
The following proclamation is appended to
the message:
PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS, By the Constitution of the United
States, it is provided President shall have
power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses
against the United States, except in cases of i'm
parchment, and
Whereas a rebellion now exists whereby the low
al state governments of several states have for
long time been diverted and many persons have
committed and now guilty of treason against
the United States and
Uherc0S, With reference said rebellion and
treason laws have been enacted by Congress, en-
acting the forfeiture and confscation of property
and liberation of slaves of all upon the terms and
conditions therein stated, and also declaring that
the President thereby authorized at any time
thereafter, by proclamation to extend pardon to
persons who may have participated the existing
rebellion in any state part of state, with s;.ch
exceptions and at such terms, and such cond
tions as he may deem e6pedient for the public well
fare; and
Whereas, the Congressional declaration tor
limited and conditional pardon accords with well
established judicial expositions of the parIoning
power and
Vhs IS, With reference to said rebellion, the
President of the United States has issued several
proclamations with provisions IN regard TO the lib
Grafton of slaves and
Uhsreas, 1t is desired, by some persons here
tofore gagged in said rebellion, to resume their
allegiance to the United States, and reinaugurate
| loyal state Governments within and for their re-
| spective States
Now therefore, l. ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President
Of the United States, do proclaim, declare and
make known to all persons who have, directly or
by Implication, participated in the existing rebel
lion, hereinafter excepted,-that a full par
don is granted to them, with the rester alton of all
their rights, upon the condition that every such
person shall take and subscribe oath and thence
forward keep and mai tain said oath invioate, and
which oath shall be recorded for permanent pre-
erraton, and shall be ef the and effect fol-
| lowing, to wit
< II do solemnly swear in the presence of Almigh
IL God, that / will henceforth faithfully support
protect aud defend the Constitution and laws Of the
United states, and the Union of the States there
under and that will, in ike manner, abide by and
faithfully support all the of Congress passed
/ during the existing rebellion with refer
| cnce to slaves, long and far
/ repealed, modified, held void by Congress.
| by the decision OF the Supreme Court; and that
l viii in like manner abide by and faithfully sup
/ port all PrOcamations of the President, made du-
| ring the existing rebellion, having reference
/ slay es so long and far modified or de-
/ cIared void by the decision of the Supreme Court
/ SO help me God.
The persons excepted from the benefits of the
/ foregoing provisions all who shall have
1 been civil diplomatic officers or agents Of the
socalled Confederate goyernm ent all who have left
judicial stations under the United states the
rebellion; all who shall have been military
naval officers of the rank of Colonel in the army
Heutensnt in the navy all who left in the
United States Congress to aid in the rebellion all
/ who resign ID their commissions the army and
/ navy Of tie United States, and afterwards aided
! the rebellion and al who have EN- gagged in any
manner in treating eoIored persons, white
T persons u such, otherwise than lawfully