Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1863-12-17

ly discussed, supported, criticized and de-
nounced. and the annual elections following
are highly encouraging to those whose off-
cial duty is to bear the country through this
great trial. Thus we have the reckoning
The crisis which threatened to divide the
friends of the Union is past
Looking now to the present and future, and
with reference to resumption Of the nation
al authority within the States wherein that
authority has been suspended, have thought
fit to issue proclamation, a copy Of which
is herewith transmitted
On examination Of this proclamation it
will appear, as is believed, that nothing is
attempted beyound what is amply justified
by the constitution. True, the form of an
oath is given, but no man is coerced to take
it. Tie man is only promised pardon in
case he voluntarily takes the oath.
The constitution authorizes the Executive
to grant or Withhold the pardon at his own
absolute discretion, and this Includes the
power to grant on terms, as is fully estab-
lished by judicial and other authorities.
1t is also proiiered that if in any OF the
States named State government shall be in
the mode prescribed set up, such govern
ment shall be recognized and guaranteed by
luc I blAtI hJihNtSt ludl uuICl ~ hIo
State shall on the constitutional conditions,
be protected against invasion and domestic
violence.
The constitutional obligation of the Unit
ted States to guarantee to every State in the
Union u republican form Of government, and
to protect the State in the cases stated. is
explicit and full. But why tender tho tcnc-
fits Of this provision only to a State govern
ment set up in a particular way?
This section Of the Constitution contem
plates a case wherein the element within a
State favorable to republican government
and the Union may be too feeble for an OPP
posite and hostile element, external to or
even within the State; and such are precise
" the cases with which we are now deal
ing.
An attempt to guaranty and protect re-
! vived State government, constructed in whole
or in preponderating part from the very
element against whose hostilitles and violence
! it is to be protected, is simply ABSURD
! There must be test by which to separate
| the opposing elements, so as to build only
| from the sound; and that test is sufficient
ly liberal one which accepts as sound who
| ever will make sworn recantation OF his
! former unsoundness.
| But if it be proper to require as test OF
admission to the political body an oath OF
allegiance to the constitution of the United
1 States and to the Union under it, why not
/ also to the laws and proclamation in regard
/ to slavery?
! Those laws and proclamatious were enact.
ed and put forth for the purpose Of aiding in
the suppression of the rebellion. To give
them the fullest effect there had to be a
pledge for their maintenance. in my jndg-
meut they have aided, and VII further aid
the cause for which they were intended
! To now abandon them would he lot only to
relinquish lever Of power. but would also
be cruel and an astounding breach of faith.
! may add at this point, that while remain
I III my present position, / shall not attempt
/ to retract or modify the emancipation proc
| lama;ion, nor shall returnto severy any
person who is free by the terms Of that proc
J hmation, or by any Of the acts Of Con-
/ greSS.
| For these and other reasons it is though!
best shat support Of these measures shall be
included in the oath; ana i. is believed the
Executive may lawfully claim it in return
for pardon aud restoration of forfeited rights
which he has clear constitutional power 10
/ withhold altogether, or grant upon the terms
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