Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1863-12-23

lion saud this includes the power to grant on TERMS
isis fully established BY Judicial and other antao1-
:ities ft has also profered that it in any OF the
Estates named q State government shall be Fccog-
nized and guaranteed 6y the United States, under
itthe State shall, On the constitutional conditions
be protected against invasion and domestic VIC
1ence.
< THE PROPOSED RE CONSTRUCTION
The constitutional obligation Of the United States
to guarantee to every State in the Union repuoil'
can form Of government, and to protect the State
in the cases stated is explicit and full. But why
tender the benefits of this provision only to State
government set upin this particular way This
section of tbe constitution eontempiates case
Wherein, the element within q State favorable to
republican government IN the Union, may be too
feeble for an opposite and hostile element external
to or even within the State and such are precisely
{ the eases with which we are now dealing An at.
tempt to guarantee and protect revived State gov.
ernment constructed in whole or in preponderating
part tsom the very element against whose hostility
and violence tits to be protected, is simply absurd.
There must be test by which to separate the op-
posing clements as to build only from the sound
and that test is sufficiently liberal one which acl
cepts as sound whoever will make sworn recan-
tatI0n ot1is former movements But il it be prop
per to require test Of admission to the political
body an oath of allegiance to the United States and
to the Union. under it. Why not also to the laws and
proclamatiOns in regard to slavery' 80 =,
ss - - THE OATH. ~
The laws and n.pcamatons were enacted and put
forth for the PURPOSE Of aiding in the suppression of
the rebellion To give them their fullest effect,
there had to be pledge for their maintenance. In
my judgment, they have aided, and will further aid
3 the cause for which they were intended. To now
abandon them, would be not only to relinquish a
lever Of power but would also be cruel and aston
shing breach Of faith. I may add at this point,
while Iremain in nay present position, I shall not
attempt to retract modify the emancipation pro-
clamation, shall return to SLAVERY any person
soho free By the terms Of that proclamation by
any OF the acts of Congress- For these and other
reasons. ii IS thought best that support of these
measures shall be included in the oath and it is
believed that the Executive may lawfully claim it
in return for pardon aud restoration Of forfeited
rights which he has clear constitutional power to
withhold altogether, or grant upon the terms he
shall deem best for the public interest 1t should
be observed also that this part Of the oath Is sub
ject to the modifying and aorogating power of leg
islation and supreme judicial decision.
THE REVOLUTION IN THE LABOR SYSTEM
The proposed acquiesence of the national Exeru
tive in any reasonable temporary State arrangement
for the freed people is made, with the view of pos
sbly modifying the confusion and destitution which
must at best attend all classes by total revolution
Of labor throughout whole 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 affection if TO this extent this vital matter
be left to themselves, while power of the nation.
al Executive to prevent an abuse is abridged by the
proposition.
! The suggestion in the proclamation as to main
timing the political framework of the States, on
what is MISREPRESENTATION, is made in tie hope
that it may do good without danger of harm. 1t
will save labor and avoid great confusion. But why
| any proclamation now upon thesutjeet? The SUB,
;n4;rc ~ ~,
might he delayed too long, or taken too soon. :.
In some States the elements for resumption seem
| ready for action but remains inactive apparently
| for want of raying point-a plan of action. Why
shall adopt the plan of B, rather than that of A
/ And if A and B should agree, how they know
but that the general government here will reject
| their plan? By the proclamation plan is 2resen-
| ted which may be accepted by them as rallying
! point and which they are assured ia advance will
not be rejected here. This may bring them to act
| sooner than they otherwise would
! The objection 10 a premature presentation of
plan by the national Executive copsists in the dan
| ger Of committai on points which could he more
safely left to further Developments. Care has been
taken to SO shape the movement as to avoid embar.
rassment from this source saying that on certain
| terms certain classes will be pardoned, with rights
restored. It is not said that other classes or other
terms will never be included saying that reconsruc
ton will be accepted if presented in specific way
tits not said it will never be accepted in any other
| way The movements by State action for enanci.
patton in several of the States not included in the
! emancipation proclamation are matters ofprofounl
| graduation.
| APPEAL TO CoNGRESs-THANKS To THE ARMY AND
NAVY
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 oppor.
tunty of aiding these important steps to the great
consummation. In the midst of other cares, how
ever important, must not lose sight of the fact
| that the war power is our main reliance To that
| power alone can We lock, for time, to give conf
dence to the people 10 the contested regions that
| the nsurgent power will not again overrun them
Until that confidence shall be established little can
I be done any where for what is called re-construc
ton Hence, our chelest care must still be direc-
! ted to the army and navy, which have thus far
borne their harder part 50 nobly and well; AMI it
may be esteemed fortunate that in giving the
greatest efficiency to these indispensable arms, we
do honorably recognize the gallant men, from com
mander to sentinel, who compose them, and to
whom more than to others the world must stand
indebted for the home OF freedom diSenthralled re-
generated, enlarged and perpetuated.
t.. ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
December. s, 1868.
-. THE PROCLAMATION.
The following is the proclamation referred to in
the message: :; ~-,'- a
PROCLAMATION. .-
Whereas, in and by the constitution Of the United
States it is provided that the President shah have
power to grant reprieves and pardons for offences
against the United States except in cases of i'm:
T >nd NIB 1JsonG