The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1863-12-18
W HOLE NO. 727.

public iatcrcst. 1t should he observed. also,
that this part Of the oath is subject to tho
modifying and abrogating power Of legisla-
Gon and supreme judicial decisioB. Tho
proposed cquiescen of tho NatiouaI Ex-
eculive In any honorable temporary Stale
arrangement for the freed people. Is mad0
with the view of possibly modifying tho
confusion and dest;tutiou which must at
tend all classes bv n total revolution of la
Dor throughout whole States. Ii is hoped
that tho already deeply afflicted people in
those States may bo somewhat more ready
TO give Up tho cause of their affection, and
to this extent. this vital matter is left to
themselves, while no power Of tho National
Executive 10 pervcrt an abnso is abridged
by tho proposition. The suggestion in the
Proclamation as to maintaining the politi.
cal framework of tho States, or what is
called reconstruction, is made 10 tho hope
ths; il may do good without the danger of
harm. II will save labor aud avoid great con-
fusion, but Why any proclamation now upon
this subject This question is beset with
the conflicting views that the step might be
DELAYED too long. or DO taken too soon la
some, elements for resumption seem ready
Tor action, but remain inactive. apparently
for want of rallying point, plan OF action.
Why shall A adopt the plan of b. rather
than B that Of A, and IT A and d should
agree how can they know but that the Gen.
eral Government here will reject their
plan BY the Proclamation q plan is pro-
senied which may be. accepted by them as
iallying point. and which they are assured
in advance will not be rejected here. This
may bring them 10 act sooner than they
otherwise would. The objection to pre-.
| ng ~
'ional Executive. consists in the danger of
commitment in points which could be moro
safety lett to further developments. Caro-
has been taken to so shape the document ps
10 avoid embarrassment from this source. in
saying that in certain terms certain classes
will be pardoned with their rights restored.
1t is not said that other classes on other
terms will nevoi be included. in eaying tbst
a reconstruction will be accepted If pro-
sen,ed in a specified way; it is not said that
1t will never DO accepted in any other way.
Tho movements by State action for eman-
cipation in several of tho States not in
GUIDED in the Emanci patton Proclamation, l.,
are matters of profound era ulation, and
while do not repeat in detail what have
heretofore so earnestly urged upon this sub
ject, my general views and feelings remain
unchanged, and trust that Congress will
omit no fair opportunity Of aiding these i'm.
portant steps to the great contamination,
In the midst of other cares. however i'm.
portaut, we must not lose sight of the fact
= that the war power is still our main reliance
+ To that power alone can we look yet for q
: time to give confidence to the people N the
contested regions, that the nsurgent powel
will not again overrun them. Until thai
confidence shall DO established, lite car
DO done anywhere for what is called ro
. construction henca our chief care mus
, still be directed to our army and navy, who
have thus far borne their harder part 90
nobly and we'll and it may be esteemed
fortunate that in giving the greatest eff
!, cency t, thoir in niispensablo arms. We dc
also honorably encourage gallant men, from
com mmander to sentinel, who compose them
! and to whom more than to al! others tn,
world must stand indebted for the home o.
. freedom, disenthralled, regenerated, en-
larged and perpetuated
, Ssnod1 A. LINCOLN.
Washington, Dec 8, 1868.