The Union. [volume] (Georgetown, Del.) 1863-1866, 1863-12-18

those States may be somewhat more ready to
give up the cause of their affiiction If, to this
extent, this vital matter be left to themselves,
while no power of the National Executive to
prevent an abuse is abridged by the PROPOSE
tion.
The suggestion in the proclamation, as to
maintaining the political framework Of the
States on what was called reconstruction, IS
made in the hope that it may do good, with
out the danger of harm. 1t will save labor
and avoid great confusion. But why any
proclamation now upon the subject? This
question is beset by the combating views that
the step might be delayed too lrng or be taken
too soon. In some States the elements of
resumption seem ready for action, but remain
inactive, apparently, for want OF rallying
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 can they know
but that the General Government here will
reject their plan BY the proclamation
plan is presented which may be accepted by
them as a rallying-point, and which, they
are assured in advance, will not be rejected
here. This may bring them to act sooner
than they otherwise would.
The objection to a premature presentation
of plan by the National Executive consists
in the danger of commttals on points which
could be more safely left to further develop
ments, Care has been taken to so shape the
document as to avoid embarrassment from
this source. In saying that on certain terms
certain classes will be pardoned, with their
rights restored it is not said that other classes
on other terms will never be included. In
| saying that reconstruction will be accepted
if presented in specified way, it is not said
i hat n xyiH ha fnd .Tsa afb ap
way.
The movements, by State action, for em2n-
cipation in several of the States not included
in the emancipation proclamation are matters
of profound graduation 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-
tunity of aidiHg these important steps to the
great contamination. In the midst of other
cares, however important 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 time to give confidence to
the people in the contested regions that the
: insurgent power will not again over-run
them. Until that confidence shall be estab-
lished little can be done anywhere for what
is called reconstruction hence our chiefest
care must still be directed to the army and
navy, who have thus far borne their harder
part so nobly and well. :
And it may be esteemed fortunate that, in
giving the greatest efhciencJto those indis-
pensable arms, we do also honorably recog-
nize the gallant men, from commander to
sentinel, who compose them, and to whom,
more than to others, the world must stand
indebted for the home of freedom disenthrall-
} ed, regenerated, enlarged, and perpetuated
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
December s, 1868.
The following proclamation is appended t.
the message
PROCLAMATION.
Whereas, in and by the Constitution of thu
United States it is provided that the Presiden
, shall have power to grant reprieves and par
dons for offences against the United States
except in cases of impeachment and whereas
. q rebellion now exists whereby the loya
/ State Governments of several States have, fo
long time, been subverted, and many persons
g have committed and are now guilty of trea
S son against the United States and whereas
with reference to said rebelliql AM treason
/ laws have boon enacted by fsJa ,tess 4cclariny
] forfeiture and confscatior OF property AM
t liberation of slaves, all upon terms an,
conditions therein stated, and also declarin,
f at any time thereafter, by proclamation, t
= extend to persons who may have participate,
t in the existing rebellion in any State or por
. thereof pardon and amnesty with such ex
s ceptions, and at such times and on sucl
conditions as he may deem expedient 70
. the public welfare anu
o Whereas, The Congressional declaration f.
= limited and conditional pardon accords will
+ we'll established judicial exposition of tn
d pardoning power: and
o Whereas, With reference to said rebellion
|, the President of the United States has issuet
G several proclamations with provisions in regart
e to the liberation of slaves; and
Whereas, 1t is now desired by some perssn
n heretofore engaged in said rebellion to resum
d their allegiance to the United States, and Il
reinaugurate loyal State Governments within
and for their respective States, .
e Therefore, l, Abraham Lincoln, Presiden
d of the United States, do proclaim, declare
: and make known to all persons who hav
S directly, OR by implication, participated il
t the existing rebellion except as hereinafte
n excepted, that a FULL PARDON is hereb
: granted to them, and each of them, with tn
a restoration of all rights of property except a
a to slaves, and in property cases when tn
G rights of third parties shall have intervented
@ and upon the condition that every sue
n pClsOn Snull tukC anu suDSCIluc all OdlD, all
o thenceforward keep and maintain said oat
i inviolate; and which oath shall be registere
: permanent preservation, and shall be of tn
t tenor and effect following, to wit
; 81 do solemnly swear, in the presence {
a Almighty God, that will henceforth faithfr
: support, protect, and defend the Constitutio
E; of the United States and the Union of tn
h States Hereunder and that | will, in lik
n manner, abide by and faithfully support a
acts of Congress passed during the existin
If rebellion with reference to slaves, so lon
# and so far as not repealed, nrodihed, or hel
d void by Congress, or by decision of the 81
1t preme Court and that Twill, in like manner
d abide by and faithfully support all proclam'
IS tons of the President made during the exis
Of ing rebellion having reference to slaves,
= far as not modified or declared void by I'll
10 decision of Supreme Court, so help me God.
y The persons excepted from the benefits
or the foregoing provisions are all who are, {
d. shall have been, civil or diplomatic Officer
y or agents of the so called Confederate Go
50 eminent all who have left judicial station
under the United States to aid the rebellion
n all who are or shall have been military
| I'll