The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1863-12-17

tainance. In my judgment they have
aided, and will further aid the cause
for which they were enlisted. To give
up this principle would be not only to
reliDquish lever of power, bat would
also be cruel and astonishing breach
of faith.
/ may add at this point that while
remain in my present position l shall
not attempt to retract or modify the
Emancipation Proclamation, nor shall
I return to Slavery any person ,oho is
free BIZ the terms Of tie Proclamation,
nor by any act of Congress-.
For these, and other reasons, il is
thought best that the support of these
provisions shall be included in the oath,
and it is believed that the Executive
may lawfully claim it in return for par.
don and restoration of forfeited rights,
which he has clear constitutional power
to withhold altogether, or grant upon
the terms which he shall deem wisest
for the public interest.
Il should be observed, also, that
this part of the oath is subject to the
modifying and abrogating power of
legislation and supreme judicial deci
sion. The proposed acquiescence Of
the National Executive in any honora-
BILE temporary State arrangements for
the freed people, is made with the view
of possibly modifying the confusion and
desolation which must at first attend
all classes by total revolution of labor
throughout the whole States.
1t is hoped that the already deeply
afflicted peoble in these States may be
somewhat more ready to give up the
cause of their afflicton, and to this ex-
tent this vital matter is left to them
selves. While no power of the Ma
tional Executive to prevent an abuse
, is abridged by the proposition, the sug-
ges.ion in the proclamation as to man.
aging the political framework of the
States, or what is called reconstruction,
is made in the hope that it may be
, good without the danger of harm, and
. will save labor and avoid great confu-
sion.
But any proclamation upon this ques-
ton is beset with the conflicting views
that the step might be delayed too long,
or taken too soon. Some elements for
: resumption seem ready for action, but
remain inactive apparently, for want
of a rallying point or plan of action.
!, Why shall adopt the plan of A rath-
er than of b; and if A and B should
agree, how can they know that the
: general Government here will respect
t their plan? By the proclamation, a
: plan is presented which may be aceep-
> ted by them as a rallying point, and
}, which they are assured in advance will
e not be rejected here. This may bring
: them to act sooner than they otherwise
t would. al-I
D The objection to a premature presen.
tation of plan by the national exc
!. cutive, consists in the danger of COM
. initial, or what could be more safely
left to further developments. Care has
f been taken TO so shape the document
s as to avoid embarrassment from this
e source.
r In saying that on certain terms GER
;. tain classes will be pardoned, with their
G rights restored, it is not said other
O classes on other terms will ever be in
t cluded.
Iu saying reconstruction will be
v accepted if presented in specified
g way, it is not said it will never be ac-
2 cepted in any other way.
n The movements in State action for
J. emancipation in several ofthe States not
n included in the Emancipation Procla-
8 nation, are matters of profound graft
e fication and while / no not repeat in
!, detail what have heretofore SO earnest
j; ly urged on this subject, my general
e views and feelings remain unchanged,
; and / trust that Congress will omit no
y fair opportunity of aiding these impor-
tant steps to tho great cOnsumma!ion.
q In the midst of other cases, however
o important, we must not lose sight of
, the fact that the ,oar. po,cer as still our
! main reliance. To that power alone
o can we look yet, for time to give conf
. dence to the people in the contested
regions that the insurgents power will
, not again over run them. Until that
confidence shall be established, little
6 can be done anywhere for what is called
3 Reconstruction" Hence, Our chief
care must still be directed to our army
5 and many, who have thus far borne
themselves so nobly and well. And il
may be esteemed fortunate that in Civ
. ing the greatest efficiency to their in
> dispensable arms, we do also honora-
!. bly, encourage the gallant men, from
: commander to sentinel, who compose
y them, and to whom, more than all
!, others, the world stands indebted for
the home of freedom disenthralled, re-
/ generated, enlarged and perpetuated.
(Signed9 ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
), WASHINGTON, Dec, 8. 1863. F''' -
+ From Washington.