The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1863-03-13
FRIDAY MORNING, MARCH IS 1868
The Emancipation Proclamation.

No act Of the President has called
forth such deluge of abuse, jeers, and
constitutional twaddle from the oppo-
nents Of the Administration as the proc
lamation of freedom TO those persons
who are held in bondage in the rebellious
States, and in rebellious districts of 9TH
err States
cit is very unconstitutional y says
the Chicago Times.
at is like the Pope's Bull against the
comet !" says the New York Express.
at is Jratum f4lmen;" says the
Louisville Journal.
at is barbarous; says the Cincin-
natl Enquirer.
Thus along the whole conservative
line resounded imprecations, derision,
and lugubrious protestations
The President was a savage, fool, a
tyrant, bloody usurper, Nero, a Caligu-
Ia, cannibal murderer Of women and
children, ghoul, vampire, being
whose fsrocity made the rage of Molooh
appear meroiful, and the internal barking
of triple headed Cerberus, the melodious
voice of syren. If the President had
been nervous man he would most likely
have thrown himself where.the aforesaid
newspapers deserve to be--in the bosom
of the Potomac. 1t was well for him
that the long bowls of the wolf, and the
screams of tine wildcat lullcd his infan-
tile ears, and soothed him 10 repose, in
the wilds of Kentucky, many years ago.
EARLY associations taught him to take
things quietly.
But what is the testimony of time in re-
regard TO the efficacy of this much derided
and abused proclamation? Let us consider.
A few months ago the rebels were SAN
guine of recognition and open interven-
tion by foreign governments, in their be-
half They were satisfied that Great
Britain and France both longed for an
occasion to succor the distressed Southern
Confederacy. Many of our wisest and
shrewdest politisians thought so also,
and were deeply concerned at the immi-
nent peril Of foreign Intervention, and a
war with one or more nations Of Europe
The New York dailies which had cores
pondents in Europe, repeatedly announc-
ed that we might expect TO hear of the
recognition Of the Southern Confederacy,
and foreign Intervention by the next
steamer. The aspect of our foreign af-
Tairs was alarming The language OIL
European officials seemed studiously
frigid. We all felt that the nation could
and would soon conquer the rebels thor
oughly, if we were unmolested by for
eign powers; but we felt at the same
time that foreign intervention would cost
us many thousands more of lives, many
millions more money, and many more
years of embarrassment, darkness and
sorrow.
Now II is plain that nextto the vigor-
Gus prosecution Of the war against the
rebels, il would be high achievement Of
craftsmanship to take some step which
would turn the tide of popular feeling in
Europe in our favor, and so make it high
ly unpopular for any European govern
ment to act adversely to the interests Of
the Union. President LINCOLN surveyed
the whole ground carefully, and saw,
FirS-That Slavery was powerful
source of strength TO the rebels.
ssjScond--That Slavery was odious to
che whole Christian world abroad, as well
as to fiye-sixths of the American people.
7hird-that blow at slavery, in the re
bellious States, in the shape of an Eman .
cipaiion proclamation, would not only be
right, morally considered, but would en-
list the active sympathieS of the Euro
pean people in behalf of our Govern
ment, aud render foreign Intervention
almost impossible. He consequently
issued his proclamation to take effect on
the first day Of the present year. The
results, hitherto, have been highly credit
able 10 the foresight and sagacity Of the
President, The immense gatherings OF
the masses, over Great Britain, to en-
dorse and applaud the Proclamation the
eloquent orstions for the Union, delivered
by the most popular orators of Europe
the seAthing inyectiyes against negro
slavery, in tho public Journals, far sur
passing anything ever published before
all 60 to prove that the President has
sounded blast, to which the popular
heart of Europe beats in joyful response.
Why, il some strange infatuation, OF
lunacy were to drive any European mon
arch to send his armies to aid the slave
oligarehy, their soldiers would desert by
thousands, and join the flag Of freedom
The proclamation is an Official an
nouncement to the world that our Gov
eminent regards slavery, not as a national
and "vital institution" but as malig-
naRt force which is being used for lis
overthrow and utter ruin, and therefore
justly liable to extinction, This an
aouneemeni, which is in perfect harmony
with the universal voice Of christepdon,
has done more TO turn the long doubtful
tide Of public sentiment ia our favor in
Europe than any other possiblo event