The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1863-12-15

acted and put forth for the purpose of
aiding in the suppression Of the rsbell-
ion. To give their fullest effect. there
had TO be a pledge for their maintain
ance. In my judgment they have aided
and further aid the cause for which they
were enlisted. To give up this princi-
pie, would be not only to relinquish a
lever of power, but would also be cruel
and astounding breach Of faith. / may
add to this point, that while l remain in
my present position, shall not attempt
10 relrace or modify the Emancipation
Proclamation, nor shall return to slave
ry any person who is free by the terms Of
the Proclamation, or by any acts Of Con
gress for these and other resolutions it
is thought best that the support Of these
persons shall be included in the oath,
and it is believed the Executive may
lawfully claim it in return for pardon
and restoration Of projected rights, which
he has constitutional power to withhold
altogether or grant upon the term which
he shall deem wisest for the public inter.
est. 1t should be observed also that
this part Of the oath is subject to the
modifying and abrogating power of leg.
islation and supreme judicial decision.
The proposed acquiescepce of the ma
tional executive in any honorable tempo.
rary State arrangements for the freed
people, made with the view of possibly
modifying the confusion and destitution
which must at best attend all classes,
by great Revision OF labor through
out the whole States. 1t is hoped that
the already deeply afflicted people in
these States may be somewhat more
ready to give up the cause of their Attic
tion, and to this entent, this vital matter
is left exclusively to themselves. while
no power Of the National Executive to
prevent al abuse, is abridged by propo-
sition. The suggestion of the proclaim,
alton as maintaining of the political
frame-works of the States, on what is
called reconstruction, is made in the
hope that ii may do good without the
danger Of harm. 1t will save labor and
avoid great confusion, but why any
proclamation now upon this subject.
This question is beset with the conflict
ing views that the step might be delayed
too long or taken too soon in some ele-
ment for resumption seems ready for ac-
tion but remain inactive, apparently for
want of rallying point or plan OF &C
ton. Why shall A adopt the plan Of B
rather than B that of A, or if A and B
should agree, how can they know but
the general government here will respect
their plan? By the proclamation a plan
is presented which may be accepted by
them as rallying point, and which they
are assured an advance will not be re-
jected here. This may bring them to
act sooner than they otherwise would
The objections to premature presenta,
ton Of plan by the national executive
consists IN the danger OF commitments in
point which could be more safely left. TO
further developments care must be taken
to SO shape the document as to avoid
embarrassment from this source in say
ing that on certain terms, certain classes
will be pardoned, with their rights re
stored. its not said other classes on other
terms will ever be included, in saying
reconstruction will be accepted il pre-
scented in a specified way it is not said
whether it will ever be accepted in any
other way.
The movements in State actions for
emancipation in several Of the States mol
in the emancipation procama-
'tion. are matters of qualification and
while l don't repeat in detail what | have
heretofore so earnestly urged upon this
subject, my general view and feelings
remain unchanged, and trust that Con
gress will omit no fair opportunity OF
aiding the important steps to the great
consummalion. 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 pow
er alone can we look yet for time 10
give confidence to the people in contest
ed regions that the insurgent power will
not again overrun them until that con
fdence shall be estab lshed but little can
be done anywhere for what is called re
construction. Hence our chief care
must still be directed to our army and
navy, who have thus born their harder
part SO nobly and well, and it may be
esteemed fortunate that in giving the
greatest efficiency TO their indispensable
arms. We do also honorably encourage
the gallant men, from commander 10
sentinel. who compose them, and to
whom more than to all others the world
sand indebted for the home Of freedom,
disenthrslled, re iRstated, re enlarged,
and perpetuated.
(Signed) ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WARRINGTON, Disc 9, 1853