Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1863-12-16

sentiment there j. much improved. at |
home the same measures have been fully |
discussed, supp Ioried. criticised and de-
uounced, and the annual elections follow |
ing are highly encouraging to those whose
duty il e 10 pilot the county through |
this great trial Thus We have the reek- |
ching. The crisis which threatened 10 |
d .vided the friends of the Union is past.
Looking now 10 The present end future,
and with reference 10 resumption OF the
National authority within the States
where that authority has been suspended,
have thought fit to issue proclamation
copy of which is herewith transmitted.
On examination of this proclamation 1t
will appear, as is believed, amply justified
by the Constitution True the form Of en-
oath is given, but no man is eoerced to
take il. \ man is only promised par
don in case he voluntarily takes the oath.
| The Constitution authorizes the EXecu-
tive 10 grant il on these terms, as Is fully
established by Judicial and other author
tiles. Ii is also offered that il many OF
the States named, real government shall
| be in the mode prescribed set up, such
government shall be recognized and guar
anteed by the United States, and that
under it the State shall on the constitu-
tional conditions be protected against in
vasion and domestic violence. The con-
stitutional obligations of the United
| States TO guarantee TO every State IN the
Union, a republican form of government,
and TO protect the State in the cases stat
ed, is explicit and full but why tender
the benefit of this provisl on only to
State Government set up in this partlcu-
lar wayi This section of the Constitution
contemplates case wherein the elements
within State favorable to q Republican
Government in the Union, may be too
feeble for an opposite and hostile element
external TO and even within the State,
and such are precisely the cases with
which we are now dealing. An sttempt
10 guarantee and protect revised State
Government constructed in whole or in
preponderating part from the very ele-
ment against whose hostility and violence
it is TO be protected, is simply absurd
There must be test to separate opposing
elements, so as u build only from the
sound. and that test is sufficient liberal
one which accepts as sound whoever viii
make a sworn recantation of his former
unsoundness. But if it be proper to re-
ouire as a test Of admission to the politi-
cal body an oath of allegiance to the Con-
stitution of the United States and TO the
Union under it, why also TO laws end
proclamation in regard to slavery Those
laws and proclamation were enacted and
put forth for the purpose of aiding in the
suppression of the rebellion. To give
them THEN fullest effect. there had to be
a pledge for their maintenance. In my
judgement they have aided and will fur
ther aid the cause for which they were
enlisted. To give Hp this principle
would be not only 10 relipquish lever OF
power. but would also be a cruel and as
founding breach of faith. ] may add at
this point, that while l remain in my
present position shall not attempt to re-
tract or modify the Emaneipatlon Procla-
nation, nor shall return TO slavery any
person who is free 10y the terms OF the
Proclamation, or by any act OF Congress.
For these and other reasons 1t Is thought
best that the support of these persons
shall be included in the oath, and 1t be
lieved the executive may lawfully claim
it in return for pardon and restoration of
protected rights, which he has clear con-
stitutional power to Withhold altogether or
grant upon the terms which he shall deem
wisest for the public interest. 1t should
be observed, also, that this part OF the
oath is subject to the modifying and abb
, rogatIng power of legislation and supreme
, judicial decision. The proposed acquies-
cence of the National Executive in any
honorable temporary State arrangement
for the freed people, is made with the
view of possibly modifying the confusion
and destitution which must attend all
classes by a total revolution of labor
, throughout whole States. IL Is hoped
that the already deeply afflicted people
in those States may be somewhat more
ready to give up the cause OF their atnc-
, ton, and to this extent, this vital matter
, is left TO themselves, while no power OF
, the National Executive to pervert an
abuse is abridged by the proposition. The
9 suggestion in the Proclamation as 10
! maintaining the political framework OF
, the States, or what is called reconstruc-
. ton, is made in the hope that IL may dc
good without the danger of harm. 1t
will save labor and avoid great confusion,
, but why any proclamation now upon the
subject? This question is beset with the
conflicting views that the step might ee
DELAYED too long, or be taken too soon.--
8 In some. elements for resumption seem
! ready for action, but remain inactive, sp-
! parently for want of q rallying point-a
; plan of action. Why shall A adopt the
plan Of B, rather than B that of A, and
! | If A and B should agree, how can they
: know that the general Government
Z here will respect their plan By the
Proclamation plan is presented which
, may be accepted by them as rsllying
point, and which they are assured IN adj
. vance will not be rejected here. This
: NAV bring them to the act sooner than
: they otherwise would. The objection TO
! to premature presentation of plan by
the National Executive, consists IN the
danger of commitment in points which
could be more safely left to further deyeL
opements. Care has been taken to shape
. the document so as to avoid embarrass
ment from this source. in saying that on
certain terms certain classes will be par
= doned with their rights restored. IL L
: not said that other classes on other terms
! will never be included, in saying that &
: reconstruction will be accepted II present
ed in specified way; il is not SAID ina
> il will never be accepted III any othel
\ way. The movements by State action!
for emancipation in several OF the States
not included in the Emancipation Procla
nation are matters of Profound congrat
I ulation, and while | do not repeat IN de
tail what have heretofore so earnestl!
. urged upon this subject, my general view
= and feelings remain unchanged, and
: trust that Congress will omit no fair op
= portunity of aiding these important step:
: to the great contamination. In the mids
of other cares however important, W.
: must not lose sight of the fact that the
= = war power is still our main reliance. II
= that power alone can we look yet for
: : time 10 give confidence to the people II
. the contested regions that the iusurgen
power will not again overrun them. I'm
!, til that confidence shall be established
, little can be done anywhere for what L
called reconstruction {; hence our chic
= care must still be directed to our arm!
= and navy. who have thus far borne thei