Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1863-12-18

The constitution authorizes the Executive to grant
or withhold the pardon at his own absolute discre-
tion and thinipcI the power to grant on terms,
as is fully blished by judicial and other anthor-
tiles. 1t has also proAsred that if in any OF the
States named, State government shall be recog-
nized and guaranteed by the United States, unoer
it the State SHALL on the constitutional conditions,
be protected against invasion and domestic Tio-
lence.
THE PROPOSED RE CONSTRUCTION
The constitutional obligation of the United states
to guarantee to every State in the Union rePuon.
can form of government, and to protect the state
in the cases stated, is explicit and full. But why
tender the benefits of this provision only to state
government set up in this particular wayE IMs
section of the consultation contemplates case
wherein the element within State favorable 10
republican government in the Union, may De LOO
feeble for an opposite and hostile element external
to or even within the State and such are precisely
the cases with which we now dealing. An at
tempt to guarantee and protect revived State gov
eminent, constructed in whole or in prePonderatng
part from the very element against whose bosuity
and violence it is to be protected is simply ABSURD.
There must be test by which to separate the op-
posing elements so as to build only from the sound;
and that test is sufficiently liberal one which ac-
ceptS as sound whoever will make sworn recan-
tation Of his former movements But ii 1t be prop
per to require test Of admission to the political
body an oath of allegiance to the United States and
to the Union under it. why not also to the laws and
proclamatiOns in regard to slavery?
THE OATH.
The laws and procamatons were enacted and put
forth for the purpose of aiding in the suppression of
the rebellion. To give them their fullest effect,
tnere had to be pledge for their maintenance. In
nv Judgment they have aided and will further aid
the cause for which they were intended. To now
abandon them, would be not only to relinquish
Ieyer,ei power, but would also be a cruel and aston
ishing breach Of faith. | may add at this point,
UhiLe remain in msy present position, shall not
attempt to r6tract modify the emancipation pro-
elimination, shall return to SLAVERY any person
sch0 is free By The terms Of that prOcL0SaGtiOn or by
any of the acts Of Congress- For these and other
reasons, it is thought best that support of these
measures shall be included in the oath; and it is
believed that the Executive may lawfully claim it
in return for pardon and restoration of forfeited
rights which he has a clear constitutional power to
withhold altogether, or grant upon the terms he
shall deem best for the public interest 1t should
be observed also that this part of the oath sub
iect to the modifying and aorogating power of leg
islaton and supreme judicial decision.
THE REVOLUTION IN THE LABOR SYSTEM.
The proposed acquieSence of the national Execu-
tive in any reasonable temporary State arrangement
for the freed people is made with the view of pos.
sibly modifying the confusion and restitution which
must at best attend all classes by total revolution
of labor throughout whole States. 1t is hoped that
the already deeply afflicted people in those States
NAV be somewhat more ready to give up the cause
of their afiicton, if to this extent this vital matter
be left to themselves while no power OF the nation
al Executive to prevent an abuse is abridged by the
proposition.
The suggestion in the proclamation as to main.
timing the political framework of the States,
what is called reconstruction, is made in the hope
that it may do good without danger of harm. 1t
will save labor and avoid great confusion. But why
any proclamation now upon the subject? The sub
iect is beSet with the conflicting views that the step
might be delayed too long, or taken too soon.
In some States the elements for resumption seem
ready for action, but remains inactive, apparently
for want of q ralying point-a plan ofaction. 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 2reSen-
ted which may be accepted by them as rallyng
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 premature presentation of
plan by the national Executive consists in the dan.
ger OF cOmmittal on points which could be more
safely left to further developments Care has been
taken to so shape the movement as to avoid embar.
rassment from this source, saying that OH certain
terms certain classes will be pardoned with rights
restored 1t is not said that other classes or other
terms will never be included saying that reconstruc
ion VIII De accepted presented IN q SpecinC way.
1t is not SAID it will never be accepted in any other
way. The movements by State action for emanci-
patton in several Of the States not included in the
emancipation proclamation, matters Of profound
graduation.
APPEAL TO CoNGRESS-THANES TO TIE ARMY AND
NAVY.
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 aiding these important steps to the great
consummaton. In the midst of other cares, how.
ever important we must not lose sight of the fact
that the war power is our main reliance. To that
power alone can We look, for time, to give conf.
dence to the people in the contested regions that
the insurSent power will not again overrun them.
Until that confidence shall be established little can
be done any where for what is called re-construc
ton. Hence, our chieest must still be direc.
ted to the army and navy, which have thus far
borne their harder part so nobly and well; and it
may be esteemed fortunate, that in giving the
greatest efficiency to these indispensable arms, we
do honorably recognize the gallant men, from COM
mander to sentinel, who compose them, and to
whom moro than to others the world must stand
indebted for the home OF freedom dsenthralled, re-
generated, enlarged and perpetuated
ABRAHAM LINCOLN. .
December 8, 1868.
THE PROCLAMATION.
The following is the proclamation referred to in
the neSSape: