The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1863-12-10

oulid only from the sound, and that test
- sufiiciently Liberal one which accepts
= sound aleo every we'll made and sworn
feceetataon Of Bis former unsoun dness.-
p Y u 90 proper to require as = test of
adn nsaen % the political body an oath Of
allegiance 70 the Constitution Of the Uni
ted States and Union under it. vbv also
TO laws and proclamations in regard to
slavery. These laws and proclsmations
ware enacted and put forth for the nur-
pose Of aiding the suppression Of the re-
bellion. To give their fullest effect there
had TO be pledge for their maintenance.
In my judgement they have aided and
will continue to aid the cause for which
they were enacted. To give up this
principle would be not only to relinquish
. lever Of power, but would also be !
cruel and astounding breacho faith. l
may add At this poin, that while I remain
in my present position shall not attempt
to retrsct or modify the emancipation
proclamation nor shall / return to slavery
any person who is free by the terms of the
proclamation, or BY any act Of Congress
For these and other reasons, it is though s
best that the support of these provisions
shall be included 10 the oath. and it 10 be.
iieved the executive may lawfully claim il
10 return for pardon and restoration of
forfeited rights which he has q 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
abrogating power of legislation and Su-
preme Judicial decision. The proposed
scquiesence of the national executive on
any honorable temporary State arrange
ment for the freed people is made with
the view of possibly modifying the con-
fustion and restitution which must at best
attend all classes by total revolution of
labor throughout the whole State. 1.
is hoped that the already deeply afflicted
people 10 these States may be somewhat
more ready TO give up the cause of their
affection, and to this extent these vital
matters are left 10 themselves, while no
power Of national executive TO prevent an
abuse is abridged by proposition
The suggestion 10 the proclamation as to
maintaining the political frame works Of
the States on what is called reconstruc-
,ion is made in the hope that it may be
good without the danger of harm. 1t will
save labor andavoid great confusion. Blu.
why any proclamation now upon this SUBJ
ject! This question is put with the con-
fiicting views that the step might be de-
delayedtoo long, or be taken too soon. In
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 b
rather than d. or that of A, and if A and
b should agree, how can they know, but
the general government here will reject
their plan. BY the proclamation a plan
is presented which may be accepted by
them as rallying point and which they
are assured in advance will not be reject
ed bere This may bring them to act
sooner than they otherwise would. The
objection TO premature presentation Of
a plan BY the national executive consist.
ia the DAGGER of committal in points
which could be more safely left to
farther developments.
Care has been taken to SO shape the
document As 10 avoid embarrassment from
this source in saying that on certain terms
certain classes will be psrdoned with their
rights restored 1t is not said these
classes in other terms will ever be in
cluded In saying reconstruction will be
accepted If presented 10 a specified way.
Ii is not said it will never be accepted if
presented 10 specified way. 1t is not
said it will never be accepted in any 9TH
er way.
The movements and State action for
emancipation 10 several Of the States no,
included in the Emancipation Proclams
ton, are matters of profound qualification,
and while | do not repeat in detail what
have heretofore so earnestly urged on tn
subject, my general views and feelings re-
main unchanged, and | trust that Con
gress will omit no fair opportunity of aid
ing these important steps to the great con-
summation. 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 power alone can
we look yet for time, to give confidence
to the people in contested regions tina,
the insurgent power will not again over
run them. Till that confidence shall be
established little can be done any where
for what is called reconstruction. Our
chief care must still be directed to our
army and navy. who have thus far borne
their harder part so nobly and well /; and
it may be esteemed fortunate that in
giving the greatest efficiency to their in
arms, we do also honorably
encourage gallant men, from commander
to sentinel, who compose them, and 10
whom more than to all others, the world |
stands indebted for the home of freedom |
disenthralled, regenerated, enlarged and
perpetuated.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
Dec. s, 1868.
PROCLAMATION.