North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1863-12-16

But II it be proper to require, as test OF
efsadmission to the political body an oath
tiegance to the Constitution of the Unite
States, and to the Union under it, why not
also to the laws and proclamarions in regard
to slavery? Those laws and proclaulations
were enacted and put forth for the pur pose oi
aiding in the suppression of the rebellion -
To give them their fullest effect there had to
be pledge for their maintenance. In my
Judgment they have aided. and will further
To give up this principle would be not only
to relnquish lever of power, but would also
be a cruel and astounding breach IF faith.
may add at this point that while remain in
my present position, shall not attempt to
repeal or modify the Emancipation Proclama-
+! tion, e.1E.# -..a .r-si .rl5 -
| Nor shall return to slavery any person
who is free by the terms of the Proclamation
/ or by any act net of Cong ress.
| For these and other reasons it it thought
best that the support of these measures shall
| the Executive may lawfully claim it in return
/ for pardon and restoration Of forfeited rights
/ which he has clear constitutional power TO
! rithhoId altogether or grant upon the terms
which he shall deen wisest for the public in
I tercst.
| 1t should be observed, also, that this part
| Of the oath is subject to the modifying and
abroga,ing power of legislative and supreme
| judicial decision.
| The proposed acquiescence Of the National
Executive in any reasonable temporary State
arrangement for the freed people, is made
with the view of possibly modifying and ab
, rogating the confusion and desttutiOn which
must at best attend all classes by a total revo
lution Of labor thr1ughout whole States. 1t
is hoped that the already derp'y afflicted peo-
pie n those States may be somewhat more
ready to give up the cause Of their atiicion,
it. TO this extcn t, this vital matter be left to
themselves, while no power of the National
Executive to prev ent an abuse is abridged by
the proposition. =. .a... .....-.t
|. The suggestion in the proclamation as to
maintaining the political framework Of the
! States on what is called recons truction, is
made in the. hope that it may do good with
out the danger Of harm. 1t will save labor
and avoid great confusion, .... 81.
But why any proclamation now upon this
! subject? This question is beset by the con-
tlIcnng views tina the step might be delayed
too long or be taken too soon. In some States
the elemencs OF resumption seem ready for &C
tiCn, but remain inactive apparently for want
OF "a rallying polnt--a plan Of action.
Why shall y adopt the plan Of B rather
than B that OF a? And if.A and B should
agree, how can they know but that the Gen
eral Government here will reject their plan 2
| BY the proclamation a plan is presented
which may be accepted by them as a ralying
point, and which they are assured in advance
Will not be rejected here This may bring
them to act sooner than they otherwise
wonli. "
The objection to q pre- nature presentation
. Of plan by the National Executive consists
the danger Of cominilals on points which
could could be tnore safely left to further de-
vel0pments. Care has been taken to so shape
the document as to avoid embarrassment
| from this source
In saying that on certain terms certain
! classes will be pardoned, with their rights re-
/ stored, !; is not said that other classes, ON
! other terms, will never be included. Ia say
! ing hat reconstruction will be accepted il
presented in specified way, 1t is not SAID
that il never will be accepted in any other
| way. -. ......
The movements, by State action, for eman-
cIation in several Of the States not Included
i'll the Emancipation Proclamation, are mat
tiers Of profound graulation. And while do
pot repeat r detail what have heretof re So
earnestly urged upon this subject, my general
views and feelings remain unchanged, and |
trust that Congress will omit no fair opportu
| nifty of aiding these important steps TO the
! great consunmation. - ..... ....
| In the midst Of other cares however i'm
portant, we must not lose sight of the fact
that the war power is still our main reliance
Ito that power alone can we look yet for a
time, 10 give con ntidence to the people in The
contested regions that the insurgent power
will not again overrun them. Until that con-
fdence shall be esta bhshed little can be done
| anywhere for what is called reconstruction
| hence, our chiefest care mlsL still ba directed
10 the army and navy, who have thus far
borne their harder part SO nobly and 80 well
And it may be esteemed fortunate that in
| giving the greatest efficiency TO those indis
pensabIe arms, we do not also honorably rec
ognize the gallant men. from commander Ia
sentinel, who compose them and to whom
more than TO others the world must stand
] indehtad E.r the hnrna az =;