Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1863-03-26
rsnms OF ADvERrIslNos
The Emancipation Proclamation.

No act OF the President has called forth
such q deluge OF abuse, jeers, and constita-
tional twaddle from the opponents of the
administration As the proclamation Of free
dom 10 those persons who are held in bond
age in the rebellious States, and in rebel
lious districts of other States.
1t is very uncenstitutional;" says the
Chicago Times. ,,',' 30.
1T is like Pope's Bull against the COM
met" says the n. Y. Express. ,.l.0-
1T IS byatum Jtt0,en;" says the Louis
vile Journal
1T is barbarous;'' says the Cincinnati
Enquirer.
Thus along the whole conservative line
resounded imprecations, derision, and lugu-
briOus protestations. t.ssg . r..
The President was savage, fool, aty-
rant, bloody usurper, Nero, Caligula,
a cannbal, murderer of women and chill.
dren, ghoul, a vampire, being whose fe-
r6city made the rage Of Moloch appear mer-
ciful, and the Internal barking Of triple
headed Cerberus, the melodious voice of a
syren. If the President had been nervous
man he would most likely have thrown him.
self where the aforesaid newspapers deserve
to be-ln the bosom of the Potomac. 1t
was well for him that the long bowls of the
wolf, and the screams Of the wild cat lulled
his infantile years, and soothed him to re-
pose, in the wiids Of Kentucky, many years
ago. Early associations taught hun to take
things quietly.
But what is the testimony of time in re-
gard to the efficacy OF this much derided
and abused proclamation? Let US considoi..
A few months ago the rebels were sarguine
Of recognition and open Intervention by for
eigu governments, in their behalf They
were satisfied that Great Britain and France
both lonfed for an occasion to succor the
distressed Southern Con,ederacy. Many of
our wisest and shrew1est politicians thought
SO also, and were deeply concerned at the
imminent peril of foreign Intervention, and
war with one or more nations of Europe.
The New York daiies which had correspon-
dents in Europe, repeatedly announced that
we might expect to hear Of the recognition
OF the Southern Contederacy, and foreign
Intervention by the neat steamer. The as
pect Of our foreign affairs was alarming
The language of European officials seemed
studiously frigid. We all felt that the ma
ton could aud would soon conquer the reb-
els thoroughly, if We we're uumolested BY
foreign powers but we felt at the same time
that foreign intervention would cost US
many thousands more of lives, many mil
lions more money, aud many more years Of
embarrassment, darkness and sorrow
Now it is plain that next to the vigorous
! prosecution OF the war against the rebels, it
would be high achievement of statesman
ship to take some step which would turn
the tide of popular feeling in Europe in our
favor, and SO make it highly unpopular for
any European government to act adversely
| TO the interests Of the ~Uniou. President
] Lincoln surveyed the whole ground CAREFUL
ly and saw, -i
Fast-Tkat Slavery was powerful source
of strength to the rebels.
iSecond-That Slavery was odious to the
whole Christian world abroad, as well as to
five sixths of the American people.
| TMrd-That blow at slavery, in the re-
bellious States, in the shape of an Emanci-
patton proclamation, would not only be
right, morally considered, but would enlist
the active sympathies of the European peo-
pie IN behalf Of our Government, and reu-
der foreign intervention almost impossible.
i He consequently issued his proclamation to
take effect on the first day Of the present
year. The results, hitherto have been highly
creditable to the foresight aud sagacity of
the President. The immense gatherings of
the masses over Great Britain, to endorse
and applaud the Proclamation; the eio-
quent orations for the Union, delivered by
the most popular orators OF Europe, the
scathing invectives against negro slavery, in
the public journals, far surprising anything
/ ever published before-al go to prove that
, the President has sounded blast, to which
the popular heart Of Europe beats in joyful
response. Why. if some strange infatus-
, ton, or lunacy were to drive any European
, monarch to send his armies to aid the Slave
, olgarchy, their soldiers would desert by
!, thousands, and join the flag of freedom.
| The proclamation is an official announce
ment to the world that our Government re-
CARDS slavery, not as national aud vital
Institution" but as malignant force which
J is being used for its overthrow and utter
/ ruin, aud therefore justly liable TO ex;nc-
tion. This announcement, which is in per.
feet harmony with the universal voice Of
chriStendom, has dJne more TO turn the
r long doubtful tide OF public sentiment in
our favor in Europe than any other posi-
Bile event. Even great national victory
: would probably have only called forth the
opinion that the American people were only
I strengthening themselves for the purpose OF
, perpetuating an odious system. Mr.. Lin
/. coin has smote the heart of Europe with
the rod, ,c OF Emancipation, and the living
|. waters Of sympathy for the Union are now
, freely flowing forth.
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