Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1863-12-14
The ProcIamatIon-The objects of the
War.

On the 22d day of July, 1861, the Federal
House of Representatives, by almost unani-
nous vote, l22 to 9, solemnly declared to the
country and to the world the purposes for which
the civil war then and now being waged was to
be prosecuted. The resolution as it passed that
body reads as follows:
"Resolred by TIE House of Representatives Of TIE
Con1rsss of ne United States, That the present de-
the disunonists Of the Southern States now N revolt
against Cthe Constitutional Government and in around
the capita that in this national emergency Congress-
banhing all feelings Of passion and resentment
will recoect only its duty the whole counry that this
is not waged upon part in any spirit Of oppres
for the purpose Of oYerthrowing or interfering with the
rights established institutions Of the States but TO
defend and maintain the supremacy Of the Constitution
and tn preserv. the Union with Its dgnities. equality,
and the rights Of the several States uumpared, and that
these objects are accomplished the war ought
TO cease"
A resolution of this character could not have
passed the House with large Republican ma
jonty without its first having the sanction of the
Administration and the leading men of that par
ty. The policy set forth in the resolution was
accepted by the President, by the Cabinet and
by the dominant party in Congress as the policy
of the Government, and the country was called
upon to furnish men and money "to defend and
m1intaiD the supremacy Of the Constitution and
to preserve the Union with its dignities. equality
and the rights of the several States unim-
paired I" Prompt and liberal was the re-
sponss of the people to the call made
upon them to furnish the sinews of
war for these declared objects, and if the war
bad been waged in the spirit and for tie purposes
expressed IN the CRirrESDKs resolution ere now
the national authority would have been restored
over the people in revolt against the Constitution
al Government. Until the last message of the
President, the Executive and the party in power
had given no authoritative expression Of the OBJ
jects they proposed to accomplish in the prosecu-
ton of the war, or the line of policy they intend
ed to pursue There Is no longer room 20 doubt in
that regard. The proclamation which accompa-
mics the message and the comments in the latter
document upon the former, clearly reveals the
schemes and intentions Of the party In power.
| The President in his late manifesto presents the
issue 10 the country and il ia left to the people to
acquiesce in the policy he advocates or repudi-
ate il.
The Republican press represent that the terms
Of amnesty proposed by the President to those IN
rebellion against the government are exceedingly
moderate and fair. and as exhibiting great kind
ness OF heart. What ere those terms1 The
President offers 10 all persons who have directly
or by implication participated in the existing
rebellion, excepting certain classes. full pardon
with the restoration Of all rights and property
except to slapes, &c. upon condition that every
person shall take and subscribe the following
oath:
/ do solemnly swear in presence Of Aimisht,
God that win henccorth faithfully support, protect and
defend the Constitution Of the United States and the
Union Of the States hereunder and that VIII In k'
manner abide BY and faithfully support all acts OF Con
gress passed during The existing rebellion with reference
70 aGces far not repealed, modified or held void
By Congress or BY decision OF the Supreme Court anS
that will like manner, abide by and faithfully sup
all proclamaons Of the President made during ths
existing rebellion having references 10 sLares, 50 long
/ the Supreme Court So help me God. t
IL the oath required nothing but renewed OBJ
legation 20 support the Constitution and tb'
Union Of the States Hereunder. II would have
been fair. But the President sets up new tesl
Of loyalty. II Is not fealty 10 the Constitution
aud the Government under IL alone. but likewise
10 all the sdcn and proclamations Of the Presi
dent and the dominant party in Congress. Thi,
In fact demands Of the people Of the rebe