The Smoky Hill and Republican union. [volume] (Junction City, Kan.) 1861-1864, 1863-12-19

Will make sworn recantatioa of bis former
unsoundness. But if it be proper to require
a test of admission to the political body an
oath of allegiance to the Constitution of the
United States and to the Union under it,
why not also to the laws and proclamation
in regard to slavery. These laws and
proelamations were enacted and put forth
for the purpose of aiding in the suppression
of the rebellion. To give them the fulles,
effect there had to be a pledge for their
maintenance. In my judgment they have
aided and will further aid the cause fol
which they we're enlisted. To give up this
principle would be not only to relinquish a
lever Of power but it would also be cruel
and astounding breach Of faith. may add
at this point that while 1 remain in my
present position shall not attempt to re-
tract or modify the emancipation proclama'
tion, nor shall l return to slavery any
person who is made free BY the terms Of
the proclamation or BY any act of Congress.
For these and other reasons it is thought
bes: that the support of these persons shall
be included in the oath, and it is belieyed
that the Executive may lawfully claim it
in regard for pardon and restoration of pro
jected rights, which he has clear consti
tutional power to withhold altogether, or
grant upon the terms which he shall deem
wisest for the public interest. It should
be observed, also, that this part of the oath
is subject to the modifying and abrogative
power of legislation. The proposed acqui.
escence of the National Executive in any
honorable contemporary State arrangement
for the freed people is made with view of
the possibility of modifying the confusion
and distressed destitution which must at
last attend all classes by total revolution
of labor throughout the whole States. 1t
is hoped that the already deeply affected
people in these States may be somewhat
more ready to give up the cause of their
affliction, and to this extent this vital matter
is left to themselves, while no power of the
National Executive to prevent an abuse is
abridged by this proposition. The sugges-
tion in the proclamation, as to maintaining
the political framework of the States in
what is called Reconstruction, is made in
the hope that it may do good without harm.
It will favor labor and avoid great confusion.
But why any proclamation Now this
question is beset with the conflicting view
that the step might be delayed too long or
be taken too soon. In some, elements for
have been ready for action, but
remain inactive, apparently FOR want of
rallying point-a plan for action. Why
shall A adopt the plan of B, rather than B
that of A; and if A and b should agree,
how can they know that the General Gov
ernment here will respect their place. BY
the proclamation plan is presented which
may be accepted by them as a rallying
point, and which they are assured in ad
vance will not be neglected here. This
may bring them to act sooner than they |
otherwise would. The objection to pre-
mature presentation of plan by the Ma
tional Executive consists in the danger of
errors on points which could be
moro safely left to further developments.
Care has been taken to SO shape the docu.
nents as to avoid embarrassment from this
'ource. In saying that on certain terms
'ertain classes will be pardoued, with their
lights restored, it IS not said that other
'lasses, in other terms, will never be inclu-
led. In saying that reconstruction will
'e accepted, if presented in specified way,
{ is not said that it will never be accepted
q any other way. The movements by
State action for emancipation in several of
he States not included in the emancipation
PROCLAMATION are matters of profound graft
ude, and while | do not repeat in detail
Vhat have heretofore so earnestly urged
'pon this subject my general views and
ceilings remsin unchanged, and | trust that
congress will omit no fair opportunity of
iiding these important steps to the great
In the midst of other cares,
however important, We must not lose sight
f the fact that the war power is still our
main reliance. To that power alone can We
ook yet for time, to give confidence to the
'eople in contested regions that the iusur-
,eat power will not again overrun them.
Until that confidence shall be established,
title can be done anywhere for what is
allied reconstruction.
Hence our chiefest care must still be ,
irected to the army and navy, who have
bus far borne the hardest part so nobly !
nd we'll. 1t may be esteemed fortunate
hat in giving the greatest efficiency to their :
arms, we do also honorsbly :.
gallant men from commanders to = =
sntinels, who compose them, and to whom,
lore than all others, the world must stand :.
'debted for the home of freedom disen-
lralled, regenerated, enlarged and perpet-
sted. ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
Cpntraband Cotton. I
Large lots Of cotton are being brought y
tn the rsmn of E,ot.;n Qoso - This n1aro