The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-12-11

attend oil classes by total revolution OF iapor
throughout the whole States. II is hoped that
the already deeply afflicted people in those
States NAV be somewhat more ready 10 give up
of their affection, IL to this extent this vital
matter bo left TO themselves. while no power OF
the national executive to prevent an abuse Is
abridged by the Proposition.
The suggestions In the proclamation as 20
maintaining the political framework OF tle
States on what is called reconstruction, Is maue
In the hope that 1t may be good without dange.
~ - ho rn : n will save labor and avoid great
conf,sion. But why any proclamation now
mon this subjectl This question Is bcset Win
the conflicting views that the step might DC de-
ioyed too long or be taken too soon. In some
states the clements for resumption seem reaay
for action, but remain inactive, apparently ior
want of n rallying point-a point of acuoh.-
WHY shall A adopt the plan of u. rather than
r that of A, and IL A and b should agree, now
can they know but that the General Govern
mcnt here will reject their plan. by tho proc
lamation plan is presented which may oe nc
cepted by them-a rallying pnint. ana wnlch
they are assured in advance viii not DC reject
ed here. This may bring them To act sooner
than they otherwise would.
Tho objections to premature presentation
of plan by the National Executive consists ~
the danger of commttals on points which cohiu
be more safely left to further Developments
Care has been taken to so shape the document
as 10 avoid embarrassment from this course,
saving that on certain terms certain classes VIII
be pardoned, with right restored. IL rs not saiu
that other classes or other terms will never DC
included, saving that reconstruction VIII be &C
cepted IL presented in q specified way. IL Is
not said Il will never be accepted in any other
way. Tho movements by State action for eman-
cipation i'm several of the States not included IN
the emancipation proclamation are matters y,
profound graduation, and while DO no. repeh.
in detail what | have heretofore so earnestly
urged upon this subject, my general views re-
main unchanged, and trust that Congress
will omit no fair opportunity OF aiding thescim-
pcrtant steps to the great contamination.
In the midst of other cases however inpor-
tsnt. We must not lose sight OF the tact Tint
the war power is still our main reliance. To
that power alone can we look yet for time 10
rive confidence to the people of the contested
regions that the nsurgent power Will not again
oyerrun them Until that confidence shall DC
established, little can be done anywhere Tor
what IL called reconstruction. Hence our chict,
est care must still be directed to the army ana
navy. who have thus far borne their harder
part SO nobly and well; and il may be esteemed
fortunate that in giving the greatest efficiency
tor these indispensable arms, we do also recog-
n,ze the gallant men from COMMANDER Ia senti'
mel who compose them, and To whom more Than
10 Others the world must stand indebted for the
home of freedom dsenthralled, regeneratcd,
enlarged and pcrpetuatcd. ,,r
Washington, Dec. sth, 1863.