The Wyandot pioneer. (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1853-1868, 1863-12-18

to be protsctSd lis sihply absurd. TheFe
must be testify which 70 sepsats oP'
posing elements, 70 al 10 build only from
the sound, and that lest il a sufficient and
liberal one. which accepts as sound who
ever will make 4 sworn recantation Of his
former unsounduess. But it be prop
er TO require as 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? Those laws and proclamatlons
were enacted and put forth for the pur-
pose of sidngin the suppression Of the
rebellion. Togive them the fullest effect,
there aad to be pledge for their main
tensnce in my Judgment, they have
aided, and viii further aid, the cause for
which they were enlisted. To give up
tbs principle, would be not only to re-
linquish lever Of power, but would al
90 be cruel and astc nishing breach of
faith. Imay add at this point, that while
remain in my present position, | shall
not attempt to retract or modify the h
Emancipation Proclamation, nor shall Ire
turn 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 il is thought best that the
support of these persons shall ,be included
in the oath, and II is believed the ,Execu-
tive may lawfully claim it in retprntor the
pardon. and restoration ofprqlected rights
which he has clear constitutional power
to withhold altogether, Or grant upon the
terms which he shall deem wisest for
public interest. It should be observed,
also, that this part Of the oath is subject
10 the modifying and abrogatiug power
Of legislation, and supreme Judicial decl-
sion. ~. ,..t..... .7t,-,. ...5.
The proposed acquiescence Of the Ma
,ional Executive in anyhonorable tempora
ry State arrangement for the freed people
is made with view Of possibly modifying
the confusion and distressed desLitution
which must at last attend all classes by 81
total revolution Of labor throughout the
whole States. 1t is hoped that the al
ready deeply afflicted people in those
States may be somewhat more ready to
give up the cause of their aflliction, and
to this extent this vital matter is left to
themselves. while no power of the Ma
tional Executive to, prevent an abuse is
abridged by this proposition.
The suggestion in the Proclamation as
to maintaining the political framework OF
the States on what is called reconstruc-
ton is made in The hope that it may do
good without harm. II will favor labor
and avoid great confusion, But why any
proclamation now upon the subject? This
qtestion is bsset with the conflicting
views that the step might be delayed too
long ,or. be taken.oo. soon, IN some the ele
lnents for resumption have beep, ready for
action, but; remain INACTIVE. apparently,
for want,of q ,fsllyins point asa plan Of
action, Whyshall a adopt the bplanl OF
B, rather than B that of A, aud IA and
B should agree, how can they know but
that the General Government here will
respect their plan. Bytbe Proclamationl
a plan is presented, which may be accep-
ted by them as a railying point, and
which, they are assured ia advance, will
not be rejected here This may bring
them to act sooner than they otherwise
would, The objection to premature
presentation Of a plan by the National
Executive, consists in the danger OF com
mitmepts, In points which could be more
safely left to further develooements, care
has been taken to so shape the document
as to avoid embarrassment from this
source. In saying that on Ger ain terms,
certain classes will be pardoned, with
their rights restored, it is not said that
other classes on other terms will never be
included. In saying that reconstiuc-
tion will be accepted if presented in a.
specified way, it is not said that it will
never be accepted in any o her way.
The movements by State actions for
emancipation in seveal Of the Staes not
included 10 the Emancipation, Procama-
ton, and matters Of profound graduation;
and while do not repeat in detail wha'
have heretofore SO earnestly urged upon
this subject, my general views and iee
ings remsin unchanged, and trust that
Congress will omit no fair opportunity Of
aiding these important steps 70 the great
consummation. 5 s..... ..t.
In the midst of other cares however