Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1863-12-26


Constitution of the United States. and the
Union under it, why also to the laws and to
vaccinations in regard to slavery. These
laws and proclamations were enacted and put
forth for the purpose of aiding the suppress
sion Of the rebellion. To give their fullest
effect, there had to be pledge for their main
tcnance. In my judgment they have aided,
and will further aid the cause for which they
were enlisted. To give up this principle,
would not only b. to relinquish a lever of
mower, but would also be cruel and astoun-
ding breach of faith.
may add at this point that while I remain
in my present position shall not attempt to
rctract or modify the Emancipation Procla-
nation; nor shall l return to slavery any
person who is free Ivy the terms of the proc.
iamaton, or by any act of Congress. For
these and other reasons, it is thought best
that the support Of these persons shall b. in
cluded in the oath, and it is believed that the
Executive may lawfully claim it in return for
pardon and restoration of forfeited rights,
which he has clear constitutional power to
withhold altogether. or grant upon terms
which he shall deem wisest for the public
interest 1t should BE- observed, also, that
this part Of the oath is subject to the modify
ing and abrogating power Of legislation and
supreme judicial decision.
The proposed acquiescence of the National
Executive in any honorable temporary State
arrangements for the freed people, is made
with the view of possibly modifying the con-
fusion and destitution which must at least
attend all classes by total revolution Of
labor throughout the whole of tho States. 1t
is hoped that the already deeply afflicted
people in these States may be- somewhat more
ready to give up the cause Of their atfliction,
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
the proposition.
The suggestion in the Proclamation as to
maintaining the political framrworks of the
States, on what is called IT construction, is
made in the hope that Il may do good with
ont the danger of harm. 1t will save labor
and avoid great confusion. But why any
Proclamation now upon this suhjectl This
question is bespt with the conflicting views
that the step might be delayed too long or
be taken too soon, in some elements, for re-
sumption, they seem ready for action, but
remain inactive, apparently for want of a
ralying point, and plan Of action. Why
shall adopt the plan Of b rather than that
of A and A and b Should they agree, how
can they know Tut tho General Government
here will respect their plan!
by the Proclamation a plan is presented
which may be accepted by them as rallying
point, and which, they are assured in advance,
will not be rejected here. This may bring
them to nc. sooner than they otherwise would.
The objection to premature presentation OF
plan by the National Executive, consists in
the danger of commitments in points which
could b. more safely left to further develop
ments. Care has been taken so to shape the
document, to avoid embarrassment from this
source.
In saying that on certain terms certain
classes will DO pardoned, with their rights IT,
stored, it is not said that other classes OH
other terms will ever be included. In saying
reconstruction will be accepted if prcsen-
ted in a specified way, it is not said it will
never be accepted in any other way. The
movements on the parts of States for enamel
patton tina. several have made were not in
cluded in the Emancipation Proclamation,
and are matters of profound qualification
and while do not repeat in detail what l
have here oforc so earnestly urged upon this
subject, my general views and feeling remain
unchanged, and trust that Congress will
omit no fair opportunity of aiding these i'm
po:tant steps t. the great cons',mmation.
In the midst of other cares, however i'm
portant, we must not lose sight Of the fact
that the war power is still our main reliance.
To that power alone can WI yet look for a
time to give confidence to the pc ople in the
contested regions that the insurgcnt. power
will not again overrun them. Until that con-
fidence shall be established. little can be
done for what is called reconstruction hence
Dur chief care must be directed to our army
and our navy, who have thus born their hard
or part 10 nobly and we'll and it may BE-
esteemed fortunate that in giving the greatest
efficiency to their indispensable arms, we
also encourage the gallant men-from COM
mander to sentinel-who compose them, and
to whom, more than to all others, the world
stands indebted for the dissathallrd, regcn-
Grated, enlarged and perpetuatcd home Of
freedom.
(Signed) ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9th, 1868.
The Presidents Proclamation.