Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1864-12-21
Extracts from Mr.. Lincola,s Message.


is of noteworthy interest that the steady ex,
pansion ofpopulaton, and governmental institutions
over the new and unocupied portions of our coun,
try have scarcely been checked, much less impede
or destroyed BY our great civil war, which, at frs
glance, would seem to have absorbed almost thi
entire energy Of the nation. The organization ami
admission of the State of Nevada has been completed
in conformity with law, and thus our exceilen. sys
tenn, is firmly established in the mountains which
once seemed q barren and uninhabitabls waste be-
the Atlantic States and those which have grown
up on the coast of the Pacific ocean. The Terrific
rles OF the Union are generally in . condition Of
prosperity and rapid growth. Idaho and Montana,
by reason Of their great distance and the interruption
by Indian hostities have been only partially organ
lied, but it is understood that these difficulties are
about to disappear, which will permit their govern
ments like those Of the others, to 60 into speedy
and full operation. .-s
The war continues. Stree the last annual mes.
sage all the important lines and positions then
cupied by or forces have been maintained, and our
armies have steadily advanced thus liberatng the
regions LETT N the rear that Missouri Kentucky,
Tennessee, and parts of other States, have again
produced reasonably fair crops. The most remark
able feature in the military operations of the year
IS GENERAL Shermans attem ps;d marca of thyee
hundred miles directly Though an insurgert region.
1t tends to show great increase Of our relative
strength that our General-in Chief should feel able
to confront and hold in check every active force of
the enemy and yet to detatch well appointed large
army to move on such an expedition. The result
not yet being known, conjecture in regard to it
| should not here be INDUCED
Important movements have also occurred during
the year, to the effect of moulding society for dura
bility for the Union. Although Snort Of complete
success, it is much in tie direction that twelve
thousand citizens in each of the States of Arkansas
and Louisiana have organized loyal State govern
ments with free Constitutions, and are earnestly
struggling to maintain and administer them. The
movement in the same direction, more extensive
though less definite, in Missouri, Kentucky and
Tennessee, should not be overlooked But Mary.
land presents the example Of complete success.
Maryland is secure to liberty and Union for all the
future. The genius of rebellion will no more claim
Maryland. Like another foul spirit being driver
out it may seek to tear her, but it will WOO her M
more.
AT the last session of Congress proposed amend
ment of the Constitution aboshing slavery through
out>the United States, passed the Senate but fallet
for lack of the requisite two.thirds vote in tn,
House of Representatives. Although the presen
is the same Congress, and nearly the same mem
bcrs, and without questioning the wisdom or pa
triotsm of those who stood in opposition, venture
to recommend the reconsideration and passage o
the measure at the present session. O! course, tn
abstract question is not changed but intervening
election shows almost certainly that the next Con
gress will pass the measure, ifthis does not Henc
there i0h1y question of time as to when the pro
posed Amendment will go to the States for thar &C
ton, and as it is to be, at all events, may we no
agree that the the better? 1t is not claimed
that the election has impressed DUTY on members
to change their views or their votes any furthe,
than as an additional element to be considered -
their judgment may be affected by it. 1t is thu
voice Of the people now for the first time heart
upon the question. In great national crisis lk
ours, unanimity of action among those seeking
common end is very desirable, almost indispensa
bic; and yet no approach to such unanimty is at
tainable unless some Difference Shall be paid to tn
will of the majority. In this case the counoh en-
is the maintenance of the Union, and among tn
means to secure that end, such will, through tn
election is most clearly declared in favor Of sucl
constitutional amendment.
On careful consideration of all the evidence &C
cessble it seems to me That attempt at negotia
ton with the insurgent leader could result in an
good He would accept of nothing short of tn
severance of the Union. His declarations to tina
effect are explicit and oft repeated He does not al
tempt to deceive US. He affords us no excuse
deceive ourselves. We cannot voluntarily yield il
Between him and US the issue is distinct, simpl
and infexible: 1t is an issue which can only b
tried by war, and decided by victory. If we vel
we are beaten If the Southern people fail him, b
is beaten. Either way it would be the victory an
defeat following war; What is true, how ever,
him who heads the insurgent cause is not necess:
rly true of those who follow. Although he CAR
not re-sccept the Union they can. Some of thel
we know already desire peace and reunion. III
number of such may increase. They can at an
moment have peace simply by laying down thei
arms and submitting to the national authority u,
der the Constitution. After so much the govern
ment could not, if it would maia,ain war agaps
them. The loyal people would not sustain or
low it If questions should remain we would al
just them by the peaceful means of legislation, col
ference, courts and votes. Operating only in col
stitutonal and lawful channels, some certain an
other possible questions are and would be beyon
the Executive power to adjust as for instance Il
admission of members into Congress, and whatev'
might require the appropriation of money. Tt
Executive power itself would be greatly diminishe
by the cessation of actual war. Pardons and r.
missions of forfeiture, however, would still be witt
in executive control. In what spirit and temp
this control would be exercised can be fairly Judge
, by the past
A year ago general pardon and amnesty upc
specified terms, were offered to all, except certa