The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1864-12-07
WEDNESDAY. DECEMBER 7, 1864.



namely, the merit Of breyity. Like all the
State pepers of It's distinguished author, Its
stvle Is marked and peculiar. II is a plain,
unpretending paper, in which the writer dis
plays the simplicity and franSness of his char
scter. There are no superfuous words; no
attempts at tlne writing; no tropes and figures
of speech; and no long-winded paragraphs, in
which score of sentences are employed TO
set forth matter which can be as well eX-
planned in a single line or two. In short, the
Message Is laconc summary OF the leading
events which have transpired since the close
of the last preceding session of Congress, and
of the actual present state Of the Government
both as regards its domestic interests and Its
foreign relations.
The latter, with tri1ing exception or two
are quite satisfactory, and there is no intima-
ton even that the friendly intercourse Of the
United States with any other powers, either
on this or the other side Of the ocean, is in
danger of being seriously or long disturbed.
The President refers in terms of depreciation
to the contraband commerce that has been
carried on by the citizens Of foreign nations
with the Rebels, and expresses the hope that
those merchants may speedily come to the
conclusion that it will be safer and more pro-
etabe to abandon that Illicit trade for one that
can now be legitimately carried on through
the Southern ports which have recently been
ouened by proclama ion. Touching the
Dolitical difficulties which have arisen with
Brazil, and on the Canadian border, no more
Ia said than that the occurrences call for the
exercise of increased vigilance, and just and
concIliatory spirit on the part Of the Govern
ments mutually concerned, to preserve their
amicable relations with each other.
Referring, however, to the slave traders.
whom the President properly styles 'enemies
of the human race" he suggests that Congress
shall, in case it deems the present authority of
the Executive under the law insufficient for
the purpose, make provision for efIectually
preventing that worst class of pirates from
acquiring domicile and facilities for their
criminal occupation in our country" This is
wise and humane recommendation, which
the National Legislature should take into
early and earnest consideration, and we doubt
not that both Houses will act upon the subject
with all due promptness and vigor.
In respect to our domestic affairs, the Mes
sage shows that they are highly auspicious.
The public debt is not only quite small, in
view Of the formidable character and tedious
protraction OF the war, but it is held by the
people themselves, to whom it has become a
means of secure and advantageous invest
ment; and in order to promote wider dis
tribution of the benefits Of the debt among
all classes of our population, Mr.. LINCOLN
happily proposes the expediency of a Congress
sional provision that limited amount of future
issues ofnational securities may be held by any
bona fde purchaser, ,"eXempt from taxation and
seizure for debt" In this suggestion, MIR
LINCOLN not only had an eye to the public
advantage of making the national debt the
private property ofthe people, who are thereby
directly interested in maintaining the financial
credit Of the Government, but he was also
actuated by the feelings OF his benevolent heart
in urging on Congress a measure which, he
says, would enable every prudent person t
set aside small annuity against possible da.
Of want"
The question of peace and the best mode q
attaining 1t, which is perhaps that particula
subject about which most persons feel th
deepest interest, was reserved for the closin
part of the Message; and we must say that
is discussed with directness and candor, a
well as moderation, quite beyond general ez
pectation. While declaring that offers t
negotiate with Mr.. DAVIS are rendered er
tirely superAuous by his repeatedly ayowe
purpose to accept peace only on condition
which the Administration cannot po
sibly concede, and expressing, further,
determination to prosecute the war until tn
Rebellion is conquered by force, if necessary
the President says the insurgents may hay
cessation of hostities by simply laying dow
their arms, and that this principle has bee
open to them for full year, and is yet o pei
But be adds that public duty may, ere lon
require that the door bO closed, and that mo
vigorous measures than have heretofore be,
triedbe adopted to quell the instruction viii
must eventually be treated with degree
severity proportiOned TO its stubbornness a
mahgnity. 1t is not said that the ablndo
ment of slavery shall be an absolute condid
OF peace, but 1t Is very distinctly stated th
the Emancipation Proclamation" will not
retracted CT modified; and that, as regards /
Temanding into bondage Of such slaves as ha
been freed, Mr.. LINCOLN would not conse
to be even the instrument of the popular ~
in the execution of any such cruel wrong.
On the whole, the Rebels are given IN,
free and easy method Of returning to Tn
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