The New York herald., 1864-12-07

lines. So much ia shown alirnatively ara mega
tively by the election. 1t il not macsrial 70
inquire how 'he increase has been rro-
duced, to show that 1t would have
been greater but for the war, which Is probably
true. The important fact remains demonstrated
that we have more men now than we had when
the war began; that we are not exhausted, nor il
process of exhaustion; that we are gaining
strength and may, il need be, maintain the con.
test indefinitely This 10 men, Material re-
sources are now more complete and abundant than
ever. The national resources then are unex
hausted, and, as we believe, nexhaustble. The
public, purpose to re-establish and maintain the
national authority is unchanged, and. as we be-
heve, Interchangeable. The manner OF continuing
the effort remains to choose
+ TuE RrBELs MUST DE suBDuED.
On careful consideration or all the evidence ac-
cessible it seems to me that attempt
at negotiation with the insurgent leader could re-
suit In any good. lie would accept OF nothing
short of the severance of the Union. His declara-
tions to that effect are explicit and oft repeated.
He does not attempt to deceive MS. He affords us
no excuse to deceive ourselves. We cannot
voluntarily yield it. Between him and us
the issue is distinct, simple and indexible.
decided by victory. II we yield we are
he is beaten Either way it would be the vic
tory and defeat following war. What is true, how
ever, of him who heads the insurgcnt cause is not
necessarily true of those who follow. Although he
cannot reaccept the Union they can. Some of
them we know already desire peace and reunion.
The number Of such may increase. They can at
any moment have peace simply by laying down
| their arms and submitting to the national
| authority under the constitution. After
it would maintain war against them. The
loyal people would not sustain or allow IT, II
questions should remain we would adjust them by
the peaceful means of legislation, conference,
courts and votes. Operating only in constitutional
and lawful channels, some certain and other pos
sible questions are and would be beyond the Elk.
ecutive power to adjust, as, for in.
stance. the admission of members into
appropriation of money. The executive power it.
self would be greatly diminished by the cessation
Of actual war; Pardons and remissions of for.
feiture, however, would still be within executive
control. In what spirit and temper this control
would be exercised can be fairly judged ny the
past. A year ago general pardon and amnesty,
upon specified terms, were offered to all, except
certain designated classes, and it was at the
same time made known that the excepted classes
were still within contemplation Of special
clemency. During the year many availed them
selves of the general provision, and many more
would, only that the signs of bad faith in some
led to such precautionary measures as rendered
the practical process less easy and certain. During
the same time also special pardons have been
granted to individuals Of excepted classes, and
no voluntary application has been denied. Thus,
practically, the door has been for full year
open to all, except sRch as were not In con-
dition to make free choice-that is, such as were
III CuAtOQy OF uuOeT COnStI8lnt. II 30 open
to al; but the time may come. probably win
come, when public duty shall demand that II be
closed, and that in lieu more rigorous measures
than heretofore shall be adopted. u.
THE END OF SLAVERY. th ka r
In presenting the abandonment Of armed resist
ance to the national authority on the part of the
insurgents as the only indispensable condition to
ending the war on the part Of the govern
ment, ! retract nothing heretofore ssid -
to slavery. repeat the declaration made year
ago, and that while remain in my present posi-
ton shall not attempt to retract or modify the
Emancipation Proclamation: nor shall return to
slavery any person who is free by tho terms OF that
proclamation, or by any Of the acts of Congress.
| II the people should. by whatever mode OF
| means, make 1t an executive duty to re-enslavs
strument to perform It. In stating q single condi
1 ton Of peace, mean simply to say that the wa
| will cease on the part Of the government when
ever y shall have ceased ON the part Of those who
began it.
- ABRAHAM LINCOLN.