The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1864-02-17
The London Press on Eincoin's E:as-
Sj3Les

The London Herald says Congress a, mat and
elected Republican Speaker in the House Of
Representatives and Pres;deh. Lincoln Message
has been published, less TO the ediiicatGH OF the
public than could have heen expected, even fron
him. 4 is remarkable chiefly for Tie cool iH:pu-
depce Of the passages, Which are probably dictated
by MIR. Seward, concerning the relations OF the
United States with foreign powers. Lord Russell
will be glad 10 know that his eager serviiy in the
enforcement of his own Interpretation OF the For
einn Enlistment Bill will be met with that appro
val VIII ch he prefers 10 the coHneRdatiGn OF his
own country; and that, In consideration OF the
vrXatous proceedings taken against the Alexandria,
OF the frantic demonstration against the steamships
at Brkenhead, and OF the illegal seizure OF the
tamper0, at the instigatloR oi Federal spies ami
hired informers, the Federal Government siapends
for the present its intention Of calling Great Brit
TO account for her previous wait OF zeal in its
cause The Emperor of ilc French Will appreci-
ate exactly al its v;lae HE compliment awarded to
him.
The message is accompanied by proclamation
which is much more w0rtty OF notice, being, in
fact the mort wonderful, State paper that ever
mated from a hewi:dered brain aud a vin,iictive
heart, since James II just before he driven
from ireland, offered to pardon the majority OF his
subjects il they would at once eypel the Prince Of
Orange aud come to tend Their Submission at iht.
feet Of their lawful master. Mr. Lincoln however,
Is not king by right divine, but the Chief Magis
tTnIe, with very limited authority, Of united Con
federation, and these 10 whom bis proclamation Is
addressed not rebeiiouS snhiccis but sovereign
| States. TIE moral enGsmiiy Of his ukase, there
fore, Is without precedent, while its practical at
surdty has parclei save in Il, t crownins act os
folly which annilated tue last hope of the las. OF
I our Stuart Kings.
| Abraham Lnco offers mercy and restoration II
the States OF Virginia, Nof,h and sonth Caro- ina,
aud their COnieera;es, il they will lay down iheir
arms, fulfil The terms OF his emancipation ed,ct,
and return 10 the Union. He vii! pardon all c!is-
/ zehs who shalt take an oath OF allegiance to the
| Federal Government, swear u Obey all acts oi tie
/ Federal Congress, and swear submission to iba'
decree which pfeiendS TO libcrate nuf millions ot
slaves; but ~ this gracious offer OF mercy there
terrible iis of exceptions extending from Jetief
| son Davis down to The junior clerk in the pubc
service ana the junior general IN the army; in pam
Eueiish, this proposal, made not 10 the conquered
foes, hut TO powerful ton, veiprious in nearly
every battle, and having 800 900 men under arms
1 amounts to this: 81 Will ang every man OF emil
nence or note asneng yeu; every one who has
served your Government, Ia field or in council
perhaps some fur or five hundred of the best mfIi
| In the Country. will eOnfiscal, two thirds OF
your pfOperty, ard destroy the yasuc OF Tie fc-
naiader''
"Aflrr that, II you vii! swear allegiance to
| thOrity to which yon never owed allegiance, and
fGrswpar your fidelity 30 that State Constitution
/ und which you were born ard have been brengl,
W; II You will declare your intenion 10 obey a
series OF acts which court of law dare pronounce
valid, and ncquesce IN an usarpatiDn without P''-
raj el In the history ef political revolutions, Oh
| may retain the wrecks OF yous property aud your
liberties and ever, enjoy The privilege Of recording
your votes for members Of Congress, side by side
| with The slaves whom my viii has made yoas
| equals.'
Ne need not dwell either on the astonishing folly
of sach offer to an snvanfuished and uadauHted
enemy, or on The deyi!ish Ealigniy which dictated
the list of exceptions. '1his Is naf an amnesty;
| Is prescription - 1t Offers nothing whch cauti
/ be withheld II the last Southern town had been
taken, and the last Southern regiment ID pieces
II Promises i,rfcy To none who II would be pr4c-