The weekly union record., 1864-12-17

and the Det increase during the three years
and hall Of war to I45.1Sl, a table is appen-
ded showing the particularly and to this sgain
should be added the number OF all the soldiers
in the field from Massachusetts,, Rhode Island,
New Jersey, Delaware; Indiana, Illinois and
California, who, by the laws of those States,
could not vote away from their homes, which
number cannot be less than 10000 Nor yet
is this all; the number in the organized terri
tories Is triple what II was four years ago,
while thousands Of whites and blacks ioin Us
as the National arms push back the insurgens
lines. So much is shown affrmstively and
negatively BY the election. IL Is no. material
10 inquire how this increase has been prodnced
or show that i, would have been greater bot
for the war, which is probably true and
important fact.
Ii remains demonstrated that we have more
men now than We had when the war began;
that we are not exhausted. nor in process Of
exbaustion that VIC are gaining streng,h. and
may. il need be, maintain the contest indeh-
nitely. This is as 10 men. Our material re-
sources are now more complete and abundan.
than ever. The national resources are upex-
hsusted. and, as we believe. inexhsustible. The
public purpose 10 re establish and maintain
the national authority is unchanged, and. as
we 0eIeNe, uuCnatrcaute Oe manner OF khe
continuation of the effort remains TO be chosen
NEGOTIATIONS WITH TIE RgBxLs-
On careful consideration of all the evidence
accessible, il seems 10 nie that no attempt at
negotiation with the insurcent,leaier could
result 10 any good He would accept Of moth
ing short of the separation Of the Union. His
I declarations TO that effect are explicit and of
repeated. He does not attempt 10 deceive US;
I be affords US no excuse 10 deceive ourselves
We cannot voluntarily yield between him and
us The issue is distinct, simple and intiexble
IL is an issue which can only be tried by war
and decided by victory.
/ What was true. however, of him who heads
the insurgent cause, is not necessarily true of
those who follow Although he cannot re-
accept the Union, they can. Some of them,
we know, already desire peace a1d reunion,
and the number of such may increase. They
can. at any moment have peace, simply BY
| laying down their arms and submitting TO the
/ National authorities and the constitution
( After so much, the Government could not, il
I it would maintain war against them; the loyal
people would rot sustain or allow it. II ques
/ tious should remain, we would adjust them by
the peaceful means of legislation. conferences
councils and votes operating only in consti,u
tonal and lawful channels. Some certain and
other possible questions. it would be for the
| Executive power 10 ADJUST for instance, the
admission of members into Congress. ard
whatever might require the appropriation Of
money The executive power itself would be-
greatly diminished by the cessation OF actual
war. Pardons and the remission Of forfeiture
however, would still be within the Executive
control. In what spirit and temper this con-
troll would b, exercised can be fairly judged
from the past. a year ago general pardon
and amnesty on specified terms were offered TO
all except a certain designated class, and it
was at the same time made known that the
excepted class were still within the coniem.
platon of special clcmency. During the year
msny availed themselves Of the general provis
ion and many more would only that 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 individ-
uals OF excepted classes, ,'and no voluntary ap-
plication has been denied them. Practically
made the door has fer fully year been open
TO all such as were not in a condition 10 make
free choice; that is, snch as were in custody or
under constraint. 1t is still open TO oil, but
the time may come and probably will come.
when the public duty shall demand that it will
be closed, and that n view, more vigorous
measures than heretofore shall be adopted. In
presenting the abandonment OF armed resist
snce 10 the National authorities on the part OF
the insurgents as the only indispensable condi-
iion TO ending the war on the part OF the Gov
ernment, | reiract nothing heretofore said as
10 slavery. repeat the declaration made .
year ago, that while remain in my present
position, shall not attempt 10 retract or mod
ify the Emancipation Proclamation. nor shall
| return TO slavery any person who is free By
the terms of that proclamation or by any OF
the acts of Congress. II the people shoud.by
whatever mode or means, make it my execu-
tive duty to re-eusave such persons, another,
and not |, must be their instrument 10 perform
it. In stating a single condition Of peace. |
mean simply TO say that the war will cease on
part OF the Government whenever il shall have
ceased on the part of those who began II.
(Signed) ABRAHAM LIScotx.