New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-02-01

OF policy at headquarters, The overthrow OF the
Rebellion was moral impossibility. We believe
there are others who, while they would have
had the President cling TO the Border-State
policy, even after the UnioDstsOf the Border
States had emphstioaly repudisted it, have
nevertheless said. Mr. Lincoln is President:
his change of policy runs counter TO my convic-
tons; but am for tho Union any how, Niger
or no Niger, and shall stand by my Govern
ment with all my might. and forbear caviling
till the last Rebel has laid down bis arms" We
consider all these Unconditional Loyalists, and
feel proud Of bearing their company in the ar
duous struggle COR Rational existence.
But there are othoB-somc OF them, perhaps
AbolitioniSts, but far larger number Pro-
Slavery-who, whenever the War for the Union
is not prosecuted with implicitdelerence to their
own conceptions regarding Slavery, have ten
words Of criticism for our own Government for
one of hostility to the Rebellion-who covil,
and grumbe, and orilicise and really
weaken the Government, even while they
profess desire 10 strengthen 1t - who
seem willing to old tho Government on
condition that they shall De enabled TO control
it-and would evidently deem full triumph of
the National cause undesirable unless it can be
effected on their platform. These we term
Conditional Unonsts which seems to be
quito as gentle an appellaton rs tho facls will
warrant.
Take an illustration from ono Of the latest
phases of our great contests The Presidents
policy Of reconstruction embodied in his
Proclamation of Amnesty For months prior
to IFS appearance, tho oonditionals had been
clamoring for some overture from tho Executive
TO the Rebels looking to q restoration OF Peace.
"Wby don't you propose something -" why
not tell them on what terms they may return
to loyalty and security ~ and other such ques-
tons, wcro necessarily asked. In due time, the
President did exactly what they demanded, so
that any Rebel below tho rank of Colonel may
purge himself of his treason and be restored to
full citizenship on complying with very simple
and easy conditions. There is no numbering
machinery to PIT in motion; each Rebel may
restore himself to his original standing "a a
loyal citizen, and Rebel State may resume her
place in the Union easily, speedily. without ex-
ternal aid. and at next 20 no cost.
Now it is quite possible that We, had the
responsibility somehow fallen on US, would have
proposed scheme of reconstruction some
what different from this; and if any good end
were thereby attainable, We might suggest i'm
provements upon the Presidents plan. We adj
nit the force Of some Of the criticisms 10 which
that plan has been subjeotedi and when a
Copperhead says, This does not Leave the people
Of the reyolted States perfectly free 10 retain
Slavery or not, as they may choosei' and an
Abolitionist objects, This does not insure the
immediate and complete overthrow Of Slavery,
we admit that they are both correct. II We
had irresistible power over the whole subject,
we should doubtless fix things otherwise than
in perfect accordance with the Presidents plan.
But we who mean 10 ace the country safely
through ita present perils cannot afford 10
wrangle and split up into ollques and petty fac
tons; and We gee no other course that promises
such good results as we trust will follow gem
eral and hearty rally Of oil loyal men upon the
Presidents Proclamation as q basis; we reserv-
ing, as he does. the right TO adopt such improve
ments upon it "a time and events shall indicate.
Such is a familiar example Of what We mean by
Unconditional Loyalty.