The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1865-12-06

which they are extended? Is it not sure
promise of harmony and renewed attachment
to the Union that, after all that has happen
ed, the return of the general government 10
known only as benefcence?
| know very we'll that this policy is attend
ed with some risk; that for it's success il re.
quires at least the acsuiescence of the states
which it concerns that It implies an invita-
ton to those states, by renewing their allie
glance to the United States, to resume their.
functions as states of the Union. But it is a
risk that must be taken; in the choice of
difficulties, IL is the smallest risk; and to
diminish, and, IT possible, to remove all dan
ger, l have felt 1t incumbent on me to assert
one other power of the general government
the power of pardon. As no state can throw
defense over the crime of treason, the low
err of pardon is exclusively vested in the exc
cutiye government of the United States In
exercising that power, | have taken every
precaution to connect it with the clearest
recognition of the binding force of the laws
of the United States, and an unqualified ac-
acknowledgement of the great social change of
condition in regard TO slavery which has
grown out of the war.
The step which 1 have taken to restore the
constitutional relations of the states has been
an Invitation to them to participate in the
high office OF amending the Constitution Ev-
cry patriot must wish for a general amnesty
at the earliest epoch consistent with public
safety. For this great end there is need of a
concurrence of all opinions, and the spirit of
mutual Cancellation. All parties in the late
terrible conflict must work together In har-
mony. 1t Is not too much to ask, 10 the
name of the whole people, that, ON the one
side, the plan of restoration shall proceed in
conformity with a Willingness to cast the dis
ord nf ha iptn nbl III
the other, the evidence of sincerity in the fu
ture maintainancs OF the Uulon shall be put
beyond any doubt by the ratification of the
proposed amendment TO the constitution,
which provides for the abolition of slavery
forever within the limits of our country. So
long as the adoption of this anne ndment is de.
layed. so long will doubt, and jealousy, and
uncertainty prevail. This il the measure
which will efface the sad memory of the past;
this is the measure which will most certainly
call population. and capital, and security to
those parts of the Union that need them
mos:. Indeed, il not too much to ask of the
states which are now resuming their places
ia the family of the Union to give this pledge
of perpetual loyalty aGd peace. Untl il is
done, the past, however much we may desire
1t, will not be forgotten, The adoption of
the amendment reuGites beyond all power of
disruption. LIZ heals the wound that is still
imperfec;ly closed it removes slavery, the
elament which has 80 long perplexed aud dI
vIded the country 1t makes Of Us once more
a united people, renewed and strengthened
bound more than ever to mutual affection and
support.
The amendment to the constitution being
adopted il would remain for the states whose
powers have been so long in sbeyance, TO re.
sumo their places in the two branches of the
national legislature, ana thereby complete the
work of restoration. Here II is for YOU, fell
low citizens of the senate, and tor you. fei-
citizens of the house of Representatives, to
Judge each Of you for yourselves, of the cleo
tons, returns and qualifications of your own
members.
The full assertion of the powers of the gen
eral government requires the holding of cir
cult courts of the United States within the
districts where their authority had bsen in
terrupted. la the present posture of our
public affairs. strong objections have been
urged to holding those courts IN any OF the
states whore the rebellion had existed and
it was sscertained. By inquiry, tina, the cir
cult court of the United States would not be
held within the district Of Virginia during
the autumn or early winter, nor until cen
gress should have IAN opportunity to consid-
er and act on the whole subject To your
deliberations the restoration of this branch of
he civil authority of the United States is
therefore necessarily referred, with the hope
that early provision will b. made for the re-
su ptipu of all its functions. IL is mani
fest that treason, most h-grant in character,
has been committed. Persons who are char
ed with its commission should have fair and
impartial trials in the highest civil tr bunals
of the country. in order that the constitution
and the laws may be fully indicated the
truth clearly established and affirmed, that
treason is q crime, that traitors should be
punished, and the ofense made infamous :
and. at the same time. that the question may
be ia iicialIy settled. finally and forever, that
no state gifts own will has the right to re-
nouuce it, place in the UaiOn.
The relations of the general government
towards the four millions of inhabitants
whom the war has called into freedom, have
enga. yed my most serious consideration. On
the propriety of attempting 10 make the freed
men electors by the proclamation of the exec
utivs, took for my counsel the constitution
itself the interpretations of that instrument
by its authors and their contemporaries, and
recent legislation By congress. When, As the
first movement towards independence. the
congress Of the United States instructed the
several states to institute governments of
their own. they left each state to decide for
self the conditions for the employment OF
the elective franchise. During the period OF
the confederacy, there continued u exist a
very great diversity in the qualifications Of
electors in the several states; and even with.
in state distinction of qualifications pre-.
vailed with regard to the officers who were "a
be chosen. The constitution OF the United
States recognizes these diEersities when it en-
joins that, in the choice Of members of the
I l. e ,,t..k, II
"the electors in each state shall have the
qualifications requisite for electors of the