Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1865-02-15
Extracts from Mr.. LincOln's Message.

At the last session .of Congress a propos-
ed amendment Of the Constitution, abolish
ing slavery throughout the United States.
passed the Senate, but failed, for lack ofthe
requisite two-thirds vote, in tie House OF
Representatives. Although the present
is the same Congress, and nearly the same
members, and without questioning the wis
dom or.patriotisln of those who stood in
opposition, I venture to recommend the
reconsideration and passage OF the measure
at the present session. OF course, the alb
stract question is not changed, but an in
tcrvening election shows almost certainly
that the next Congress will pass the meas
nre, If this does not. Hence there is only
q Question of time as to when the propos-
I'd amendment will 20 to the States for
their action, and as it is to be, at all events,
NAV we not agree that the sooner the bet
ter2 1t is not claimed that the election
has Impressed duty on members to
change their'views or their votes any fnr-
,her than as on additional element to be
considered, their Judgment may be affect
I'd by it. tits the voice of the people now
1or the first time heard upon the question.
In a great national crisis like OURS, unani-
nifty Of action among those seeking COM
mon end is very desirable, almost indis-
pensable and yet no approach to such
nnanimity is attainable unless some de-
ference shall he paid to the will ofthe ma
jority. In this case the common end is the
maintenance of the Union, and among the
means to secure that end, such will,
through the election, is most clearly de-
clared in favor of such constitutional
amendment. ....L. -.s..
On careful consideration of all the evil
denee accessible it seems to me that no at
tempt at negotiation with the insurgent
leader could result in any good. He would
accept of nothing short Of the severance
Of the Union. His declarations to that
effect are explicit and oft repeated. He
does not attempt to deceive MS. He af-
fords us no excuse to deceive ourselves
We connot voluntarily yield it. Between
him and us the issue is distinct, simple and
inAexible 1t is an issue which can only
he tried by war, and decided by victory.
If we yield we are beaten. If the South
ern people fail him, he is beaten. Either
wav it would be the victory and defeat fol-
lowing war. What is true, however, of
him who heads the insnrgent cause il not
necessarily true of those who follow. Al.
though he connot re-accept the Union they
can. Some of them we know already de-
sire peace and reunion. The number of
such may increase. They can at any mo-
,nent have peace simply by laying down
their arms and submitting to the national
authority under the Constitution. After
80 much the government could not, if it
would, maintain war against them. The
loyal people would not ssistain or allow it.
Ifouestions shonld 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 possible Questions
are and would be beyond the Executive
power to adjust, as, for instance, the ad,
mission Of members into Congress, and
whatevor might require the appropriation
of money. The Executive power itself
would be greatly diminishedby the cesea-
ton of actual war. .Pardons and remis-
sions Of forfeiture, however, would still be
within executive control. In what spirit
and temper this control would be 'exercis-
cd can be fairly judged BY the past
A year ago general pardon and amnes-
ty npon specified terms, wore onered TO