The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1865-08-25
Gov. Hamilton of Texas.

Provisional Gov. Hamilton, In his procla'
nation to the people. has reflected great cred
it upon himself, ms will be seen from the fol'
lowing extract which we make:
shall not waste time or labor in the at
tempt to soothe those whose hearts are core
because Of the extinction OF slavery. 1t died
because it made war upon the Government
to whose protection it owed it's power and ia
influence. 1t gnppled with freedom in a
shirt which admitted of no Cancellation, nc
concession-no truce or neutrality: Its chal
lenge was to mortal combat, und In the strugs
gle 1t went down forever. There IRE those,
am told. who profess to believe TINT 1t Is
not yet extinct that It still fingers, and by
n vigorous application Of stimuIants may be
kept in existence fnr some years to come ;
that tho proclamation Of emancipation was
but military order, which has now spent
its force since the war IL over, and never had
any effect except where, by the presence OF
Union armies. there was physical power to
enforce Il. There could he M greater delu-
sion than this, and the man or men who en-.
courage such opinions, II such there are.
could not do tho citizens OF Texas, ut this
time. u greater disscrvi:o. II the rebellion
is conquered. slavery is dead one is as much
fact as tho other.
Tho negroes are not only free, but beg
to assure my fellow citizens that :he Govern
ment will protect them in their freedom.
For the time being the freedmen are rec
commended to eugage with their former mas-
ters for reasonable compensation. to labor at
least till the close OF the season for gather
ing the present crop. For them. generally,
to do otherwise. would he greatly to the in
Jury of themselves and the community ut
large. But let II be understood that cornhi.
nations among those interested in securing
their labor to prevent them from hiring to
persons who will pay the beat price for such
labor. and to Ostracisc In society those who
oppose such combinations, will meet with no
favor ut the hands Of the people or Govern
nent of the United States. And candor
conipels me to say to the people OF Texas
That IL in the action OF the proposed convcn.
ton the negro is characterized "r treated as
less than freeman, our Senators and Repre-
sentatiyes will seek in vain admission to the
halls of Congress II is indeed strange that
men should take solemn oath to faithfully
abide by and support MI laws and proclama-
tions which have been made during tho ex.
listing rebellion with reference to the enamel.
patton of slaves. and In the next breath ia.
yor gradual emancipation. Il is the part Of
wisdom and the part Of duty to accept what
is inevitable without resistance, and rccog-
MIC truth, however unpalatable.
I could not, if were to attempt II, salts
~ those who are not willing to believe 1t,
that slavery was never u good, and enamel.
patton not IN evil. A few men in the South
differ with the whole civilized world upon
that subject. and suppose that most Of that
few will 20 down to their graves sore and
complaining; but, in the meantime. those
who realize that new era has dawned upon
US. and who take advantage OF the present,
will leave far in the background the mourn.
crs over,thc past glory Of slavery. Texas
has to-day her future destiny in her own
hands. let her use power wisely. and she
need not limit her power and influence In the
future Of our country.