Washington telegraph., 1865-01-11


movements having also occurred during ths
year, to the effect of moulding society for dnra-
bility in the Union.
Although short Of complete success, il ID
much in the right direction that 1900 citi-
zens in each of the States of Arkansas and
Louisiana, have organized loyal State Govern
ments, with free constitutions, and are strugpl-
ing to maintain and administer them, the move
ment in the same direction, more extensive
though less definite in Missouri, Kentucky and
Tennessee, should not be overlooked. But
Mary yland presents an example Of complete
success, and is secure to liberty and union for
all the future the genius Of rebellion will no
more claim Maryland. Like another foul spirit
being driven out, it will seek to tear her but il
VIII Woo her no more. At the last session of
Congress, a proposed amendment Of the Consti-
tuition, aboiishing slavery throughout the
United States, passed the Senate bat failed, for
a lack OF the requisite two-thirds vote in the
House OF Representatives. Although the pre-
seat IS the same Congress, and nearly the sama
members, without questioning the wisdom or
patriotism OF those in opposition, venture to
recommend the Reconsideration and passage Of
the measure at the present session.
The fact remains demonstrated, that we
have more men now than we had when tba
war began; that We are not exhausted nor IN
process OF exhaustion; that we arc gaining
streng IA, ard may, if need BE-, continue ih@
contest definitely; that ~ 10 men. rDatsrial
abundant than ever. The national resources
then- are uneXhaustcd, and we believe inex-
hausl!ile The public purpose 10 re-establish
and maintain the national authority Il mn
chang d, aud as believe Interchangeable.
Iaa manner OF continuing the effort remains to
be c5el.
''Oa careful examination Of all tile evidence
e--.5l1, II seems to me that no attempt at
nCEo'i4liOI. with The insUrgrnt leader could re-
suli Ia any good. He would accept of nothing
shorl Of the severance Of the Union. His de-
claradons 10 that effect are explicit and oft re-
peatcd. He does not attempt te deceive us-
case to deceive ourselves
We cannot voluntarily yield it, Between
him aDd US the issue is distinct, simple and IN
flexible. 1t Is an issue which can onlv be tried
by war and decided by victory. If we WELD we
are beaten; if the Southern people fail linn IL
is 9e@t.n; either way II will D. victory-and
de eat following the war.
''What is true, however, Of him who leads tba
in5urg Mt cause, il not necessarily true of those
vino follow; although he cannot accent ths
Union, tkey can. Some Of them, we know.
already desire peace and reunion. The num-
ber o. sHch may increase They can al apv
moment have peace simply BY LAYING down
then arms and submitting TO the national an
tho- y under the Constitution.
After so much, tue Government could not
Il it would. maintain war against them. The
loyal people would not sustain or allow II II
luNS-4oAls hhOulI remain, We would adjust tlpIn
by the peaceful means o. legislative conference
eeurts and votes. Operations only in consti,p.
tonal and lawful channels
Some certain and other possible onestions
are and would be beyond the Executive how
ever, to adjust for instance. the admission az
members INTO Congress, and whatever might
require the appropriation OF money The ~
ecutiye power Itself would ". greatly din1ir.
ishcd by the cessation OF actual war: nardon
and remissons OF forfeiture, however ,vouIJ
still be in the Executiv- control.
in what spris and temper this control
would DO exercised can fairly ba. Judged Of hv
the past. year aEo general pardon and am
ncsty, upon specified terms, was offered 10 All
except a ceriaa designated class; and il was. at
the same time, Encwn that the excepted classes
were s'ilI within contemplation or special Gle
mency.
Daring tie year many ayailrl themselves
OF the general provision and nAnv more woul1.
only tAhi 'he s-gns q pad faith in some led 10
snch precautionary measures ~ rendered the
practical process irss easy and certain Dnr-
ing the Time also special pardors have been
granted TO individuals Of excepted Glasses spd
TO voluntary application has been denied.
mus, practically, the door has been full wear
open TO all but such as were not i'll acopd;tion "
make tree choice, i. e. such as were in cus
tody or under constraint 1t is still oman !,
ALL but the time may come, probably viii come
when the public duty shall demand that IA will
be closed and that in lieu more vigorous mea-
sures than heretofore shall b. adopted III prose-
cutting the abandonment of armed resistance TO
the national authority on the part of the insur-
gents as the only indispensable condition to
the ending of the war
"On the part of the Government retr,ct
nothing heretofore said as to slavery. | re-
peat the declaration made year ago. and that
while remain in my present position shall
not attempt to retract or modify tie Emancipa-
~ an finn lx.a, a.
gresS if she people should, BY whatever mode or
means, make II any executive duty To re-enslaye
such persons, another. and not 4, must be tho
instrument to perform it, stating single CON
ditIon OF peace. mean si.ply to say that tLs
war will cease on tho part of the Government
whenever It shall have ceaseu on the part of
those who began IT,
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
he Lynch burg Virginian has tie following