Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1889-01-03
THE GREAT PROCLAMATION.
The Original Draft Of the Famous Documen
Was Made nv NJ, IincoIn.

tAt Nil-ihui Ntdit ol tue FAMOUS DOfuIntE
Was Made by Nh Lincoln.
Further conference 10y the cabinet)
was had on organizing negro regiments,
but Lincoln decided that the moment
had not yet arrived when this policy could
be safely entered upon. Writes Chase
THE impression left upon my mind by
the whole discussion wSs tAst while the
president thought that the organic alton,
equipment and afming of negroes like
other soldiers would be productive OF
more evil than good, he was not unwilling
that commanders should at their discre-
ton, arm for prreiy defensive purposes,
slaves coming within our lines. But on
the kindred policy of emancipation the
precedent had reached decision which
seems TO have been in advance of the views
of his entire cabinet. Probably greatly to
their surprise, he read to them the toll
lowing draft of 4 proclamation warning
the rebels OF the pains aud penalties OF
the conhsoation act and while renewing
his tender OF compensation toloyal states
shich would adopt gradual adjustment,
adding summary military order, as
commanders in chief, declaring free the
slaves OF all states which might be in
rebellion on Jan. l, 1861 The text Of
this fret draft of the emancipation pro
oamation ia here printed Tor the drss
time: ain pursuance OF the sixth section
of the act OF congress entitled An act to
suppress insurrection and 10 punish
treason and rebellion, 10 seize and con
hscRte property of rebele, and for other
purposes, approved July II, 1862, and
which act and the joint resolution OK
planatory thereof are herewith published
|, Abraham Lincoln, president of the
United States, do hereby proclaim TO and
warn all persous within the contempla-
ton of said sixth section 20 cease par
tioipeting in, aiding, countenaneing or
abettine the existing rebellion, or any re-
bellicn against the government 81 the
United States, and 90 return TO their
proper allegiance 10 the United States,
on pain OF the forfeitures aud seizures,
as within aud by said sixth section pro-
vidod
"And l hereby make known that il is
my purpose, upon tho next meeting OF
congress, 60 again recommend the adop-
ton OF practical measure for rendering
pecuniary aid TO the free choice or rejeo-
tion OF any and all states, which rlay then
be recognizing and practically snstaining
The authority OF the United States, and
which may then have voluntarily adopted,
or thereafter may Voluntarily adopt,
gradual Adjustment OF slavery within
such state OF stRtes; that the object ia 10
practically restore, thenoeforwatd 20 be
maintained the constitutional relation
between the general government and each
and all the states wherein That relation
il now suspended or disturbed, and that
for this object the war rs IT has been
will be prosecuted, And IA ~ and
necessary military measure for effect
ing this object /, as commander-in
chief OF the army and navy of the United
States, do order ard declare that on tho
iirst day OF Jenuary, in the year OF our
Lord one thousand eight tuncred and
sixty-,hree all persoue held a. slaves
within any state or states Wherein the
constitutional authority OF the United
States shall not then be practically recog
p2ed, submitted to, and maintained shall
then, thenceforWard, and forever be freo.n
OF the cabinet proceedings which fol
lowed the reading OF this momentous
document we have unfortunately, only
very brief memoranda. Every member
OF the couLpil was, we may infer, be-
wildered by the mag nitude and boldness
OF tho proposal The sudden consider
alton OF this critical question reveals TO
us with vividness the difference in u ental
reach, readiness, and decision between
the president and his constitutional ad
visere. Only two of the number gave the
measure their unreserved concurrence,
even after discussion. IL was strange
that one of these was the cautious attor-
ney g-anoral, the representative of the
conservative faction OF the slave holding
state of Missouri, aud that the member
who opposed the measure as n whole and
proposed 10 achieve the result indirectly
through the soattored and divided action
OF local commanders in military depart
ments Was the anti slavery secretary OF
the treasury, Mr.. Chase, representing
perhaps more nearly than any other the
abolition faction of the state of Ohio.
All were astonisbed except the two to
whom 10 had been mentioned week be-
fore. None OF the others had even 1on
sidered such a step. But from the mind
and will Of President Lincoln the deter
mination aud announcement TO his cabi-
net came aimoet as complete in formsand
certain IN intention on that memorable
Tuesday OF July as when, two months
later, IL was given 10 the public, or IA
officially proclaimed on TIE succeeding
Now Years day an irreyooable executive
act