Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1913-02-06
III &4IZW MZNC0zNEZIZ&D By TIT
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made but he wished his paper announcing his
course as correct in terms as It could be made
without any change in the determination He
read the document. One or two unimportant
amendments suggested by Seward were approved.
II was then handed to the secretary OF state to
publish tomorrow.
After this, Blair remarked that he considered
II proper to say he did not concur in the ex-
pediency of the measure at this time, though he
approved OF the principle. and should, therefore,
wish to file his objections. He stated at some
length his views, which were substantially that
he ought not to put in greater jeopardy the pa
triOtc element in the border states that the re-
suits of this proclamation would be to carry over
those states en- masse to the Secessionlsts az
soon as 1t was read, and that there was also
class Of partisans in the free states endeavoring
to revive old parties who would have club put
into their hands Of which they would avail tnem-
selves to beat the administration.
The president said he had considered the dan
ger to be apprehended from the first objection,
which was undoubtedly serious. but the objection
was certainly as great not to act; as regarded
the last, 1t had not much weight with him
The question of power authority in the gov
eminent to set free the slaves was not much DIS
cussed at this meeting. but had been canvasseo
by the president in private conversation with the
members individually. Some thought legislation
advisable before the step was taken, but con-
gress was clothed with no authority on this sub
iect nor is the executive except under the war
power-military necessity, martial law when
there can be no legislation. This was the view
which took when the president first presented
the subject to Seward and myself last summer
as we we're returning from the funeral OF stan
toms child-a ride of two or three miles from
beyond Georgetown. Seward was at that time
not at all communicative, and. think. not Will
ing to advise, though he did not dissent from the
movement.
It is momentous, both in its immediate and re-
mote results and an exercise OF extraordinary
mower, which cannot be justified on mere hui
manitarian principles and would never have been
attempted but to preserve the national existence
The slaves must be with us or against us IN the
war. Let us have them. These were my, convic
tons and this the drift Of the discussion.
The effect which the proclamation will have
on the public mind is a matter of some uncer-
tainty. In some respects 1t would, think have
been better to have issued It when formerly first
considered.
There is an impression that Seward has op-
posed and is opposed to, the measure I have
not been without that impression myself. chiefly
from his hesitation to commit himself and per-
haps because action was suspended on his sug
gestion But In the final discussion he has as
cordially supported the measure as Chase
For myself the subject mas. from lts magnitude
and its consequences, oppressed me, aside from
the ethical features Of the question. It is step
in the progress OF this war which will extend
into the distant future favorable termination
of this terrible conflict seems more remote with
every movement, and unless the rebels hasten
10 avail themselves of the alternative presented
of which l see little probability. the war can
scarcely be other than one Of emancipation to
the slave or subjugation. or submission to their
rebel owners.
There is in the free states a very general i'm
preston that this measure will insure a speedy
peace cannot say that so view IT, No one In
those states dare advocate peace as a means Of
prolonging slavery even II It Is his honest opin-
ion. and the pecuniary, industrial. and social
sacrifice impending will intensity the struggle
before u.s. While. however. these dark clouds
are above and around US, ! cannot see how the
subject can be avoided. Perhaps II Is not de-
sirable II should be- II Is. however. an arbitrary
and despotic measure in the cause Of freedom.