American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1913-02-13
III &ZZW WLNCMWAUzZW By ZE
NND AHNT

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.
1t was then handed to the secretary Of state to
publish tomorrow.
After this, Blair remarked that he considered
1t 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.
triotic element in the border states, that the re-
suits of this proclamation would be to carry over
those states en- masse to the Secessionists as
soon as 1t was read, and that there was also a
class of partisans in the free states endeavoring
TO revive old parties, who would have a club put
into their hands of which they would avail them.
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 certainty as great not to act; as regarded
the last, it had not much weight with him.
me question of power. authority, in the gov.
eminent to set free the slaves was not much dis.
cussed at this meeting, but had been canvassed
by the president in private conversation with tho
members individually. Some thought legislation
advisable before the step was taken. but con.
eress was clothed with no authority on this sub.
Ject' nor IS the executive. except under the war.
p~ower-military necessity, martial law wben
there can be no legislation. This was the view
WHICH i LOOK when the president first presented
the subject to Seward and myself last summer
rs we were returning from the funeral Of Stan.
tons child-a ride of two or three miles fror,
beyond Georgetown. Seward was at that time
y d i ali communicative, and, | think. not will.
ins 10 ADVISE though he did not dissent from the
movement. >" LAX
II Is momentous, both in its Immediate and 70
o' results, and an exercise Of extraordinary
power which cannot be Justified m moro H.
manitarian principles. and would nevor 49, nu
attempted but to preserve the nation., a~;s.eNS"
ihe slaves must be with us or against nc u ~.
A Het us nave them. These were nv convio
ions and this the drift of the discussion
enect which the proclamation will how.
ta,ntv ~ o inlhu Is a matter Of some uncer
hoon a. so"e respects 1t would. I think have
oeeu oetter TO have issued 1t when forror1. ~
considered. WIG formerly first
mere Is an impression that seu.,
poseu' ana is opposed to. the measure 1 op
-. "i'nout that impression mvso,f oh.N.
b.ns hesitation to commit himself md ~.
,ast,S action was suspended On HI,
cordiauu nut IN the final discussion he hos -
rAN supported the measure az Chas. DIS
:" "yselr the subject has. from its
ana Its consequences onnror.a :" u magnitude
e e'n'cai features OF the Question I. ~. from
in,o ~ progress of this war which VIII a s'ep
-, ~ Instant future. A Favorable eN'eho
ever, 'io conflict seems more roro.a N'
70 av.u %esement' and unless the rebels VIII
Of which ''Gin ,sa of the alternative pres aaS,e1
scarcely be Other " tie probability, the war can
'ne save. or subjugation Nv Emancipation to
rebel owners. UT submission to their
preston 's IN the free states a verv ssro.
peac s'0n mat this measure will insvr general i'm
those s,at cannot say that I so view it N = speedy
prolonging s,a aSse advocate peace as a mes ons IN
ion, and the pecup even II it is his honest op,u'
bsfor n'e impending will intensity "a and social
are ahoxs while however. these dar. struggle
suhiso. and around us, I cannot sM clouds
sirable :, can sho be avoided. Perhaps +, tes Is now the
and despoti H'una BE-, 1t is, however. an ar mot de-
In the cause of freedom