Year: 1863




build only from the sound. and that
Test is sufficient and liberal one,
which accepts as sound whoever will
make asworn recantation Of the form
er unsoundness.


But fit be proper to require MS o
test Of admission to the political body,
an oath of allegiance to the Constitu-
ton Of the United States and 10 the
Union under it, why not also to the
laws and proclanations in regard to
slavery? Those laws and proclama-
tons were enacted and put forth for
the purpose Of aiding in the suppress
sion Of the rebellion. To give them
the fullest effect there had to be a
pledge for their maintenance. In my
judgement they have aided, and will
further aid, the cause for which they
were enlisted. To give up this prin-
cipIe would be only to relinqnish lev
er of power. but would also be cruel
and astounding breach offaith. Imay
add, at this point, that while / remain
in my present position, | shall not at
tempt to retract or modify the Eman-
cipation Proclamation, nor shall 1 re-
turn to slavery any person who is
made free by the terms Of the procla-
nation, or by any act Of Congress-
For these, and other reasons, it 10
thought best that the support Of these
persons shall be included in the oath,
and it is believed the Executive may
lawfully claim it in return for pardon
and the restoration of protected rights
which he has a clear constitutional
power to withhold altogether, or grant
upon the terms which he shall deem
wisest for the public interest. II
should be observed, also, that this part
Of the oath is subject to the modifying
and abrogating power of legislation
and supreme judicial decision. The
proposed acquiesence Of the National
Executive IN any honorable temporary
State arrangement for the freed people,
is made with view of possibly modi-
flying the confusion and distressing
destitution which must, at least, attend
all classes, by total revolution oflabor
throughout the whole States. 1t is
hoped that the already deeply afflicted
people in those States may be some.
what more ready to give up the cause
oftheir afIiiction, and to this extent
this vital matter is life to themselves,
while no power Of the national Execu-
! tive to prevent an abuse is abridged by
this proposition.


The suggestion in the proclamation
as to maintaining the political frame
work of the States on what is called
reconstruction is made in the hope
that it may do good without harm
1t will favor labor, and avoid confu-
sion. But why any proclamation now
upon the subject? This question is
beset with the conflicting views that
the step might be delayed too long or
be taken too soon. In some of the
States the elements for resumption
have been ready for action; but re-
main inactive, apparently for want Of
u rallying point or plan of action.


Why shall A. adopt the plan of B.,
rather than B. that of A? ia. and B
should agree, how can they know that
the General Government here will
respect their plan? By the proclama-
ton, a plan is presented which may
be accepted by them as rallying
point and which will not be rejected
here. This may bring them to act
sooner than they otherwise would
Tne objection to premature prcsen-
tat on of plan by the National Ex-
e utlve. consists in the danger Of CONS
initials in points which could be more
safely left to further developments.
Care has been taken TO so shape the
document as to avoid embarrassment
from this source. In saying that. ON
certain terms, certain classes will be
pardoned, with their rights restored,
it is not said that other classes, on othr
er terms, will never be included. In
saying that, reconstruction will be
accepted ifpresented in specified way,
it is not said that it will be accepted
in no other way. The movements by
State action for emancipation, not in-
cluded in the Emancipation Proclama'
ton, are matters Of profound gratulal
ton; and. while | do repeat what |
have heretofore so earnestly urged
upon this subject, my general views
and feelings remain unchanged, and I
trust that Congress will omit no fair
opportunity OF aiding these important
steps to the great consummation.


In the midst of other cases, however
important, we must not loose sight Of
the fact that the var power is still our
main reliance, To that power alone
can we look yet for time, to give
confidence to the people in contested
regions, that the insurgent power will
not again overrun them. Urtil that
confidence shall be established, little
can be done anywhere, for what is
called reconstruction. Hence, our
chietest care must still be directed to
our army and navy, who have thus
far borne their harder part SO nobly
and well and it may be esteemed for
tunate that, in giving the greatest
efficiency to their indispensable arms,
we do also honorably encourage GAL
liant men, from commander to sentinel,
who compose them, and to whom, more
than all others, the world must stand
indebted, for the home Of freedom,
disenthraIled, regenerated, enlarged,
and perpetuated.