Year: 1863

revived State government, constructed IN
whole, or in prepondering part, from the
very element against whose hostility and
vi olence it is to be protected, is simply alb.
surd. There must be a test by which TO
separate the opesing elements, SO as to
build only from the sound and that test
is a sufficiently liberal one, which accepts
as sound whoever will make q sworn re-
cantation of his former unsoundness.


But lift be proper 10 require, as test
of admission to the political body, an oath
of allegiance to the Constitution of the
United States, and to the Union under it,
why also to the laws and proclamations
where enacted and put forth for the pur.
pose of aidinging in the suppression Of the
rebellion. To give them their fullest effect,
there had TO be pledge for their mainten-
ance. In my judgment they have aided,
and will further aid, the cause for which
they were intended. To now abandon
them would be not only to relinquish
lever of power, but would also be cruel
and an astounding breach o(faith. I may
add at this point, that while remain in
my present position shall not attempt
TO retract or modify the emancipation
proclamation nor shall return to sla-
very any person who is free by the terms
Of that proclamation, or by any of the acts
of Congress. For these and other reasons
it is thought best that support of these
measures shall be included in the oath
and it is believed the Executive may law
fully claim it in return for pardon and re-
storation of forfeited rights, which he has
clear constitutional power to withhold alto
gether, or grant upon the terms which he
shall deem wsest for the public Interest,"
1t should be observed, also, that this par.
Of the oath is subject to the modifying and


abrogating power of legislation and su-
preme judicial decision.


The proposed acquiescence of the na-
tonal Executive in any reasonable tempo.
rary State arrangement for the freed peo.
pie is made with the view Of possibly mod.
flying the confusion and desttution which
must, at best, attend all clases by total
revolution o(labor throughout whole States.
1t is hoped that the already deeply afflicted
people in those States may be somewhat
more ready to give up the cause of their
afiiction, it, to this extent, thi, vital matter
be left to themselves; while no power of
the national Executive to prevent an abuse
is abridged by the proposition.


The suggestion in the proclamation as
to maintaining the political framework of
the States on what is called reconstruction


is made in the hope that it may do good
without danger otharm. II will save la
; Dor, and avoid great confusion.


But why any proclamation now upon
this subject! This question is beset with
the conflicting views that the step might be


delayed too long or be taken too soon. In
some States the elements for resumption


seem ready for action, but remain inactive


apparently for want of a rallying point-a


plan of action. Why shall A adopt the
plan of B, rather than B that Of A! And
if A and B should agree, how can they


know but that the general government here


will reject their plan! BY the proclama-


ton plan is presented which may be ac-
cepted by them as a rallyng point, and


which they are assured in advance will not


be rejected here. This may bring them


to act sooner than they otherwise would.


The objections to premature prcsenta-


ton of plan by the national Executive
consists in the danger of committals on
points which could be more safely left to


further developments. Care has been ia
ken to so shape the document as to avoid


embarrassments from this source. Saying


that, on certain terms, certain classes will
be pardoned, with rights restored, it is


not said that other classes, or other terms,


will ueSer be included. Saving that re-


construction will be accepted if presented
in specified way, it is not said it will ne.
yer be accepted in any other way.


The movements, by State action, for


emancipation proclamation, are matters OF


profound graduation. And while do not
repeat i n detail what have heretofore SC
earnest y urged upon this subject, my gem


eral Vi Jews and feelings remain unchanged
and | trust that Congress will omit no fair
oppor tunity of aiding these important steps
to a reat consumatior.


In the midst Of other cares however i'm.
portint we must not lose sight of the fact
that the war power is still our main reli
D ano 2. To that power alone can we look
A yet. for a time, to confidence to the people
e in the contested regions that the insurgen
2 p over will not again overrun them. Unit
\ I hat confidence shall be established, little
5 can be done anywhere for what is called
5 | reconstruction. Hence our chiefest car,
. must still be directed to the army and ma


Wy, who have thus far borne their harde,
, part so nobly and well.


, And it may be esteemed fortunate tha
=. in giving the greatest efficiency to these in
disponsable arms, we do also honorabl,
recognize the gallant men, from comman
!. der to sentinel, who compose thOm, and h
4 whom, more than to Others the world mus
Il stand indebt for the home of freedom dis
y enthrallea, regenoratcd, enlarged and per
y petuated.


"a ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
i DECEMBER 8, 1868.


IS The following Proclamation 1
n L L.