Year: 1863

poraoy State arrangement for the freed peo-
pie is made. with the view of possibly modl-
fying the confusion and destitutioni which
must at least attend all classes by total
revolution OF labor throughout whole States.
and it is hoped the already deeply afflicted
people in these States may be somewhat more
ready to give UP the cause of their aiHietian,
and to this extent this vital matter Is lett
to themselves. while no power of the Nation
al Executive to prevent an abuse Is abridged
by the proposition. The suggestion In the
proclamation as 70 maintaining the political
frame works of the States, or what Is called
reconstruction, is made in the hope that II
may DO good without the danger OF harm.
1t viii save labor 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 de-
layed too long, or be taken too soon. Some
elements for resumption seem ready tor ac-
ton, but remain inactive apparently for want
of a rallying point or plan of action. Why
Shall A adopt the plan of B rather than B
that Of A !? If A and should agree how
can they know but the General Government
here will reject their plan? By the proca-
nation plan is presented which may be ac-
cepted by them as a rallying 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 Oh
lection to a premature presentation of plan
by the National Executive consists in the
danger of commitment on q point which could
be more safely left to future developments.
Care has been taken ID so shape the docu-
ment as to avoid embarrassment from this
source. In saying that on certain terms GER
tain classes will be pardoncd with their sights
restored, it is not said that other classes. on
other terms, willnever be included. In say
| ing a reconstruction will be accepted II pre-
sented in a specified way, it Is not said that
it will never be accepted in any other way.
The movements in the way OF State actions
for emancipation in several Of the States not
includei in the emancipation proclamation,
are matters of profound qualification, and
while do not repeat III detail y hat hereto
fore so earnestly urged upon this subject, my
general views and feelings remain unchang
e.. and | trust that Congress will omit no
fair opportunity Ct aiding these important
steps to the g.c-"t coTSumE'at:on.


In the midst Or other cares. however in
portant. we must lot lose sight Of the fact
that the war power is Our main reliance. 10
that power alone can we LOOK yet. Tor time,
TO give confidence to the people IN contested
regions that the insurgent power Will not
again overrun them. Until that confidence
shall be established little can be dHc there
for what is called constitution, pee our
chief care must still be directed to oar army
and navy, who have thus far borne their
harder part so nobiy and well. And it may
lie esteemed fortunate that in giving the
greatest efficiency to these indispensable
arms, we also honorably encourage gallant
men, from commander to sentinel who up


hold and to whom more than all others the
world stands indebted for having disen-
thralled, regenerated, enlarged and perpetu


ated the home of freedom.