Primary tabs
1
The President's Message.
We can safely say that the President's Message has been cordially received and heartily indorsed by our people generally. It is regarded as in every way just such a State paper as was demanded by the crisis — calm in tone, conservative in sentiment, dignified, business like and wise the dispassionate utterance of a statesman who fully apprehends the situation, and duly appreciates the responsibilities under which the country rests. It says no more than was necessary, and yet says all that there was need to be said, to a proper understanding of the affairs of the Nation. It does not indulge in useless criminations of what has been transpiring during the last nine months; nor does it stop to utter sanguine hopes for the future. It treats the rebellion as a fact, and discusses tersely and ably the ways and means of putting it down.
We had intended making a general synopsis of the topics discussed in the message, but its brevity renders such a course unnecessary. Mr. Lincoln, as chief executive officer, carefully avoids thrusting his opinions upon Congress in matters requiring legislation, at the same time that he suggests, as the Constitution warrants him, wherein modifications of existing laws might be made with advantage to the people and the Government. His opinions in reference to the reorganization of the Supreme, Circuit and District Courts of the United States are most just and we doubt not will at once be the subject of legislation by Congress. So too his suggestions in favor of an Agricultural Bureau in the Government, the recognition of the Governments of Hayti and Liberia, the protection of our sea coasts and commerce generally, the uniform organization of the militia, the reorganization of the navy, etc., etc. In our foreign relations there is nothing of special importance, except the solicitude which is occasioned by the present attitude of England and France towards us. It would appear from the intimations thrown out that while no open rupture yet exists we may at any moment receive the news of serious complications, growing out of the sympathy of these countries with the revolted States.
As to the measures which may be necessary for the vigorous prosecution of the war against the rebels, the President leaves much to the discretion of Congress. We are informed that a plan has been matured for the confiscation of property used for insurrectionary purposes, in accordance with the late act, which will be submitted to Congress for approval. Obeying the dictates of an honest prudence, the President has not deemed it advisable to transcend that act. Still, if a new law on the same subject shall be proposed, he will duly consider its propriety, avowing at the same time that "the Union must be preserved, and hence all indispensable means must be employed." He cautions, however, that we should not be in haste to determine what radical and extreme measures which may reach the loyal as well as disloyal, are indispensable. This is as we expected. Mr. Lincoln is for the indiscriminate confiscation of all rebel property for military purposes, but questions the present expediency of a law which would go to the extent of a general emancipation measure. His suggestions in regard to the disposition of such contraband negroes as are already on the hands of and at the expense of the Government are wise, while his recommendation, that when States shall pass general confiscation laws, by the operation of which negro slaves will be thrown upon them for disposal, some mode shall be adopted for purchasing, freeing and colonizing them, will doubtless receive the early attention of Congress.
While the President does not stop, as we said, to indulge in sanguine hopes of the future yet there is running all through his message the evidence of a quiet and unmistakable confidence, that the issue will be favorable to the Constitution and the Union. It is clear, that he already sees the beginning of the end and is satisfied that the back bone of the rebellion is now broken. "The progress of events is plainly in the right direction;" and "with a firm reliance on Providence, all the more firm and earnest," he calls on his loyal countrymen, to "proceed in the great task which events have devolved upon them."