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Fremont's Proclamation.
The response to Fremont's proclamation at the North is pretty much one way. We refer, of course, to the manner in which it is treated by our exchanges. Some of the intensely Democratic journals are silent about it — for instance some near home — but none dare condemn it. The Louisville Journal is the only paper professing to be Union which ventures to censure it, and that would hardly be done if the facts concerning Missouri were as well understood at Louisville as at St. Louis. We venture to predict that the Louisville Journal, unless its editor is not a thorough Union man, will yet commend such a proclamation for Kentucky. That State may have more loyal men in it than we now suppose but we shall soon know.
The St. Louis Republican, whilom secession, commends the proclamation, and implores all good citizens, whatever may have been their previous inclinations, as they value their lives and the security of their property, to assent to the proclamation. This is encouraging, though what the Republican would say were it perfectly free to advise differently, can only be surmised.
From Washington the Chicago Tribune has a telegraphic rumor that it is very doubtful whether the Cabinet will sustain the part relating to slave property! The Tribune does not credit the rumor, nor can we. The proclamation was in simple accordance with the late confiscation act of Congress, and what is as good, is in accordance with common sense and strict justice. Every master can save his "property" if he will, and if he will not obey the laws he forfeits all rights under them. If the administration wishes to set itself back and check the enthusiasm of the people in the vigorous prosecution of the war, it can take no step so suicidal as to overrule this proclamation. And besides, were there such a purpose, it would have been apparent before this — the step is too important for delay. We take it that the proclamation will stand, and we look for more of the same sort in due time.