The New York Herald Newspaper, December 10, 1863, Page 1

| HE NEW YORK HERALD. WHOLE NO. 9946. OUR NATIONAL AFFAIRS. MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT TO CONGRESS. OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION. Annual Cost of the Rebellion. Fhe Reconstruction of the Union. THE PRESIDENT’S PLAN. Proposed Amnesty to All Rebels Below Colonels, Interesting Details from the Departments. OUR FOREIGN RELATIONS. The Amny, Navy, Public Do- main, Indians, Post Office, ae, &e., ae. Pmiow Onze or ra teats 4xp House or Revknean- RavIvEs:— Another year of health and of sufficiently abundant ‘Barveste has passed. For these and, especially for the Mpproved condition of our national affairs, our renewed end profoundest gratitude is due. We remain in peace and friendenip with foreign Powers. THE NEUTRALITY OF ERGLAND. ‘The efforts of disioyal citizens of the United States to in- ‘volve us in foreign ware, to aid an tnexcusable insurrec- ion, bave been unavailing. Her Britannic Majesty's @evernment, an was justiy expected, bave exercised their authority to prevent the departure of new hostile expedi- fiona from British porte. THB NSUTRALITY OF FRANCE. - Tee Emperor of France has, by a like proceeding, Promptly vindicated the neutrality which he proclaimed #0 the Deginning of the contest. Questions of great intri- @acy and importance havo arisen out of the blockade and ether belligerent operations between the government and ‘several of the maritime Powers;} but theyfhave beon a <@emeed, and, af far as was possible, accommodated in a <apirit of franknees, justice and national good will OUR PRIZE COURTS. It Se eepecially gratifying that our prize courte, by the (mopartiality of their adjudications, have commanded the respect and confidence of maritime Powers. SUPPRESSION OF THR SLAVE TRADE The supplemental treaty between the United Staten apd Great Britain for the suppression of the African lave trade, made on the 17¢h day of February lastsbas Peon duly ratified and carried into execution. It \s be \ Meved that, #0 far as American ports and American cit) gene are concerned, that inhuman and odjous traffic bas been Drought to an end, OUR RIGHTS IN WASHINGTON IBRRITORT. I ebail submit for the consideration of the Senate a con ‘sention for the adjustment of the possessory claims in ‘Washington Yerritory arising out of the treaty of the 16tb ef June, 1846, between the United States and Great Britain, and which have been the source of some diequiet fmiong the citizens of that now rapidly improving part ef the country. > BPAIN'S RIGHTS AROUND CURA A novel and important question, involving the extent of the maritime jurisdiction of Spain in the waters which arreu. .ue ieiand of Cuba, has been debated without fesching an agreement, and :t tx proposed, in an amicable Opirit, to refer it to the arbitrament of a friendly Power. A convention for that purpose will be submitted to the Benate THE SCHELDT PCRS. I Bave thought it proper, subject to the approval of the Bewate, to concur with the interested commercial Powers ‘an arrangemont for the liquidation of the Scheldt duer, Bpon tho principles which have been heretofore adopted {m regard to the imposts upon navigation in the waters of Denmark. OUR RELATIONS With CHER. The long pending controversy between this government nd that of Chile touching the seizure at Setana, in Peru, Dy Chilean officers, of a inrge amount in treasure Belonging to citizens of the United States, Bas been brought ton close by the award of his Majesty the King of the Belgians, to whore arbitration the ques. thon was reforred by the parties. The subject thor. J Oughly and patiently examined by that justly reepected 4 potentate, and, although the sum awarded to tho claim. | ante may wot-have been as large as they expected, there Je bo reason to distrust the wisdom of his Majesty's de @ision, That decision was promptly complied with by Chile + ~ phen inteiligones in regard to it reached that country ‘THE PERUVIAN CLAIMS. The joint commiasian, under the act of the last eese\on , fer carrying ato effect tho conveation with Peru on the cebject of clauns bas been organized at Lima, and ie en- aged in the business. Tur NICARAGUA ROUTE. Difficulties comserning interoceanic transit throvgh Kisaragua are in course of amicable adjastment In conformity with principles set forth my last on maa! Moenage, | have received a representative from tbe United States of Comba, and have acoredited a Min wter We that republic. THR RIGHTH OF ALKNE ON A CTI WAR 7 Imcideows occurring in the progress of our civil wer Bave forced upon my attention the uncertaio state of ip Jernational question® touching the rights of foreiguers 0 thie country, and of United “tates citizens abroad In regard to some governments, these rights are at least partinily defined by trea! Ip DO instance, bow ever, is K oxpreeely flipulated that (n the event of civil war © foreignor residing ‘n this country, within the itnes of the Insurgents, is to be exempted from the rule which classes him as a belligerect, in whose behalf the , forernmont of bis country cannot expect any privileges oF immunitios distinet from that character. | regret + say, however, that such claims have been put forward tad in pome instances in bobalf of foreigners who have lived in the United States the greater part of their |iver There ia reason to believe that many persons > + fercign countries, who bare dectared their invent Deeome oitizena, or who have a fully ratore evaded th itary duty roqdired of t he fut, and ¢ Wing . d od *purthon of pr it bar bee pd d\Moult or impra able to obtetr proof, (or want of puldes vo tNe pr . sourceot mformation. These might He eupplied by req uir- ng clerks of couris where declaratrong of intention may be made, or paturalizations eflected, to wend periodically dete Of Uke Dames cf Lhe persons naturalized, oF declaring their mtention to become citizens, to the Secretary of the Interior, in whore department the wames mipbt be ar ranged and printed for general information, There is.aiso reasun to believe that foreigners frequently become citizens of Ue United States for ibe sole purpose of evading duties fmposed by the laws of their pative country, to which, on becoring nature ved here, they at once repair, and, though never returning to the United States, they still clan the ipterpos tion of this goverment as citizens. = 1d great prejudices have heretofore “ use. It is thercfore submitted to your grricy\vtwvieration whether it might not be ad- visable to fix @ limit beyond whicb no citizen of the United States residing abroad may claim the interpors tion of bis government. The rigbt of euffrage bas often Deen asaumed and exercised by aliens, under pretence of Baturalization, which they have d savowed when drafted into the military service. THR KICK TO VOTR GiNES THK WCRT 10 NICHT. I submit the expediency of such an amendment of the Jaw as will make the fact of voting an estoppel against apy plea of exemption from military service or other ‘vil obbigation-on the ground of alienation. in common with other Weetern lowers, our reintions with Japan have been brought nto serious joopardy through the per- verte opposition of the hereditary aristocracy of the empire of the enlightened and liberal policy of the Tycoon, designed to bring the country ito the gociety of nations. It is hoped, although vot with entire confl- denco, that thege difficulties may be peacefully overcome, J ask your attention to the claim of the Mivister residing ‘bere for the damages he eustained ip the destruction by fre of the residence of the legation at Jeddo. INTHRNATIONAL TELEGRAYH LINES. Satisfactory arrangements bave been mace with the Emperor of Ruesia which, it \s believed, will reeult in effecting a continuous Jine of telegraph through that empire from the Pacific coast. 1 recommend to your favorable consideration the object of ap international telegraph acroes the Avantic Ocean, and aleo of a telegraph between the capital apd the nationa) forte along the seaboard apd the Gulf of Mexico. Such communications, established with any reasonable outlay, would be econom\. cal as well a8 effective ulds to the diplomatic, military and baval service. OUR CONBULAR FYSTEX. The copeviar rysiem of the United States, under the ‘evactments of the last Congress, begine to be eelf-sustain. img, and there is reason to hope tbat it may become en- turely 80 with the increase of trade whicb will eneue whevever peace is restored. AMERICAN INTERESIE ABHOAD. Our minietere abroad bave been faithful jp defending American rights. In protecting commercial interests our coneuls bave necessarily Bad to encounter increased la- bore and reaponsibilities growing out of the war, These they bavo for the most part met and discharged witb zeal and efficiency. This acknowledgment justly includes those corguls who reside in Morocco, Fgypt, Turkey, Ja- pap, China and othersOrienta) countries, who are charged with complex functions and extraordinary powers. JHE NEW TERRITORIES. The condition of the severa) organized Territories is generally eatirfactory, although Indian disturbances in New Mexico bave vot beep entirely eoppreseed. The min- era) resources of Onlorado, Nevada, Idaho, New Mexico apd Arizona are proving fer richer than has been heretofore understood. 1 lay before you a communication Op this kulject from the Governor of New Mexico. MMJORATION TO RE ENCOUR/GED. lagain submit to your consideration the expediency of ettablishing a system for the encouragement of immigration. Although this source of national wealth and strength ip again flowimg witb greater freedom ‘Uban for several yeare before the ineurrection occurred, were 6 etl a great deficiency in every fela of m- dustry, especially in agriculture, and in our mines, of irop ‘a8 woll as of the precious metals. While the demand for Jabor in thos increared bere, tens of thovurande of persons destitute of remunerative occupation are thronging our foreign consulates and offering to emigrate to the United States, if eeeential but very cheap assistance can be af- forded them, THR KUGETS OF FORRIONRRS Tt 1s eagy to see that under the sharp discipline of civil war the nation is beginning anew life. This noble effort demands the aid and ought to receive the attention and eupport of the government, Injuries unforeseen by the government, aud unintended, may, in eome cures, bave been nfticted on the subjects or citizens of foreige coun tries, bot at sea and on land, by pereous in the eervice of the United Stater. AS tbin government expecta redress from other Powers when Fimilar injuries are inflicted dy persons in their eer vice upon citizens of the United States, we must be pre- pared to do justice to foreigners. If the existing judicial tribunals are teadequate to this PUFpore, a epecial 1 may be authorized, with power to hear and decide such claims of the character referred +0 a8 may have arisen under treaties and the public law Conventions for ad usung the mes by Jo Dt commission have deen propored to rome governments but no definite Auswer to tbe proportion has yet been received from any. In the couree of the session | pall probably have occasion to request you to provide imdemn Jajmants where decrees « nm bave been rendered (and damages awarded vy admiralty courts), and in other ation to estitut cars where this governmeot may be sckoow ledged to be je in principle, and where the amount of that liability bas been ascertained Dy an informal arbitraton. The proper officers of the ‘Treasury bave deemed themselves required by the iaw of the United States upon the subject to demand a tax upon the incomes of foreiyn consents in this country, While such a demand may not, in strictoean, be in derogation of public w, OF perbape of any existing treaty between the Unit d States and a foreign country, the expediency of fo far modifying the act as to exempt from the tax the income of such consuls af are not citizens of tue United States, derived from the emoluments of their office or from Property pot aituated in the United States, is rub mitted to your rerious consideration. i make this #ug gestion he ground that « comity which ought to be reciprocated exempts our copruls ipa!) otber count from taxation to the extent thus indicated. The United Stater, 1 think, ought not to be exceptiovadly jiliberal to Dierpatope) trade and commerce. THR FINANCHE OF 1 The operations of the Trearury during the last year have been ruccessfully condncted. The enactment by Congress of a Nationa) Banking iaw has proved « valuable rapport of the public eredit, and the general legisiation in relation to loans has fully answered the expectations of its (avor ere. Some amendinents may be reqnired to perfect ox Sting laws: but no change in their principles or geveral scope ip believed to be ceeded, Since thee measures have been in operation ai! demeanor on the Treasury, in elnding the pay of the a and oavy, have been prompt ly met and fully satisfied. No considerabie vody of Woops, it if believed, were ever more amply provided And more |iberally and punctoally paid. and it may be 1 tbat by BO people were tbe berden® inchienta) to a great war more cheerfoily bore The receipts during the year from ai) sources ad bg loane and the balance in the Trearury at the com mencement, were $001,126,474 6, and ibe aggregate die bureement $866,19€,690 65, leaving & belan the ist of July, 1863, of $6,920,066 21 Of the rece pte there were rece ved fon sania. op we 000,042 40: from interpal revenue, $27,660,787 08. from direct \ax, §) 105 61; from tande, $167,617 17. from Mincellancout FourceR, $9.046.615 35, and from loans 061 67—wak ing) the agerbgate 9901.12 Of the dieboreements there 4h. were for the civil rervice $23,263,922 06. for pensions and lediane, $4,216 r interest on public debt, § 1, for th Department , $599 29% (0 £5 y Departunent, 962,211,105 27, for payment of fended and temporary Gebt, $15) 086 625 67 aking (be aggregate $205 74 630 65 and caving the 105 220000) . Rut the paymente of ‘he rary deb having been made ' y news ring ¢ moneye borrow The actuel receipts and disbursements for the fret TRIPLE SHEET. cog been a cberished opwion of some quarter and the est mated rece)pts and diebursements for } Of Our wiseet statesmen that the people of the the remaining three-quarters of the current fecal year, 1864, will be shown in detad by the report of he Seare tary of the Treasury, to which I invite your attention, It if Bafllcient to say bere that it is pot believed that actual results will exbibit a state of the fnances loss fa vorableé © the country than ihe estimates of that officer heretofore eubm.tted, while it is confidently expected Abat of the lose of the yoar loth disbursements and dette will le fownd very considerably less than has been antic Paid, THR WAR REPORT ‘Fhe report of the Sceretary of War is adocument of Ereat interest. It consiain of — Pirst—The military operations of the year, detailed ip tbe report of the Gevera)-in Chief. Second—The organ vation of colored persons into the war service. Third—Tho exchange of prisoners, fully set forth i® the letter of Genera} Hitebcock, Fourth—The operations and the act of enrolling and calling out the national forces—deta ied in the report of the Provoet Mareha! General Fisth—The organization of the Invalid corps, and Sixih—The operation of the eeveral departments of the Quartermaster General, Commissary Geveral, Paymaster General, Ciref of Engineers, Chief of Ordnance and bur oon Geveral. OVERATIONY OF IHR NAVY. it bow appeared impossible to make a valuable gommary of this report, except ruch as would be tae: extended for this place, and hence I content mp self by avking your careful attention to the report itself, The duties devolving on the naval branch of the rervige during the year, and throughout the whole of this nnhap- Py contest, have beev discharged with fidelity and emi- nent euccess, The extensive blockade bas been constarit- ly ipereasing in efficiency. if the navy bas expanded, yet on fo long B me it bas, 0 far, been impossible to entirely suppress jilicit trade. From returns received at the Navy Department it app@ars that more than one thoa- sand vessels bave beeo captured since the blockade was instituted, and that the value of prizes already sent in for adjudication amounts to over Whirteen million dollars. The paval force of the United States consists at this time of five bundred and eigh<7-cight versela, completed ‘and in the course of completion, and of these eeventy-five are iron-clad or armored steamers. The events of the war give an Increased interest and importance to the pavy which will probably extend beyond the war itself. The armored veesels in our navy completed and in service, or which are under contract and approaching complevion, are believed to exceed in number thore of any other Power. But, while thoe may bo relied upon for harbor defence and coast rervice, others of greater strength and capacity will be necessary for crvising parpoees, and to maintain our rightful position on the ocean, OU STAM NAVY, ‘The change that has taken place in naval vessels and naval warfare since the jotroduction of steam ag a motive power for ehips of war demands either a correspomting change 'n some of our existing navy yards or the estab- lishment of new ones for the construction and necemary repair of modern naval veesels. No ipconsiderable em- barrarement, delay and public Injury have been experi. enced from the want of euch governmental eetablisb- ments. The necessity of euch a navy yard, so furnished, at kome suitable place upon the A‘lantic seaboard, has, on Tepeated occasions, been brought to the attention of Coa. gress/by the Navy Department, and is again presented ia the report of the Secretary, which accompanies this com. munication. I think it my duty to invite your speci« attention to this Fubject, and algo to that of establishing a yard and depot for naval purposes upon one of the Western rivers, A naval force has been created on these interior waters, and under many dieadvantages, within a \ittle more than two years, exceeding in number the ‘whole-paval force of the country at the commencement of the present administration. Satisfactory and import- ant aa have been the performances of the heroic men of the navy, at this interesting period, they are scarcely more wonderful than the success of our mechanics and artisans in the production of war vessels, which bas created @ pew form vf naval power. TIMBER, RON AND COAL. Our country bas advantages superior to any other Ration in resources of jron and timber, with {nexhanst! ble quantities of fuel in the immediate vicinity of both, and all available and in close proxim|- ty to navigable waters, Without the advantage of public works, the resources of the mation have been developed and its power displayed in the construc- ton of a navy of such magnitude, which bas at the very period of its creation rendered eignal service to the Union ICRPARE OF #A:LORS. The increase of the number of seamen in the pub lic eervice from 7,500 men in the spring of 1861 to about G,000 at the prevent time has been accomplished without especial legislation or extraordinary bounties to promote that increase. It has been found, however, that the operation of the draft, with the high bounties paid for army recrulte, is beginning to affect in Juriously the paval rervice, and will, if not corrected, ve likely to impair its efficieney, by detaching seamen from their proper vocation and inducing them to enter the army. | therefore r ally sugge#t that Congress might aid bow the arm ce by a definite pro vision on this subject, nid at the same y and naval which wo equitable to the communities more expecially 1 I commend to your consideration the ruggesti¢ rented # of the Secretary of the Navy in regard to the policy of fosterim and training seamen, and also the education of officers and engineers for the naval eeryice. The Naval Academy 2 rendering fignal rervice if preparing midehipmen for the highly responsible duties which, in after life, they will be required to perform, In that the country should pot be deprived of the proper quota of educated officers for which legal provision bas Deen made at the Naval School, the vacancies caused by the neglect or omiesion to make nominations from the States in inurrection have been filled by the Secretary of the Navy. The school i¢ now more full aud complete than at any former pesod, and in every respect entitiod to the favorable consideration of Congress. THB POST OFV)CR DEVARTMRNT. During the past fiscal year the fnancial condition of the Poet Office Department bas been one of increaxing pros pority, and Iam gratifiedgin being able to state that the Actual postal revenue has nearly equalied the eatire ex penditures, the later amounting to $11,514,200 64, and the former to $11,163,789 69, leaving & deficiency of bat $150,414 25. In 1880, the immediately preceding the rebellion, the deficiency amoonted 0 $5,066,705 49, the postal receipts betog $2,043,722 19 lees than thore of 1863. The ce Tease since 1860 in the annual amount of transportation has been about twenty-five per cont; but the annual ex pend iture on account of the eame has been reduced thir- ty five per cent. It i manifest, therefore, that the lor Offes Department may become peif-sustaining in a few Jeare, even with the restoration of (be whole rervice order ISTRENATION AL fORTAL ARRANGEMENTS. The olernationa! conference of portal delegates from the principal countries of Europe and America, whicd was called at tbe tuggestion of the Postmaster Genera et at Perle oo the 11th of May leet, and concluded i# el\berations on the Sth of Jute, The principle eatat liehod by the conference as bert adapted to facilitaty pontal intercourse between nations, and a the beww of future peetal conventions, inaugurites a ganen rystem of uniform pte atee of fORlagr, And CABDOL fail 16 prodoce benedicial re ealte y © the report of the Secretary of the nterior, whieh We berewith iaid before y net and vatied ofermation i relation pot sods, Indian asffaire, pateute, pensicus and other watiers pot poorh pertaining to bie department qua o OE ibe last be ' e fecal year # ee tr time be | year | United States bad a bigher and more enduring wmtereet 0 the early settionemt aod fybetantial cultivation of the public lands than 1 the amount of direct reyenve to be Cerived from the sale of them, Ths Opinion bas bad a controlling iwflueuve in ehaping log isle Hen pos the subject Of ovr national domain, | may cite, a9 an evidence of tbie, the liberal measures adopted iB reference to actus) settiers, ihe grant to the States of the overtiowed lands w thin thelr im te, im order to their being revs med and rendered ft fo° cultivation, and tho STANLY WH ralwey compane® ob alternate sections of land upon the cootemy les of thelr roads, which, when wil Jar multiply the fae) ties for reel * distant posses sions. This policy has rece ved slepal and dened cont illustration io the recat granting homesteads to actual settions. Sinve the lot day of Janu ery lay before mentioned the quantity of ese million four buvdred and (''y-six thousand five bundred and fourteen acres of land wave been taken up under its provi Bion. This fact and the amount of sales furnish gratifying idence Of increasing settlement upon the public lands, Botw ithstanding the great struggle in which the energies of the nation have beon engaged, and which bas required go large a Witidrawalo? our citizens from their accustomed pores. } cordially concur in the recommendation of the Kecretary of the interior, suxgesting a modi(eation of the act im favor of those engoyed in the military and Bava! rervice of the United States. J doubt not that Congrevs will cheerfully adopt suck measures as will, Without essentially changing the general features of the system, secure, to the greatest practical extend, Ite bene fits to Jnove who bave left their homes in defence of the country in this arduous crisis. I inv ‘e your attention to the views of the Secretary as to the propriety of raising, by appropriate Jegisiation, @ revenue from the mineral lands of the United States 1m INDIANS, The measures provided at your last session for the re- Mov») of certain Indian tribes have been carried into effect. Sundry treaties have been negotiated waich will, im due time, be submitted for the constitutional action of the Senate, They contain stin#'ations for oxtinzaish- img the possessory rights of we Indians to large and valuable tracts of Iand, It is hoped that the efiect of these treaties will result in the estab lishment of permanent friendly relations with such of these tribes as bave been brought into frequent and bloody collision with our outlying set- tlements and emigrants. Sound policy and our impera tive duty to these wards of the government demand our anxicus and constant attention to their material well being, Jo their progress in the arts of civilization, and, above all, to that mora) training which, under the blessings of Di- vine Providence, will confer upon them the elevated and revivitying infuences, the hopes and consolations of the ‘Christian fa.tb. ‘T suggested in my Inst annual Message the propriety of remodelling our Indian system. Subsequent events have Bativfied me of ite necessity. The details forth in the report of the Secretary evince the urgent veed for im me- diate legislative action. T commend the benevolent institutions{estabiished or patronized by the good in this District to your generous and fostering care. WATER COMMUNICATION WRTWEEN THR ATLANTIO AND THR aseresIr7. ‘The attention of Congress during the last session was engeged, to come extent, with & proposition for enlarging the water communication between the Mississippi river and the Northeastern seaboard, which pro position, however, failed for the time. Since then, vpon ao call of the greatest reapecta Dility, & convention bas been held at Chicago ‘upon the fame subject, a summary of whose views ts con- tained tn a memoria) addressed to the President and Con- gresn, and which I now bave the honor to lay before you. ‘That this interest is one whieh ere long will force ita own way I @» not entertain » doubt, whide it is submitted en- tively to your wisdom aa to what can be done now. Aug. mented interest ie given to this subject by the actual commencement of work upon the Pacific Ratiroad, under auspices favorable to rapid progress sad completion. ‘The enlarged navigation becomes & palpable need to the great road. ment AowCULTORR. 1 tranam|t the second annual report of the Commiasion- ers of the Department of Agriculture, asking your atten on to the development in that vital \nterest of the na thon. THE REBELLION. When Congrees assembled a year ago the war had already lasted twenty months, and there had been many confiicte on both land and fea, with varying results. The rebellion bad been preased back into reduged limits, yet the tone of public feeling amd opinion at bome and abroad was not ratifactory. With other rigns the popular elections, then Jost passed, indicated uneasinest among ourselves, while, amid much that was cold and menacing, the kindest words coming from Europe wero attered in accents of pity that we were too blind to surrender a hopeless cause. Oar commerce was sullering greatly by & few armod vesele—built upon and furnished from foreign aborer--and we were threatened with such ad ditions from the same quarters ax would sweep our trade from the #ea and raire our yekade We had failed wo elicit from European governments anything bopeful upon the THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION, ‘The pretimivary emancipation proclamation, issued in Eeptomber, was running,ite assigned period to tho begin bing of the new year, A month later the final proclama tion came, including the announcement that of suitable cond.\ion would be rece:ved in toe war service Tho policy of emancipation and of employing Diack olored men eoldiers gave to the future © new sapect, about whieh hope and fear and doubt con tended in vscertain conflict. According w our political eyatem, ae a matter of ation the government had no lawful power to effect cmancipation in any State, and (or @ long time it had been hoped that the rebellion could be suppressed witbout resorting tw | Ab a military monsure. It was all the while deemed poss) bie that the necessity for it might come, and that, if it should, the crisit of the contest would then be presented Jt came, and, ae was anticipated, was followed by dark and doubtful days. THR CONTR ARANDE IN PRETO? Eleven montha having now parcel, we are now permitted to take another review. The rebel borders are pressed still furthor back, aod by the complete opening of the asippl the country dominated by the rebellion if divided into duatinet parte, with no practical communication between them, Tennessee and Arkansas have boon substantially cleared of insurgent control, and influential citizens ta cach, owners of tlaves and advocates of slavery at the beginning of the rebellion, now declare openly for eman cipation in their respective States, Of those States not incioded in the Emancipation Prociamation, Maryland aod Missouri, nevtber of which three year would tolerate apy restraint upon the extension of avery nto new Territories, only dispute now a# to the best mode of removing \t within their own limit Of thowe who wore sinves at the beginning of the re beliion full ome hundred thousand are now in the Unvet States military service, about one half of which actually tear arms in Uv ranks, thus giving the double advautage Of taking #0 mach labor from the ineurgent caure and supplying the places which oihers se mont be Oiled with #0 many white mom. So far a» (orton It colt to #ay they are pot an good soldiers ax any garrection and tendency wo violence or cruelty bas mark ed the measures of emancipation and arm ng the blacks These messoree have been moch . 4 fore OUnITIOF, and contemporary wilh ex . L ne of public wentinent there # tect eer ol, wap jewwuneed siectinus rag 0g 3 wry tbreve ~ vow or be nite « * take it, Tho man t# only promined a pardon io ease b voluntarity takes the oath, The constitution authorizes the Pxecntive to grant or w thhold the pardon at his own absolute discretion, and this includes the power to grant on terms, a is fully ostabliuhed by judicial and other a thorities. It \s also proffered that [f in any of the Stau named, a State government shall be recognized and guar anieed by the United Staten, under |! the State sball, on the constitutional eonditone, be protected against inva sion and domestic violence. HME PROPOSED RECONIRE CHE The constitutional obligation ef the United States to guarantee to every State in the Union a republican form Of government, aud to protect the State int etated, is exolicit and full. But why tender the benefits | of this provision only (o a State government set up inthe | particular way n of the constitution con templates a o the clement within a State favorable to a rep. government in the Union may be too feeble for an opposite and hostile element, external to or even within the State, and such are | preciwely the cases with which we are now dealing An attempt to guarantee and protect a rovived State government coustracted in wholo or in proponderating part from the very element against whose bestility and violenco it is to be protected is vimply absurd, There must be a test by which to separate the opposing ments £6 as to build only from the sound; and that tout is A sufficiently beral one which accepts as sound whoever will make 4 #worn recantation of his former movements, But if i be proper to require as a test of admission to the political body an oath of allegiance to the United States, and to the Vojon under it, why not algo to the laws aud proclamations in regard to slavery? re oat Those laws and proclamations wore enacted and pat forth for the purpose of aiding in the suppresmon of the rebellion, To give them their fullest effect there had to be a pledge for their maintenance. In my judgment they have aided and will further aid the cause for which they were intended. To now abandon them would be uot only to relinquish @ Jever of power, but would also be a cruel and astonishing breach of faith. 1 may add, at this Point, while I remain in my present position I shatt not atiempt to retract or modify the emancipation proclama- tion, nor shail I return to slavery any person who ta free Ly Dre terns of that proclamation or by any of the acts of Cow gress. For these and other reasons it is thought beat that eupport of these measures shall be included in the oath und it is believed @at the Executive may lawfully claim it in return for pardon and restoration of forfeited rights, which he bas a clear constitutional power to withhold altogether or grant upon the terms ho shail deem wisest ho public interest. Jt should be observed also that this part of the oath i# subject to the modifyiug and ab- rogating power of legitlation and supreme Judicial deci sion. none TOK EVOLUTION IN TH LAROR STHTEM. The propoved acquiescence of the national Executive in any reasonable temporary State arrangement for the freed people is made with the view of possibly modify- ing the confusion and destitution which must at best attend all classes by @ total revolution of labor throughout whole States, It is hoped that the already deeply afflicted people in thoee States may be somewhat more ready to give up the cause of their alfiiction, if to this extont this vital matter be left to themselves, while nO power of the national Executive to prevent an abuse ie abridged by the proposition. The suggestion in the proclamation as to mainusining the political framework of the States,on what is called re. construction, is made in the hope that it may de good without danger of barm, It will save labor aud avoid great confusion. But why any proclamation mow upon this subject? This eubject 6 Biset with the conflicting Views that the step might be delayed too jong, or be taken too soon. Ja some States the elements tor resumption seem ready for action, but remain inactive, apparently for want of rallying point—a plan of action. Why #hall A adopt the plan of 1, rather than B that of Af And if A and 5 should agree, bow can they know but that the general government bere will reject tbeir plan? By the procia mation a plan is presented which may be accepted by them os a rallying point, and which they are assured in advance will not be regretted here. Thix may bring them to act sooner than they otherwise would. The objection to ® premature presentation of a plan by the national Executive consi#te in the danger of commit tal on points which could be more safely left to further developments, Care ban been taken to #0 shape the movement as to avold embarrassment from this source, raying that op certain terms certain classes will be pardoned, with rights restored. It ts pot enid that other classes or other terms will nover be included, fraying that reconstruction will be accepted if presented ina epecific way. It in not eald It will never be accepted inany other way. The movements by State action for emancipation in several of the States not included in the emancipation proclamation are matters of profound grata Jation. AVYEAL 10 CONGKHES—THANES TO THR ARMY AND NAVY And, while I do not repeat in detail what I bave hereto fore eo earnestly urged upon this subject, my general and feclings remain unchanged; and I trumt that ongrese will omit no fair opportunity of aiding these im portant #tepe to the great consummation. In the midst of other cares, bowever important, we mart pot jose right Of the fect that the war power is still our main To that power alone can we look for a time to give conf dence to the people in the contested regions that the insurgent power will not again overrun them. Untii that confidence «ball be establiehed littie ean be done anywhere for what in called recenatruction, Hence our chiefest care murt #till be directed to the army and navy, which have thus fur borne their barder part so nobly and well and it may be esteemed fortunate that, in giv. | ng the greatent eMciency to there nd wo do honorably recognize the gallant men, from commander to sentinel, who compose ther, and to whom more than to others the world must stand indebted for the home of peneable art freedom digenthralled, regeverated, eularged and per petuated ABRAHAM LINCOLN Dcnsunn 6, 1860 THE PROCLAMATION The following ie the proclamation referred tw in the | Mornay | PROCLAMATION / Wherean, in and by the constitution of the Unwed States it ie provided that the Prevent «ball bave power to grant reprieves aud pardons for offences against the United States, except in coses of itnpeschment whereas, & rebelhon now existe whereby t governments of reveral States bave for a jog tine boon pany persons bave committed ao yal State and | | fubverted, and nee now gu of st the United Btater kod whereas, with r a ‘ troapn lawn bave been eoacted hy Congre tfeitaren ed confiscation of property aod liberation of waves, all | upon lorts and conditions therein «t and also deciar ing that the President was thereby authorized a time thereafter, by prociamation, to extend to persons who may have participated in the exist any “late, of part thereof, pardon and am exoeptions and at much limes and on © as he may doom expedient for whereas, the Congrenionsl deciaral ondi¥.ooa! pardon scoords with the we dicial exposition of the pard with teference Ww rebellion the Tesident of ibe bh conditions and m tor Vimites aod tne public welfare oatab ming power and whereas United “tates has ienoed several prociamations with pro | clone in regard Wo the liberation of eleven, and wherens, | ti) pow desired by come persoos heretdore engoget the eaid rebelivn to rename (heir allegiance to the | pited Htaler, and W relneugurate loyal Mate governme within end for thelr renpective Mtater, there | ABRAHAM LINOULN ENT OM THF t proclaim, declare and make koowe pate be exiting rebellion, x " ted, thet « fall pardon is hereby each om, with te im ot 8 anu where the rig parves abel) bev Bier vened t eve ver | beep & . ® Aha be regen oe . seater 4 PRICE THREE CENTS. manner abide by ood fa\thcully support all proclamations Of the President made during Che existing rebellion having reference 10 slaves, 60 loug aud eo far as not modified or declared void by decision of Wefupreme Court. Ho help me God of the The persons excepted from the benefits foregoing provisions are all who are bail have been civil or diplomatic officers or agents of the so-called Confederate government, al) who bave Je't judicial stations wader tho United States to aid the rebellion, ali whe aro or shall have been military or naval Giticer of said #o-called Confederate government, aboyo the rank of colonel in the army, of Heutenant i the navy wl who Baye left oats in tho United States Congress to eid the rebellion, all who resigned commiseions in the army or navy of the United States ond afterwards aided the rebellion, aud all wh» have engaged in any way in treating colored person#, or white persons in charge of such, other- Wire than lawially a8 prisoners of war, aad which per- may bave been found in the United States service ag or idiers, seamen or in apy other capaeity And 1 do further proclaim, declare and ;make kuown that whenever, in any of the States Of Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennersee, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and North ‘arolina, a humber of persons not less than one tenth in Buwber of tho votes cast in such States at the Presiden tual election of the year of our Lord 1460—eacb having taken the oath aforesaid, and not having #ince violated it, And being @ qualiied voter by the election Law of the State existing immediately before the so-called act of seces- sion, and excluding all otbers—ahall re-establiak & State government, which shall be republican, and in nowixe contravening #aid cath, such shail be re- cognized a# the true government of the State, and the Stato sball receive thereunder the benefit of the consti- tutional provision whieh declares that “the United States shall guarantee to every Stato in this Union 4 republican form of government, and sball Protect each of thom ngaist fovasion, on application of the Legislature, or of the Executive when the Loginla- jature canpot be convened, and against domestic vio- Jence."” And 1 do further proclaim, declare and mak “own that any provision which may bo «’ sed by such State government in re Iatio. she freed people of much State which abail recogn co and deciare their permanent freedom, pro- vido for their education, and which may yet be consistent a8 & lomporary arrangement with their pre sent condition aa a laboring, landless and housclers class, will not be objected to by the national Executive, And it ts engaged as not improper that, in constructing @ loyal State ernment in any State, the nam of the State, (he boundary, the subdivisions, the constitution and the general code of laws, 4s Lelore the rebellion, be maintained, subject only to the modifications made wpecessary by the conditions hereinbefore stated, and such others, if BY, Hot contravening sald conditions, and which may he dcomed expedient by those framing the new State govern. ment To avold misunderstanding, is may be proper w say (hat this proclamation, #0 far aa it relates to State governments, has no reference to Htates wherein loyal State governments have all the while been maintained, And for the same reason it may be proper to further say that whether members tent to Cougress from any Mate shall be admitted to reata conrtitutionally reste exclusively with the respective houses, and not to any extent with the Executive, and, still further, that this proclamation is Intended to present to the people of the Stater wherein the batjonal autbority bas been suspended and loyal Btate governments have been eubyerted, a mode in and by which the national authority and loyal State governmenta may bo re-established within said States, or in apy of them and, while the mode presented is the best the Executive can woggest with nis present impressions, it must aot be understood Ubat bo otber porsible mode would be seceyte ble. Given ander my hand, at tho city of Washington, the cighth day of December, A.D. oue thounand eight bun. dred and wixty-three, and of the independence of the United Staten of America the eighty-eighth. AURATAM LINCOLN: Ry the President WILLIAM Hi, SEWARD, Hecretary of State, THE NAVY. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SECRETARY What the Department Hus Accomplished, &eo., te, ha Navy Derasrwmrt, Dec 7, 1662. Sin—The naval operations of the yoar have beea varied And more arduous, as woll ae more exten theo ever Defore under the government, A blockade commencing At Alexandria, in Virginia, and Lerminating at the Mio Grande, has been effectively maintained The rteot of this blockade, according to an accurate lable of measure mont carefully prepared at tbe Coast Survey Offer, cov fs & distance of three thousand fwo Hundred and forty nine statute miles, with one hundred aod eighty nine hor or opeuings oF indentations, and much of the coast presents # double chore to be guarded, In addition to the coast block aval fores of more than one bundred vessels bas been employed in patroliing the riy cutting of robe operating with the armies in the eu pprens The @etance thot traversed and patrolled by the guabosta on the Minewenipy! and ite Uibotaries 8 three thoveand @x bun dred and @fieen miles, and the sounds, bayous, rivers plots of the States opon the Atlantic and the Gulf, ering an extent Of about two thousand miler rupplie ante { the rebellion mo Leen penetrated and walebed with unceasing Vigianes The biockade is becoming more eMective and complete. Progress bas been made in repelling the rebels from 4, and 6 ving their limite, The Mlseieeiy 4 ite tribotaries have, alter protracted, persistent snd vere eiruggie, in whieh the whole ewergies and efforta at were engaged W obetroct and prevent mar bavigelion and commerce Ae the revels have never peanemed an open port tor either b momnercis) purponee, nor ' marioe, Ubeir maritime trade and Aings have hewn chie@y derived from foreign of nturere aod foreign capital if im the early period of car regret enee, been reopened t pera: lgrrent me or o ea the war, the onscrepulogs and unprincipied iradere wh Vilation of lew and pablic moratity, embarked in schemes Ww villate the vinekade, and formieh the ebels wiih wconeata), woeres tthe year, bow pear ite elowe, have been to them me The vigilance & our paral force: and the the blockade have opersted with grest 2 theme who n arm ageinet their wntry, and have cw (howe who have abetted oF have beew 16 * y with the rebellion 1 the Gotaie of a) Cmmee cabot the officers Uber wanker have rice heavy Mammen in thie report Wy enter © 40 Beh propose ee # ninen my ine the a) reports elves © Af narrate Uber reepective labore and a No mobler emeom Aer than (he plain eaten od, and no meaty + ther vnasewming commen ion ‘ “o “e be several Viewks: yes ab ubeueng # ny inet report Acting «in command f the Wimng one (t ~—