and Proclamation in regard to slavery? Those laws and
Proclamations were enacted and put forth for the purpose of
aiding in the suppression 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 not
only to relinquish a lever of power, but would also be a cruel
and an astounding breach of faith. I may add at this point, that
while I remain in my present position, I shall not attempt to
retract or modify the Emancipation Proclamation; nor shall I
return to slavery any person who is free by the terms of the
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 lawfully claim it in return for pardon and restoration of
forfeited rights, when he has clear constitutional power to
withhold altogether or grant upon terms which he shall deem
wisest for the public interest. It should be observed, also, that
this part of the oath is subject to the modifying and abrogating
power of legislation and supreme judicial decision.

The proposed acquiescence of the National Executive in any
reasonable temporary State arrangement for the freed people is
made with the view of possibly modifying the confusion and
destitution which must, at best, attend all classes by a total
revolution of labor throughout whole States. It is hoped that the
already deeply afflicted people of those States may be somewhat
more ready to give up the cause of their affliction, if, to this
extent, this vital matter be left to themselves; while no power
of the National Executive to prevent an abuse is abridged by the