proposition.

The suggestion in the Proclamation as to maintaining the
political frame-work of those States on what is called
reconstruction, is made in the hope that it may do good without
danger of harm. It will save labor and avoid great confusion.

But why any proclamation on this subject? This question is beset
with the conflicting views that the step might be delayed too
long or taken too soon. In some States the elements for
resumption seem ready for action, but remain inactive apparently
for want of a rallying point. Why shall A. adopt the plan of B.,
rather than B. that of A.? And if A. and B. should agree, how can
they know but that the General Government here will reject their
plan? By the Proclamation a plan is presented which may be
accepted by them as a rallying point, and which they may be
assured in advance will not be rejected here. This may bring them
to act sooner than they otherwise would.

The objection to a premature presentation of a plan by the
National Executive consists in the danger of committals on points
which could be more safely left to further developments. Care has
been taken to so shape the document as to avoid embarrassment
from this source. Saying that, on certain terms, certain classes
will be pardoned, with rights restored, it is not said that other
classes on other terms will never be included. Saying that
reconstruction will be accepted if presented in a specified way,
it is not saying it will not be accepted in any other way.

The movements, by State action, for emancipation in several of