There is no evidence that loyal persons in the Rebel States claim or desire to uphold the existence of those States, under their present constitutions, with the system of Slavery.  But if there are any such persons, their wishes are not to override the interests of the Republic.  It is their misfortune to reside in States that have revolted; and all their losses, pecuniary and political, are chargeable to those States, and not to the Federal Government.  If they are so blind as to suppose that their losses will be increased by emancipation, that, also, will be chargeable to the rebellion of those States. Their loyalty does not save those States from being treated as enemies; it does not prevent their own condition from being determined by that of their States.  As it is well known, a portion of their property has been confiscated by an Act of Congress, on the ground that they are, in part, responsible for the rebellion of those States.  The theory, therefore, that such loyal men constitute loyal States, still existing, in distinction from the States that have rebelled, is utterly groundless.  On this point we cannot do better than quote from the opinion of the Supreme Court of the United States in a case already referred to, sustaining the belligerent legislation of Congress.

“In organizing this rebellion, they have acted as States, claiming to be sovereign over all persons and property within their respective limits, and claiming the right to absolve their citizens from their allegiance to the Federal Government.  Several of these States have combined to form a new Confederacy, claiming to be acknowledged by the world as a sovereign State.  Their right to do so is now being decided by wager of battle.  The ports and territory of each of these States are held in hostility to the General Government.  It is no loose, unorganized insurrection, having no defined boundary or possession.  It has a boundary, marked by lines of bayonets, and which can be crossed only by force.  South of this line is enemy’s territory, because it is claimed and held in possession by an organized, hostile, and belligerent power.  All persons residing within this territory, whose property may be used to increase the revenues of the hostile power, are in this contest liable to be treated as enemies.”

It is not to be presumed that Congress will do anything unnecessarily to add to the misfortunes of loyal men in the South.  On the contrary, all that is being done is more directly for their benefit than for that of any other class of men.  The vast expenditure of treasure and blood in this war is for the purpose of protecting them first of all, and restoring to them the blessings of a good government.  And if it shall be found practicable to indemnify them for all losses, whether by emancipation or otherwise, no one will object.

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