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, which he has clear constitutional power to withhold altogether or grant upon the 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 in 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 proposition.

The suggestion in the proclamation as to maintaining the political framework of the 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 now upon this subject?  This question is beset with the conflicting views that the step might be delayed too long or be taken too soon.  In some States the elements for resumption seem ready for action, but remain inactive apparently for want of a rallying point—­a plan of action, 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 are assured in advance will not be rejected here.  This may bring them to act sooner than they otherwise would.  The objections to a premature presentation of a plan by the National Executive consist 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 embarrassments from this source.  Saying that on certain terms certain classes will be pardoned with rights restored, it is not said that other classes or other terms will never be in included.  Saying specified way, it is said that reconstruction will be accepted if presented in a not said it will never be accepted in any other way.