EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION.


The New-York Times, vol XII, no 3519. New York: Saturday, January 3, 1863. 8 pp. Folio (530 x 382 mm). Disbound from larger volume. Light spotting, corners bumped.COVERAGE OF THE EMANCIPATION IN THE DAYS AFTER ITS ISSUE. After its issue on January 1 (and probable transcription in the Times that day or the next), the weight and effect of the proclamation is discussed on the 3rd. On page 4, column one, the News of the Day begins, "The Emancipation Proclamation of President Lincoln ... has probably been already perused by the great majority of readers in the loyal States." Column three features a careful analysis of Lincoln's motivation in issuing the Proclamation as "'a fit and necessary war measure for suppressing the rebellion.' While he sincerely believes it to be an 'act of justice warranted by the Constitution,' he issues it 'upon military necessity.' In our judgment it is only upon that ground and for that purpose that he has any right to issue it at all. In his civil capacity as President, he has not the faintest shadow of authority to decree the emancipation of a single slave, either as an 'act of justice' or for any other purpose whatever. As Commander-in-Chief of the army he has undoubtedly the right to deprive the rebels of the aid of their slaves,—just as he has the right to take their horses, and to arrest all persons who may be giving them aid and comfort,—'as a war measure' and upon grounds of military necessity." The earlier pages give news of the Battle of Mufreesborough and events in New Orleans.