save the Union.
The world knows we do know how to save it. We--even we here--hold the
power and bear the responsibility. In giving freedom to the slave, we
assure freedom to the free--honorable alike in what we give and what we
preserve. We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last, best hope of
earth. Other means may succeed, this could not fail. The way is plain,
peaceful generous, just--a way which, if followed, the world will
forever applaud, and God must forever bless."

But Mr. Lincoln was not encouraged by any response to this earnest
appeal, either from Congress or by manifestations of public opinion.
Indeed, it may be fairly presumed that he expected none. Perhaps he
considered it already a sufficient gain that it was silently accepted as
another admonition of the consequences which not he nor his
administration, but the Civil War, with its relentless agencies, was
rapidly bringing about. He was becoming more and more conscious of the
silent influence of his official utterances on public sentiment, if not
to convert obstinate opposition, at least to reconcile it to patient
submission.

In that faith he steadfastly went on carrying out his well-matured plan,
the next important step of which was the fulfilment of the announcements
made in the preliminary emancipation proclamation of September 22. On
December 30, he presented to each member of his cabinet a copy of the
draft he had carefully made of the new and final proclamation to be
issued on New Year's day. It will be remembered that as early as July
22, he informed the cabinet that the main question involved he had
decided for himself. Now, as twice before it was only upon minor points
that he asked their advice and suggestion, for which object he placed
these drafts in their hands for verbal and collateral criticism.

In addition to the central point of military emancipation in all the
States yet in rebellion, the President's draft for the first time
announced his intention to incorporate a portion of the newly liberated
slaves into the armies of the Union. This policy had also been under
discussion at the first consideration of the subject in July. Mr.
Lincoln had then already seriously considered it, but thought it
inexpedient and productive of more evil than good at that date. In his
judgment, the time had now arrived for energetically adopting it.

On the following day, December 31, the members brought back to the
cabinet meeting their several crit