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Why didn't the Emancipation Proclaimation cover all states? Obviously Lincoln wasn't interested in the total eradication of slavery; he could easily have done so.
Well, for one thing, because he had no authority to do so other than what we would now call "war powers" of the Presidency. He only freed slaves in areas that were (in the Federal government's opinion) in rebellion against Federal authority, and did so as a means of striking at them. He therefore had no authority to "free the slaves" in a state like Delaware -- even in his own opinion.
When the Supreme Court decreed Lincoln's acts unconstitutional, he responded by offering to put them in jail, then proceeded unconstitutional or not.
Your position is that The Proclaimation had no force of national law? An ex post facto or an attainder? Selective enforcement?
Would there have been an uprising in Delaware if he freed the slaves there? Would the Congress have overridden him? Would the Supreme Court have told Delaware slaves to remain with their masters?
Lincoln could have extended the Proclaimation to all states as easily as he suspended habeas corpus. It was as legal for one state as it was for any other.
With respect, suwanee, I'm failing to grasp where you're going with this. You treat this board quite lightly with your "ignorance of history" statements. Many of us are. But quite a number are trying to figure out what the hey you're getting at.
If you are concluding that members of this board are ignorant of history, you are overstating your understanding. Haul it back a bit and get a better picture of your audience. Your view is not the perfect observation. There are other, and sometimes more convincing, views. Relax and look at a few of them.Then. Let's talk about it.
Oel
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
When the Supreme Court decreed Lincoln's acts unconstitutional ...
When, indeed! When DID the court decree Lincoln's acts unconstitutional? Perhaps you might cite those cases.
Lincoln could have extended the Proclaimation to all states as easily as he suspended habeas corpus. It was as legal for one state as it was for any other.
Nope, that was strickly under the War powers, it would have been unconstitutional to free the slaves anywhere other than in the rebels states where the union army was not in control.
My reply is embedded above
__________________
"It was a very peculiar time." - Franklin D. Cossitt
Ancestors in USA Army: 6th IA Inf, 11th IL Cav, 1st AL Cav; 122nd NY Inf; 6th MI Cav; 35th MA Inf; 100th IL Inf; 1st CO Inf/Cav; 22nd IN Inf
Justice Taney, rendered a circuit court opinion, not Supreme Court Judgement.
Many Southrons ignore the specific charges of usurption and unconstitutional actions, of Davis by his detractors in the south' especially by his own Vice President.
There must be a misunderstanding - it was my impression I was invited to this thread to comment on the cause of the Civil War.
Looks like the misunderstanding is yours. No it's not about the the cause of the Civil War, or the Round-heads and whatnots, or about the constitutionality of the president's war powers.
It's the "The Ulysses S. Grant thread".
__________________
"It was a very peculiar time." - Franklin D. Cossitt
Ancestors in USA Army: 6th IA Inf, 11th IL Cav, 1st AL Cav; 122nd NY Inf; 6th MI Cav; 35th MA Inf; 100th IL Inf; 1st CO Inf/Cav; 22nd IN Inf
Comin' on a bit strong with the ignorance factor, suwanee. You haven't the one and only truth in your hand. Back off a touch and listen. You have some good things to say and excellent points to raise. You'll find greater reception of your ideas with a skosh less flailing.
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
No problem at all, suwanee. Just the normal flurry of reaction. I'tll settle out in a short while and then we can get on with the discussion. It would be well, however, to continue discussion on a thread other than Sam's US Grant thread.
Ole
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
Many Southrons ignore the specific charges of usurption and unconstitutional actions, of Davis by his detractors in the south' especially by his own Vice President.[/quote]
I'm not one of them.
I'm no admirer of Jeff Davis et al. He showed his true colors when he attempted to escape.
I would have sat boldly in the President's chair as federal troops entered, and shared the captivity I brought on my people.
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