But they can not be required to take an oath of allegiance to this Government, because it conflicts with the duty they owe to their own sovereigns.

It is the duty of all aliens residing in the United States to submit to and obey the laws and respect the authority of the Government.

That we may not touch property lying within our reach because we can not give personal notice to an owner who is absent endeavoring to destroy the Government is certainly not very satisfactory.

For the reasons stated, I return the bill to the House, in which it originated.

There is much in the bill to which I perceive no objection.

I am ready to say now, I think it is proper for our military commanders to employ as laborers as many persons of African descent as can be used to advantage.

I think the greater punishment can not be constitutionally inflicted in a different form for the same offense.

I perceive no objection to Congress deciding in advance that they shall be free.

For the patriotic act in making this magnificent and valuable present to the country, I recommend that some suitable acknowledgment be made.

By fair construction persons within these sections are not to be punished without regular trials in duly constituted courts.

To the tenth section I make no objection.

Please inform the Senate that I shall be obliged if they will postpone the adjournment at least one day beyond the time which I understand to be now fixed for it.

Herewith is a draft of a bill to compensate any State which may abolish slavery within its limits, the passage of which substantially as presented I respectfully and earnestly recommend.

Our common country is in great peril, demanding the loftiest views and boldest action to bring a speedy relief.

How much better for you and for your people to take the step which at once shortens the war and secures substantial compensation for that which is sure to be wholly lost in any other event!

I intend no reproach or complaint when I assure you that, in my opinion, if you all had voted for the resolution in the gradual-emancipation message of last March, the war would now be substantially ended.

Let the States which are in rebellion see definitely and certainly that in no event will the States you represent ever join their proposed confederacy, and they cannot much longer maintain the contest.

Break that lever before their faces, and they can shake you no more forever.