Abraham Lincoln said...

Its observance will be strictly enforced by all officers, civil, military, and naval in the service of the United States...

Now, in order to determine all controversies in respect thereto and to avoid any delay in filling up the armies, it is o...

But that proclamation falls far short of what the amendment will be when fully consummated.

The expediency of sanctioning the acceptance of the gift is submitted to your consideration.