The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-10-28

The Aeoaassoa Conspiracy efTre~sen-The
AcveAatsons ssa their consequences.
But one attempt at treason to the constitu-
ton and the Union Is recorded In the history Of
our country, and with that the name Of Aaron
Burr is linked in indissoluble infamy. The
revelations that are now being made in regard
to John Browns attempt at Harper's Ferry
clearly show that for several years past there
has existed deep and widely spread conspi-
raoy of treason, with objects so perverse that
the traitor plans of Burr are thrown far behind
In the paths of iniquity. Burr was never &C
cused of any deeper treason than design to
separate the thinly populated States of the
Southwest from the newborn Union, In order
to form with them and the Spanish dominions
In Mexico a confederation, of which he should
be the head. Yet the mild treason Of Burr
filled the country with horror, and made his
name infamous to succeeding generations.
For fifty years his example stood alone In the
annals of the republic. Now it is becoming
known that for two or three years there has
existed, with ramifcations from the waters
of the Kennebec to those Of the
far Missouri, conspiracy whose trea-
sonable designs are not simply the seces-
sion Of few thinly settled States, but which
aim to involve the whole Union in one brutal
and bloody conflict. Not political separation,
but social destruction is their object. Fifteen
States are to be swept over by four millions Of
ignorant and Infatuated slaves, inAamed, armed,
and led by pious ruffians from the North Since
the year 1856 closed on the border forays of
Kansas, this reasonable abolition conspiracy
has been preparing its plans, enlisting its mem
bers, gathering its means, and seeking sympa-
thy, counsel and aid. The plans, SO far as they
have been revealed, are Of the most bloody and
revolving character; the traitors embrace men
in every rank in the social scale; the means
have been widely and largely gathered, and
counsel and sympathy have been obtained even
from men representing sovereign States in the
highest council of the Union which they would
destroy.
The correspondence of Colonel Forbes, which
We published yesterday, reveals the plans, and
in part the aims of the treason, and many
names of persons who have for two years past
been aiding, counselling and contributing to
the efforts of the active traitors. Browns
bloody plans are exposed in detail, and the
names Of persons given who took parts in them,
from a simple knowledge of the conspiracy
to active participancy in it. The law wisely and
justly brands with equal guilt the accessory be-
fore the act and the actors in the crime And
in the first category we find the names of Sc
nator Seward, of New York; Senators Wilson
and Sumner, Of Massachusetts,; Senator Hale
and Elk Governor Fletcher, Of New Hampshire;
Governor Chase, of Ohio; Hon. Gerrit Smith,
ex-member of Congress; Rev. Joshua Leavitt,
of New York; Horace Greeley, of the Tribune;
Mr.. Lawrence, prominent merchant, and DR.
Howe, physician of high standing in Boston;
DR.. Bailey, late of the Washington Era; DR..
Jesse Bowen, Of Iowa City and f. 3. Sanborn, q
graduate Of Harvard, and now leading teach
or in Massachusetts,. This is no list of low
born, ignorant and despised traitors to the
Union and its States 1t Is no concoction of
local disaffection. 1t shows that the treason
had infested all classes from the desperate ad-
venturer to the occupant Of the Senatorial hall
And yet the revelations in regard to this
widespread treason have only just begun
More will come out from day to day, till the
entire extent Of the conspiracy is before the
people. Horace Greeley may pooh, pooh,
at it; VIM. c. Bryant may joke at it,
and Senator Wilson may endeavor to laugh it
down as nothing but flibuster attempt; but
treason cannot be pooh-poohed away, nor joked
down, nor warded Off by barren and inappro-
pirate comparisons If it could be, it becomes
every patriot to reflect seriously upon the state
of things which such fact would prove to
exist in the land 1t is all very we'll for un-
earthed traitors to try to laugh at their own
discovery and to brave the frown of an injured
country; but every sentiment of honor, every
impulse Of patriotism, will turn with scorn
upon the Infamous promoters Of civil strife and
the destruction of the Union in fire and blood.
If it does Motif treason worse, far worse,
than Burr's merits to-day federation from the
| American people-we shall tremble for our
| country. What was condemned as infamous
| by our fathers, and is tolerated to-day, will
| soon be applauded in the midst Of disunion,
servile war and fraternal gore.