Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1860-12-18
CABINET QUERIES.

We see such frequent illusions to q sup
posed purpose on the part of Mr.. Lincoln to
call into his Cabinet two or three Southern
gentlemen from the parties opposed to him
politically that we are prompted to ask few
questions: ~
/. Isit known that any such gentlemen
of-character would accept place in the Cab
metz Nd q u = q ~ ~
?. If yea, on what terms does be, sur
render to Mr.. Lincoln, or Mr.. Lincoln to bin
on the political dIhsreaces between them? Or
will they enter upon the administration in
open opposition to each other2
These sCabinet queries" appear to convey
nothing more nor less than adeeided hint TO
the effect that
l The willingness Of these i'two or three
southern gentlemen referred to to accept
seats ia the Cabinet Of the President elect is
doubted.
2. 1t is feared that tiany such gentleman of
character" (mark the quali6catiOnl might
take such an offtr from decided political
opponent as an insult, it implying suppOsi-
ton of heir willinr ness TO smodify princi-
pies for the sake OF Office" d..
9. That mutual adaptation Of principles
is considered the condition sine qua non of ad-
ministrative cooperation.
4. That Mr. Lincoln, at least, is indisposed
to adapt bis views to those.Of the members Of
bis Cabinet E18H
some Of the readers will doubtlessly look
upon this analysis as implying broad ard
unmistakable intimation that there is little
probability Of any representation Of the SOUTH
ern States in the Cabinet of the President
elect, and that the meaning of the above semi
official interrogatofies goes 10 confirm the
| Southern fears of aggressive intentions on his
part. But il will be seen that only 1.-TWO or
three Southern gentlemen" are alluded to,
while at least a dozen names from that sec
ton of the country have been connected with
the Cabinet Ny information warrants me-
indeed, in stating that these queries are only
intended as feelers, and should be simply
| looked upOn as indicative Of the delicacy felt
by Mr. Lincoln at making propositions to
open and ancient adVersaries Of the party that
elected him. "
John Bells last letter did not improve his
chances of being offered sest, as its accusa-
tory tone towards the North is not considered
balanced by the subsequent ti-disanion SEN
timents. he may be looked upon as fairly
lshelEed. .,l,s M ,7-4
{ Il To-day some Of the Oldest and most init
mate friends Of Mr., Lincoln gave it as their
deliberate opinion in the course of a conver-
safion during their usual rendezvous in one
of the State Offices, that peeceable secession
was matter Of absolute impcssibility. Their
views were expressed in such 3 manner as to
convey the idea that they were the reflections
1 of similar convictions in higher quarters. Il
was asserted that even though coercion were
not employed by the federal government, a
conflict would be made ihevi vi&bleby the i'm
/ probability of an agreement upon the terms
of the separation between the two sections o.
the country. Secession and civil war were
evidently thought contemporaneous contin.
gencies By the parties in question. Recon.
Citation on the basis Of Northern concessions
was secuted with muchTeheflenee; although
] aggression was deprecated, collision was con
adently predicted.
4 During thsslast few days several outrages
perpetrated BY seuthsrn mObs upon quiet
conservative and inofensive merchants o
high standing in st. Louis and Chicago, WHIT
had attempted to give their personal atten
ton to business matters in New Orleans AM
other points, were brought to the direct no
! tice Of the President elect The grievance
! being snbstantiated by the most positive evi
I denee, he took no pains to coneenl his indig
; nation ct these arbitrary and altogethe
Qroundless prosecutions, which reveal a des
, potism worse than ever prscticed in Russia
even in the palmisst days Of Nicholas I.