The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-11-16
Ins Union and the Incoming Admi AIS.
trsiien-Whas WA MIR. LincoIn's Cabi'
mes Be

All accounts from Springheld, lilinols, Goa
cur in representing "honest Abe Lincoln" as
an oracle which gives no sound or sign touch
ing the policy and purposes Of the incoming
administration. In reply to all the suggestions
that have been thrown out by the conservative
journals Of the Norib in behalf OF some public
declaration at this crisis, from the power that
is to be, of what this power viii be, we are
told that Mr. Lincoln's Illinois speeches are
before the country, and that they embody the
views and principles that will govern his course
at Washington.
We take up, then, the volume of Dir. LID
coins speeches. delivered in his Illinois cam
paign of 1868, as the competitor Of Mr..
Douglas for his seat in the Senate; but
what do we find? In one speech we
find Mr.. Lincoln, in advance of the Ro-
chester manifesto, proclaiming the identical
"iTrepressible conflict" Of W. II. Seward, that
"a house divided against iself cannot stand;"
that this government cannot endure perma-
neatly half slave and half Free" but that 1T will
become all one thing or oil the Other" In an-
other speech We find Mr.. Lincoln declaring
law; that II the people Of a free Territory should
adopt pro slavery State constitution be could
zee 10 alternative but TO admit them into the
Union;'' and that he thought that the abolition
Of slavery in the District of Columbia could
only be accomplished properly by gradual
steps, and under the vote of the people con-
cerned, and with full compensation to unwill-
irg slayeoWners. In the same speech he ex.
pressed The same reserve and caution against
Congressional tampering with the slave trade
between the slave States.
Here, then, we have upon the record Of Mr..
Lincoln the 'irrepressible conflict" Of Mr.. Sew
ard, and the conservative anti-slavery views
of Henry Clay-opinions in unison with those
of the abolition radicals, and next, In bold re-
lief the sentiments Of the conservative wing
Of the republican party. We can say, too,
tina. the radicals and the moderate men
of his party supported Mr.. Lincoln in this IatH
canvass with the same confidence and enthusi
asm; but the question remains unanswered as
TO which wing Of the camp bis administration
will attach itself to. We are admoGished, too,
that in advance Of bis Investment with the robes
OF executive authority, Mr. Lincoln intends 10
leave his speeches delivered as candidate for
the United States Senate In 1858 TO define his
petition as the successor or Ir. buchanan In
the Presidential Office
In the selection Of his Cabinet, however, Mr..
Lincoln must necessarily, In advance Of his In
augural address, pretty distinctly foreshsdow
bis Presidential policy and purposes. Thus far,
II appears, that In reference to every new ca
binet made up for him in the newspapers, his
unvarying remark u, Yes, very respectable
Cabinet" or, I" A much worse Cabinet than this
might be selected for me-" OF Soma equivalent
observation. He viii take his time, and tho
roughly consider his men before adopting them;
and this il The proper course TO pursue; but
still the general complexion of bis Cabinet
must necessarily be known before the expirs-
ton Of Mr. Buchanans term Of Office.
The anti slavery radicals and the moderate
republicans are equally confident Of satisfac-
tory Cabinet and here the important question
recurs, will Mr.. Lincoln, in this important mat.
ter, make II his paramount object 70 harmonic
his party or 70 harmonic the country The
harmony OF the country should be bis 6rst
object but honest men as well as dishonest
demagogues are apt to be led astray and
chained to the wall by the shackles Of party
Let us hope that honest Abe Lincoln" will be
strong enough for the crisis. Among the names
Of the conspicuous republican leaders circu.
lated 10 the newspaper lisis Of bis Cabinet We
ind thoee Of W. II. Seward Senators Wilson
and Sumner, John Sherman, OF Ohio; John Hick-
man, Of Pennsylvania; Schuyler Colfsx of In.
diana, and Others Of the same anti slavery 'ir.
repressible conflict school, the endorsers OF
the Infamous Helper book, or the preachers Of
Stewards crusade Of determination against
slavery and the 'slsve power"
Now we believe that we are not guilty Of
any unwMrantable presumption In warning
Mr., Lincoln, first, that the appointment OF Mr..
Seward S bis Secretary Of State will
net only be fatal 10 his administration,
but will, from the outset, be fatal
10 all our hopes Of restoration Of the peace
of the country. Men may cry peace, peace
but there will be no peace" with Seward Is
the premier Of the incoming administration.
His appointment will be the endorsement Of
bis late abolition pilgrimage from Boston to
Kansas, including bis declaration that Lin
coins administration viii be the downfall OF
slavery" And the same mischief. more OF
lees, win follow the promotion Of any endorser
Of Helpers handbook OF treason to . seat IN
the Cabinet
In this view, II becomes the policy Of Mr.
Lincoln ~ party msn ~ cell ~ his duty In
The character Of patriot. 70 avoid oil cause Of
offence and sectional bitterness In the selection