The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1860-02-28

The Washington correspondent of the y.

The Washington correspondent OF the \. 1.
Times, whose graphic sketches OF prominent
members of the present Congress nave attracted
much attention, has been trying his pencil upon
Gov. Seward Below, we give the portrait, SIM
ply reminding the reader that ne lie an incorrisi-
BILE Douglas man, that they may make the neces-
sarv allowances for the preiudces he admits he
possesses against Gov. Seward;
While the mere political Republicans seem all
in favor of taking down the flag OF "lrrepressibie
Conflict" and nominating Bates, OF Missouri, the
earnest and active men Of that party, who move
under the influence of principle, appear TO have
become more decided in the resolve either 10
have Seward or a Democrat as the next Pre>i-
dent They say that the issue OF faith must be
put on trial before the country; and that Seward,
| from bis extreme convictions would be more
likely to bring out the fall party vote than any
other candidate. There is good political Judg-
meut in this argument, and despite all that can
| be done TO the contrary, the belief would appear
Prevalent that William II. Seward will be the can
didate opposed 10 Stephen A. Douglas in the next
great national struggle.
| Ii is not an easy task TO describe the " IRE
preside Conflict" hero, but the attempt shall be
made, with faiihfuness TO the eye which must
make up for any party prejudice. Mr. Seward
then be it known. Is small man, about nve feet
seven inches in height, with nervous and thin
| fpure-legs which seem TO bend under his light
weight; all immensely tall head covered with d
thick drift of gray hair; long, pleasant face
with A nose after the Wellington pattern; shaved
cheeks; u small, nervous mouth, and large blue
eves-the most difficult 10 be described OF any
| which your correspondent has encountered. The,
are peculiar blue eyes, with an electric CLEAN ii
them. These ewes are shaded under long gra,
horns OF eyebrows, and have a shifting expires
sion which never allows one a chance To exaulin,
their true significance. They look beyond vol
into space-look into the future, while YOU ar,
irving vainly to rivet them. All the rest of III,
face is smooth as the skin of an apple; but whei
you approach the eyes, the lids are wrinkled anC
and puckered, channeled and nervous, winkin:
and contracting, opening and flashing. with per
petusl change of sentiment; and perception, sucl
as no pen can portray, and no dsgueireoiype re
produce with full Justice.
In conversation, Mr.. Seward presents strik
ing contrast 10 the ideals formed of him by thos,
who take their fancy images from the daily press
Nothing can be sweeter or more philos0phic thar
HE tone-notLiBg calner than his statement q
political propositions. He is one of those VIII,
can afford to wait for the Justice of history, ant
who continues with high and clear faith in The
ultimate success of what he believes 10 be trut!
mo matter how loudly or tercely the multitude
NAV bray against him for the time Very toleran
of different opinions, and very liberal in all mat
tiers touching religious faith, rrepressible con
iiict gentleman is both generous and just ia al
private reatons-fond, i'll moderation, of soca
enjovmcnts and never so much al home as whei
laughing privately with extreme Southern mel
over their public quarres. He is a firm ant
! hearty believer in the Union and its permancnc
one who seems never to have had doubt ol
the subject, and one who can stand up for justice
to the bitter end all considerations OF expedienc.
being renitted to the lower order of minds in hi
own party. A generous, philosophic, gentle-bood
ed man, his old-isshioned courtesy is very capt.
waiting; and certainly no man in the Repubiicsi
ranks could be put forward who would comman,
the same personal respect, affection and conf
dence on the southern side OF Mason y Dixon
J line. Seward IS faithful in the extreme, and abo
: riOusly cognizant of every personal obligation
one who never forgets his Indebtedness tor a mo
msnt and who is always willing 10 sacrifice hi
largest pecuniary interests, when satisfied tina
strict equity is against bis claim. II it were no
for his political hereSes, he has iii him the arges
social elements Of strength, next To Judge Doug
las possessed by any man in the country.