The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1861-05-31
From the Journal of Commerce.
JUSTICE CAMPBELL AND SECRETARY
SEWARD.

The chief basis on which the North has so
enthusiastically rushed into the war, is its rectI-
tude. This idea OF rectitude was originated bv
the attack oD Sumter. That attack was pro-
nounced aggressive and the inauguration OF war,
rebellion and treason to the Federal Govern
ment. The insult to the flag, the symbol OF
freedom, was, with many, the paramount crime.
Then came the higher patriotism of resistance
to anarchy, supports of government.
Without these controlling ideas and senti-
ments, there could never have been secured
such fusion of antagoniStic political views,
such an absorption of all other thoughts and
feelings IN the one grand idea OF PATRIOTISM
To even hint al anything else than thus, as the
inspiring motive of the movement, was 10 tread
closely on the verge of treason to question its
rectitude was to fly in the face OF the populace
and all prevalent opinion, was to subject one
self to the faggot or the halter.
Those, especially, who take their rules OF life
from the Bible, and whose patriotism can never
be strong when not permeated by sense Of
right, will look with much interest for the ex-
planatlon which Judge Campbell has so long a.
waited IN vain from Secretary Seward. As the
matter now stands before the public, ii is so clear
a case of deception and of oveTreaching the con-
far toward changing the issue, and abating the
sympathy of those who stood up en- naasse with
the Administration, under high sense OF right.
Should that sense OF right. Should that sense
oil right be impaired, the H sacred and holy
cause" so dear to the hearts OF the people, SO
prominent in the prayers aud preaching of the
pulpit, might lose much OF its sanctity. We
must hold the conscience of the clergy and of
pfhor nyopd tT T,Iyao tn pfain thair
thusastic devotion to any case. Only this has
gwen abolitionsm Its power.
IF, then, the silence of Secretary Seward
in regard 10 the testimony of Judges Camp
bell and Nelson, two of the most honorable and
respectable OF men, Is to be understood a. taci
assent, on his part, TO IFS substantial truth, it
throws on the Administration the responsibility
of slamming the door of Cancellation IN the very
face OF those who cane TO smoke the pipe Of
peace.
No complaint can, certainly, be made against
Justice Campbell for this publication. 1t is no
breach OF confidence but rather both private
and public duty, OF the discharge of which
Mr.. Seward was notified in the correspondence
itself. Besides, candor, patriotism and truth all
demand it.
1t was wrong, decidedly t0rong, for Secreta-
ry Seward to impress Judge Campbell with the
/" entire confidence" that Sumter would not be
supplied or re-enforced, and leave him and JUS
tice Nelson under that impression, whilst the
Cabinet was actiUely engaged and Intending 10
co both. 1t was some like Punic faith, aud
might pass for smart war policy but 1t GER
ialnly imParts somewhat OF justification 10 the
attack on Sumter, and detracts materially from
the prestige we presumed We had in that noto-
rious affair.
1t has rather an ugly face, to say the least,
as you look at il in the mirror OF the Gospel :;
and we shall probably wish, in the future, that
this page Of the history could be expunged.
QUERE,