Randolph County journal. [volume] (Winchester, Randolph County, Ind.) 1855-1862, 1861-01-24
SPEECH OF
HON. WILLIAM II. SEWARD
IN THE U. :. SENATE,
ON SATURDAY, JANUARY IL, 1861.
His Views on the Existing Crisis.
Mr. SEWARD said:

Mr. SEWARD said
Ma. PREsIDESr: Congress adjourned last Sum
mer amidst the auspices Of national abundance
conteAtmcnt. tranquility and happiifess. 1t has
Feassemb.ed ti.s Winter in the presence OF de
rmgemeut OF business, aud disturbance of pub
lie. as we'll as private credit, and in the face OF
seditious combinations 10 overthrow the Union
CRAVE CAUSE FOR APPREHENSION.
The alarm il appalling, for the Union is 10.
more the body than liberty is the soul Of the IA
ton. The American citizen has been accustom
ed to believe this Republic immortal. He shrink
from the sight of commissions Indicative Of its
sudden death. The report of our condition has
gone over the seas, and we who have so long,
and with so much compacency, studied the end
less asitations of society in the old world, be
Iievng ourselves exempt from such disturbances
now in cur turn seem to be falling into moment
Gus and disastrous revolution.
TIE PRESENT A rinE FOR DELIBERATE ACTION
know how difficult it is to decide amid so ma
ny aud SO various counsels, as to what ought to
be done, and even what can be done. Certainly
however, it IS time for every Senator to declare
himself. /, therefore, following the example OF
the noble Senator from Tennessee, MIR. John
sof.) avow my adherence to the Union in its in
tegrity and in all It's parts.
With my friends, with hay party, with my state
with my country, without either, they may
determine; in every event, whet of peace or OF
war; with every consequence of honor or dis
g. 4. "a. alt I I, 4,
occasion, hail with cheerfulness the duty OF
lifting up my voice among distracted debates, foi
my whole country and its incstmable union.
DIsUx!oN RAyrANr.
Hitherto the exhibitions of spirit and resolu
tion, here as elsewhere, have been chiefly on the
side of disunion. | do not regret this. Disun-
ion is so unexpected and unnatural, that it mns
plainly reveal itself before its presence can be re
allied.
like best also the courage that rises ST. WHY
under the pressure cfseyere prOvocation. Ii it be
i christian duty to forgive stranger even sew
enty times seven ofienses it is the highest patri
otsm 20 endure without complaint, the passion
ate waywardness of political brethren SO long IA
there is hope that they may come to a better
mind.
WHAT WILL NOT SAVE THE UNION.
I think it is easy to pronounce What measures
or conduct will not save the Union. agree
With the honorable Senator from North Carroll
na,C Mr. Clingman,) that mere euogiums will not
save it, yet think as prayer brings us nearer 10
God, though it can not move Him towards us, so
there is healing sGd saving virtue in every word
of devotion to the Union that is spoken, and in
every sigh that its danger dyaws forth know
at least that like virtue il derives strength from
every irreverent ac, that is itted, and every
blasphemous phrase that is uttered against it.
The Union can not be saved by mutual crDina-
lions concerning our respective stare Of the res
possibility for the present evils. lie whose con
science acquits him will naturally be slow to ac-
cuse Others whose cooperation he needs. llisto-
ry only can adjust the great account.
usEiEssNrss or DISCUSSING THEORIES.
4 continuance OF the debate on the consttu-
tional power Of Congress over the subject of Sla
very in the Territories viii not save the Union.
The opinions OF parties end sections on that ques-
tIon have become dos@atioal, are Il IS this cir
Cutloltillt tuAA Ht- fft'A"'Ns 80 SNtNtttir
alton. \ truce, At least durng the debate on
the Union. is essential 10 reconciliation
Tac Union can not be saved by proving thar
secession is illegal or Unconstitutional. Persons
bent on fearful step will no, stand long enough
on forms Of law TO be d,slodgei, AMI loyal men
10 no, need such narrow ground TO stand upon
fear that little more will be gained from dis
cus.inr theei-ht OF the Federal Government 70
coerce secelng State intc obedience Ii dis
onion is 20 20 on. this question viii give place Z
the more practical one, whether many seeding
states have a right 10 coercc the remaining mem
hers to acnuiescc in dissolution.
tsrRou,siilrY or rFAcErUL SECESSION AND sVe
sEQUE~r RECONSTRUCTION
dread. as in my innernost soul abhor' CIV
il war. | DO not know what the Union would be
worth, If saved by the use Of the sword vet io'
Al this. 10 not agree With those who, with 4 de
sire to avert that great calamity. advise con
ventional or Sno9posei separation, with view
to what they call a reconstruction. 1t is enough
for me; frsl, that ia this plan, destruction goes
before reconstruction; and secondly. that the
strength of the vase in which the hopes of the ma
tion are held, consists chiefly in its remaining
unbroken.
J COMPROMISE OF 40 AVAIL SOw-CO<GREsslOSA. A.