Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-02-06
SECOND SPEECH BY MIR. SEWARD.

Se"aTu Oh JANUARY OlSl presented Pc
tition to the Senate of the United States, sign
ed by $4,000 inhabitants of New York City,
Gin addition to the 25 900 heretofore presented
by him, making altogether $4,000 signers,)
praying that Congress would exercise its wis
dom in finding some mode of adjustment of
our present national difficulties. The special
committee of the projectors of this petition
accompanied it with some resolutions in which
they recommend as basis of adjustment the
proposition known as the Border States plan,
contemplating certain acts of legislation and
amendments to the Constitution of Pro-slave-
ry character. Mr.. Seward, after presenting
the petition, addressed the Senate at consid-
cradle length. He remarked that the Com
mttee in charge of the memorial fair
representation, almost an embodiment, of the
citizens who direct and WELD the commerce of
New York, 'sthe commerce Of continent,
and commerce which this present year, ow-
ing to the distractions of the times, is put for
the first time in condition Of proving itself
to be the controlling commerce Of the world
He remarked also that the memorial present
ed by this Committee might be regarded as
fair expression of the interest which is felt by
our commercial community in the great ques-
tion Of the Union-that in other countries.
such demonstration would commend obedi-
ence from the Government, but significantly
added, that in this Republic, such was happi-
ly not the case. Here the commercial inter-
est was but one of many-the agricultural, the
manufacturing, the mining, being equally po-
tential, and entitled to consideration. 1t is
perhaps even more significant, that Mr.. Sew
ard, while commencing the merchants of New
] York for their spirit of Cancellation and fIater-
nal kindness, should recommend them as he
does in this speech, to manifest their devotion
TO the Union, not only by speaking for it, by
voting for it, by giving money for it, but also
by fighting for it, if all other means failed and
fighting should become advisable. Neverthe-
less, Mr.. Seward, in spite of this significant
hint, holds to his expectation of bloodless
termination OF the crisis, and to the ultimate
safety of s'this great fabric of constitutional
liberty and empire.' A Convention of the peo-
pie, called according to the forms of the Con-
stitution, and acting in the manner prescribed
by it, he thinks will give the country relief by
the prompt adoption of measures which will
show to the world how well and wisely great,
enlightened, educated. and Christian people
can adjust difficulties apparently insurmounta-
BILE. Notwithstanding these pacific express
sioDs, and the general moderation and concil-
iatory tone of Mr.. Stewards speech, his re-
marks about fighting for the Union aroused
the wrath of Mr.. Mason of Virginia. who, in
his usual arrogant manner, declared that Mr..
Sewards speech meant neither more nor less
than battle, and that his sshonored State' was
ready for the fight, and was not to be deIuded
by silly propositions to amend the Constitu-
tion. Mr.. Seward replied with force and spir-
it, exposing Mr.. Mason's misrepresentation,
vindicating his own position, and defending
the rights and power of the Union. The de-
butte was continued with unusual animation
and great length, Mr.. Hale of New Hampshire,
Mr.. Douglas, and the irrepressble Wigfal of
Texas, taking part in it.