The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1861-01-18
Senator Stewards Speech.

The promised speech of Mr. Seward, look
ed for with so much interest, was delivered
in the Senate last Saturday. We shall give
the speech in full next week. Below will be
found an editorial from the Springfield Re-
publican in which this last great effort of this
illustrious man is candidly reviewed.:
The interest with which Mr. Stewards SEN
atorial speech, last Saturday, on the question
of disunion, would have been read under 9TH
er circumstances, is greatly enhanced by the
fact that he is the desi grated premier of the
new administration. This utterance may
therefore be regarded as the first reliable ex-
position of the temper and policy of the new
governments and as such it will be studied
with avidity in all parts of the country. The
tone of the speech is admirably calm, and its
philosophy deep and impressive, as is charac-
teristic of all Mr. Stewards productions. The
optimism, which also distinguishes his speech
es, strongly marks this he pictures the ben
etits of the Union, and portrays the evils of
dissolution in language so clear and positive
as to convey conviction even to unwilling
minds; and he expresses confidence in the
perpetuity of the government in its present
form with such singular strength of state
ment as to shut our eyes and ears to the op-
posing logic of events going so rapidly on a
round us. NJ. Seward avows his attachment
to the practical craftsmanship of surrender
ing the lesser object to maintain or secure
the greater-which, with his premises of the
value Of the Union would excuse almost any
compromise with the South but his only
positive suggestions of pacifcatory action are
these; l, The repea! of all state legislation
obstructive to to the fugitive slave law; ?, a
renewal of the pledge of the constitution that
! the general government cannot interfere with
slavery in the several states; 3, an omission
of the power of Congress to forbid slavery in
the present territories at least; 4, the cree
ton of all the remaining territories, after
Kansas is admitted, into two new states, with
power for future Subdivisions Ito which how
ever he suggests some practical and cons,tu-
tiOnal ohJectlnns); ., convention of all the
states to deliberate upon the question of a
mending the constitution 6, laws to proven,
and punish armed invasions of one state by
citizens of another; and :, two railro ads t.
the Pacific coast, one North, and one South
But the healing influence of the srea,
speech will be greatest through its rich and
generous spirit, its firm tone in speaking of
the Union, and its corciliatory temper tow
ards those who feel aggrieved in their pres
cnt relations to it. While Mr. Seward ex-
poses the barrenness of their complaints, and
the wickedness of their efforts, he deals nc
denunciations at their heads, nor provokes
them with invective. The republican party
and MIR Llncoln's administration, and the en-
tire Union party of the country, all three to
soon become identical in the struggle now
raging. can stand upon this speech, both in
manner and in matter. Its concessions are
not greater than their patriotism should Of
fer, or than their principles Can honorabl,
grant. It's author will win praise and sup
port through 1t from unaccuStomed quarters
while it will estrange but few friends: and
his appointment to the head of the Cabinet
which. when the disunon movement first
commenced, would have seemed a carelcs.
defiance of the dangers of the republic, a pro-
vocation rather than paciiication of the ex
cltcment Of the South, now promises TO bt
accepted as the best assurance that could be
given of the safety and strength for the ma
ton in the perils that now surround it. Ir
the feeling of danger tina, Expresses all, and
in the " rising of patriotism among all friend,
of the Union, personal and political prejudi
ces rapidly melt away; and the country turn,
for counsel ard safety to those master minds
who have proved their understanding of the
philosophy Of our government and their com
prehenson of the evils that btset it, and can
maintain their calmnesS and firmncss wher
the gathering storm they have long foreset II
finally breaks. Rapidly are We coming &c
two great partIes-one of and for the Union
the other for disunion; and Mr. Seward i,
apparently destined to be the accepted leade,
OF the former, both in philosophy and cabi
net in thought and in action
The New York Times correspondent says
Mr. Stewards speech. despite the article
in the Constitution, which denounces it il
an unmeasured phrase. has had a decided,
soothing effect. and is doing much good. MI
Crittenden declares that it is in the right di
rection, patriotic and s,atesmanlike
The southern extremists insist that it off
ers nothing. but the more moderate confess
that 1t treasures the South as to the purpos
es Of the incoming administration, anG indi
Gates that there is no insuperabe obstacle to
the South getting constitutional guaranty a
gainst northern interference with slavery in
the states and some amicahle mode of set.
Ting the territorial question.
The best effect of the speech is to ally irri
tation, and enable all parties to reflect on a
future course.