Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1861-01-25

FRIDAY, January 25th, 1861.
Mr.. Stewards Speech.

FRIDAY, January 25th, 1861.
- Mr.. Stewards Speech.
Elsewhere we give few extracts from the
speech of Hon. w. H. SEWARD, delivered in
the Senate, on the 18th inst. While all are
willing to admit that it was mastery speech,
even surprising any of the gentleman's ear
lier efforts, full of thrilling appeals, and un-
answerable arguments upon the blessings of
Union and the evils of disunion, yet there
seems to prevail general belief that he did
not meet the exigencies Of the occasion us he
might, and as it was generally supposed he
would. 1t was supposed tina. he would en-.
deavor to point out some way, and advise the
adoption Of some measures of public policy,
that would have tendency to. calm the
troubled waters ofour political sea; but those
who looked for anything practical are disap-
pointed. Mr.. SEWARD always rather appeals
to principles than men; is always more theo-
retical than practical, and in this case seems
not to have departed from his usual course.
The whole tenor Of the speech is conciatory.
There seems to be a diversity of opinion
among the press of the country as to its mer-
its.
The following condensed opinions Of the
leading Eastern papers we find in the ~ Y.
World:
The n. Y. Tribune thinks it rather disap-
points those who looked to Mr.. SEWARD for
a remedy for the troubles which afflict the
nation. Historically, it pronounces it un-
surpassed by any of his earlier efforts.
The N. Y. Times says that as an indica-
ton of the spirit Of Mr.. LINcoLN's admins
tration it leaves nothing to be desired, and
ought to exert salutary influence.
The y. Y Herald regards it in some sort
as "a declaration of war upon the ultra por-
ton of the party" 1t praises the speech.
The ". Y Post says it produced general
disappointment, not for any lack of ability,
but because peculiar expectations had been
raised in regard to it. 1t says that the word
of might which was looked for to lay rebel
lion, is not to be found in it.
The Neus says the speech is "cold,
scholarly essay on the advantages Of the
Union"
The Courier d Enquirer considers it the
most statesmanlike and sublime plea for
Union ever uttered in the Senate.
The Sun thinks ii the administration Of
Mr.. LINCOLN fails anywhere it will be in the
selection of man of too wild and theoretical
turn for premier.
The Boston Post says, its delincation Of
the glories of the Union, and the consequences
of disunion, are grand" and that it is the
best speech yet made IN the Senate, and will
cause the whole country to breathe easier.
The Boston Courier says its objections to
the speech arc not that it does not profess
in general terms willingness to concede
what the crisis may require but that it is
not at first sight "specilic and manly" in
meeting essential points. 1t thinks the main
oouy VI Vic spSeCh SShlhhSLtai, d i"thSi
nicely wrought essay upon the blessings of
Union and the evils of disunion. After all
this, and much more, it feels bound to admit
that it is an abandonment of the doctrines
upon which the republicans gained the victo-
ry, and the principles advanced not much
different from those Of the good old Wing
party.
In commenting upon the speech the N. Y.
World says: dropping out Of sight all
minor considerations, we strike at once at the
heart of the whole controversy, namely, the
question of the relative rights of the States
in the federal territories. If this could be
satisfactorily settled, all the other matters of
difference could be adjusted in single day.
Without the settlement of this all hope OF
peace between the two sections is delusion.
But to this conclusion he has nothing to con-
tribute Or, if he seems to have anything,
it is sphinx's riddle, for which there is no
Edipus.
lie has nothing to say to the people cx,
cept that the Union is inestimablc, and its
dissolution our universal ruin"