The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1862-05-15
i " Conservative > Platform

In the recent - conservative '-Q4 slavery
raucur, Mr.. Sheffield Of Rhode Island, defined
his position. As specimen brick Of this c1nset-
vative ediice tie speech - worth Yresogymg--
Il is the NEST charmingly Indefinite commttal
Ct ones self ;hat VIC al his moment have any
recollection OF. MIR, Sheffield was evidently
gushing :; with frAnkness. and committed
0insclf TO o remarkable definite line Of political
conduct. lie SAID ne WAS - in favor Of the I'd
,1iaistrAtion Of the Constitution according TO
its spirit. lie was opposed TO those who we're
opposes TO &c, whether they come from the North
OF the South whether in arms against the gov
ernmont or not" IL will be at once seen just
exactly where Sheffield is. lie is---in short--in
favor 0! 4" spirit which heis pleased to cali the
Constitution, and opposed TO those who disagree
with him in reference to what thai spirit Is
SO far is clear But Sh fled does net Stop here
lie is also " opposed to the general confiscaton
measur:, whether by Legislative enactment or
any other process, and in tay3r Of the mainte-
nance Of the supremacy Of this government at
any cost" The speaker evidently made a mis-
take in ore OF the other branch Of this ate
ment. He is clearly opposed to any general
c1nfscalion - IL any event, and 50 should have
qualified his " any cost" by an exception Of
general conliscaton'. However he can make
the amendment at some subsequent meeting
aiy. Sheffield is also - opposed to the dejerlnina-
ton to Interfere with our military officers, weak
enlng aud paralyong their cfortsin putting down
this rebellion" ana when he next holds forth
we wish ne would express his views on the re
moyal Of Fremont last fall.
lie Is, Of course, opposed 70 any interference,
with the local institutions ofany State, and per
maps, when he has time, he will be good enough
70 state who is III favor Of such interference
and TO what extent, and briefly comment upoi
Che use OF - Indispensable means - az limited a
by President I.incoln lie would punish IN,
leaders OF this rebellion as far as any gentleman
perhaps but is 4" not willing to stand upo,
any platform which has yet been put forth t
the country" There is said to be great valu
All 1h IL, auu IT. Oueinelu uOuDGioS3 0eileVe5 !
the virtue of /" perhaps Mr.. 5 is also eau
tious man. He is in favor, and is NOT in favor G
the Presidents policy. lie says he is "a SUP
porter oi'he policy of the President of the Unite
States but of course does not commit himself t
his every act The President ought to be doul
y thankful for this-thankful that he goes &
FAR and especially thankful that he goes n
farther. Finally MIR. S. is " opposed
the adoption of any agtating measu.
from winch can result no good or prac
tlcal utility at this time" lIo looks upon
bill 10 punish treason, doubtless, as an az
Eating measure from which no good can resu
at this time. We are glad TO kuow that
arge majority OF Congress are OF quite di
ferent opinion, and have faith In punishmer
yet. We wonder MIR. Sheffield does MT move |
nave the army disDanded and sent home, az in on
Judgment, 500 900 oayoness on Southern soil al
IN " agitalng movement, und one which tn
rebels are infinitely more alarmed about tba
they are about any co0iscdtIon bill. We hop
to hear from Mr.. Sheffield again.