The Weekly Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, O. [Ohio]) 1861-1???, 1862-06-25
IMPoLICy OF CENsoRIoUsNEss.


THE following letter from the Hon. CHAs.
SUMNER affords valuable testimony of the
sincere, earnest, and conscientious qualities
possessed by President Lincoln.
At the Inauguration, Southern gentle
man in describing him says, "he appears
like man terribly in earnest" There is
something expressive, and appropriate, in
this description of Mr.. Lincoln. His con-
duct in the Executive chair, has demonstrate
ed its truthfulness, and obtained for him
the implicit confidence of the American
people. Surrounded by military, political,
and social difficulties; such as none of his
predecessors encountered he has met them
with calmnoss and dignity; with firmness
and with judgment, and the tablets of his
tory will testify that in him, the ilustrious
Washington has u worthy successor.
1t is encouraging to know that he posses
ses the confidence, and cooperation of all
our representatives in Congress, who uphold
a republican and constitutional form of
government. In this respect Mr.. Sumner
has done the nation good service in record
ing the position occupied by himself and
co-adjutors. In the final settlement of is
sues now pending, we are assured by their
past acta, that both the administration, and
our legislators, will have due regard to the
constitution the future prosperity of our
nation, and the God given rights of human
ity. Earnest men are those whom the peo-
pie delight to honor - may their number
be increased.
Satisfactory will it be, should the rebuke
contained in Mr.. Summers letter, influence
others besides the party to whom it was
addressed. Consciousness is q growing
evil in our midst detrimental to the best
interests of our country. Public servants,
of high qualification and unsullied charac-
ter, are oft times prejudged by it. But for
the consequences it produces, the position
of many who indulge in it would be one of
absurdity, ridicule, and of contempt Men
who are ignorant of military tactics who
are unacquainted with the topography of
regions through which our armies pass
the enemy; yet presume to indicate
plans of action, and dictate their mode of
operation to our brave commanders. We
therefore hail with satisfaction the evidence
of generous confidence, and earnest coop
GRAFTON manifested by the highest legisla-
tive body towards President Lincoln and
hope by words of truth and soberness, that
the predisposition to censure will be re-
SENATE CHAMBER, June 5, 1862.
My DEAR SIR: Your criticism of the President
is hasty. l am confident that, if you knew him as
| do, you would not make it.
Of course, the President cannot be held RESPONSE
BILE for the miseasances of subordinates, unless
adopted or at least tolerated by him. And ] am
sure that nothing unjust or ungenerOus will be toll
Grated, much less adopted, by him.
am happy TO let you know that he has no SYM
pathy with Stany in his absurd wickednesS, clos
ing the schools again in his other act of turn
ing our camp into hunting ground for slaves. He
repudiates both positively. The latter point has
occupied much of his thought and the newspapers
have not gone too far in recording his repeated dec
larations, which have often heard from his owl
lips, that slaves finding their way into the Nationa
lines are never to be re-enslaYed. This is his con
victon, expressed without reserve.
Could you have seen the President II wa:
my privilege often -w while he was considering the
great questions ON which he has already acted -
the invitation to Emancipation in the States, Eman
cpaton in the District of Columbia, and the ac
knowledgement of the independence of Hayti auC
Liberia - even your zeal would have been satisfied
for YOU would have felt the sincerity of his purpos
to do what he could to carry forward the principles
of the Declaration of Independence. His whole
soul was occupied, especially by the first PROPOSE
ton, which was peculiarly his own. In familiar
intercourse with him, | remember nothing mort
touching than the earncstness and completeness
with which he embraced this idea. To his mind
it was just and benetcent, while il promised tn
sure end of Slavery. Of course, to me, who hat
already proposed Bridge of Gold for tn, retreat
ing fcnd, it was most welcome. Proceeding from
the President, it must take its place among tn,
great events of history,
If you are disposed to be impatient at any seem
ing shortcomings, think pray you, of what ha
been done in u brief period, and from the past dis
Germ the sure promise of the future. Knowing
something of nay convictions and of the ardor will
which maintain them, you may, perhaps, deriv
some assurance from my confidence. | say IN you
therefore Stand by the Administration. If nee'
be, help IT by word and act, but stand by it ans
have faith in it,.
wish that you really knew the President, an,
had heard the artless expression of his convictions
ON those questions which concern you deeply
You might perhaps, wish that he were less eau
tiouS, but you would be grateful that he is sc tru
TO all that you have at heart. Believe me, there
fore, you are wrong, and l regret it the more be
cause of my desire to all friends stand firm
ly together.
II write strongly, il is because feel strongly
for my constant and intimate intercourse with tn
President, beginning with the 4th Of March, no
only binds me peculiarly to his Administration, bu
gives me personal as well as a political interes
in seeing that justice is done him.
Believe me, my dear Sir, with much regard, eve
faithfully yours, CHARLES SUMNER.
m