The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1863-08-15
Governor seymour and PROSE
destt Lincoln
The Draft must go Or ia Nnss
York at Once.
The President viii abide by the
ID, cisiOn Of the SupreSue
Court whenever Made.

ONhhN W
An important correspondence between
Governor Seymour and President Lin
coin in reference 10 the enforcement Of
the draft in New York has been made
public. The essential portions in rela-
ton 10 the enforcement of the draft are
contained in the following concluding
paragraphs:
The successful execution of the Con-
scription act depends upon the settle
ment, by judicial tribunals, of it's oonsti-
tutionality. With such decisions in kts
favor il will have hold upon the public
respect and defence, which IL now lacks.
A refusal to submit il to this test will be
regarded as evidence that il wants legal
ity and binding force. A measure 30 I'm
usual in the history Of this country,
which Jars so harshly with those ideas
of voluntary action which have go long
prevailed in this community, add which
have been 80 conspicuous in the conduct
of this war should go forth with all the
sanctions Of every Department Of our
Government-the Legislature, the Exec
utive and Judicial
With such sanction il would overcome
the hostility which naturally creates in
the minds of the people, conscious of
their patriotism and Jealous Of their
rights. earnestly urge that the Gov
eminent interpOse no distractions 10 the
earliest practicable Judicial decision up
on this point. Our accustomed proceed
ure gives to our citizens the right TO bring
all questions affecting personal liberty
or compulsory service, in a direct and
summary manner to the judges and
courts Of the State or nation. The de-
cisions which would thus naturally be
rendered within brief period, and af-
ter full and ample discussion, would
make such current of judicial opinion
as would satisfy the public mind that
the act is either valid or void.
The right of the Government to enforce
military service in any other mode than
that pointed out by the Coustitu-
ton, cannot be established by violent
enforcement of the statue. II must be
determined ultimately by the Judiciary.
II should be determined in advance of an
enforcement which must be demockery
TO Withhold such decision until after the
irremediable injury of its execution up
on those who are unable to pay the sum
demanded in lieu Of their persons. Those
who are unable to commute might have
their remedy by recovery of the money
paid in Communication.
No evils are TO be feared II the law
Il Il L. Il
The submission of this Government to
the decisions of our courts would give
il a new aud stronger hold upon the pub
lie confidence; it would add new vigor
TO our system of Government, and il
would call forth another exhibition OF
voluntary offerings OF men and treasure,
to uphold an Admin strstion which
should thus defend and respect the
rights of the people.
The spirit of lawlessness in our land
would be rebuked respect for legal OBJ
legations would be invlgorated; conf
/ dence in our government would be
| strengthened; the dissensiOns and lea
lousies ut the North, which now weaken
our cause, would at once be heated up
and your voice would be potential In
| calling forth the power and force of 8
united people. By what willing strength
has done in the past, you may fOresee
what willing and united strength may
| accomplish in the future. II cannot be
said of New york; believe it cannot
be said of any Northern State-that II
the CONSUMPTION act be declared uncon
stitutional, the nation ia thereby aban-
doned TO weakness and paralysis. Be
assured, such . fate can never befal q
Government, which represents the con-
victions of the people, which works
with the spirit and provisions of the
Constitution. II is no more possible
under such circumstances, that the ma
ton should be left in helplessness, thar
that the strong mans arm should refuse
to obey his will. II this bill, which
stands on the assumed right of Congress
to pass an act, shall fall 10 the ground,
there is still left the undisputed author.
ity to call forth the armed power of Che
nation in the manner set forth in the
Constitution of our country.
do not dwell upon what believe
would be the consequence of a violent,
harsh policy before the oonstitutionality
OF the act is tested. You can scan the
immediate future as well as l. The
temper of the people to-day you car
readily learn by consulting, as have
done, with men of ell political parties
and Of every profession and occupation
The nations strength is in the hands o.
the people. Estrange them, divide them
and the foundations fall, the structure
must perish.
am confident you will feel tina
Scquiescence in my requests will be bui
q small concession for our Government
to make 10 our people, and particularly
that it should assure itself and them o
the accordance Of its subordinate law
with the supreme law of the land. 1
will be but little price 10 pay for thu
peace OF the public mind. II will abat,
nothing from the dignity, nothing from
the sovereignty of the nation, TO show
just regard for the majesty of the laws
and a pAternAl interest in the wishes AnC
welfare of our citizens.
Truly, yours, &c,
| (Signed) HoRATIO SEYMOUR,
THE PRESIDENTS REPLY.