The New York herald., 1863-02-19

nr. Seward. the Administration and ths
Abolition Faction.
Since the time Of General Jackson, that IRON
wiled ruler Of the turbulent democracy, we
have had many examples Of the sacrifice of
prominent statesmen and party leaders by CON-
binations Of small politicians We need not
here recapitulate the distinguished democrats
thus victmzed from 1910 to 1860, or the Pre-
sidentisl misfortunes of Clay and Webster,
those two great shining lights of the old whig
party. 1t is enough for our present purpose
that Mr. Seward may be placed in the same
category With the organization OF the present
republican party upon its snti-slavery plat
FORM Dir. Seward appeared, ~ Henry Clay
stood at the head Of the old line whig
column, head and shoulders above his fell
lows. But a. Mr.. Clay in l840 was required
to yield the course TO an available military
chieftain, General Harrison, so Mr. Seward. in
1885, was called upon to give way to warlike
hero, "Psthfnder," for an experimental party
reco nnoissance. The "Pathfnder" having
served his purpose, il was the general belief
that in 1860 Mr.. Seward would be made the re-
publican candidate for bona Jjide, earnest and
probably triumphant struggle for the Presi-
dency. But with the good prospect Of success
developed in General Fremont's campaign, re-
publican Presidential candidates and cliques 50
rapidly multiplied that, with the meeting Of
the Chicsgo Convention, it was apparent that
Mr.. Seward would have to fight the same battle
Of the factions in which Martin Van Buren, was
swamped at Baltimore in 1874.
The results were substantially the same in
both GASES, although Mr.. Lincoln at Chicago
was next to Mr. Seward on the FIRST ballot, in
which the vote for the latter was 1881 to 102
for the former. Tho people at large, and the
successful candidate himself, were hardly more
surprised with the nomination Of Mr.. Polk in
1874 than with the nomination Of Mr.. Lincoln in
1860. But, with Mr.. Stewards defeat it was ma
tural to suppose that the cliquos opposing him
would be content to rest upon their laurels, and
that in consideration of bis great services to the
party they would cheerfully unite in some mag
unanimous act to soften his disappointment
Recognizing the propriety of this course and
the superior abilities of Mr.. Seward for the po
sitiou, he was promptly singled out BY Mr.. Lin
coin after his election ~ his man of all men for
the State Department. The other three candi-
dates voted for at Chicago-Messrs, Chase. Ca
meron and Bates-wsre also appointed to the
Cabinet, in order, as FAR possible to reconcile
under the new administration all the divisions
Of the party.
But the enemies Of Mr. Seward in the camp
were no! satisfied with this fair and equitable
arrangement. Mr. Seward, ~ Premier, still
stood in their way. He might emerge from the
State Department, in 1864, stronger than ever,
as the most prominent man Of bis party. Ac-
he has been vigilantly watched by
Greeley and industriously pursued by the abo-
lition faction from his entree into the State De-
partment TO this hour. Nor il the movement
against him limited to the abolition press and
its outside party affilistiops; but it has been
and il most active among the abolition ultras
of Congress and the Cabinet The late Senate
rial caucuses voting his dismissal with their
special committees to the White House demand
ing it, were supported, if not inssigated, by
some Of Mr.. Seward Cabinet colieagues And
wherefore. What objectionable offences has
he committed Wha. is the nature Of this cir
condict?'
IL may be readily explained. Mr.. Seward
has greatly distinguished himself as Secretary
Of State. In most critical emergency, with
degree Of tact, sagacity and statesmanliks abili-
ty rarely surpassed, he saved the country from
the perils Of = war with England, and from the
~
foreign relations has been sminently satisfac-
tory. Peace democrats and peace abolitionists,
with strange accord, unite in condemning his
late rejection Of Louis Napoleon's proposition
Of peace conference with the rebels: but the
sound public sentiment Of the loyal States fully
approves the well deserved rebuke admins
tered to the French government for its impu-
dent intermeddling in our domestic affairs.
But Mr. Seward has failed to be the plant tool
OF the abolition faction. He was for long
time, as an aspiring politician, the head and
front Of the radical abolition movement. For
twenty-five years this journal was thus arrayed
against him. But as responsible statesman in
power he has become an invaluable conserva-
tive. He has thus steadily resisted the extreme
projects of Northern fanaticsm in reference to
the general policy Of the administration; but
though defeated again and again, he still re
tains the confidence OF the President, and. not
without some success, still labors at his post to
check the mad designs of the abolition Marplois
who seek his expulsion.
AT this critical period in our public affairs
Mr. Seward stands out in bold relief as, per-
haps, the only member Of the Cabinet whose
views Of the true policy of the government are
equal to the exigencies Of the day. President
Lincoln will act wisely in recognizing his
Cabinet throughout as unit with Mr. seward.
His removal from the Cabinet at this time would
be like the withdrawal OF linchpin from a
front wheel Of 4 wagon in the descent of dan
gerous mountain, and we fear that thus the
administration, from the experiment, like the