Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1863-07-25
PRESCOTT j OURNAL.
PRESCOTT, WIS:
GOV. Seymour and the Hob.

than Gov. SEYMOUR. He has been look.
81 up to, not only as the Executive
Head Of State, well called an Empire
IN extent and resources, but as the lead
;pr democrat in the loyal States.
Coming victorious through holly
contested campaign, and ascending to
power as the leader OF party opposed
% tie Administration, his course has
been watched with Intense interest. No
msn has been the recipient of more full
some praise-none the object of more
bitter ccnsure.
The events of the past few weeks have
thrown a flood Of light upon tho charac-
Ter Of Gov. Seymour. and the influence
Of such political teachings as be has put
fo.th. There are SO many lesser men
who lave been influenced by his teach
irgs, and who occupy in a smaller way
tie same position Of leadership, that it
Is duty TO dispassionately examine to
what end lis course has been aud is now
tending.
We do not believe that Gov. Seymour
is q traitor.
He was supported BY Fernando Wood
and his traitorous followers for Cover
nor, and his campaign speeches were
adroitIy wOrled so rs net TO give them
offence, but he never meditated following
their counsels; he only wanted their
support.
The article in recent number of the
Daily st. PnaI Press, written TO prove
that Gov. Seymour was a conspirator,
and designedly instigated the mob in
New York city, proved only the foolish
partisanship of the writer. We 10 not
believe Gov. Seymour's sympathios are
in favor Of the rebellion, or his feelings
hostile to the cause of the URion.
He is simply an able, intellectual, self
i,h, ambitious man. Aware of the un-
popularity of the war in his own party,
of the desire TO shirk It's dangers and ex-
pense. aud looking for future promotion,
he adopted the dangerous exper' ment Of
opposing tue administration in time Of
war.
In letters au'l speeches he has opposed
tie war policy of ;he Government-has
denounced its necessary acts as tyran-
nical-has charged it with violation OF
the constitution with subverting the
principles Ct !iberty-with warning on
the inviolate rights of its subjects. He
believed none of this nonsense. He
spoke TO make party capital. On the
Fourth of July, when the menacing ar
nv of rebels was routed, and New York
biazel with patriotic fervor. and its loyal
heart sent thanksgiving to Heaven for a
victory won, Gov. Seymour stood in the
Academy of Music, impassive as clay, and
dawdled about the wrong done to Vallan-
d, lam, and said that the people could
disregard law, as well as the Govern
ment.
The Governor knew how silly was
this twaddIe, but tho reckless, desperate
poTu!ace saw in it license to rebellion
and immunity from danger. The riot
broke out. Heli's furies were loose
The Governor was sent for. His cour-
age quailed. His conjurer's wand had
called up demons who would not down
at his bidding. He quailed. He dare
not stand up as the representation Of
Law. and hurl lis terrors on their guilty
heads. No: they had all voted for him,
and he might want them again. So be
talked to them, peiled them, and told
them they were his friends. Good God
What a spectacle The Governor o
the great State of New York addressing
as friends an Infatuated mob holding the
torch of confsgration in their bloody
hauds! He would protect their rights
RIGurs /! AS if they had any, except q
legal right to be shot and divine right
TO be damned. So he petted, and plead,
and coaxed, and the mob went on with
their work of plumber and murder, and
Governor Seymour sank to the pity, il
not contempt, of honest, brave men,
He has pandered to the prejud ices and
passions of the ignorant and vicious, and
the result has been q he;lish carnival Of
fire. aud blood.
Ii will be we'll if this spectacle is q
warning 10 others. Men of substance
never desire a mob, for mob nevor ]:
confined to its original purpose, but socu
teck intiscriminate plumber. Yet there