Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1865-05-19

herent wisdom of true goodness. And
such a nature can scarcely be delinealed
apart and separate from the events oil
that history which called out his virtues
This is particularly true of Mr.. Lincoln
for two reasons First, because his excel.
lence did not assume the form Of few
bold qualities, and was the sum of many
simpler qualities maintained under great
trial aud provocation. And secondly,
because we are now but just beginning
to see the moral character of those bad
men against whom he acted.
That SO soon in our history the dark
crimes which stained the later periods OF
Roman and medieval European history
should have taken possession of the lead
ing Southern conspirators, could scarcely
be imagined by those who have been
accustomed to study the effects of slave
ry upon the masters, in the light of SER
vile apologists, rather than under the
guidance of great principles of human
nature.
1t is now known that a separation of
the South from the North was resolved
upon as matter simply of politica! am
btion, without any reference TO supposed
grievances that the allegations of injury,
of fears for the future, of political injus-
lice, were deliberately framed by South
ern leaders as a means of exciting and
uniting the common people of the South,
while their authors, among themselves,
never pretended to believe in the truth of
their own presentations.
There is, also, the gravest reason to
believe that all moral restrictions were
yielded, and that crimes the most infa-
nous were deliberately employed as the
tneans Of promoting the bad ends Of these
conspirators. Those who know most of
the interior of affairs, scarcely doubt that
Harrison was poisoned, that Tyler might
fulfil Southern plans of war with Mexico.
With even stronger conviction is it af-
frmed that Taylor was poisoned that
less stern successor might give a suppler
instrument to Southern managers. Who
'-.-'''F' 99'', s"sss s.svsy44lsrue. 90
poison Buchanan al the National Hotel,
and leave Breckenridge in his room ? 1t
is a matter of verified history that efforts
were made TO take off Mr.. Lincoln before
he should be inaugurated. And now, the
whole world is astounded by the bideous
crime by which be has been removed from
life. This perspective is needed to re-
veal the character of the chief men in this
superlative infamy OF secession. We do
not believe that the Southern people
were privy to such crimes, or that all
who become conspicuous in the Southern
councils and armies knew of such things.
but that the real leaders were men steep.
ed in crime, and capable of the utmost
infamy, we have not a doubt.
To misguided millions, unconsciously
inspired and led by men of such a spirit,
Mr.. Lincoln addressed the policy of kind
ness and conciliation for nearly two years.
1t was as if a Christian martyr had ap-
pealed TO the reason and kindness Of lions
and tigers in a Roman amphitheatre
But, though now known to have been
we must study Mr.. Lincoln's
forbearance and gentleness, from his own
point of view. Never was man less dis
turbed by passion, by party heats, by
anger or rashness. In the wild excite
ments which ragged on every side, amidst
treacheries, defeats, and gloom, amid
lukewarm patriots, imbecile generals, and
divided counsellors, he maintained, on
the whole, straightforward and elevated |
After Mr.. Lincoln with long and pain
ful hesitation determined to issue his
of Liberty, a change took
place, not only in the general policy of
but in the success of his |
He relinquished the inn
practical hope of conciliaing the South
he boldly assumed the reserved powers of
He called to his aid men
Of nerve in the field, and, freed from the
toils of a doubtful expediency, and of
nice practical management, he fell back
upon broad moral grounds. There his
rue nature had full scope; and every
lour after he conformed bis policy TO
moral reason rather than to precedent.
ind political device, and hackneyed ex-
,edients, Mr.. Lincoln grew strong and
uccessful. Then began those victories
which in spite OF reverses eat into the
Southern power, an d consumed its
trength. Then Mr.. Lincoln took his
'lace, in the estimation of eminent men