Baton Rouge tri-weekly gazette & comet. [volume] (Baton Rouge, La.) 1865-18??, 1865-11-02


Speech of Secretary Seward Mt Auburn.
New YoRK, Oct. 2l.-Secretary Seward
Yesterday delivered an address TO the citi-
zens Of Auburn. After eongratulatinR the
country upon the return OF peace, he re-
ferred TO Andrew Johnson, saying that, in
the opening Of the rebellion, it was neces-
sary that popular leader arise on behalf
Of the country, man from u hesitating
border State, q stakeholder in practice,
though not in principle, and yet in princi-
pies and associations a Democrat. An
drew johnson, with the consent of the
whole American people, assumed the great
responsibility. President Lincoln an
nounced that slavery should be treated as
a public enemy. Andrew johnson in
dorssd the announcement. The attem pied
revolution culminated when our national
banner was successfully replanted in Ten
nessee.
From that time, though it was necessary
to prosecute the war with such energy as
human nature had never before exerted, it
was equally needful to prosecute the be-
nefcent work Of restoring the Union.
The abolition of slavery was thenceforth
equally an element of persistent war and
of returning peace. Andrew johnson was
ernor for the prosecution Of these double
and diverse purposes Of war and peace, and
was subsequently elected Vice President,
and in the end constitutionally inaugu-
rated President of the United States. We
arc continually hearing debates concern
ing the origin and authority OF the plan of
restoration. New converts, North and
South, speak of it as If it were new and
recent development. On the contrary, we
now see that it is not specially Andrew
Johnson's plan; not even new plan in
any respect. II is the plan which alb
ruptly yet distinctly offered itself to the
last Administration at the moment when
the work ofrestoration was to begin. 1t is
essential that the insurrectionary States
shall accept this plan.
This is what meant when suid to Mr..
Adams that, in the sense in which the
word sublugation was used by our enemies,
it WAS not the expectation or purpose OF
this Government that the Sou bern States
shonld be subiugsted, but, by the plan
adopted, they would be brought to vol.
untary return to their allegiance. The
plan, therefore, recognizes not their de-
struction, but their active existence. The
absolute existence Of the States which CON
stitute the Republic is tho most palpable Of
sA%~
statesmen have to deal.
He spoke of the American Union as n
system to which the States were attached
as limbs, and said if a limb is broken off, it
m st be restored to soundness before due
CONGREGATIONAL health can be brought back
TO the whole system. If limb offends,
we can cut it off and throw it away; but,
by doing so, we would be doing what
other nations less wise than ourselves have
done, that have submitted unnecessarily to
amputation, and given as material por-
ton Of their strength to save themselves
from apprehended destruction.
He argued that the reconciliation adopted
so promptly was the most wise course to
pursue. The plan he said, gives Us two
great national advances in the progress OF
moral and political elevation, which are
now to be made fast and firmly fixed.
First, it secures voluntary abolition OF
slavery by the insurrectionary States; and
secondly, an effectual adoption, by the late
slave States themselves, Of the amendment
to the Federal Constitution prohibiting
slavery forever III any part of the United
States.
TO hasten this work Of reconciliation, he
urged, In the language Of the President
we must trust each other. AS TO fears of
too much leniency on the part Of the Prssi
dent Le said, except those who have been
manned or berenved, none had suffered
more of wrong Insult and insolence at the
hands Of the leaders Of the rebellion than
the President, and cannot we forgets
He can forgive; his terms are far more
generous than those offered by Abraham
Lincoln. MIR. Seward guaranteed fidelity
and faithtulness on the part Of Andrew
johnson. He had never in his life met
man more free from personal caprice and
sc fish ambition. None more purely and
exclusively moved in public action by love
of country and good will to mankind. m
MIR. Seward then passed IN review 9le
different mem befs Of the Cabinet, since the
first inauguration of Mr.. Lincoln, speak
ing highly Of them all.
Concerning foreign nations he said he
WAS permitted to say in general terms we
have claims on foreign nations for injuries
received.
England and other nations have pre-
landed claims against this Government for
alleged injuries to them or their subjects.
He believed the President would conduct
the affairs in such manner as to recover
indemnitie Justly due, without any COM
promise Of the national dignity and honor.
With whatever jealousy we may adhere
TO our inherited principles OF avoiding en-
tanplinp alliances with foreign nations,
we must continue to exercise just and
benefcent influence in the international
conduct Of foreign states, particularly those
which are near to us on this continent,
and which are especially endeared to US by
their adoption of republican Institutions.
He was sure the President had not lost
sight of this important interest, and he
expected to see republican institutions,
W wherever they have been heretofore estab-
lished throughout tho American CONT
mont, speedily vindicated, renewed and re-
invigorated.