New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-05-18

to popular Sovereignty with regard to Slav-
cry in the Territories. He had supported John
c.. Breckenridge for President in the Presidential
canvass just terminated. And he had, as yet,
made none of the memorable speeches wherein
he declared his purpose to stand unflinchingly
by the Union in the lfe-or-death struggle about
to be forced upon it by Slavery. If, then, such
conversation as is set forth above was had, in
December, 1860, between Mr.. Weed and
the President elect, and if Mr. Lincoln then and
there pronounced Mr. johnson (whom he had
not seen in many years, and with whom he had
no intimacy "reliable both against Rebellion
and Slarcry," his prcscience must have been SUI
perhuman.
| But all this is aside from the main question.
| r. w. had asserted, in his former recOllectiOns,
that Mr. Lincoln had resolved at Springfield to
invite Southern Unionists to seats in his Cabinet,
but that, after his arrival at Washington, this
purpose was overruled by what are termed rad
ical influences. Here are hisprecise words:
I'm December, 1900 the President elect strongly
inclined IT, indeed he did not absolutely decide to in
wife Andrew johnson to a seat III ms cabinet Ills
and policy, however relating 10 Union states-
in Border Slave States ras changed at VdshiHgton
by the influence which attempted to exclude the
delegates these States from the National Conven'
ton"
Now compare this with T. WIS later recol-
lections above, and note the discrepancy. 1t
was not, it now appears, Mr.. Lincoln that
changed his purpose, but "Mr. Gilmer and
others" that declined seats in his Cabinet, under
"this miserable deluson" about "a coerclye
polcy"-that is to say: unless the new Prcsi-
dent would agree beforehand that the Slave
Power might repudiate the Federal Constitution
and Union and violate the laws with impunty.
And this later recollection is the true one. Mr..
Lincoln nerer declined to invite I" Southern
Unonsts" to seats in his Cabinet. Up to the
last moment, he would have rejoiced to secure
their cooperation, if it could have been obtained
without the sacrifice Of vital principle and para
mount duty. But he had been elected to dis
charge the high responsibilities of the Presi-
dency, which involved the coercion" OF those
who should persstcntly, defantly undertake to
subvert the laws and dissolve the Union.
The Southern Unonists' of that day in
sisted that the Union was to be saved only by
direct, open, fragrant reputation of the car
dnal Republican prnciple-that which pledged
the new Administration 10 resist the further dill
fusion of Slavery under our National flag. They
insisted that We should accept and support the
Crittendcn Compromise, so called, whereby all
our National Territories southwark OF the paral-
lei of So 30 should be made over in fee simple
to Slavery. IT. w" publicly and privately
urged submission TO this mOnstrous exactlon.
The great body Of the Republicans Indignantly
protested against any such surrender. Many
Southern Unonists were misled by L. WIS atti-
tude and arguments into a belief that they had
only to stand firm for division of the Terrific
ries, and the incoming President and his party
would give way to them. Their mistake was a
sad one, and it has cost a great many precious
lives. 1t is not likely to be repeated.
We repeat that President Lincoln ras not in.
duced to change his purpose and policy with
regard to calling Southern Unionists into his
first Cabinet lie did call Them but called i'll
vain. Only by surrendering at discretion, and
making the Administration practically theirs,
not his, could lie have obtained their c0opera-
fiou