The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-01-06
Secretary Seward.

Secretary Seward.
In the temporary absence of more important
matter toAll their columns, the Northern pa
pers are specializing with considerable Tree
dom upon the movements of this distinguished
gentleman. There is, indeed, something strl-
king to use the least significant WORD we can
think of, in the moment he has CHOSEN 10 W.
cate his office and leave its direction III the
hands of 4 suhorduate. IT is upon the eve OF
the deadly struggle which every man ioresees'
between the President and the extreme wing
of the Radical party, when the counsei OF MI
SEWARD might be of the last Importance ana
when his presence even, in the camp might
be highly useful in impartinS energy ana per
severance 10 the friends of the President po~
Gcy II ut n time too. when the advocates
of the MONROE doctrine are about 10 test, IN
Congress- The strength Of their position, and,
probably, 10 decide the momentous question
of peace or war with France.
What can be the meaning Of this eccentric
movement at this most critical time? is the
health of the Secretary really so bad that 1t
will not allow him 10 wait for Il more conNe-
nient season? Is il really physical and not
n political attack that he labors under? Does
he still dream of the succession, and does ne
dread the rupture with the extreme Radicals,
which must inevitably ensue II he should
stand his ground and hold up the Presidents
hands when he goes down 10 do battle with
those terrible sons of AMALEK Does he seek
TO avoid facing" the music, when his pohcy
with regard TO Mexico and the two Emperors
shall be overhauled by the rampant proclaim
ers of the MONROE doctrine? Is this
voyage the bridge which he leaves in
his rear, and by means of which he may escape
into rad
of the President be carried by assault, and his
affairs be reduced TO a state of desperation?
All these doubtful poin Is are freely discussed,
without throwing the smallest ray of light
upon the motives Of Mr.. SEWARD, by the whole
Northern press except the New York Times
That oracle, like other oracles when their re-
sponses are most needed, is perfectly dumb.
1t has not 4 word to say upon the most impor-
tant question that has agitated the country
since the beginning of the war. We, there
fore, in the absence of that intelligence which
we should deem conclusive are determined to
put-as we always do-the best construction
upon Mr.. SEwARD's conduct. We are willing
to admit that his health requires the trip he is
about to take, and that if there be anything
wrong, the disease, or, more probably, the doc
tor, is 10 blame.
Indeed, Mr.. SEWARD has left upon record
most memorable proof that he is, at least, not
afraid of responsibility. In his dispatch to
the American Minister at Paris he says:
"The establishment of the perfect equality of
"the men of the African race with men of
"other races throughout the Uhote continent
sis policy which the United States may
thereafter be expected TO cultivate with con.
"stancy and assiduity." Mr.. SEWARD herein
not only throws the gauntlet down TO all the
States of this world but publishes defiance
TO Omnipotence itself Omnipotence says the
negro race is not equal TO the Caucasian race.
Mr.. SEWARD says it is, and ayows himself pre-
pared to maintain ii, by arms, we suppose, II
necessary. But arms cannot settle question
of fact, at least in the opinions Of those who
really have any doubt upon the subject. The
result of pitched battle cannot change the
color of the negro's skin, or straghten his legs,
or take the knock out of his knees, or scoop n
hollow in his foot, convert the wool of his
head into hair 1t cannot give him mind and
the qualities thereof. Neither can it change
the history Of his race in times gone by. He
has been we'll known to the world for
four thousand years. The Egyptians, his near
est neighbors, knew him well, and used him as
slave The Carthagcnians knew him, and used
him, also as q slave The Greeks and the
Romans were acquainted with him for centu-
ries. All the other nations which came in con-
TACT with these great conquering and ciyilizing
powers became civilized themselves. But the
negro never, from the first moment of his ac-
quaintance with civilized man 10 this day, has
made one step In advance in his own country.
What the Egyptian PHARAoHs left hin. the |
Portuguese slavers found nina creatnra |
without laws, without civilization, withont
even language savage, roaming the wood, |
naked, like the wild beasts he hunted, and, like
them, altogether incapable of communicating
his wishes by means of his tongue. When civil
lied by white men, their guardianship has al
ways been found necessary 10 arrest his procli-
witty 10 barbarism. Really, if Mr.. SEwARn has
undertaken, in good faith, TO make him equal
TO the white man, he is bold man. General
JACKSON, when he said " / take the RESPONSE.
bility,n presented sublime spectacle but the
spectacle of Mr.. SEWARD challenging Nature
herself 10 mortal combat is much grander. and
lar more instructive.
Ahere are those who maintain the possibility
OF making The negro equal TO the white man
by pointing TO The Philippians and Cartha-
genians Such men are too ignorant TO de.