The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1869-04-09
INFAMY'S REWAR D---WM. ii.
SEWARD.
(From tho Greensboro (Ga., ) Herald

(From the Greensboro (Ga..) IIcrald.)
"Pity the SORROWS Of poor old man,
Whose trembling limbs have borne him TO your
door,
A faithful biography of William II.
Seward would be II solemn warning to
all young politicians, never to let per-
sonal ambition cause them to sacrifice
principle. and also teach them that in
politics rs well as trade. honesty is the
best policy. The termination of An
drew Johnson's administration closed
the public career of VIM. H. Seward,
hc who once saw the time. when if he
had taken it ut the flood would have
led TO fortune, but alas he suffered the
opportunity TO pass, and although he
net Tres" his little bell has uttered its
last sound. Born. pCcmiarily poor, yet
rich in mental qualifications. Seward re-
ccivcd in the public schools of New
York city. n liberal education, and after
graduating NJ Union College. he started
for the South with but small portion
of this WORLDS goods. Fooisorc. aud
weary, with all his fortune in bundle
on his back. he called 1T the mansion of
Col. Alexander, in Putnam county, Ga.
TO ask for n nights lodging. He was
welcomed TO this good old mans house,
aud his waudcrings brought to an end.
He informed Col. Alexander that he
was in search of n place where he could
procure n patronage as school teacher:
that he was fully competent. dependent
on his own cXcrtions. and would faith
fully discharge his duties. This was
enough for Col. Alexander: the school
was nj once furnished him. and he was
installed as member of the Colonel's
family. For eighteen months or two
years, Seward faithfully discharged his
duties. and in the meantime studied his
profession of law. With the means
thus accumulated. he. after returning
many thanks to Colonel Alexander for
his Kindness, returned to Albany. New
Iork, aud commenced the practice of
law. In an incredibly short space of
time we find him not only at the head
of his profession. but one of the fore
most statesmen of The Old Wing paytv.
and successfully canvassing his native
State for Gubernatorial honors. against
the Democratic veteran, William L.
Marcy. But Seward was not satisfied
he wished to be elected President Of the
United States. and made up his mind TO
win the goal by fair means. if he could.
but if not, then by foul. Here the
warmed viper turned and plunged his
langS Ill the bosom of his prcserver
William II. Seward became an open
Abolitionist. and Notwithstanding Col
onel AicXander's kindness and the lib
eral welcome and patronage of the
Southern people, there was no insult too
gross for him 10 offer them. This was
his first downward step. Next his COM
bination with Greeley and Weed. was
noted for its dishonesty and corruption.
and here he lost the confidence of CO.
partners and OF his party. None doubt
ed his talents, while all feared his intlu.
ence. He inauguratcd the "Irrepress-
ible Conflict" as stepping-stone to the
Presidency. BY the management of
Greeley. Weed & Co.. he was defeated.
and Abraham Lincoln received the
nomination. lie was now in old wears,
and this was his last chance. He failed,
and his feelings became embittcred
against the world. but particularly
against his own party. lie often OPEN
~ asserted that his sclf-respcct would
prevent him from holding Office under
Mr.. Lincoln. yet as soon as it was ten
dercd him, by way Of compliment. he
accepted. not with view of assisting
Mr.. Lincoln. but TO disgrace his admin
istraton. The result is before the conn
Lincoln was assassinat-
ed, Andrew Johnson was thereby made
President, and VIM. II. Seward was re-
tanned in his Cabinet. When retiring
from Office. Mr.. johnson remarked to
some friends who called on him. 1.-THE
public knows but little of the Difficult
ties with which have had TO contend:
Seward lied TO me to the last"
Thus the miserable old man retires
from long life of public service. "un-
wcpt, unhonored and unsung." May it
prove q warning to other politicians.