Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-10-12


him as progressive statesman. Among
these measures were those to secure the
diffusion Of common school education
among children of every class. vigor-
Gus prosecution Of the public works, in
cluding the enlargement ofthe Erie canal.
the removal Of disabilities imposed on for
eigners, and remodeling and simplifying
the whole Judiciary system of the State.
While he was Governors controversy
sprung up between Mr.. Seward and the
executive Of Virginia relative to the rem
dition of two seamen charged with The alb
duction of two slaves. Gov. Seward
maintained that no State could force a
requisition upon another State founded on
an act which was only criminal by its
own legislation, and which, compared
with general standards was not only inno-
cent bat praiseworthy. He was re-elect-
ed in 1910 and declined third nominal
ton. Retiring from Office he resumed
his law practice which was most lucrative.
In 1874 Mr.. Seward entered with ener-
gy into the presidential contest in behalf
OF Henry Clay, and again in 1918 in be-
half Of Gen. Taylor With the election of
Gen. Taylor and the ascendeney of his
party in the State, he was the unanimous
choice Of his party for the United States
| Senatorship, to which position he was
elected in February, ls49, receiving 12l
votes 10 80 for all others. When Con-
gress met in December, the Southern
members apprehending that Gen. Taylor's
administration would be essentially anti
slavery, took grounds in opposition even
before it was inaugurated. Gov. Seward
at the head Of the friends of freedopAsus
tanned it, and he at once became one o
Gen. Taylor's confidential friends and adj
visers. During that Congress a violen
contest was commenced on the SLAYER,
question, when Mr.. Seward declared h,
would make no further concessions. Ii
speech on the admission of California
he declared ''that there was higher law
than the constitution which regulates ou1
authority over the domain and deyotes i
to noble purposes.
| He also made elaborate speeches on the
industrial and commercial relations o.
the country. on the Pacific Railroad, the
tasitf, the public lands, American fisheries
and ocean telegraph, ETC., etc. In the
succeeding years he was one Of the few
prominent anti-s)avery champions, and nc
man i'm the nation was 80 generally at
cepted as leader by the anti-savery ele
ment. In a speech in 1858 he said 'Shal
tell you what this collision means? 1t il
an irrepressible conflict between opposing
and enduring forces, and means that tn,
United States must and will, sooner OF
later. become entirely slave holding ma
ton, or entirely a free labor nation"
Daring the last session of the 2Gth Con.
gress-lS60-1-the Southern secession
plainly revealing itself, Mr.. Seward said
Il avow my adherence to the Union will
MY friends, with my party, withmy State
or without either, as they may determine
in any event of peace or war, with every
consequence of honor or dishonor, of lift
or DEATH" He declared in conclusion thai
he would never give his "vote directly OF
indirectly to sanction slavery in the COM
mon territories of the United States or any
where else in the world"
Mr.. Seward was most effective in the
Fremont canvass in 1886. In 1860 he was
a candidate in the Chicago Convention for
the Presidency, and undoubtedly the
choice of a large majority OF the anti
slavery masses throughout the country
In the Convention, he received 173 votes,
and Mr.. Lincoln, the next highest, 1913 on
the first ballot. Mr.. Lincoln being final
| ly nominated. Mr.. Seward ardently sup.
ported the nomination and entered warmly
into the canvass.
| Upon the election of Mr.. Lincoln, he
rendered the chief place in the Cabinet
Secretary Of State, to the great party
leader and statesman. In that position
he displayed craftsmanship, and grea
skill in managing all the perplexing ant
intricate relations then existing between
this government and foreign countries
Particularly will his course in the Tren
affair be remembered to his honor. There
is no doubt that his careful policy was The
best that could be pursued by the govern
ment in its circumstances, although at The
time it was thought not so bold as il
should be by those who did not apprehent
| the situation.
When Mr. Seward cast his fortunes witt
Andrew johnson he lost-the confidence O
the republican party. His moderate
course since has in a large degree over
come the disfavor with which his adher
ence to johnson was viewed, and there
are few of any party but will learn will
regret of his death. or refuse him the hgl
honor as man and statesman which be
long to him OF right.
THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION