The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-02-02
LINCOLN AND SEWARD.
A Letter in Which the Forme Hinted that
He Was Familiar with His Own Business.
Washington Special.

Washington Special.
The Lincoln chapter in the admirable series
of Colonies Hay and Nicolay, which is to APP
pear in the Century due tomorrow contains .
letter from Mr.. Seward to Mr.. Lincoln and .
reply of the latter. which together make sensa-
tional historical matter. On the day when
General Meigs and Admiral Porter were busy
with preparations and orders for the relief a
Fort Pickens, Secretary Seward addressed the
following to Mr.. Lincoln:
'soME THOUGHTS FOR THE PRESIDENTS coNsrD-
GRAFTON APRIL l, 1861.
"First-Wa are at the end of q months sd
mlnistration. and yet without q policy, either
domestic or foreign.
.'Second--This. however, is not culpable, and
the Senate, with the need to meet applications
for patronage, have proven ted attention to other
and more grave matters.
'Third-But further delay to adopt and prose-
cute our policies for both domestic and foreign
affairs would not only bring scandal the ad-
mnistraton. but danger upon tho country.
"Fourth-To do this we must dismiss the ap-
plicants for Office. But howl l suggest that
we make the local appointments forthwith. leav-
ing foreign or general ones for Interior and oc-
"Fifth-The policy at home--I am aware that
my views are singular, and, perhaps, not sufi-
GENTLY explained. My system 10 built upon this
idea as a ruling one, namely, that we must
change tie question before the public from one
upon slavery, or about slavery, for question
upon Union or disunion. In other words, from
what would be regarded as a party question TO
one of patriotism or Union. The occupation
evacuation of Fort Sumter. although not in fact
a slavery or party question. is so regarded.
Witness the temper manifested by the Repub-
licans in the free States, and oven by the Union
men in the South. would therefore terminate
it as q safe means for changing the Issue. I
deem it fortunate that the last administration
created tho necessity. For the rest, l would
simultaneously defend aud reinforce ali the forts
in the gulf. and have the navy recalled from
fNroI cfoft IN h0 p0d $pR ra1o 10.
Put the island of Key West under martial law.
This will raise distinctly the question OF Union
or disunion would maintain every fort and
possession in tho South.
For foreign nations-I would demand ex-
plantations from Spain and France categorically
at once I would seek explanations from Great
Britain and Russia, and send agents to Canada,
Mexico, and Central America to rouse q vigor-
Gus continental spirit of independence on this
continent against European Intervention. And
il satisfactory explanations not received
from Spain and France would convene Congress
and declare war against them. But whatever
policy We adopt there must be an energetic pros
ecutlon Of it. For this purpose it must be some
body's business to pursue and direct il inces-
sanity. Either the President must do il him.
self and be ali the while active in it or devolve
it on some member of the Cabinet. Once
adopted, debates on it must end and all agree
and abide. It is not in my especial province
but l neither seek to evade nor to assume re-
sporsibity."
The same day Mr.. Lincoln replied as follows:
executive MANSION, April l. 1861.
.'Hop. W. II. Seward:
'.My Dear Sir-Since parting with you have
been considering your paper. dated this day
and entitled Some Thoughts'for the Presidents
Consideration The first proposition in it is:
First, We are at the end of q months admins
tration, and yet without policy, other domes-
tic or foreign At the beginning of that month,
in the inaugural said:
1.-The power confded to me will be used to
hold. occupy and possess tho property and
places belonging to the government. and to col
lect the duties and imposts.'
''This had your distinct approval at the time;
and, taken In connection with the order imme-
diately gave General Scott, directing him to
ploy every means within his power to strengthen
and hold the forts, comprises the exact domestic
policy you now urge, with the single exception
that it Goes not propose to abandon Fort Sum-
ter.
Again. do not perceive how the reinforce
ment of Fort Sumter would be done q party
or slavery issue. while that of Fort Pickens
would be on more national and patriotic one.
The news received yesterday in regard to st.
Domingo certainly brings new item within the
range of our foreign policy: but up to that time
we have been preparing circulars and instruc-
tions to ministers and the like, all in perfect
harmony, without even q suggestion tn at we
had no foreign policy.
''Upon your closing proposition that what
ever policy we adopt there must be an energetic
prosecution of il. For this purpose it must be
somebody's business to pursue aud direct 1t in
cessantly. Either the President must do s
himself, and be all the while active in it, or de-
volve it on some member of his Cabinet Once
adopted, debates on it must end. and all agree
amt abide I remark that il this must be done
must do it. When a general limo of policy is
adopted apprehend there is no danger of its
being changed without good reason continu-
ing to be a subject of unnecessary deoate still,
upon points arising In its progress wish. and
suppose l am entitie d to have, the advice of all
the Cabinet. Your obsdient servant.
"a LINCOLN"