The Delta independent., 1888-02-14
THE LINCOLN-sEWARD EPI-
SODE.

SODE.
The installment of the Nicolay-Hay life
OF Lincoln contained in the February issue
of the Century bears fresh proof of the won
derful patience, calmness and clear
ness OF the great yet simple War President,
as demonstrated by his management of the
well known Seward episode. The presen-
tation OF the full correspondence for the
hrst time throws clear and full light upon
the relations of Mr.. Lincoln and his Secre-
tary OF State in the early period of the war,
which at that time caused the patriotic peo.
pie OF the country many apprehensions,
and for time nearly resulted in bringing
about serious dissension In the cabinet
1t will be remembered that in April, 1861,
and prior to that time, Mr.. Seward had taken
the position that the war would be baga-
telie, and In his communications with our
foreign ministers had stated definitely that
1t would not last longer than sixty or ninety
days, and that subsequently he explained
Its prolongation by attributing 1t to the un-
reasonableness of the northern anti-sIavery
men on the one hand and the southern
secessionists on the other. 1t will also be
remembered that these official instructions
aroused such an indignation among the Re-
publican members of Congress that de.
termined effort was made to oust him from
the cabinet-a crisis which was averted BY
the calm wisdom of Mr.. Lincoln, aided by
the resolute resistance of Secretary Chase
1t may also be remembered that from that
time onward no one was better aware of
the fact that Mr.. Lincoln was President
than Mr.. Seward himself.
The publication of the complete CORE
spondence now for the first time sets this
episode forth in an Ineligible light The
Isl OF April, 1851, Mr.. Seward, evidently
fancylng thatMr. Lincoln was inexperienced
and would be thankful to have him make
policy for him, wrote to him in effect that
inasmuch as . month had now elapsed and
the administration had no policy, he would
suggest q few things which should be done
At once; among them the abandonment of
the slavery issue and the substitution of a
Union issue, the demand for an immediate
explanation from France and Spain of their
unfriendly conduct and declaration of
war If the explanations were not salts
factory, and lastly that the President himself
or some member of his Cabinet should be
intrusted with the vigorous prosecution of
this policy-which was tantamount to a per-
sonai and altogether superfuous offer to re-
lteve MI. Lincoln Of the duty by assuming 1t
himself. When it came to a matter of duty.
however, Mr.. Lincoln always saw his way
clearly. Whatever other weakness he had,
he never hesitated on the line OF duty, but
went straightto its performance. On that
very day Mr.. Lincoln replied to MI. Seward
briefly but to the point Hisreply is a model
OF quiet firmness, dignity, and statesmanIike
sagactty. In answer TO Mr.. Seward q insin.
uatton that the administration had no policy
Mr.. Lincoln says:
since parting with you have been con-
siiled S0ar RSaper dated this day and
ConSide.ation." The first proposition in 1t
1s; First, We are at the end Of month's
ADMIN saftmsinistIation, and yet without a policy,
eitner domestic or foreign"
At the beginning nf that month. In the
inaugural, said, 1.-THE power confided in
me willbe used to hold, occupy, and possess
govdnn mS property and and places belonging to the
ports This had your distinct Approval At
the time; and, taken in connection with the
order Immediately gave Gen. Scott. direct
to enS Sod SSosIy ybs ia4. in power
the Ties exact domestic policy you now urge,
with the single exception that 1t does moi
propose to abandon Fort Sumter.
In answer to Mr.. Stewards closing prop
osition Mr.. Lincoln says:
~ pom your closing proposition that what
s.ge ever Ro,ncy & we ADOPT there must be an en-
FOr this purpose 1t must be somebody's
business TO pursue and direct 1t incessant-
s.Either the President must do :. him.
self. and be all the while active in it. or
Oev0lve 1t on some member of the Cab.
met Once adopted, debates on It must
enc, enc, end Al agree and abide" l remark
When q general line of policy is adopted [
apprehend there Is no danger Of its being
changed without good reason or continuing
nyos, uU UoD l subject o. unnecessary debate Still
and suppose am entitled 70 have, the adj.
vice of all the Cabinet.
Among all Mr.. Lincoln's patient and
wise utterings not one is more characterls-
TIC than this reply to Mr.. Seward. A more
impuisive man might have taken umbrage
at his unwarranted interference and hays
caused serious trouble in the midst OF q
grave crisis OF affairs, but Mr.. Lincoln,
while leaving no doubt in Mr.. Stewards
mind who was at the head of the Nation
at the same time by his prudence ana calm
ness succeeded In doing this without en-
Dltter1ng MI. Seward against him or run
ming any risk Of losing his really valuable
services after he made the important dis
covery that Mr.. Lincoln was competent to
NIL the place to which the people had elect
cd him. The more Mr.. Lincoln's character
Is studied the more light is thrown upon
his public and private affairs and conduct,
the more admirable appears this simple,
$ sturdy, upright man. His fame grows with
the Increasing veara
The Diagnosis Convinced.
From the Christian Lesder
A little Buffalo girl was not feeling we'll,
and her parents suggested that she might
be about to have chicken-pox, then preva-