The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1891-05-01

of General Scott in preserving the govern
ment at these times.
One of the most thrilling chapters in the
work to Maine reader is that which de-
scribes the conflict on the floor of the peace
convention between the Hon. Lot M. Morrill,
Oh Maine, and old Commodore Stockton, of
New Jersey. Stockton was a northern man
with southern principles, hercules in
stature and overbearing and intolerant Of
opposition. Mr.. Chittenden describes Mr.
Morrill, as follows;
His age was about 60 Iyears, his figure rather
slight, his manner rather retiring, and his general
appearance somewhat etfeminate. There was
not trace OF the bully in his com position, not the
slightest suspicion ofaggressiveness in hlscharac-
ter. On the contrary he would have been select
ed as almost the last man in the conference to be-
come involved in a personal controversies one
naturally disposed TO concession, who would
Yield much for the sake of peace. :. . His
quiet peaceful nature was deceptive to strangers
for at the bottom lay a stratum Of resolution
which would have carried HIM to the stake before
ne would surrender natural right or abandon an
Important principle.
The conference were debating the PROPOSE
ton of the south that the north give still fur.
Their constitutional guarantees of the per-
petuation of slavery. Mr. Morrill, was sur
prising the conference with most aggressive
and brilliant speech against the demands of
the south turning to the southern members
he said:
There is in your propositions of amendment no
pledge, no promise on the part of the SOUTH
What does the south propose to do? III we assent
to the terms, will South Carolina,-wlll the Gulf
states return to the Union7 or will the south re-
peat her history? Perform her agreements as
long as 1t viii serve her interest and then vic.
late
"Sience, SIR" shouted voice from gigantic
form, which rushed towards Senator Morrill, with
violent angry geStfculatiOuS. I'VE will not per-
init our southern friends to be charged with bad
faith, and with violating an agreement. No black
Republican shall"
The sentence never was completed for the
Union men gathered round Mr.. Morrill, like
a wall, and there would have been a conflict
had 1t not been for the GOODNESS and decision
of ex-President Tyler, the President Of the
conference. Mr.. Chittenden continues his
description:
It would have surprised no one if gentleman
OF Senator MOrrilPs delicate organization had ex-
hibited some excitement or discomposure under
such an aggressive attack, supported by an angry
crowd which was restrained from bioodshed only
Der. But the Senator's face was not flushed, nor
MS circulation apparently quickened by so much
as one pulSat1on. Without a tremor in his voice,
as soon as order was restored, he continued.
All Of Mr.. Chittenden's descriptions are
vivid and happy. He tells of the Inaugural
ton, the Baltimore conspiracy, and the bat
tie In the defences Of Washington when the
sixth corps came up to meet Early, with the
same faithfulness and spirit.
.Recollections of President Lincoln and His
Administration. By l.. E. Chittenden, his Regis
ter OF the Treasury. New York: Harper & Broth
ers. Portland: Loring, Short & Harmon.