The Continental Monthly, Vol. 1, No. 2, February, 1862: Devoted To Literature And National PolicyVarious
History
The Continental Monthly, Vol. 1, No. 2, February, 1862: Devoted To Literature And National Policy
Various
Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; United States -- Politics and government -- 19th century -- Periodicals
So early as the date of the Judd dispatch, the text of the Lincoln
administration appears. 'Owing to the very peculiar structure of our
federal government, and the equally singular character and habits of the
American people, this government _not only wisely, but necessarily,
hesitates to resort to coercion and compulsion to secure a return of the
disaffected portion of the people to their customary allegiance_. The
Union was formed upon popular consent, and must always practically stand
on the same basis. The temporary causes of alienation must pass away;
_there must needs be disasters and disappointments resulting from the
exercise of unlawful authority by the revolutionists_, while happily it
is certain that there is a general and profound sentiment of loyalty
pervading the public mind throughout the United States. While it is the
intention of the President to maintain the sovereignty and rightful
authority of the Union everywhere, with firmness as well as discretion,
he at the same time relies with great confidence on the salutary working
of the agencies I have mentioned to restore the harmony and union of the
States. But to this end, it is of the greatest importance that the
disaffected States shall not succeed in obtaining favor or recognition
from foreign nations.'
Two months prior to this, and on the Senate floor, Mr. Seward had said,
'taking care always that speaking goes before voting, voting goes before
giving money, and all go before a battle, which I should regard as
hazardous and dangerous; and therefore the last, as it would be the most
painful measure to be resorted to for the salvation of the Union.'
A day or two succeeding the Judd dispatch, Mr. Seward writes for
Minister Sanford (about to leave for Belgium) instructions; commingling
views upon non-recognition with considerations respecting tariff
modifications. In these appears a sentence kindred to those just
quoted--'_The President, confident of the ultimate ascendency of law,
order, and the Union, through the deliberate action of the people in
constitutional forms_,' etc.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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