" It
was odd and not complimentary that he should seem to forget or ignore
that precisely this thing had already been attempted by Mr. Lincoln in
his inaugural address. Also within a few days, as we all know now,
events were to show that the attempt had been successful. Further
comment upon the domestic policy of Mr. Seward is, therefore, needless.
But his scheme "For Foreign Nations" is more startling:--
"I would demand explanations from Spain and France categorically at
once.
"I would seek explanations from Great Britain and Russia, and send
agents into Canada, Mexico, and Central America, to rouse a vigorous
spirit of independence on this continent against European intervention.
"And, if satisfactory explanations are not received from Spain and
France,
"Would convene Congress and declare war against them.
"But whatever policy we adopt, there must be an energetic prosecution of
it.
"For this purpose it must be somebody's business to pursue and direct it
incessantly.
"Either the President must do it himself, and be all the while active in
it, or
"Devolve it on some member of his cabinet.
"Once adopted, debates on it must end, and all agree and abide.
"It is not in my especial province.
"But I neither seek to evade nor assume responsibility."
Suggestions so wild could not properly constitute material for
"consideration" by the President; but much consideration on the part of
students of those times and men is provoked by the fact that such
counsel emanated from such a source.
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