keep his word, ef he loss
his life by it. I'm gwine afore sunrise; till den I'm safe.'

Of the remainder of that night, more hereafter.

* * * * *

MR. SEWARD'S PUBLISHED DIPLOMACY.

With the executive capacity and marked forensic versatility of William
Henry Seward whilst Governor and Senator of the Empire State, the great
public have long been familiar. That public are now for the first time
practically discussing his diplomatic statesmanship. A world of
spectators or auditors witness or listen to the debate, and are eager to
pronounce favorable judgment, because so much of national honor is now
entrusted to him. Our national history discloses no crisis of domestic
or foreign affairs so momentous as the present one. The most remarkable
chapter in that history will be made up from the complications of this
crisis, and from the disasters to or the successes of our national fame.
Hence to himself and to his friends, more than to the watchful public
even, Mr. Seward's course attracts an interest which may attend upon the
very climacteric excellence of his statesman-career during a
quarter-century.

Much, that remains obscure or is merely speculative when these pages at
the holiday season undergo magazine preparation, will have been unfolded
or explained at the hour in which they may be read. The national
firmament, which at the Christmas season displayed the star of war and
not of peace, may at midwinter display the raging comet; or that star of
war may have had a speedy setting, to the mutual joy of two nations who
only one year ago played the role of Host and Guest, whilst the young
royal son of one government rendered peaceful homage at the tomb of the
oldest Father of the other nation.

Hence, it is not the province of this paper to indulge in speculations
regarding the future of Mr. Seward's diplomacy;--only to collect a few
facts and critical suggestions respecting the diplomatic labors of
Secretary Seward since his accession to honor, with some interesting
references to our British complications which have passed under his
supervision.

Fortunately for the enlightenment of the somewhat prejudiced audience
who listen to our American discussion, there appeared simultaneously
with the publications of British prints the governmental volume of
papers relating to foreign affairs which usually accompanies a
President's Message. It is not commonly printed for many months after
rec