s an irrepressible conflict between opposing forces, and it means
that the United States must and will, sooner or later, become either
entirely a slave-holding nation, or entirely a free labor nation."
Thus, while others dodged this issue, William H. Seward came squarely
out in language which could not be misinterpreted. When the Whig party
had proved its incompetency to deal with the slavery question, Mr.
Seward, in conformity with his past public career, withdrew and figured
most conspicuously in the founding of the new Republican party.

In the last session of the 36th Congress, when the war clouds were
threatening, and desertion of the Union cause became an epidemic, high
above the breathings of secession was heard the voice of William H.
Seward, exclaiming: "I avow my adherence to the Union with my friends,
with my party, with my State; or without either, as they may determine,
in every event of peace or war, with every consequence of honor or
dishonor, of life or death." In conclusion he declared: "I certainly
shall never directly or indirectly give my vote to establish or sanction
slavery in the common territories of the United States, or anywhere else
in the world."

His second term closed with the thirty-sixth congress, March 4th, 1861.
In the National Republican convention he was the most conspicuous
candidate for the presidency for 1856-60. He made quite an extended tour
through Europe, Egypt and the Holy Land in 1859. Upon the accession of
Mr. Lincoln to the presidency Mr. Seward was called to fill the seat of
honor in his cabinet.

At the outbreak of the civil war Mr. Seward had already shown himself a
very able man, but his management of the foreign affairs of our
government during those trying hours indelibly stamped him as the most
able of able Secretaries of State. He was one of the few men who have
been conceded to be a great success in the office of Secretary of State.
His management of the complicated Trent affair, the manner of his
declination of the French proposal to unite with Great Britain and
Russia in mediating between the Federal and Confederate governments, and
his thorough reorganization of the diplomatic service abroad, thus
insuring a correct interpretation by foreign powers of the issues before
the government; in fact his management of the high office did him great
credit, and more than once averted a foreign war.

When Mr. Lincoln had drafted his famous proclamation he submitted it t