Though
not well to-day nor for several days past, I went to Department and to Cabinet meeting.
Quite a discussion on the Mexican question. Seward proposes to give Austria
notice that she must not assist the Imperialists in Mexico. Some of us asked
why notice to that effect had not already been served upon the French. He said
the French had been notified, but there had not been sufficient time to receive
an answer. I had little faith in French promises, as I have often said when
this subject has been up. Dennison to-day expressed similar opinion and has
always been ardent on this matter of French occupancy in Mexico. Seward showed
some irritability, as I have seen him on one or two occasions when this subject
has been discussed.
The
President inquired privately in regard to the Chattanooga,—when she would
probably be ready, what Mr. Seward thought of it, etc. I told him all was
right, that the vessel would probably sail soon after the 1st prox.
The
Civil Rights Bill passed the House yesterday by a vote of nearly three to one.
The party drill was very effective. Only Raymond of the Radicals voted to
sustain the veto. He has been general manager in the House, but could not carry
a single member with him if he tried, nor could Seward help him, or he did not.
All of Stanton's pets were active in opposing the veto. Bingham, who had been
vehement in denouncing the bill as a bundle of unconstitutional outrages, had
besought a veto, urged objections, was quieted, paired off; did not vote;
listened to Stanton and could not shake off the fetters of party. Not a word
escaped the President to-day on the subject, but it was evident he felt deeply.
I, for one, would not introduce the topic, for I could not, unasked, state my
opinions, which would be in opposition, and almost discourteous, to some of my
associates. Oh, Bingham! Bingham!
SOURCE:
Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under
Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, p. 479-80
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