CHAPTER XLVI

THE STAND AGAINST DISUNION

Governor Stevens becomes chief exponent and authority on Northern route--Letter to Vancouver railroad convention-- Contending for the Northern route--Governor Stevens lives down prejudice--Gains respect--Great influence with President and departments--His habits--Rebuke of self-seekers--Political issues--Governor Stevens a national man--Sustained constitutional rights of South, as matter of justice and to defeat disunion--Patriotism of men of this view--Attends Charleston and Baltimore Democratic conventions--Supports General Lane--Split in party--Governor Stevens accepts as chairman of executive committee of National Democracy--Writes address in a single night--Labors hard--Hopes of success--Abraham Lincoln elected President--Act to pay Indian war debt passed--W.W. Miller appointed Superintendent of Indian Affairs for Washington Territory--Governor Stevens's achievements in seven years--His firm Union sentiments--Denounces secession--Strengthens the hands of the President 296