Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1860-05-26

but TINS we Know; tnat, as nuukau DelnSS luVJ
have rights which to invade is just as much
crime as If each of them combined in her
own person all the virtues Of all the Mayors
that ever existed. i..t
Enthusinsm-Its Elements, Character and
Necessity. l .......
Men are disappointed, agreeably or other
wise accordingly as their feelings are enlisted,
at the sudden subsidence of the Lincoln en-
thusiasm, and therefore become encouraged
or discouraged as the case may be, in their
hopes of such result of the presidential can
vass as seems to them desirable. This is
natural enough, but nevertheless not very
rational. There is time and room enough
yet for very full display of that ante-election
wind furry and folly to which the title of en-
thusiasm is popularity applied; and because
there is, just now, slight GOODNESS, it does
not follow that there will not be heat enough
before the day of trial has arrived.
To tell the truth, this enthusiasm for cleo
ton purposes, is simply manufactured arti-
Gle, which not only may, but when required
in large quantities, must be bespoken before
hand, in order to afford time for its produc-
ton. Besides, there are certain circum-
stances necessary to a full and successful Gre
alton and display, to-wit:
As the rank and file of the party-the
numbers-are to constitute the working
part of the pyrotechnic machinery, it is ne
cessary that they should have distinct idea
of the name, residence, and leading events in
the history of the individual in whose behalf
it is to be played of, before there can be that
appearance Of, spontaniety in the perform
ance which is desirable to give it acceptance.
In respect to Mr.. Lincoln, such information
has not been very general; and some little
be necessary in order to obtain the benefits
of this almost indispensable element of per-
sonal popularity. no rN Fr-
2 Again; the second candidate must be in
the field before any thing like persistent
and effective enthusiasm can be gotten up
over either. The parties in this instance, as
in most others, have been sitting the winds
of doctrine to find something sensational to
bottle up under the name of PLATFORM but
| with the poorest possible show of success.
Principles to advocate or defend, and to get
warm in the service, there are none. Alb
stractions and equivocations are, Heaven be
thanked in these days, like salt petre
but slightly explosive; and therefore ob.
viously all that remains is the enthu.
siasm of emulation; the parties contendins
with each other which can make the mos
clamor and raise the largest cloud of dus
over its candidate, upon the presumption o
the vast services to the country he has per
formed, or the high and noble qualities will
which he is endowed; which attributions are
of course, in great measure, apocryphal.
There is nothing in the majority of Presi.
Dental elections in the United States to ex
cite in the bosoms of unprejudiced persons
any especial feelings of interest, much les
any genuine enthusiasm. The pending
question, stripped of its deceptive pretences
is simply question of office, which part.
shall enjoy those spoils which all covet, and
when in possession, increase by every availa
BILE expedient. No Presidential election eve
+ settled question of principle; probably non
ever will. None ever fixed, even for the cur
rent administration, any determinate line c
policy in respect to other nations. In it
foreign policy our Government simply drift
it is not directed; and our exoneration fror
, trouble and war is owing much more to on
. comparative strength upon this continen
and our isolation from the nationalities of ii
Others, than to any wisdom forethought {
, craftsmanship to be found in the doings
opinions ofpast or present administrations.