The Plymouth weekly Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1860-1869, 1861-12-05
PLYssOUTrE. INDIANA:
SIGNS OF RETURNING REASON.

provement in the political sentiment of
our public functionaries, especially the
military. 1t was prophecied by the Dem
ocrats, before and after the election of
Lincoln, tina, he would be compelled to
administer the government on Democratic
principles, or be instrumental in its over
throw fol, TO carry out the dogmas on
which he was elected, would be as de-
s,ructive of the government as positive
war upon it. The principle on which he
wen, into power. and his followers expect.
ed him to be guided by in his administra-
zion, WAS hat announced by him, previous
to his election to Office, namely that lhis
government cannot exist half free and half
slave that il must become all one or all
the other and that he hoped measures
would be ADOPTED to place slavery in course
Of ultimate extinction This was the
doctrine which he expected to ad
minister the government, more than any
other sentiment entertained by promine mt
men at the North which strengthened
and urged on the rebellion at the South i;
added 10 this belief. is theirpriIc and love
for the institution which is strengthened
by the haired and vindictive spirit CT the
dominant party of tie North. Whether
the enumeration Of Mr.. Lincoln's princi
pies. and their adoption by majority or
plurality of the people of the North, and
which Were expected to govern the ad
minisrration, furnished a sufficient cause
for pursuing the course which the South
has chosen to adopt. is a question which
will be left fox after generations 10 decide
We have now 10 deal with the present,
which furnishes facts Of sufficient magni
tnde 10 engage all eur powers of thought
and action
Mr.. Lincoln entered upon the duties Of
Chief Magistrate of the nation. with the
evident intention OF carrying out the more
prominent principles upon which he was
elected. The official gu'llotine was brought
forth, and the heads fell thick and inces-
sanity, until nearly every desirable place
was filled by his irrerrea~iblo f,endo. So
far. the programme was faithfully carried
out bu. the rebellion was assuming more
alarming proportions; Mr.. Lincoln's faith
relative TO the ability Of those who can
successfully carry an election, being able
also TO suppress rebellion, began TO wa
YER, and, for the first time, few opposed
TO the rrepressible doctrines, received APP
pointmen,s in the military service This
was the first deviation from the routine
intended to be followed by the administra-
ton; and although forced TO this course,
we are disposed to give 1t more credit for
it than probably deserves. as it demonstra.
ted that i; was not totally insensible TO the
interests and dangers Of the government.
This was one hOpefal sign. Paramount
to the appointment of proper persons 20
the official stations, was the political policy
which was 10 govern the administration
in the affairs Of government, and the pros
ecuIior OF the war The Presi,e nt, for
some reason not generally known, saw It
to leave the people in doubt as to she
course which his administration would
pursue relative 20 the institution Of slave
ry, the slaves. and fugitive slaves. The
abolitionists, who were known to be the
confidential advisers Of the President, and
who had received the best offices in his
gift. were known TO be in favor Of, ard
clamorOus for, the abolition of slavery, or
emancipation. 1t was not without just
cause that the conservative element in the
loyal States was aroused and alarmed for
the safety of the government. Conserva-
tive men everywhere knew that if the
President and his Cabinet attempted 20
follow tho advice Of the abolitionis:s,
they rould do nothing more than attempt
ill., that the only effect would be to divide
the North. leaving a majority against their
policy. and consolidating every element in
the South in favor of the rebellion. We
say at the beginning OF Mr.. Lincon's ad-
min straiion, the abolitionists got all they
askaJ for. and were everywhere its cham
pions.
1t is his duty to prove to the people
that he has had enough of aboltionism,
and intends to administer the the govern
ment on the principles of equal justice to
all. Of every section. Let the removal Of
Fremont and his thieving and de(rauding
horde Of officers. be but the commence
ment Of The clearing Of the .E3ean stables,
and the conservative element, which has
heretofore been driven into silence by the
reasonable fulminations Of the abolition
lists, who have been protected and fostered
by the government. will make itself heard
ssh felt 10 the discontinue and annihila-