Daily national Republican., 1863-09-05
BnsTnN. Aur. "a ISRa

|
mass convention which assembled at Spring
field, Illinois:
BosToS, Aug. "a, 1858.
My DEAR SIR; | received, a few days ago,
your letter Of the 12th, inviting me TO attend
the grand mass meeting of Z" the unconditional
Union men of the State Of Illinois," 10 he held
on tho I'd September, at Springfield. II will
not be In my power 10 attend the meeting, but
It's objects, as explained by you, have my cor
dial sympathy.
The elections soon TO bc held will be of more
than usual Importance. They viii throw light
ON tho great question how far II is possible for
a free Government, constituted In lis legislative
and executive branches by popular choice, to
prosecute with yigor war Of considerable du-
ration, and one which entails heavy burdens
| on the community.
| As representative government 10 mainly car
ried on BY party organization, the great Inter
| ests Of the country, both In peace aud war, are
too apt 10 become the arena, In which the op-
positc parties strive for the mastery. Questions
In themselves of secondary importance 10 the
general welfare are often contested with yehe-
mence and passion, and that by men Of ability
| and patriotism, working themselves up 10 the
| belief that they arc contending for matters Of
vital Importance. Within my experience, tho
politics of the country have SUCCESSFULLY turned
upon four or five questions, regarded at the
time as Of the greatest moment, but now utter
ly obsolete and forgotten.
These Improbable contests, while they last,
arc the source Of great embarrassment 10 the
administration Of the General Government for
the time being, which finds itself thwarted In
all Its measures, however patriotic and bene-
fcial their tendency, by indiscriminate opposi-
ton, aiming only at an electioneering triumph.
This Is q very serious evil, even In time Of
peace, greatly enhancing the difficulties and
burdens Of public life, and highly detrimental
to the public interests.
In time Of war, the evil becomes one of tre.
mendous magnitude. The questions that then
present themselves are naturally aaore important
than ordinary political Issues In time of p0ace,
while every blow struck at tho measures of the
Government, though designed only to effect
change of Administration, really affords aid
and comfort to the enemy. This will be the
case when the opposition 10 governmental
measures Is sincerely dictated by honest differ
ence Of opinion. Nay, II will even be the case
urcs pslpably mistaken, either on grounds of
principle or policy. No Administration Is free
nom error, and II party spirit 10 allowed to
prevail, Its errors will be severely criticized,
usually exaggerated, and often hercely de-
nouuced, till the attention of the country, in
stead of being fixed on the great and main
questions on which all good patriots are agreed,
Is turned to side issues Of minor and often
Fictitious Importance.
In this way the administration Of the Gov
eminent 10 weakened and embarrassed, and the
vigorous prosecution Of the war, which every
patriotic citizen admits TO be the paramount
object, 10 In somo degree paralyzed.
have doubted the policy Of some measures
Of tho Administration, and have strongly dis
approved others, but regarding the persons In
power for tho time being a. the constitutional
agents of the people for carrying on the Gov
ornment-considering the war which has been
forced upon us by the ambitious demagogues
Of the South as question OF national life or
death-that to have the doctrine of secession
Ia simply to consign the country to future OF
eternal border war, and TO lay It's dishonored
fragments at the feet Of foreign powers-I can
not but think II unpatriotic TO attompt, for tho
sake of q party triumph, 10 make political capi.
tai out of tho difficulties, Or II you please, the
errors, unsvoidably incident to the conduct Of
q war OF such gigantic dimensions.
II 10 pretty safe test, In cases of this kind,
10 ask how the views aud measures Of a party
are regarded by the common enemy. Apply
ing this test In the present case, nothing Is
more certain than that the triumph at the ap-
preaching election OF any party organized and
operating for tho prostration of the Admins
tra.ion would be regarded with unmingled
satisfaction by the leaders Of the rebellion and
their sympathizers abroad. Indeed, their last
hope Is In our divisions.
! Candor requires me TO add, that If II IL tho
| duty OF the Boou cltlzen TO abstain frOm fac
tlous opposition, II is, In time of war, not less
the duty OF an administration, rs we'll In civil
as In military and naval affairs, to assume
position wholly independent Of party. | am
afraid II IL impossible, in time of peace, to
carry on representative government except on
a party basis. During the existence of war,
and especially OF a war which tasks to the ut.
most the energies und resources of the country,
party support, in proportion as II is relied
upon, Is an element not Of strength, but OF
| weakness.
If all good men and good patriots In the
loyal States, whether In or out of ofiice--sacri-
icing. when necessary, a little Of tho pride OF
personal feeling and Of party association
would cordially unite for the attainment of the
objects, which they all approve, viz; the Wig.
orous prosecution and successful termination
of tho war, the next New YEARS. Day would
witness the prostration of the rebellion and its
leaders, the return Of peace, and the restoration
of the Union.
With the best wishes that the meeting al
Springfield may promote these great ends,
remain, dear sir, very respectfully, your friend
and feliow-citlzen,
(Signed) EDWARD EVERETT.
To JAS. G. CokxLISG, ESQ.