The New York herald., 1863-09-06
The Spring field Meeting.

Bosros, August 81, 1863
My DEAR SiI:--I received few days ago your
letter OF the 18th inviting mf to attend the grand maso
meeting II the uncoadt nal Union Vi the state *
Illinois, to be held on the Cd Of September at Springfield
twill MT be 10 my power to attend the meeting, but
its objects, as cSpla by you have my cordial SYM
pathy.
importance. They w throw light the great ques;ion.
how far 1t is possible for free government, constituted
in It's legislative and executive branches by popular
choice, to prosecute with vigor Of considerable
duration, and which entails heavy burdens the COM
carried by party organization the great interests OF
the community, both 10 peace and war, are too
strive for the mastery. Questions in themselves Of
condnry Importance TO the general welfare are often con-
sny "as% and paos WORKING oy % nsn 10 the
belief that they contendng for matters of vital i'm
por.ance. Within my experience, the policies Of tho
country have turned upon four or I'VE ques
tions regarded at the time of the greatest moment,
but now utterly obsolete and forgotten.
These Improbable contests. while they last, arc the
OF great embarrassment 10 the administration Of
the general government rr the time being which finds
itself Inverted in all its measures, however patriotic
beneficial their tendency, by indscrminate opposi
ton aiming only at an eiectoneering triumph This Is
very serious evil, Of peace, greatly
Ing the difficulties and burdens ~ public life and highly
detrimental 70 thepnbic interests.
In time OF the evil becomes one OF tremendous
magnitude The questions that then present themseive0
are naturally more important than ordinary p,ltica Is
sues in time Of peace white every blow struck at the
measures OF the government, though ed only ~
effect change Of administration, really affords aid and
comfort to the enemy.
crnment measures is sincerely dictated by honest DIFF
ference Of opinion. Nay t will be the when
mistaken either grounds Of principle policy. No
administration Is tree from error and party spirit
allow cd prevail is will be severely criticised
usually cxaggeraicd aud ofen erccy denounced until
the attention Of the country instead OF bciag xed On tho
great and main questions which all good patriots
agreed, s turned 10 side issues or minor often ac
tious Importance. In this way the administration OF the
Is often weasered and embarrassed and the
vigorous prosecution cf tho war, which every patriotic
gree paralyzed.
have doubted the policy of some measures or the adj
muistraton and strongly disap9rovcd others but
garding tho persons ia for the time being
agents of the people for CARRYING on tho
goyornmentconsidcrng the which has forced
upon by the ambitious denagogues OF the Soub as
question OF national lite or dchthat 10 have the dee
OF established al tile mouth of the rohei
cannon Is simply TO coasgn the country 10 future o
eternal border war; and 70 lay Is dshonored ifasmen,s
patriotic 10 attempt for the stke Of party triumph TO
make political capital oat q the difficulties, or II you
please tbe errors unvodaby incident 10 tho conduct %
war OF such gigantic dimensions.
IL Is pretty safe test IN oi this kind, 10 ask how
the views and measures OF PARTY are regarded oy te
common enemy Applying THIS test IN the present cates
nothing certain than that the triumph ~ the APP
proachug election, Of my party organized ard operating
for tn. pfcsraton ~ the administapn would D. fcgad
I'd with unmnged Satisfaction by the leaders of the
bcIon and their symath2ers abroad Indeed their
lost hope is IN our digs4oas.
Candor requires add, that " IL is the duty OF
good citizens to abstain from factioGs opposton II s.
10 time IL war; les the duty an administration. as
well IN civil as military and naval Affairs, assume
position wholly Independent q party am afraid 10
mpos sibc, In time Of peace 10 carry oa Representative
government except on n PARTY bast3.
During the existence Of war, ecialy OF war which
taxes TO the utmost the energies and esonces of tho
country party support, In proportion as II IS relied upon
Is an element OF strength but of weakness.
all good men and good patriots In the loyal states,
whether oilce " olce- sacrificing when
sary little pride of personal ieclng and cf party associa
ton-would cordially unite tor the nttanmcns o the OBJ
jec,s which they all apr veviz: the vigorous prosecu
ton and successful termination of the wathc Now
Years day would wiDess the prostraon of the rcbe lion
and It's leaders, tho return peace and the OF
the Union.
With the best wishes that the meeting at Springfield
may promote these ends remain dear sir very respect
fully, your friend and fellow citizen,
EDWARD EyERETr