The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-06-12


In view of tho revolutionary disoords and
divisions existing in the republican and demo
cratic camps upon the Presidential question,
and of the fearful consequences which, if not
seassnsbly arrested. they may bring upon the
country in the political campaign of 1864 for
the succession, we have lately argued the expe-
diency and necessity of another term of four
years to Abraham Lincoln. We return to this
important subject now to say that, from all the
political movements and agitstions going on
around us, and from all the signs Of the times,
we cannot shake off the conviction that the
republicans, whom we love a. Satan loves holy
water, have no other alternative for 1864 except
President Lincoln or reign of terror.
Looking at the paramount business of this
gigantic and momentons war, involving the
life or death Of this great nation and its popu-
lar institutions, we have earnestly endeavored
to put Off the discussion of the next Presidency
to more convenient season. But it would
be worse than useless to blink the ques-
ton any longer The agitation has COM
menced; the politicians are at work; their
schemes and cross purposes are full of
mischief, and we recognize the duty of
confronting them upon the threshold, and the
duty, too, of indicating from the lights before
US the way of deliverance and safety What
was the meenlng Of those late Loyal and Union
League Conventions at Utcss A Chase and
Seward movement for the next Presidency.
What was at the bottom Of this late imposing
turnout of the fierce democraoie" of this city
in favor Of peace. A rebellion against the
Albany Regency, and peace platform upon
which, in default of the suppression Of JEFF.
Davis, oil the democratic elements of the loyal
States will be thoroughly fused in 1864 Under
what crooked influences were General Burn
sides late foolish military edicts issued against
private citizens and noisy newspapers in the
loyal States Of his department! And how are
we to account for the terrible popular COM
motions excited by these actss Why has Gen.
Hooker been retained at the head of the Army
of the Potomac after his late inexcusable fascos
And why is Mcclellan still kept in the shade:
These are questions which can only be ex-
planned by applying to them the intrigues of
reckless politicians and cliques operating for
"
ton which covers the whole ground.
Among the politicians the campaign for the
next Presidency has actively commenced. We
see it, and we see that the various cliques and
factions concerned, intent upon the spoils and
plumber of the next administration, care very
little what becomes of this meantime or Of our
armies in the field. Upon this issue of the sue
cession we see that President Lincoln has a
Cabinet divided against itself, and that the ma
jority of Its members are actively intriguing
not only against each other but against him,
and to prevent the success of his administra-
ton. 1t is manifest that these divisions have
already destroyed the integrity of the republi-
can party, and that in all probability its frag-
ments, In the shape of two or three conflicting
factions, will enter the Presidential arena next
summer. 1t is equally apparent, on the other
hand, that there is rupture in the democratic
camp between the war faction and the peace
faction, and that, though the war faction may
temporarily be in the ascendancy, the peace fac
ton, from the general drift Of the party tides
and currents, will carry everything before
them in 1864.
This was very strongly foreshadowed at the
late peace meeting at the Cooper Institute, and
We may infer that this is admitted even at Wash
ington from the circumstances attending Fer
nando Woods late visit there. 1t appears that
he was very politely received by the President,
the Secretary Of State and Secretary of the
Treasury and that, even in calling upon the
Secretary Of War at the War Office he was not
arrested and packed of to Fort McHenry or
Fort Lafayette, but was courteously entertain
ed. We may reasonably conclude, therefore,
that Fernando Wood at Washington was re.
cognized as the representative Of a powerful
Presidential party coming into the field, and
was treated accordingly. At all events, unless
this war shall in the interval be brought to an
end, we apprehend that the peace democracy
will carry the coming Presidential election, and
that in the terrible conflict for power and the
spoils between the party going out and the
party coming in the whole country will be
thrown into disorders and tumults. general
confusion and reign of terror
How are these fearful contingencies to be
avoided? How can we carry the government
safely through the terrible excitements which
three or four clashing faction. in the Presiden-
tial campaign will be sure to infame: How
can we most readily escape the horrors of civil
war in the North, universal chaos. universal re-
pudiation and universal ruin and bankruptcy.
political, commercial and financial: How can
we best secure the constitution as il is
under the next administration assuming that
under the present the war for the Union will
not be ended? We see no other alternative,
from present appearances, against reign
Of terror than another term of four years TO
President Lincoln. Let him be brought ont by
the republicans as candidate for the success
sion, and perchance some of the conservative
elements Of the country, rsllying around him,
may speedily remove all the disturbing in