The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-06-10


thus terribly dishonored. without IN effort to
prevent it. He has robbed our people OF the
protection hitherto afforded by that grand
formula, ~ am an American citizen" In q
word. he has combined imbecility with des-
potisn, affecting us with almost all the evils
Of IN unlimited monarchy without giving US
any Of the compromising advantages. In all
this bis intentions may have been good; but
we must judge the tree by its fruits. Besides
this, the fact that he has accepted the renomi-
nation Of . convention Of oficeholders and
contractors, carefully packed at his instance to
secure this very end. argues but little for
tho purity OF his motives. Setting aside
motives. however, we only ask candid con-
sideration Of Mr.. Lincoln's acts. II the people
approve these acts they will have the oppor-
tunity Of endorsing them In November. II not,
they cannot conscientiously vote for Lincoln.
Whether they have the intelligence to decide
rightly, and the independence to register that
decision at the polls, is the issue of the day;
aud upon that depends the future of this great
country.
Presidents were men who had been taught
craftsmanship and the most devoted patriotism
in the school of the Revolution. With Van
Buren-a politician from this State came
into power class of mere political Presidents.
Through Tyler, Polk, Fillmore, Pierce and
Buchanan, these political Presidents have been
growing small by degrees and-not beauti-
fully, but-disgracefully less, until Abraham
Lincoln, who is the smallest and most incapa-
bio Of them all, now occupies the place of
Washington. But, while the administrations Of
such Presidents as Pierce and Buchanan were
distinguished only by imbecilty and in
capacity, Lincoln has added despotic tenden-
cies to these bad characteristics. As no
smaller candidate than Lincoln could be dis
covered, tho politicians have again chosen this
Presidential pigmy as their nominee. Now it
remains to be seen whether the people will
ratify that choice, or whether they will declare
that our government has sunk quite far enough
deur 1t is sad thing for republic when
its highest representative Office degenerates to
the level of its most petty politicians; but it is
sadder thing to find people so degenerate
as to again select an official who has proven
himself grossly incompetent We do not hest
tate to assert, therefore, that the approaching
election will be critical test of the capacity
Of our citizens to govern themselves. If they
unite upon some pure, honorable aud able can
didate-and especially upon some Of those
generals, like Grant, Mcclellan, Sherman,
Hancock, Thomas and others, who have
shown signal ability, true patriotism and
practical craftsmanship upon the battle
feld-they will vindicate their title to the
freedom bequeathed them by their fathers,
and prove to the world that Americans can
rise superior to the prejudices of party when
politicians seek to use party ties and partisan
power to enslave their constituents.
THE EFFECT Produced IN EUROPE BY GRANTS
CAMPAIGN.-The French and English journalr
are sadly bothered by General Grants splendid
campaign in Virginia The London papers un
dertake to prove that even should Richmond
be captured by the Union forces the result
would be trivial, and that as far as conquering
the South is concerned it would be null. The
upon the matter, lay too much stress upon it,
not to convince the unprecedented that they
fear exactly the reverse, and fully understand
that should Richmond fall and Lee be defeated
the rebellion would be crushed and the cause
Of the Union be triumphant One thing is notice
able: from very shame these London journals
are forced to render homage to the unflinch-
ing determination of General Grant and the
bravery Of the troops under his command.
The French official organ, the Moaite,T,
has evidently received orders from the En-
peror Napoleon to make less Of the cause Of
Davis and bis misguided followers, and hence
we find that journal, contrary to the course it
has pursued since the first breaking out Of the
rebellion, taking an impartial view Of the bat
ties in Virginia, and avowing that the cause of
the North seems likely to triumph. There can be
no doubt that Napoleon will entirely discard
the rebels should Richmond fall into our hands
and Lee be defeated. Add the capture of At
lanta by Sherman, and the cause Of the con-
federacy would be lost forever in the estima-
ton of the French government. The English
government, although hoping for the success of
Davis, has never believed in it. Their actions
prove this; and should the traitors forces be
once more defeated John Bull will ignore the
rebel confederacy
A DANGEROUS QuARREL.-A very serious
quarrel has occurred between the Commission
ers Of Emigration on the one part and the Com