New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-10-05

through the mouths OF parsons and pOhticiahs
casting foul scorn upon every really liberal SEN
timent
The result of this would have been to us Oh
less Importance, if the absolutism Of the Slave
holder had not poisoned the political mind Oh
the Free States, and made Us content with Inc
most ridiculous inconsistency for the sake oil
nominal Union. For it was here, if anywhere
that the Central American idea should have
been preserved in its probity; not merely De-
cause our people were more generally enlign'-
ened but because it was far easier for US TO be
faithful. We have no wish, however, to dwell
u2on the misdecds and the mistakes of the past
We would rather point out the noble oppor'u'
nifty which the present offers OF retrieving INC
national character. These months which are
passing so quickly over our heads, are truly
momentous. While engaged in DISCRIMINATING
sedition BY the edge of the sword, we are also
called upon to exercise the most important
civil functions; and that which sagacious men
have dreaded is come upon us; we are to have
a Presidential Election in the midst Of great
civil war. 1t is easy to sec, therefore, that we
have arrived at q crisis, which will try the
minds and hearts Of our people as they have
never been tried before. If we cannot exhibit
ordinary wisdom in the election of President,
it matters little whether the Union shall be
restored or not. A great popular mistake at
this imminent moment, would simply argue
melancholy and disastrous waste Of money
and Of men.
II any candidate for the Presidency were III
the field, claiming to succeed Mr.. Lincoln, upon
the ground of warmer hostility TO the Rebel
lion, and promising. if elected, more vigorous
and determined prosecution of tho war, there
would be reason for diilernce in mems minds.
But Gen. Mcclellan can hardly be charged with
an over-enthusiastic loyalty, while the men who
have brought him forward, and are now sup.
porting him, openly boast that if President at
all, he will be their President, quick to ooncede
all that they may ask and ready TO shape his poll
icy by their dictation. Gen. Mcclellan will
be our President" said Fernando Wood, and we
have right TO presume that he knew what he
was saying, and the man of whom he was speak.
ing. The impression which the Chicagcitcs
seek to convey is, that the election OF their
Major-Genersl will bring peace. But they WISE
IL avoid details and keep upon the safe side OF
the broadcast generalities. They draw delight
full but extremely indefinite picture Of the bless
ings Of peace, of restored Union. Of returning
prosperity and of fraternal love again strongly
melted; but they do not tell Us how these bless
ings are to be secured. while their brethren 7"
upon the Secession side cry loudly to us across
the lines, that they must decline the rose-wa.er
treatment, and that they viii be satisfied only
with absolute independence. Now, we think,
il becomes every voter ia the lapa - absolutely
assure himself that Copperhead Admins
tra,ion would not end By copcctir- tha. IN
dependence, coatenting i,solf with the best pos
sible terms. We think Il would, and We think
SO for reasons which appear TO Us to be good and
sufficient. We think so because we have no
belief that Gen. Mcclellan has character enough
to make him anything moro than The President
Of party. We think so because Mr.. Pendle-
ton is upon the record as an ayowed opponent
Of all COERCION whatever. We think so because
the men who are supporting the Chicago ticket
have always denounced the war as cruel and
unnecessary. We think so because we find men
who have been at no pains TO conceal their en-
tire sympathy with traitors, are now foremost
and Gercest in support OF this ticket. We are
We rag L
stating what is within the knowledge Of every
Intelligent observer. Lot the reader remember
any person who, since the commencement of tho
war las been perpetually quarreling with the
friends and neighbors, extenuating tho crimes
Of the Rebels, looking glum at our victories and
glad at our defeats, and if that person does not
turn out to be vocierous and vehement sup
porter of Mcclellan and Pendleton, then we
are ready to forfeit what little reputation for
sagacity we may possess. 1t is not for nothing
that the Chicago ticket receives this disrcputablc
support.
We have shown that as people we can
fight well; now let US show that as q people We
can vote intelligently and honestly An oppor-
tunity, such as las seldom occurred, is afforded
US of proving to the world that stcadfastncss
is not the peculiar characteristic Of abso.
Lutte governments, and that a democracy is
not necessarily blown about by every chance
wind of doctrine. To fater now is to fail for
ever To abandon tho only Thoroughbred
war candidate in the field, and to give our votes