New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-10-29
Tsn CssrE AGAINST TIE PEOPLE

We do not propose 10 preach homily upon
the purity Of elections, for We presume our
readers 10 be cutie As much convinced Of its
absolute necessity as We are. We do, however,
remind them, that a Republican Government is
already ripe for the worst OF dcspotisms-the
despotism Of party destitute Of public virtue LED
b. men inscriptions and infamous-th0t will
submit. for moment, 70 any t5mpering with
this precious right. Our people are, o. yet, so
very far from this point, that to nothing arc
they 20 sensisre as even the imputotion Of its ex
stence. Even The men who are most ready 70
resort 10 fraud are The most ready to iInpute 1t
to those 60 whom they sre opposed, relying
upon the uers assertion OF its existence,
without o little OF evidence, 60 alarm
and influence the popular mind. The
Democratic party, before tho present political
campaign was fairly entered upon, announced
il as ono Of the insirumcntaliiies to DC used by
them IN the canvass. Partly to cover up their
own designs, partly TO impIant in the people a
mistruSt which, they 50 well knew, might be
made 70 work mischief, they announced as a
forcgone conclusion that fraud would be resorted
10 ~ the Union party, which would justify
the instruction they bad resolved upon III case
Of defeat, and for which they had set on foot the
most formidable preparations. In accordance
with this policy, tho loss OF the State elections
has been the signal for filing the columns Of
their orgaus with charges without the shadow Of
truth, with vague but violent denunciations
that rouse the fears and passions Of their follow
crs iii they are rendered incapable Of any sober
consideration Of evidence or the want Of it,.
And they make of tits cunningly devised
scheme weapon mot only Of offcnse, but Of
defense also. They well know they might be
put 10 this necessity. so gigantic plot as that
laid bare by judge HOIT they calculated would
be suspected, # not discovered, and their only
defense lay IN charging it, IS they have done,
to the Administration ~ a conspiracy TO inilu-
ence votes on the one .'de and as o pretext for
interfering with their freedom on Che other. "In
the excitement Of political controversy,
rs Mr. BUssBY bGs wiacly said, " The passions
Of men ore very APP TO take the lead Of their
! Judgments" eud no doubt there are ignorant
and blinded partisans who are ready enough to
believe or are brow beaten By The very boldnes'
OF the assertion, into accepting these charges ol
the basest corruption against the Adminis'ra.
ton. SO, too, with regard TO the plot to
cheat tie soldiers Of their SURFACES, the
same tactics arc Tesorted 10. In spite o.
the overwhelming evidence Of the
origin and existence Of this infamous fraud, the
Copperhead journals, by preconceyed arrange.
mcnt, resort simultaneously to the same de-
Tense, and with an assumed Indignation, that
would be lndicroas in less serious matter, de.
clare that they and their party are the victims
Of horrible plot, aad that wicked Gov
erumcnt is trying not only to black
en- their unspotted regulations, but is
robbing the mails TO supprcs, the soldiers
votes! With them evidence under oath goes
fox nothing; the confessions Of detected Grim
inals 60 for nothing; the conduct OF men il high
official and military positions, whose characters
are above reproach 90 for nothing; but like
pick-pockets in crowd, they cry - stop
thief" and hope, by dropping the stoles
parse into bys.ander's pocket, to escape
detection. If there is any such thing as
honesty in our public men; il there
lis any truth in human evidence; if there Is any
solemnty left in courts Of law which exercise
Restraining influence over the minds Of men;
if tic sanctity of an oath before COP has any
virtue len init;.if government is not farce; il
honor sruong men is not forgotten sentiment;
Il We are not, as people, utterly lost to public
virtue, fand given over to destruction, then
VIC must accept, all far-ninded men must
accept tho existence Of determination
on the leaders Of the Democratic party to put
themselves into power by the most stupendous
yillainies that the world has ever seon in public
men, and, falling that, TO usurp power through
violence and blOodshed. II Is easier ITO swear
tho seal off the bond than TO gainsay the array
Of evidence which has been piled up to prove
this, and the assertions Of the Democratic organs
. to the contrary is ouly 10 add turpitude and