Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1864-03-07
Under which King,

A new aspect begins TO come over national
affairs. We have been taught for some few
years, long years they have been, too, that the
mind of one man was the controlling power Of
our Government, and that under, first the doc
trine of saving the "lfe of the nation" in terri
bic emergency" and second, the doctrine of
military necessity" there limit to the
power of that mind: that il was treason 10 find
fault with its DEGREES. copperhea6ism 20 oppose
its whims, rank heatheuism 10 worship in a
church that did not pray for the success of bis
policy and his measures There have been men
that doubted, hestated, and were loath 10 give
up the freedom Of thought and action Of which
they once boasted, who were finally whipped into
the traces; there have been Others who have been
brought into the traces; there have been yet
Others who, in the haste of events in the terrible
strait which the country had fallen into. came 10
the conclusion, with some hesitation. that the
best course was to adopt the one msn power doc
trine and permit the rens of authority 10 rest IN
his hands, and acting this deliberate conclu-
SION have honestly supported the measures Of
Lincoln, while they really believed some of them
to be imprudent, impolitic and dangerous. In the
main, therefore tho doctrine came TO be accepted
by the dominant party in the country. and
preached in pupts and announced on platforms
everywhere. that he was a traitor who approved
the policy of the present Administration.
We foresaw that long before the close of Mr..
Lincolns presidential term many who had adyo-
Gated this doctrine would see its fallacy. and re-
pudiate it. That time is already here. From all
parts of the country, from bank officers, fnan-
ciers, farmers. mechanics. from lawyers and pro-
fessional men, from political clubs and organiza-
tions of various kinds, are coming protests and
various forms Of opposition TO the administration
of Mr. Lincoln. Hitherto arguments have been
abundantly used to discourage political contro-
verses, but now even the Tribune invites 1.-THE
utmost freedom of opinion and expression" in
reference TO the next Republican candidate for
the Presidency, and while advocating this license
Immediately declares against the denomination of
Mr.. Lincoln. follows:
"The practical question. then, is this-Has
Mr.. Lincoln proved so transcendantly able and
admirable President that sll consideration of
the merits, Abilities and services of Others should
be postponed OF forborne in favor Of hisfe cleo
ton? This is question whereon, pending the
defuitiye selection Of our candidates, there
should be the utmost freedom of opinion and
expression. We answer IL in the negative"
These are a healthy indication. They show
that the principles of free government are not
altogether forgotten. and also indicate that At
the close Of the present Administration the peo-
pie intend TO place 10 power an administration
which will be their representative.
The manifesto which has been issued by the
friends Of Mr.. Chase. doubtless with his authori-
ty, is one of the most remarkable evidences of q
return OF radical men 70 the love Of free discus
sion and free press. Mr.. Lincoln is roundly
abused, his tendencies are severely limited &C.
his policy by no means Endorsed. Possibly after
such publication as this, we may see conserva-
tive end Democratic organizations allowed TO
express their opinions without being accused Of a
desire TO get up riots; and newspapers which op-
pose the policy of the Administration may escape
suspension by military process, or moooing oy
abolition rioters.
When it Is remembered that men have been
banished FROM the country, have been imprisoned
in fortreses, have been prosecuted and afflicted,
for no more severe treatment of Mr.. Lincoln s
policy and administration than is now commenced
by the friends Of Mr.. Chase, we may well believe
times are changing and that the people viii think
for themselves.-[N, T. Jour, Of Com.