The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1864-04-29
Irving . New Dodge.

The Harrisburg Patriot, the central
organ of the Peace faction in Pennsyl
vania, and which has been as lusty q
defender of the rebels as ever existed
comes out for change Of policy, and
the postponement of the Chicago Con
vention. Itsays
The Democratic party by its action
at Chicago may found its perpetuity OF
bring about its ruin If it does not re
cognize steadily existing things, and
has no eye to the situation at home and
in the field, we cannot see how it can
hope TO prevail The issues Of four
years ago are not the issues of to-day.
The quiet distractions of peaceful times
are not fit for the emergencies which
have sprung up in time of war. We
cannot stand still if we would, when the
world moves. General questions about
which and over which we have waged
eighty years of political contention, are
lost sight Of in the tremendous eXigen-
cies Of the present. Old issues are many
of them practically dead The best
plan is to recognize the fact, and strike
boldly for popular favor with the weap-
ous which are readiest for our use. A
declaration for peace in the advance of
a successful campaign, or in the midst
of it, would bring, for example, nothing
but derision about our ears. The cOun-
try is demoralized, and we must make
the best of it. Whatever is available
10 political success is what most we
need. Until we have the power in our
hands we can do nothing but chsfe at
our weakness.
ave should like to see the leaders Of
the Democracy take step in advance
of old limits Let those at Chicago give
us the most available man and platform
dictated by the same principle. The
idea is to win, and win we must, or we
are lost and all hope Of saving the coun-
try gone. If it needs be a successful
military chieftain to overthrow the
chosen champion of Abolitionism
whoever be may be, Lincoln or any
other man, Jet us have him If we
must cry war 10 elect him, let us cry it
as Justify as our opponents. In word,
the time has gone by for standing upon
nice points, if we hope ever again to
gain political ascendancy and looping
ground for the salvation Of the nation.
When we have once the power in
our hands we can mould the policy Of
the future as may seem best; until then
we can do nothing. This going against
wind and tide has proved q bad bust
ness; let us see if we cannot tack the
political craft so as to get her before the
wind and off the shoals and out with the
tide.
1t is unnecessary to comment upon
this extract at length. 1t is too glar-
ing to need exposure. The intelligent
reader viii not be at loss 10 interpret
its meaning There has been no change
in convictions, and there is to be none;
the Peace party is as devoted as ever to
the interests of the rebels; but it can
not serve them, while Qua Of power.
1t is frequently the case that power
ful opposition is more potent than an
but on = copperhead
rebel sympathyzing platform, the Re
has become so weak, and disor-
gained, as to be of no use to their
allies, in the South, and hence a new
tack must be taken; new colors must
be hoisted, until power is regained.
When that is done, the party can betray
the people as in 1862; it can sell the
country out to jeff Davis, as it attempt
ed to do then, and failed because its
success was local Only give US power,
under false pretense, is the language of
our Harrisburg cotemporary, and we
Will then use it TO accomplish purposes
of the vilest character. Let the people
understand this, and vote accordingly,
next November.