The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-07-08
John O. Fremont.

up 10 loOV anu Siu0o WV
son there never was man more fortunate IN
having the devoted attachment OF his sup
porter,. than was John @. Fremont in 1856.
A vast and ignoble ruin threatened the coun-
try. The imperious slave oligarchy, aid
ed by the AFFECT and beggarly doughfaces
(tbey are copperheads now OF the North,
had for years been plotting the destruction
of the Government, and those reasonable
schemes Of the two previous years were fast
developing open and perilous results. AT
such time men Of oil parties who foresaw
and would avert the danger, met mt Philadel-
phia to perfect IN organization that should
restore the ancient landmarks and bring
back the Government to the principles Of the
Fathers. Mr.. Fremont was unanimously
nominated upon the FIRST ballot, and with
surprising alacrity the people rallied around
him, and gave him such cordial and hearty
support as must ever be grateful in his
memory. And yet there was nothing per
sonal in this support. Mr.. Fremont was
not nominated for his craftsmanship; he
might possess that necessary qualification
and no might not, for he had never been
tried; he might possess integrity and wis
dom sufficient for the place, but neither had
been tested. He was, however, q popular
representative Of still more popular idea.
his record was untarnished. he was sound up
on the political issues, and from a slave State,
and he was wisely or unwisely nominated.
At the Chicago Convention he prudently
withdrew his namo where he was somewhat
prominent candidate for denomination.
When the war broke out he offered his ser
vices to the Government, was appointed
Major General and assigned to the Western
Department. Up to this time he had re-
tanned the undated confidence of hi. former
supporters. BY and by reports prejudicial
to himself were circulated, and he was at
length removed; subsequently no was given
n command in Va, which he afterwards re-
signed under doubtful circumstances.
His Missouri campaign is still shrouded in
mystery, and very many loyal men have
feared lest undue influences were brought to
bear upon the President to remove him. We
have been hoping that something would
come to light to vindicate not only his mill.
tary ability, but his honesty. The confidence
Of his friends was not strengthened in him by
his piqae at the appointment of Pope; on
the contrary they saw by his high dudseon
only notification for themselves. The course
of Fremont since then has entirely alienated
his former supporters, and convinced them
that the President knew him better than
they did.
Mr.. Fremont is simply sorc-hcadcd-that
is the shortest way to put 1t. He fancies
that he has not received at the hands Of Mr..
Lincoln proper consideration for his dis
tinguished merits, and for that reason he sets
uoVussoNoSuVy 'hos Soahuy ""'Nh uO snhao
should be saved only through himself, BY aid.
ing. to the extent Of his abilities, the cop
perheads. He makes none other than q
personal fight; he comes before the people,
and asks them to forget the exigencies Of tho
hour, forget the peril in the front Of our ar
mics, forget that greater peril, the copper
heads, in the rear, forget oil sense Of public
duties and Of patriotism, in order to throw
the Government into the hands Of the allies
and friends Of armed traitors, by voting for
him.
The picture now upon the stage, and which
events revolve. is that Of disappointed man
whose selfish ambition would sacrifice coun-
try and friends to his implacable hate. 1t
shows man who has thrown away golden
opportunity which will never again return
to him, for less than Esau's mess. But events
are still revolving, and tho picture will soon
pass by to DO succeeded by that brighter,
better one Of the triumphant election OF that
true and tried man, Abraham Lincoln.