The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1864-10-15
TIE PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE.

Now that the smoke Of the late State cleo
ton Is blowing away, the party ofthe Govern
rneRt must go with increased energy into the
ulOre important contest now rapidly approach
Ing. The choice of National Chief Magis-
xate is the highest function Of the people, and
N an unfit man Is selected the Office itself is
disgraced. And it is first this fact which the
people should consider, since, if they rightly |
appreciate the dignity and responsibility of the
Presidency, they win be more careful to choose |
proper man to I'LL it, instead Of one who has |
been nominated for the place in view of some
accidental and transitory condition of sup
posed personal popularity, regardless of his
qualifications for the duties of the august
station TO which he aspires
1t Is not possible TO believe that movements
OF this sort can receive the countenance and
support of intelligent men, properly mindful
OF their own welfare and the national honor
and prosperity. Moreover, 1t is to be devoutly
hoped that the Chief Magistracy viii not be
Fecklessly divested of its proper Importance
by che elevation TO 1t Of men who possess
not moral nor intellectual merit, nor pri-
vate nor public distinction commensurate with
Its high trusts and dignity. An evil and dis
ereditable tendency to lower it in the opinion
OF mankind is already visible; and an earnest
effort should be made, by all who are rightly
careful Of the public fame and welfare, to pre-
vent result pregnant with fatal consequences
It Is certain that the degradation Of the
most elevated office in the Republic would bC
followed by other dangerous inroads upon th'
integrity of the Government, and genera
degeneracy Of political principle and conduct
There Is a prevalent feeling Of confidence IL
Ehe secure permanence of this Government
and It certainly has the advantage in It's insti
buttons Of that experience which the fault
and evils characterizing the experiments o
similar systems supplied to those who tlaneC
Il. None can entertain more sincerely thar
we do hope that the inestlmable liberties i
protects and conveys may encounter nc
aJiidgment, and be perpetuated forever. Blu,
rs the causes which sap the life aud limit the
stability Of States, like tie rot at the core o
the tree, are hidden but too often from tbs
eye, and propagate unseen," we can never b'
too careful OF our safety, nor watch with too
VigiIant jealousy the insidious agencies Of
disaster and destruction.
In all the elements of material power and
prosperity we have made unparalleled progress
The nation has grown rapidly in population
territory, and internal commerce, the pursuit
Of art, science, and literature, and, indeed, in
all the energies and resources of physical and
social happiness. But no discerning eye can
fail to see that in political virtue the Confede-
raey has visibly declined from that pure and
exalted patriotism which distinguished the
Character and conduct of its founders.
nut Tor that decline the present Rebellion
moS,a have been impossible, while no consid-
et~I.s portion Of the people in the loyal North
Couau nave sywpathized with the traitors, and
embarrassed the national autborities IN their
efforts 70 put down the revolt and preserve
the Union.
Nor should we now have party, formidable
In numbers, seeking to change the Aan,n,ss
tration in the midst Of gigantic clva war
and choosing candidates for the Preaidsncv
who are notoriouSly inimlOal 70 the policy !.
oonquering the Rebels by armS, rather thar
grant thsps by an arnishes andnegOtiatiOn