The Portland daily press., 1864-09-23
Withdrawal of Gen. Fremont.

Gen. Fremont has addressed the following
letter to Messrs Geo. L. Stearns and others,
who invited him to give his views on Presi-
dental questions in Faneuil Hall. Gen. +. did
a very uuwise act in lending himself to the
Cleveland movement, but having done so
he has now done the wisest thing he could
In Withdrawing from 1t. Here Is his letter:
NAHANr, Mass, Sept. II, 1864.
GENTLEMEN: l thank yon for your ictIer
of ths 0th inviting me TO speak NJ Faneuil
upon the consequences involved in the ap
preaching Presidential election, and more
particularly in respect TO the policy announced
at Chicago. 1t would give me pleasure 10
DO so, but think that anything have 10 say
now may very well be put in the brieier limits
Of letter.
an so fully Impressed with the Importance
of hese consequences that, in view OF tie
misfortunes TO which the triumph of the pol
icy announced at Chicago would expose the
country, feel 1t my duty TO make one step
more in the direction indicated by my letter
OF the 25th August, by Withdrawing my
name from the list Of candidates.
The Presidential question has, In effect,
been entered upon In such way that the
Union of the Republican party has become .
paramount necessity. The policy Of the Dem
Ocratic party signifies either separation or re-
establishing with slavery. The Chicago
platform 10 simply separation. General Nc
Clellans letter OF acceptance Is TO re-establish
white slavery. The Republican candidate ID on
the contrary, pledged 20 the re-establlshment
Of the Union without slavery; and, however
hesitating his policy may be, the pressure OF
his party will, we may hop force hun TO It.
Between these issues 1 think that no man O.
the liberal party can remain. in doubt, and |
believe am consistent with my antecedents
and my principles Ia wing-not to aid
ia the triumph OF Mr.. Lincoln, but TO do my
part toward preventing the election OF the
Democratic candidate. AIN respect to Mr..
Lincoln, | continue to hold exactly the senti-
ments contained In my letter OF acceptance.
eonsi Ter that his administration has been
politically, militarily aud financially failure,
and that its necessary continuance Is q cause
OF regret for the country.
There never was greater unanirnity In n
country than was exhibited here at the fall of
Sumter, aud the South was powerless in the
face OF it. But Mr.. Lincoln completely par
alyzed this generous feeling. He destroyed
the strength of the position and divided the
North, when he declared to the South that
Slavery should oe protected. He has built
up for the ) ,uth q strength which otherwise
they could have never attained, and this has
given them an advocate on the Chicago plat
form. The Cleveland Convention was "a
have been the open Avowal OF that condem
nation which men had been freely expressing
to each other for the last two years, and
which had heen made fully known to III
President. But, In the uncertain condition
OF affairs, leading men were not found willing
TO make public a dissatisfaction aud condem
nai,n which would have rendered Mr.. Lin
coins denomination impossible, and their con
tinted silence and support established for him
a character among The people which leave
now no ch ice. United, the Republican party
Il reasonably sure OF success; divided the
result OF the Presidential election is, at the
least, doubtful.
am, gentlemen,
Very frnIV NnnrA