Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1864-09-15
MATTER FOR SERIOUS REFLECTION.

The following article is from the Worcester Mass
Palladium Of which the Hon. Mr.. BALDWIN, member OF
Congress from the Worcester district is the editor NO
man. hitherto has been more faithful supporter OF Abra-
ham Lincoln than he has been:
THE PUBLIC DOUBT.
Tn the whole threefourhs of century since the or
ganzaon Of the Government there has never been NC
ment the of the American people had 30 mucn
doubt asnOw to the course they ought 70 TAKE 10
election that is in immediate future Iner nstncts
are all right and they ready to follow them only
finger Of light would appear and point out the way In
which duty truth, and patriotism demand they should go
To as we are going seems Ike an attempt W
log without knowing whether it will bear us over safely 70
the other side or let us sink beneath Its surface.
In such time of natonsl peril as this one Teucts 10
the expression of single idea that by any possibility may
have fuence upon mind to mlslead ls course
But there national conditions when even silence 30
full of peril that the people would hail with gadness some
with enough of power and truth 10 guide
their Ia there body OF men, Win power
to sp ak The true word in this great emergency
The Lincoln Administration found war already pre-
pared for it. Feeby-wh pain be it said-t has crap
pied with that war through four summers and almost
through the years of allotted existence In these
four than two hundred and twenty thousand
of brave have fallen n death Probably as many
have been obliged to leave the service manned LOT
life. Full two hundred thousand more have been enrolled
armies at great expense and then thrust out as IN
competent for service. From state OF financial pros
perlty unexamped the history OF nations, when we
could have paid all the money the Government owed any
morning before breakfast, have gone down 10 rapid
de- cent to national debt of two thousand millions Of dol
lars with heavy indebtedness yet to be counted up.
Add worst OF ALL 10 our material condition currency
deb sed to woths OF its value Our armies scattered
to such an extent that general rule we are weak
strength is most wanted and our vessels engaged
n The fisheries, all along our coasts are
burnt sunk by the daring cruisers OF enemy while
navy upon which have spent mnts of money sroe
this war begun t be always where it should not be
With this dark history behind and prospect before
equally void of light and warmth we are asked to vote
to continue this state Of things for another four years
With pain we obg to make the confession that
have heart for 1t We have no personal disappolnI
ments to qualify of duty We have asked moth
Of this ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS even recognition as one OF
its supportes-and of we have no personal grefs
to indulge We have asked only with all loyal
presses and men, that the Government would use the
wealth of and that have been placed In its
hands, with vgor and earnetness crush out the rebel
ho,. 10 accomplish this great and end, would
have Abraham Lincoln any other man, notwith-
stat ding grave in his political Greco if
could have assured feeling that he would accomplish
the work in The manner 1t should be done.
But another tour years. three two like the first
four is prospect dismal to be looked with compla-
ceucy Tie Administration gives light upon its nten
TONS little upon its acts 1t has speak for
it any tone of authority that the people recognise
and we are az liable impression that it stands aRhss
with fears that 1t is bold, hopeful and self reliant
Who there to give assurance that this condition OF
things not to on for another four years Who to
that another two hundred and twenty thousand
brave men not 10 mosten rebel ground with their
blood Who that as many more are not to come home
from fields of carnage MANNED in body and broken IN
sprt Who that national indebtedness Is not to be
sweed u2 from two three Thousand millions to FIVE
thu usand millions The people want these
from those who may have interest in prolongDg
this condition of things Shall they have it, or must they
with the deepest SECRET turn away from Administration
which they themselves voted into place and power and
which has failed TO meet fully Their just expectations
As choice Of evil" may again vote for the Lincoln
Administration But halfheart votes do not tell 10
election like those that gwen with will, resoute
purpose, determination to win victory