The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1864-09-21
The Political Situation.

There are now but six weeks remaining
before election; and the elements Of the
Presidential contest have assumed distinct
form and shape. Let us take brief CUR
vsy OF them:
!. Fremont, for all practical purposes, is
already out Of the arena. No organization
in any State is perfecting for him: he has
disagreed with Col. Cluseret, the editor OF
his principal paper, the Nelr Nation; the
paper has been suspended by an Injunction
from the Supreme Court; and it is reported
that Fremont is preparing a letter Of with
drawal from the Presidential contest. The
Cleveland Convention had no political
strength. 1t was mere mass meeting of
few sincere, ultra abolltiOnists, and Of a
body OF unprinclpled and selfish Democrats;
and 1t derived its little temporary import
anee from the notice Of the Democratic
papers, which vainly hoped, by puffs and
praises, to make OF Fremont formidable
competitor TO Mr.. Lincoln. The bubble has
burst: the Democratic part Of his support
ers are already seeking their natural afiin-
tiles with their Oil party: the greater part
Of the Abolitionists will finally vote for Lin
coin; and the name Of Fremont will soon
disappear from political strifes, never again
70 be prominently brought forward
II. The Chicago platform is most distinct
ly peace document II says nothing
about war except TO reprobate it as a fail
ure: 1t asks an immediate ce> sation of hos
Titles; and goes SO far as to indicate the
mode In which peace was TO De made 1t
was intended by its makers TO be what il is
IA full and perfect antagoniSm TO The war
policy which Mr.. Lincoln has pursued and
which the Baltimore Convention declare
ought 10 be continued. The COpperhead
papers had labored for many months to
bring public opinion up TO a point of alb
hOrrence TO the war, which would not only
allow Of the Incorporation or peace princi-
Piles into the Platform, but would enable a
candidate to make a successful canvass be-
fore the people while asserting it. An i'm
mediate cessation of hostilities was the
prominent idea which emanated from that
Convention. 1t was its great representa-
tive principle.
But 1t was an important practical in
quiry whether it was possible that candi-
date could be elected President while stand
Ing on such Platform The experience
Of the last two years. in the local elections
in several States, pointed unanimously 10
In
candidate, like Vallandigham in Ohio. has
gone before the people on the simple pro-
position that force ought not 10 be used in
suppressing the rebellion. he has been de-
fssted; while a considerable number of
Copperhead members Of Congress have
made their election sure by protesting to
be In favor Of continuing the war. Gov.
Seymour, with all his opposition to the Ad-
ministration, could not be sure of his cleo
ton until he had distinctly avowed that. if
all other means failed, the integrity of the
Union must be preserved BY war.
These results, so distinctly wrought out
oy experience, were not altogether lost up
on Mcclellan; and doubtless led him 10 be-
ne'e the important truth, that PreSiden-
ual candidate, going before the people with
The doctrine that the use Of force to nut
down the rebellion is and always must be
failure, and therefore, Immediate peace
must be made on the best terms possible.
would be sure OF ultimate defeat. When.
therefore, after nine days consideration. he
accepted the nomination proffered him at
chicago, be did it with declaration. dis
unctly set forth in different forms of ex.
preston, that the war ought to be continu.
90 until the rebels were willing to return
INTO the Union In this way he has place.
himself by the side Of Mr.. Lincoln so far a,
The continuance Of the war is concerned
but be differs with the President ON N,
manner Of carrying it on and finally settl