The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1864-09-01
THE NOMINATION OF MCCLELLAN FOR
TIE PREgInENCY.

Chicago Convention Il was the subject of con-
siderable public curiosity. There was a gene
raj desire to learn what the Opposition to the
Administration would propose as their
remedy for the Rebellion instead Of war, aud
what statesman they would select as their
candidate for the Presidency, with view to
elect him for the purpose of putting thei
policy In execution. The agony of expecta-
tion is now over, and we doubt not that tn
people who have waited so long for the reve-
lation of a plan for the salvation of the
country, experience, very generally, sense
of disappointment, and perhaps, disgust. The
incubation was protracted, but the result Is
confessedly, In every respect, an abortion.
"Partiriunt Montes," and 80 forth.
The Convention first declared It's political
principles, touching the situation of the couu-
try, In a series Of resolutions, in which all
Ineligible meaning is covered up in a cloud
of vague words. We shall discuss "the plat
form" in future articles, wishing now to speak
only of the nominations. These present
GEoBGE b. MCCLELLAN for the Presidency,
and Mr.. PENDLEToN, of Ohio, for the Vice
Presidency.
The ticket would be much better if the
names upon il were transposed. The office of
the National Executive requires the talents
and experience of u statesman. Among North
ern sympathizers with the Rebels Mr.. PEN
DLEToS has some pretensions to that charac-
ter, GEoRGE b. MCCLELLAN has none. But
what was wanted by the Convention was
not man At for the office, but one supposed
to be possessed ofthose vulgar elements of pop
ularity which sometimes, by the unthinl1ing
enthusiasms OF a mob, lift small men into
places far above their capacities and deserts.
Hence, in this instance, the person least
qualified for the Presidential chair was noml-
mated for that station; while he who is, in
the schooling Of craftsmanship, vastly his su-
perior, was accorded subordinate position.
For this, however, the Chicago delegates
are responsible to their constituents, and we
certainly have no disposition to quarrel with
their action.
We never have had any but the kndest
feelings for General MCCLELLAN. He is a
Pennsylvania. He is even nearer to us than
that He is Philadelphian. We will go fur
ther, and say that he rendered the country
good service on several occasions, during this
war against the Rebellion. We acknowledge
his military abilities as displayed in the defense
of the city of Washington in the earlier periods
of this fearful struggle with Secession, and
even his successful, though rather iruitless
defeat Of the forces of General LEE at An
tietam.
But when we have said thus much in his
favor, we have said all that we can conscien-
tiously say with regard to him, either as
man, soldier, or a patriot. We wish sim
cerely that history would allow us to express
unqualified appreciation of him; that it would
warrant US in according to him that unre-
served and enthusiastic eulogy with which
he is besmeared by the members and journals
of that political party who wish to use his sup
posed popularity with the soldiers of the
Union army as a means Of carrying the
coming national election in favor of their
cause and ticket. We honestly and solemnly
believe that the very men who most praise
MCCLELLAN as an available candidate of the
Democracy for the Presidency in the ap-
preaching canvass, do not really entertain for
him the respect which they pretend to feel
and so fulsomely express. MCCLELLAN is
thought to be a convenient and expedient man
for their purposes, and they puff, magnify, and
exalt him accordingly.
But let US deal with him more fairly and
disinterestedly. Let US try him by his record
AS a military man, what has he done? We
venture to assert that no army officer was
ever given by the Government anything like
the same opportunities that he was afforded
10 serve the nation and promote his own indi
vidual fame and advancement. No com
mander In the field, except Grant, ever wa.
allowed like forbearance and indulgence
All his successors in the generalship of tn,
@ArDy Of the Potomac" from BURNSIDE
10 MEADE, never were accorded the sam
chances to win victories and render them
selves historically immortal Yet GEoRG.
b. MCCLELLAN never won decided victory
during all his protracted command OF tn,
finest military organization that was eve
assembled on this continent. He defeated tn,
Rebels at various times-we even conced
that he made mastery retreat from tn,
Peninsula, and saved the army under hi
command after several most disastrous re
pulses. But we declare most positively, auC
invoke the records OF the war to avouch oul
assertion, that in no single instance did Major
General GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN properly
iohOh UP anu reap tue true meeu OF Victory
in any battle that was ever fought under hii
auspices and direction.
This is his history, and we are sorry that Il
is so. We could have wished, and did wish
that it might be otherwise. But fate and
GEORGE b. MCCLELLAN were against us
We would not, in anything we now say, dis
parage in the least his military character
his universally admitted ability as soldier
But We have always believed that all his mill
tary failures were justly attributable TO the
tast That his party-leaning and sympathies as
pelaoerAf proved too strong both for his
inUesri'y a. general in chief command of the
army o. washington. and for his feelings and
reputation as a patriot. In his conduct, while
~ e0mmano' ne reversed the sentiment OF
BRyTus--he loved c3sAR more and Rome
less; be cared more for JEFEERsoN n /. ,,,s
and bis Infamous cause, than be cared for the
Government and the Union. This "a H. 80