The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-03-21
COMMUNICATIONS.
The next Prcsident,-- by an Officer in the
Western Army.

To the Editor oT TIE freSsi
There are some reasons why it is unfortu-
nate that the matter Of Presidential cleo
tion should now come before the country. 1t
is no time to cherish party-spirit and mark
the party-lines too strongly. The great con-
flct in which we are engaged, is a national
= one. The great questions TO be decided are
Of vital consequence to the nation and ought
not to hang upon the fluctuating successes of
a mere party. They should be flung out up
on the patriotic heart Of the whole country,
unbiased by violent political contentious.
Parties we must have. They embody GER
tain general direction of policy. But it is not
time when extremists should be in power,
To weather such storm as Is now upon us.
we need a steady and strong hand at the wheel,
and calm, deliberate, and discreet mind TO
supervise and direct. Are we to look for such
q one in either extreme? But a Presiden-
tial canvass not only deepens party lines, and
pushes forward party men, bat its approach is
likely to influence aud embarrass those now
in Office, so that the country may suffer there
by. At this moment we need their undivi-
ded attention to the duties Of their positions
But however much to be deplored, for these
and other reasons which might be named, yet
the Constitution is explicit, and presidential
election is before US. All other questions are
now second to that Of the successful prosecu-
tion of the war. The people should each in
quire, how shall l with my voice and vote,
best promote the speedy and complete over
throw of this rebellion? Some may suppose
this to be an intricate aud difficult question
to answer. But II any such will weigh well
the words of one who is beyond the influence
of party prejudice and whose patriotism has
been tried literally, in the fire TESTED on the
hottest fields of this war, the line of duty, [
think will appear clear and unmistakable-
We have one now at the helm, who has stood
there faithfully for three years. He has the
advantage OF experience, which no other man
has. No enc viii deny that he is person TO
profit by experience. He has constantly
shown this. And more, he heeds and obeys
the dictation of growing public sentiment
He has by no means been drag in this re-
spect. His own heart has been from the be-
ginning, ahead of his measures which have ex-
pressed the will of the people. You have
tried him. Do you see just cause to be dis
satisfied? Is it not constant wonder that
he has in his unparalleled perplexities, done
so wisely? Have we not often thought that
Providence raised up and put forward this
rare man to fulfil the high behests of these un-
wonted times? How came he TO select his
counsellors with such keen discrimination and
wisdom? Are we prepared to say that we
could have had a better Secretary of State--a
better Secretary ofthe Treasury better At
torney General? And who are we certain
would ever replace our present Secretary of
War to advantage. To change those who have
done and are doing well for others who are un-
tried would be hazardous in the extreme
But some say they only wish to transfer one
whohas proved himself in one department and
who has undoubted ability, to the head. They
believe him better exponent of their ideas
than the present incumbent. If you believe
Secretary Chase more thoroughly opposed
to the system of human slavery than Presi-
dent Lincoln, you are assuredly mistaken.
There is some attempt TO make it appear
that Secretary Chase would follow line of
policy shade different from that now pursued
by President Lincoln--even this ID doubtful.
In the vigorous prosecution of the war, the
question of slavery finds its adequate solution.
Other modes of treating it may remove slight
obstacles-may in their way assist nature. as
the physicians say, but it is nature that must
effect the cure lit is the natural and ineyita-
BILE result of crushing this rebellion that slave
ry dies. But has Secretary Chase done so
small service in his own department-has he
shown so little fitness for it's his experience
there of so little value that we can afford to
lose him from it? Has not his part in the
grand drama called down more plaudts from
an observing world than that of almost any
other? The difficulties of his department have
been and may continue to be the greatest of
any,. We cannot spare him there. To put
him in the place OF President Lincoln would
be an experiment. To put any one else in his
place as Secretary of the Treasury, would
be at least an experiment.
Now we have already stated that the only
real issue is the unfinching prosecution of the
war. Is ii not fair TO allow the army to have
avoice in this discussion? Can you not trust
the instincts and the sentiments Of those who
are carrying out in action your very princi-
pies? The army Il speak with authority the
army believes in Abraham Lincoln.
None are more quickly or sensbly affected
by Government measures there is health
full and sound patriotism in the army, why
not feel of that pulse and if other less impor-
tant indications at home, tell the same story
that the patient is doing well-that the gener-
al mode Of treatment is correct-why hazard
change at this critical stage? 1t will not do
This is the feeling here IN the Army of the
West This must be the sole second thought
Of the whole couEtry. ZEPHERus.