New-York tribune., 1867-03-27
CONNECTICUT PECKSNIFFLAN DEMOCRATIC
pIETY

The Democrats of the IVth District seem
to be very much troubled about Mr.. p. T..
Bmnum's religion, and show their anxiety in a
way which suggests that they had better look
after their own. The whole party has been
suddenly cOnverted-not to a sense of the
error of its ways but of the depravity of the Re-
publican candidate, and is shedding Pecksnif-
fial tears over his sins. Not that his repentance
and reform are desired. Oh, no! The startling
appearance of the Democratic party as the
champion of religion is somewhat subdued by
the fact that it rejoices over Slr. Barnums
ni1uity. 1t wan q him to be worse; and IL he
would only rob q bank, or murder an unof"
Tending family ia cold blood, its exultation
would have no bounds. This peculiar kind Of
Christianity savors more of the grog-shop than
the church, and perhaps it is as well that Mr..
Barnlm does not profess it.
From one Democratic press four private cir
cllars have been issued, two OF which repeat
the language used by q notorious Copperhead
orator, whose obscene speeches respectable
Democrats refused to hear; the two Others ap-
peal to religious men to vote against Mr.. Bar
num-, on the ground of his immortality. One or
two clergymen, who should have known better
than to allow their sacred office to be made
the catspaw of politicians, have signed these
circulars, though, we believe, it is known III
Connecticut that they were written by quack
doctor who was some years ago Obliged TO
leave the State to escape Indictment for muir
der committed in his peculiar practice. This
is one of the men whose devotion to religion
inspires them with hatred of Mr.. Barnum.
n VIII nj
his way to the Chicago Convention consulted
with sundry Rebels, as to what policy the Con-
vcnton should adopt, is another OF the opponents
of Mr.. Barnum who are dissatisfied with the
piety of the Republican candidate. But the
morality of his politics is scarcely sufficient to
make oracular Mr.. Bishops opinions of re-
ligon Rum and religion are equally advo-
Gated by these impartial politicians who in one
circular ask Mr.. Barnum's defeat in behalf OF
piety, and in another tell the Germans that as
he is Temperance man they will lose their
beer if he is elected.
A more unscripulOus campaign than this
against =. II. Barnum has never been con-
Quoted. The Democrats assail him with vile
abuse, not argument, and use weapons which
only soil the hands which hold them.
We trust there is no Republican voter in the
IYth Congress District weak enough to be
influenced by the CoPperhead ISLANDERS upon
Mr.. Barnum's private character. His enemies
drag up the fact that he once failed in bust
ness, but forget to state that he honorably sur
rendered his whole estate to his creditors, and
worked till he had paid the last claim; they
dcnounce his Museum, but many OF them
would be ncomparably more respectable
il they had employment in the menagere
of wild animals connected with that excellent
establishment. We have yet to learn that there
is anything iueligious in the exhibition OF val
liable curiosities, though we do not know what
tho museum might become if such Democrats as
Mr.. Barnum may boast of having for enemies
should be included in the collection. Mr.. Barnum
represents trne principles, the honest convic-
tions of the loyal people, and every man in the
Iyth District who deserves the name OF Re
publican will vote for him.