, 1872-11-30

with the New York Tribune, not as Wing
organ, but as the fearless opponent OF Slavery.
In spite Of his Independence, his association
with the Wing party hanpered his intellect and
chained his energies. When that party vent
down in the defeat Of 1852, be was emancipated,
and at once gave freedom to his battle against
Slavery. The New York Tribune was no longer
party organ; it became the champion of Freedom,
the champion Of the men held in slavery, the
champion Of 3 Free Republic. As such, it
found ready audience. In the years following
the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, until
the Republican party WAS an organized body and
installed in power, the New York Tribune was
power IN the land. Restrained by no plat
forms, BY no considerations Of mere e1pediency,
BY the hopes Of no candidates, it made the direct
tight IN behalf OF the principles Of Truth, Free
dom, and Justice. It fred the Northern heart;
1t reused the alumbering instincts Of human
Justice; it tore men from old party associa-
tions; it placed the question in the light that
men had to choose between Right and Wrong;
it revolutionized public sentiment, and revo1u-
tionized parties, and brought about that
grand decision that it WAS possible to elect a
Government which was under no obligation to
uphold Slavery or or permit it's extension. That
vas the time for which Horace Greeley WAS
fitted; such was the conflict in which he Was
calculated to participate with honor and glory.
And the men who have since professed to mourn
over his decay and the loss Of Vigor Of his paper
must remember that, during that memorable
period, he fought not as q member Of party,
but in behalf Of principle, and far in advance Of
all parties. With the accomplished SUCCESS Of the
him to follow men who we're allow to follow when
he led the fight against odds. intellectually
gTeat, personally honest, and governed always
by conviction Of right, the discipline, the re-
straints, and the despotism Of party we're ex-
tremely irksome, and often disgusting He sac-
rifced much Of his honest judgment for party
sake; but there woro times when he refused to
submit. While his long services we're over
looked, these instances Of insnbordination have
been carefully treasured against him, and an at
tempt has been made to dwarf his intellectual
and moral greatness by presenting this or that
revolt against the ignorant and degrading COM
mands OF party caucuses.
The last chapter in the political history OF Mr.
Greeley Was the late Presidential election. In
the flush Of victory, and in the debates over the
distribution Of the spoils, men may forget to do
justice to the vanquished Horace Greeley. But
the time will come whenhis whole action in that
campaign will win the admiration, II not the ap-
proval, Of the American people. Mr.. Greeley
was made candidate at Cincinnati, not by tho
tricks Of politicians, but in spite Of them Hia
nomination WAS opposed by every person, to
whom the term politician may be applied HiJ
nomination Was never contemplated by those WHO
called that Convention. It VAS an Involuntary
tribute to his intellectual greatness and pers ona1
integrity. It suggested itself to mems minds,
that, in a contest for Reform, these were COM
mendab1e qualities. While they did commend
him to one class, they perhaps repealed from his
support body of men who, desiring Reform
could not overcome their: perBonal prejudice.
and their dislike OF the man who fnr tb;,+
years had held the scales Of Justice even1v 7,,,>
anced, and had not failed to discard all that u,s
spurious, fraudulent, and criminal. '
That campaign is too recent to REQUIRE thst ;,a
events should be rehearsed; but it nav bo s.;a
that, during it, h1r: Greeley displayed inta,1ec-
tual powers that surprised oven thoee beat mr.
quainted with him. His speeches and h;a 1a+-
ters all breathing the spirit Of Union, Peace. and
Universal Brotherhood, will remain among tho
brightest gems Of literature so long as patriot
ism has aplace in the hearts of the American
people, and intellectual superiority can claim an
admirer.
HORACE GREELEY Il DEADl The words
will fill many 3 heart with pain. While 6lial
affection and friendly hands NAV en-
tomb the body and cover it from sight, the
name OF Horace Greeley, with the long record
Of his useful life, will remain to his country
men, and be by them cherished with that If
fection which an Intelligent people will ez :ar
r%z@- 1r&1S~H & L.