Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1884-08-16
adds, after like condemnation of the
course of France in Mexico. these words

duuS, dileT ike condemnation OF the
course of France in Mexico, these words
The truth is that the so-called neutral policy
of foreign Powers was the vicious application OF
absolete analogies TO the conditions of modern
life. Because the doctrine of belligerent recog-
milton had in its origin referred TO nations of
well established independent existence, the
doctrine was now pushed forward 10 the extent
of giving ocean belligerency TO an insurgent
which had in reality no maritime power what
ever. BY the new construction, power
was to be given to a belligerent to supplement
its territory by the annexation of foreign ports.
to transfer the entire administration of Its naval
service TO foreign soil, and to create and equip
navy which issued from foreign waters, ready
not for dangerous journey TO their own ports
of delivery, but for the immediate demonstra-
ton of hostile purpose. No such absurd system
can be found in the principles or precedents of
international law; no such system would be
permitted by the great Powers of Europe if to-
morrow they should engage i'll war. The prin-
ciple of this policy was essentially mercenary
II professed no moral sense. II was the
cynical recognition of the truth OF the old pro-
verb, that {" Ii is an i'll wind which blows good
TO no one 1t was the same principle upon
which England declares with audacious selfish
ness that she cannot sacrifice that portion of her
Indian revenue which comes from the opium
trade, or the capital which is invested in its
growth and manufacture, and that China must
therefore take the poison which diseases and
degrades her population.
We conclude this generalization of the
character and scope of the work of Mr..
Blaine with some sentences from his pages
upon the character of Lincoln, as indicat-
ing his method of analyzing men:
Mr.. Lincoln united frmness and gentleness in
singular degree: He rarely spoke harsh
word. Ready to hear argument and always
open TO conviction, he adhered tenaciouSly TO
the conclusions which he had finally reached.
Altogether modest, he had confidence in him
self, trusted to the reasoning of his own mind,
believed in the correctness of his own judg-
ment. Many of the popular conceptions CON
corning him are erroneous. No man was
farther than he from the easy. familiar,
jocose character in which he is often painted
The long list of vulgar, salacious
stories attributed to him, were retailed only by
those who never enjoyed the privilege of eX-
changing word with him. His life was alto
gether a serious one-inspired by the noblest
spirit, devoted to the highest aims. Humor was
but an incident with him, a practical relief to
the melancholy which tinged all his years.
He presented an extraordinary combination of
mental and moral qualities. As a statesman, he
had the lottest ideal, and it fell TO his lot to in
augurate measures which changed the fate of
millions of living men, OF tens of millions vet
to be born As q manager of political issues,
and master of the art OF presenting them,
he has had no rival in this country
unless one be found in Jefferson. The complete
discontinue of his most formidable aSSailants
in 1868, especially of those who sought to pre-
Judlce him before the people on account of the
arrest OF Nallandigham, cannot easily be paTal-
elled for shrewdnesS of treatment and for keen
appreciation of the reactionary influences
which are certain to control public opinion. y
There never was the slightest lack of candor or
fairness in his methods. He sought to control
men through their reason and their conscience.
The only art he employed was that of present
ing his views so convincingly as TO force convic-
ton on the minds of his hearers and his readers
The executive talent of Mr.. Lincoln was re
markable. He emphatically the head of
his own administration, ultimate judge of all
points on all occasions where questions ofweight
were TO be decided