There was never a Convention which more truly represented the people,
and, upon the first opportunity offered, it showed its purpose in the most unmistakable
manner. No one who watched its deliberations, or who has read its proceedings, but must
feel that it expressed the strongest popular determination for the unflinching prosecution
of the war by every efficient method. Its settlement of the Missouri question, by
admitting the radical delegation from that State, and excluding the other, by a vote of
440 to 4, was the indication that the vast mass of the Union men in the country have
parted company with the hesitating and doubtful course which has been associated with the
name of Blair. The resolutions, clear, incisive, and full, are to the same result, and
leave no doubt in any mind that the "Border State policy," having served its
purpose, and a purpose with which we are not disposed to quarrel, is no longer the policy
which the people of the country approve. This decision is emphasized by the nomination of
Andrew Johnson, a life-long Democrat, who has been educated by fire and sword straight up
to the necessities of the crisis.
Of Abraham Lincoln we have nothing to
change in the views often expressed in these columns. That he unites perfect patriotism
and great sagacity to profound conviction and patient tenacity, and that his conduct of
our affairs has been, upon the whole, most admirable and wise, we are more than ever
convinced; and that no public man in our history since Washington has inspired a deeper
popular confidence we have no doubt whatever that the result of the election will
establish. Of Andrew Johnson it is enough to say that there is no man in the country,
unless it be Mr. Lincoln himself, whom the rebels more cordially hate. He fought them in
the Senate, when they counted upon his aid, and he has fought them steadily ever since and
with untiring energy. It is pleasant to record, of our personal knowledge, that one, of
the wisest and truest patriots in the country, who has sacrificed not less than Johnson
himself, says of the contingency of Johnsons succession to the chief magistracy,
that the country and the cause of American Liberty could then not be in safer hands.
Articles relating to Johnson's Background:
Andrew Johnson (small bio)
June 25, 1864, page 402
The Union Nominations
June 25, 1864, page 402
President Andrew Johnson
May 13, 1865, page 289
The President and the Secretary
of State
May 20, 1865, page 306
Andrew Johnson
September 15, 1866, page 583
Andrew Johnson
September 15, 1866, page 584
The Vice-Presidency
September 14, 1867, page 578
The Vice-Presidency
December 7, 1867, page 770