d
country at its own arbitrary will, the declaration that we have not
abandoned the doctrine is appropriate and necessary. It is a warning
that our eyes are not closed to the schemes on foot for the suppression
of republican government on this continent. While our present necessity
compels us, as of course, to act with great circumspection, yet it would
be unbecoming our dignity to quietly ignore the spoliation of Mexico. It
is often said that President Lincoln, in his letter accepting the
Baltimore nomination, has repudiated this resolution. These are his
words:

'While the resolution in regard to the supplanting of republican
government upon the Western Continent is fully concurred in, there
might be misunderstanding were I not to say that the position of
the Government in relation to the action of France in Mexico, as
assumed through the State Department, and indorsed by the
convention, among the measures and acts of the Executive, will be
faithfully maintained so long as the state of facts shall leave
that position pertinent and applicable.'

It is not fair to say that this is a repudiation of the resolution, or
of the Monroe Doctrine, until it is first shown that the Government
'through the State Department,' has already repudiated the doctrine. The
time for the enforcement of that doctrine has not yet come, and this
seems to be the position that has been assumed by the Government. It
certainly is the position of common sense and patriotism.

* * * * *

The candid reader has now before him a brief exposition of the two
platforms, and of the doctrines and bearing of each. It is believed that
nothing has been extenuated; nor, on the other hand, has aught been here
set down in malice. Let every one study the platforms and try
conclusions for himself; then say whether the foregoing discussion could
well have shaped itself differently. The sum of the whole matter seems
to be, War and Union, or Peace and Disunion. If we have Union, it can
only be now through war. We must 'seek peace with the sword.' The
rebels have appealed from the civil law to the military law, from the
Constitution to the sword; let us not shrink from the ordeal. No
revolution to perpetuate oppression can hope for the favor of a God of
justice.

There are two platforms in this Presidential campaign, representing the
two parties into which the voters will be divided. But there