in ask the Ministry of England to unite
with him in recognizing the independence of the South, and to
participate in the benefits of the proposed commercial treaties. Who can
say that England, under the dangers and sacrifices incurred by a
refusal, would again decline the offer?

It is clear, then, that the election of the Chicago candidates involves
the most imminent peril of war with France, if not with England, both
acting then in alliance with the Confederate government. That my country
even then would accept the contest rather than the dishonor and ruin of
disunion, I do believe; but who can predict the result of such a
conflict? My countrymen, we are speedily approaching the very edge of a
dark and perilous abyss, into which we may be soon plunged by the
election of the Chicago candidates; I implore you not to make the dread
experiment. You must know that there will be no recognition of the
independence of the South by France or England, or any other Power, if
Abraham Lincoln should be reelected in November next. The American
people will then have loudly proclaimed, through the ballot box, that
they can and will subdue the rebellion by force of arms; and that they
will continue to negotiate from the mouths of our cannon, until the
Southern armies shall have been dispersed and vanquished. Upon the news
of the reelection of Mr. Lincoln reaching Europe, the Confederate stock,
now waiting the success of the Chicago candidates, will fall, like
Lucifer, to rise no more. American securities, including those of the
Federal and loyal State Governments, of railroads, and other companies
with real capital, will all be immensely appreciated. The difference in
favor of our country, including the rise in greenbacks, would be
equivalent in a few months to hundreds of millions of dollars. Nor is it
only our stocks that will rise at home and abroad, but the national
character will be immensely exalted. The friends of our country and
liberty in Europe, including the grand mass of the people, will echo
back the exultant shouts of freedom as they roll on from the Pacific to
the Mississippi, from the Mississippi to the lakes, and, bounding from
the glad Atlantic, are carried by steam and lightning to the shores of
Europe. The fetters of American Slavery will be broken by such a result,
and man--immortal man, of whatever race or color, born in the image of
his Maker, will emerge from chatteldom, and rise to the dignity of our
common hu