33 early period the whole people should, by an aniendment to the Constitution, forever prohibit the existence of slavery and Slavelaws in any part of this land. These three points state the doctrine which I hold on this subject. I cannot stop to discuss them; yet I believe the removal of slavery necessary to anything like a permanent peace. Slavery in having souglit to rend this nation into fragments, has in my judgment committed the unpardonable sin, for which it ought to die. Trusting in God, following his providence, walking in the light of that providence, and firmly doing our duty, we shall then gain these results as the fruits of victory. They hang in the first place upon the fact of victory, and in the second place upon a good tise of that victory. Nationality fixed, and universal freedom accomplished, are the two great blessings to grow out of this war, dearly bought I am aware, yet worth the cost if no cheaper price could purchase them. THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. And now, my friends, 1 behold a sublime spectacle. The American people are about to arise in their majesty, and vote upon some of the questions which I have been discussing in your hearing. By a provision of the Constitution the executive headships of this Grovernment, once in every four years, comes back to the people for renewal and instruction according to the demands of public sentiment. That important y:>eriod finds us now in the midst of a deadly civil war. In many respects it seems unfortunate that the country should be launched into a political campaign at such a moment ; yet the task is upon us, and we must meet it like men. Two great political organizations are already in the field with their respective platforms and candidates ; the one approving and proposing to continue the Administration now in power, and the other severely censuring that Administration, and asking the people to change it ; the one adopting the war-policy for the suppression of the rebellion and the restoration of the Union, and the other repudiating this policy and substituting therefor a cessation of hostilities and a Convention of the States ; the one declaring that the war is, has been, and if vigorously pursued,
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