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A Measure of Doubtful Propriety.

We observe the following circular going the rounds of the Union press, and we publish it because requested to do so. It is unnecessary for us to say that we approve of every sentiment contained therein in reference to Mr. Lincoln. We have already committed ourselves to his renomination in unequivocal terms, and are under no necessity of defining our position — the Union men of Illinois, who are unanimously for Mr. Lincoln, are under no necessity of defining their position — on that point now. Nevertheless we regard the measure proposed, to say the very least, of doubtful propriety, if not of absolutely mischievous tendency.

If Lincoln clubs may be organized in advance of the nomination, and for the express purpose of securing that nomination, Banks clubs, or Butler clubs, or Chase clubs, or Fremont clubs may be formed with equal propriety. Thus the effect will be to distract the great Union party of the nation and break it up into factions, and we are in danger of seeing these factions arrayed in bitter strife against each other; whereas, the object of all loyal men should be to unite and consolidate their strength for the great contest with the common enemy, next fall. Our enemies would be rejoiced but too well to see any cause for division at work among us. Let them be disappointed. Mr. Lincoln has no need of any such forcing process. On the contrary, we believe he would most heartily condemn it. Let us apply our whole energies to assisting him in putting down the rebellion. In this work we shall have the assistance and co-operation of all true Union men, and in this way only can we contribute most certainly to his renomination to the position he has filled with such signal ability and fidelity during his term of office.

Besides, there are indications that men who have had no hearty sympathy with the spirit of Mr. Lincoln's administration, will endeavor to get control of this movement for mere selfish purposes. This has been already indicated by the course of certain so-called "conservatives" in St. Louis. The result will be to injure Mr. Lincoln, rather than to aid his chances of renomination. For these reasons we give our voice against the measure proposed, and hope that the recommendations of the circular will not be followed out by the loyal men of Illinois:

TO THE LOYAL CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES.

NEW YORK, January 28, 1864.

The day is not far distant when you will be called upon to elect an occupant for the Presidential Chair. This is a most important and momentous question, well worthy of your careful consideration.

From the 12th of April, 1861, our march onward has been steady and grand. The heart of the people has been true to the great principles of liberty, which are to be maintained in the END.

In Abraham Lincoln the loyal people have found a true leader, and an able defender of the great ideas upon which our Government was founded. He has been tried and not found wanting. No man in modern times ever came into office under such trying circumstances — none ever worked more diligently to bring discordant elements together and make them move in harmony.

From the chaos of human passions, dishonest interests, political intrigues, and subtle treason pervading every department of Government, order has been created, and although in the midst of a war of almost unparalleled magnitude, we move on as in times of the most sublime peace.

It is therefore proposed that on the 22d of February, 1864, all citizens of the United States, without regard to party, who are in favor of the re-election of Abraham Lincoln, shall meet at appropriate places, within their towns, counties, or States, for the purpose of giving public expression of their sentiments upon this most important question.

Moses Taylor, Charles G. Hudson, Moses H. Grinnell, John Steward, P. H. Vander[unknown]rt, Robert S. Hone, A. W. Spies, S. S. Wyckoff, J. P. G[unknown]d Foster, Thos. B. Stiliman, Henry M. Taber, Charles Landon, Denning Duer, Edward Minturn, George W. Blunt, R. L. Taylor, E. F. Morgan, R. Sturgis, Edward Larned, Rush E. Hawkins, George F. Talman, Mason Thomson, L. W. Jerome, Peter Townsend, D. A. Cushman, National Conference Committee of the Union Lincoln Association of New York.

S. DRAPER, President.
S. J. GLASSEY, Secretary.