The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-08-23
For the Spirit of Democracy.


Mr.. EpITOR-Permit me through the columns
Of your valuable paper to tender to the democracy
of Monroe County my sincere tina nks for their par
tiaity for me, in putting me in nomination as their
candidate for Representative. I regard my nomi-
nation by the sterling and unyielding democracy Of
the invincible Banner County, as mark of friend
ship and esteem which places me under lasting
obi cations ever to be remembered II would have
afforded me great pleasure 10 have been present at
the Convention in Woodsfeld on the 18th Of Au-
gust, to have commngled in sentiment, in person,
with my democratic friends on that occasion. In
fact INTENDED to have been present but for most
unfortunate accident which happened my brother,
by which his life was nearly dIspaired Of requiring
my personal attention on HIM at that time.
The only matter which occurred during the ex-
trtions of my friends 10 procure nv nomination,
which Iregard worthy Of regret, one which calls
forth this communication through your paper to
the people of the county, one which aid operate,
and still might operate to my prejudice, is an ex-
tensive misunderstanding of my views in relation
to the question of the formation of new county
Of parts of Monroe, Morgan, Washington and
Guernsey counties. On question in which the
people of Nome county feel so deep an interest," it
is Of right due TO them ell as to myself, whilst
Ioccupy the position of candidate seeking their
sufrages for seat in the legislature OF the State
that they should know my views and sentiments on
this question and that should not be misunderstood
nor misrepresented.
Ever since my first intelligence Of the agitation
of this new county question: and of the division of
this county, have been, and still in principle,
opposed to either, and have always, when speaking
on the subject freely and frankly expressed my
self. And | will now present TO my fellow citi-
zens some of the measures which have always op-
Grated on my mind against the proposed measure
And first, the county OF Monroe is in 1ebt on ac-
count Of the erection of our public buildings, the
laying out ofroads, the holding OF courts, the pros
ecution of criminals, SC. &C.. now if several town.
ships should be cut off to form new county,
these townships would again be taxed for new pub
lie buildings and for the other expenses Of the erec-
ton and maintenance of the new county, whilst
the remainder of the county would be left to pay
the whole of the present county debt, thus greatly
increasing the present heavy burden oftaxation on
the people.
Secondly, look upon it as unjust in moral
point Of view, to the citizens OF Woodsfeld and
the surrounding country, who have purchased
property at high prices on the faith of the perma-
nency ofthe seat of justice or county seat; not that
4 fh;nk if tbraa mr. forr mara ~
the western side of the county, the present county
seat even would or could be removed, but it would
excite fear, alarm, and panic among the people,
tending to lessen the value of real property and to
deter persons who, under other circumstances
might desire 10 settle or purchase in the town or
its vicinity from doing SO. Il.s.. ..a
And lastly, 1 am opposed to the proposed divis-
ion of the county political grounds. am, have
been, and expect to continue to be in politics, a
democrat My feengs,my interests and prospects
are identified with the democratic party--their in
teress are my interests their feelings are my feel
ings. Now this proposition to divide Monroe
county, so far as politics may be supposed to have
any thing to do with it, regard as whig meas.
ure. doubt not, but it would be very gratifying
to many Of the leaders Of the whig party to cutup
divide and weaken the democracy of this the only
sure democratic county in this region Of Ohio :
And twould not surprise me il the scheme Of The |
new county should be found to have had its origin
in whg politics, and In motives like unto those
which at the last whig session of the legislature,
dictated the unprecedented alteration Of congress
sional districts, and changed strong whig town
ships from strong whig counties to weak demo-
cratic counties.
These being my views and sentiments on this
question, / can with the utmost cheerfulness pro-
mise you faithful, yiglant, an attentive, and an
industrious opposition to the formation of the pro-
posed new county, or other division Of the county
repeat, should Il be elected to represent my fe.
low citizens Of Monroe county, they may expect
with whatever ability may possess, faithful and
industrious opposition to the division Of the coun-
y. -f. u : D