Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1848-03-29
ADDRESS

"A - hD1OANCS
or the Democratic state Conven.
tioa held at Iowa City, Februn'
~ 93d, 1Sls, 10 the Democracl
Of Iowa.
When the Democratic Party bestov
their suifrages ona fellow-citizen, they
are ever ready and willing to avow TIL
motives which impel them to action. Par
ties will exist, aad persons in those par.
ties, who are guided by selfish consider.
atoms and an unregulated ambition. With
such, whatever may be their professions
patriotism is not the controlling motive o.
action, and the public welfare not the chic
object Of pursuit. The democratic party
seeks ever to advance that surest test o.
meritorious policy, the happiness Of the
masses Of mankind. The great masses Of
eyery free and enlightened people are
honest and patriotic. They desire to pro-
mote the welfare and prosperity Of their
country with sincerity: and they prefer
one individual to another just in the ratio
in which the preferred individual is able
and willing to advance the good of the
whole number. They may temporarily
be misled by artful demagogues, but their
intentions being just and true. they ulti-
mately perceive and maintain the interests
and honor of their country. With how
ever much Of subtlety and cunning the
unprincipled statesman may disguise the
measures which he recommends for his
own advancement, rather than that Of his
country i'm the calm and steady gaze Of the
people the mists which invest his schemes
are dissipated, and stand at last apparent
in shameful nudity.
The objects OF the Democratic party
being the happiness and welfare Of the
masses---the interest and honor Of their
country, and the transmission Of their lib
critics unimpairled to posterity, every mo-
tive which can operate on the philanthro-
pist or patriot stimulates them TO preserve
their own integrity, and to strengthen
their own ability to contend with the oppo-
nents Of their principles. Whilst the
democracy is united and vigorous in re-
sisting the pernicious heresies and meas
ures which they have always opposed, the
constitution and welfare OF the country
are safe from serious danger.
It is scarcely necessary that, in address
sing so intelligent body as the democra-
cy Of Iowa, we should advert now, to the
importance of every democrats adhering
to the REGULAR NOMINATIONS.
Unless this is done with fidelity, all par
ty organization is fruitless. The great
principles Of democracy cannot be sustain
ed unless we sustain with our suilrages
the men Of those principles. AS well might
you expect to conduct the war with Mex
leo, by recruits from the ranks Of the en-
envy, as to expect to uphold or promote
the advancement of Democratic principles
by placing in office the opponent who de-
rides those principles and whose politi-
cal life is devoted to their subversion.
Honor, justice and duty forbid course so
inconsistent and fatal.
We have selected our candidate for SUI
perintendent from the body of the people.
We have not invaded the Sanctuary for
that purpose. With the highest respect
and veneration for those who minister at
the affairs Of our holy religion---and with
not the remotest desire to hold them dis
franchised from all aspirations to civil Of
fice---but deeming them as capable and Of
Ten most ,corthy Of discharging the duties
Of civil stations---we do consider that for
this particular post, the selection of can
didate from that holy profession might re-
suit in some evils, neither designed, nor
unprecedented, as Of probable occurrence.
Whether the incumbent Superintendent of
such profession, did or did not indulge in
any sectarian bias, he would on all occa-
sions involving anything like sectarian
preferences, incur the charge of acting
from such motives. And whether the
charge should be substantiated or not, it
would, to the extent to Which 1t might be
baisDed, impair his usefulness. The foun-
tains Of Education should not only be
pure, but immaculate from suspicion.
When, therefore, we assure you, that
the nominee of this Convention for Su-
perintendent Of Education is good citi-
zen, a sincere christian, an industrious
man, and an upright and true democrat
and that if elected, he will, as we believe
faithfully devote himself to the great cause
of Education---and that without sectarian
bigotry preferneces,he will labor in that
holy cause with a single eye to the public
good---we have perhaps said sufficient to
insure the cordial corporation Of every
consistent and honest democrat in Iowa.
But the times are pregnant with events
Of growing magnitude. The Importance
of the complete union Of the democracy at
this period, we feel to be momentous. We
cannot forbear, therefore, at this time ,sug-
costing that there are grave reasons, Of
great force and weight, why every demo.
crat should with firmness and fidelity.
maintain the present ascendeney Of his
party, and Of consequence the principles
it advocates. Upon the issue of the cleo
fions Of l84S, may be fought the great
question, whether free principles, liberty
and civilization are to advance over this
continent, or whether their progress must
abide the will of transatlantic Des pots.
Our countryis engaged in foreign war,
and although at every stage Of it, peace
has been sought, and invited, by the pre-
sent Administration, it still seems as far
distant as ever. Like the federal party
dIyr1rcr thu ,,,cr - q -