Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1852-04-15
Tndependencc in Po,itics.


of discomfort and dissatisfaction on the
part of the people Of al! parties, with
the existing legislation of the State, in
It's practical workings and bearings upon
its interests and prosperity. There is
manifes,ly a disposition to break away
from party ties, and in the exercise of
individual Judgment and discretion, in
opposition TO tha, of mere party. to sus-
tain new men, a new policy and new
measures.
To Wings il is unnecessary to say
anything at this time excep, 10 congrat-
ulate Them upon the glorious result, and
the opportunity which has been afforded
TO them Of uniting and acting with so
many of their fellow citizens Of the
Democratic party, in the accomplishment
of this great result. 1t is most truly en-
couraging 10 them and to all friends Of
| reform. ....
I'othose Independent, Democrats, who,
in despite of the gull-trap of irregular
nominations" and the often recognized,
but really imaginary duties and oblga-
tons Of party; breaking loose from old
associates and associations, and laying
aside the prejudces of perhaps life
time, have united for once with those
they found contenGing in common with
themselves for reform, we would venture
most respectfully to address ourselves,
feeling that The triumph which has been
achieved is the resul, of our united ef.
forts, and that the relationship OF indie
pendent Electors. which has been estab-
! lished between us justifies and even calls
for free exchange of opinions and pur
poses between us.
What influenced you Democrats of
The Independent school, at the late cleo
ton 10 unite with the wings, and thus de-
feat so generally, the regular Democratic
ticket! We are aware tina, the ties of
party have been strong upon you, that
you have been true, devoted, and faith
ial 10 its interests; that you have always,
it, and that you have verify thought you
were doing thereby what duty, interest
and patriotism required. We never en-
,ertained a doubt of this; and though We
have been separated by party lines, by
party feelings and party obligations, and
to some extent estranged thereby, yet un-
fortunate, miserable and suicidal as have
been the measures and policy of the lea
ders and dicta,ors of the party to which
you have belonged, and destructive TO The
best'interests of The State, we have new
er for moment lost our confidence in
you, and our belief that the day would
come when we should find ourselves
shoulder 10 shoulder in fight for our
country; for you will observe that this
period has been long foreseen and pre-
dicled; in fact he II ust have been blind,
who has not seen il as coming events are
seen by the shadows they cast before
What has led you we say TO sever the
strong ties of your party, so proud, and
so potent, and heretofore thought so in
vincible, and support this ne ", this indie
penden. principle in politics and cleo
tioEs! What was il but well settled
conviction that this was The only course
by which you could save your State
| from absolute ruin! You looked around
you. and found written everywhere upon
this noblest aud fsirest heritage ever be-
qucaihed TO man, evidences OF approach
| ing ruin. With all It's natural resources,
and with the early and latter rain. you
saw unmistakeable signs of slight, mil
dew and desola,ion. You found where
nature has done everything to make
prosperous, happy people, universal
doubt, discomfort, and embarrsssment-
Instead of an overlooking Treasury, the
natural result Of the heavy and burden
some taxes you have been compelled to
pay. you have found debt to the utmost
limits of Constitutional prohibitions; in
stead of necessary works Of Internal
Improvement commensurate with the
large revenue Of the State, you find CON-
para;ively no ro2ds, no bridges, and no
Cour, Houses adapted to the convenience
Of your courts, or fit and safe as deposito-
ries of your public records; your River,
upon which so many interests depend, is
in worse than lis unimproved and nat
ural state; and when you had been prom
Used, and Ought 10 have had a sound and
safe currency, abundant and at easy
rates Of interest, you fud scarcity of
money almost unparalleled, and interest