Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1854-09-16
AN INDEPENDENT LETTER.

We place the subjoined letter in our columns,
not for any particular interest we feel or that we
suppose the great bulk of readers feel, in the
issue of the struggle between the several divisions
of the Democracy in New York, but we copy it
for the Independent spirit and self-respect which
it displays, and which are SO rarely exhibited in
candidates for popular favor. The writer refuses to
give any pledges; he puts himself on his character
and tells his interrogators that if his past life does
not afford sufficient guarantees for him they may
vote against him. We should be glad to see the
example of Mr. BRONSON become the rule and moi
the exception AT present, candidates have to take
as many hues as the chameleon to suit every whin
and every phase of popular opinion Our readers
may remember that President PIERCE set an hono
able example in this respect when he was interrp-
gated by friends in the Baltimore Convention. He
refused to their questions though repeatedly
urged, and maintained silence though his nomin,-
ton was suspended for awhile to wait his response.
Letter of Hon. Greene c.. Bronson.
| New York, SEPTEMBER 4, 1854.
dEsTLEMEs In answer 70 your communicau1n, re-
Committee their meeting in this city and need
only add, in this formal manner that my nomina-
ton for the Office of Governor by the Democratic Con-
venton Of July last Is accepted and my former letter
/ you the subject is of course recalled.
! My political principles and opinions cannot be unknown
to the people Of this State and your letter calls for
avowas but will not omit to notice very briefly
| two of the exciting topics Of the day.
We have among other things, solemnly agreed to de-
liver up fugitives from SERVICE and unless wish to
dissolve the Union the contract should be faithfully per-
formed II any among US regard it as hard bargain,
STILL so long continue to take the benefits which the
Constitution confers, honesty requires that we
should bear the burdens which it imposes r"
am decidedly in favor Of allowing the people Of every
State AMI Territory regulate their domestic instiu
tons for themselves instead of carrying such
into the halls Of Congress- where they have proved
dangerous bone of contention. There is substantial
why there should be strife between the different
sections of the Union and all controversy will when
each discharges its constitutional obligations to the other
and the people Of every section left to manage their
own internal affairs in their own way.
/ Whether such sentiments are popular not en-
terrain doubt that they will ultimately be approved
by great majority of the people Of this State. Error
and fanaticism may triumph for time, but reason will
prevail in the end.
have received letters from all sources asking pledges
will act in accordance with the views Of the writer's
upon several matters which of strictly political
character and avail myself Of this occasion respectfully
to answer that, while have desire to conceal my
opinion upon any question of any public nature cannot
| yield to any such requests.
The practice Of giving pledges to suit the views Of par
cuar classes Of electors Of recent date and has,
Ao1 Iuo inooI UeeH luuOuuCeu men OF uouOuu
character: 1t has often been resorted to of
cheating the peoples for experience has proved that pro-
misses made to catch votes readily broken they
are made If the past life of candidate for Office does
not furnish sufficient guaranty for the recttude of his
future conduct it is much safer to vote against him than
is to trust in promises. None of Industrious Pres
Governors resorted pledges further
election, and, without presuming to rank myself with
them, think it safe to follow their example.
lam, very truly, yours, 4.
| GREENE c. BRONSON
Messrs. Archibald c. Niven, Joseph D. Mcneil Winslow
| G. Watson, John Murdoch, Oliver Cook, Committee
of the Democratic State Convention.