Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1854-07-20

to the fact that he signed the act of 1854 repeal
ing the Objectionable features of the Common School
law of 1886 and 1S49, which had been passed by
Wing majorities in both branches of the Legisla-
ture, and approved by Wing Governors-the act
of 1886 by Governor Ritner, and that of 1S4s by
Governor Johnston. The whole course of William
Bigler with respect to the Common School System,
has been fully and wholly in accordance with the
best interest of these institutions, and the children
committed to their care and tuition have beea the
special objects of his watchuness and circuInspec-
ton. No man in the Commonwealth has done
more for the cause of popular education, and,
therefore, it is important that those who are TIE
friends Of the Common School System, as 1t has
been perfected by Democratic wisdom. and pefse-
yerance, should give Governor Bigler the full be,
pefit of the position he has earned by hls zeal ana
labor'in behalf of this real foundation OF peoIes
welfare.
Of conrse Governor Bgler will be fully liable
TO be attacked for noncompliance with the re
ouire,,ents of the Know Nothing associations lie
will not swear to disfranchse man becaus he
does believe one religion, does not believe an
other. He will not make the fact that min
birth place happened to be in another country,
though he has become a citizen of this underline
Constitution and sealed that compact with his
blood upon the battle fields of the war of BIZ,
and the more recent war with Mexico, a fatal ma
irrevocable bar to all hopes of promotion IN fihs
Commonwealth. That is not the Washlngtol or
Jefferson platform. Is he honest, is he talthfq Is
he competent were the questions OF the Sag OF
Monticello to all applicants for Office, and. What
the immortal Jefferson laid down as rue ,or
itcIIU4I, the guide for Democrats al
this day. The equality of the States and he
equality of the citizens of each State, is the moto
of William Bigler, and ON that broad platfornlhe
has administered the affairs of this State for he
past three years. and that is the promise he macs
for the future He will not enter a secret orer
aud swear to recognize religious test at the balbt-
box and in the distribution of the patronage mi
dent to his official station and then place ms hand
upon the holy book and swear TO support Ihe
Constitution of the United States and the Conti-
tuition of this Commonwealth, both of which ex
pressly forbid any such tests of religious charsc
ter. This is beneath the dignity of an American
cittzen-beneath the office to which he is aspiring,
and makes the person guilty Of the offence, }ultly
chargeable with moral perjury. Governor Biiler
stands upon the old Democratic platform vii n
looks upon all men equal under our free trm
of government. He will not pander either to the
intolerance and prejudice of native citizens for he
purpose of obtaining their support, nor stop ASIDE
from the straight path OF party principles to cart
the gail that may promise to fill his sails fDm
some opposit quarter. He is the candidate of the
party-beheves in its great neutrality-suspicious.
its cardinal precepts and upon this basis goes be
fore the people for their support. He is the De
mocratic standard bearer for the coming fight, and
therefore should and will receive the support of
every man who claims to be attached to the patty
even in the remotest degree.
These are the points Oh which William Biaer
is TO be assailed. Both can be defended, and the
enemy driven across the Danube with horrible
slaughter. Upon the School question, Governor
Bger is right upon the record. Upon the other
matter of persecution as to birthplace and reli-
gious belief he is right upon the Constitution, and
the practice Of Washington, jefferson and the other
Revolutionary fathers. 1t is a compliment tOiour
worthy Chief Magistrate, that thus far III the cam
paign, not point of his administration has ieen
attacked. On the contrary, the purity, faithtulIess
and fidelity with which the affairs the State
have been managed, have extorted even from the
political enemies Of the Governor the warneSt eX
pressions of approval. During the administration
of Gov. Bigler, the individual liability clause has
been applied to all chartered monetary cor11ora-
tions, thus securing the interests OF those who re
obliged to depend upon these institutions-the log
rolling system Of legislation broken up, and thus
each law is compelled to be placed upon its own
nlerits-he cancellation of tie worthless shinplas
tiers continued, which were disseminated by Go
vernon johnson, and host of other salutary mea-
slres projected and carried out, all having ten
dency to increase the prosperity OF the State, and
the peace and comfort of the people. These are
the facts which we present in defence of Gov.
Bigler, when assailed by Know-NOthing fabrca-
ton and intolerance and upon this would We be
willing trust the issue in the hands of the people
of this good old Commonwealth. William Bigler
is son of this State Here he was born, here he
toiled for the support of his aged mother here he
educated himself by the midnight lamp, and here
he has been rewarded by the confidence and esteem
of those who have witnessed his career from boy
hood to the present time. His private character
is unsullied-unimpeached His public course is a
bright example for the emulation of all who wish
to win undying reputation for deeds of pro-
priety and worth With such life as this to fall
back upon in the hour of combat, Governor Bider
can rest content that the ISLANDERS and misrepe-
sentations of midnight cabas will fall harmless at
his feet. The people have tested his WORTH have
witnessed his devotion to the interests of the State
and their verdict will be most triumphant one
i'll his favor ON the second Tuesday of October
next