The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-09-12
SPEECH OF Mr.. JOHN cocHRAsE, OF NEW YORK
Aide recent N0 York Democratic State Contention Syria


MR. PRESIDENT am happy 10 perceive uAt the Inc u
action indicated for the convention harmonizes with the
prospect there is Of successful termination OF in labofs
our resolutions should tamper with no ncely-adJasteo
scale Of temporizing policy, but express wh becoming
dignity durable principles, and with fnnness determi-
nation 10 support them 80
am sir not the advocate ef expedients, seasonabe to
eplcnra emergencies but rather the advocate OF truths
The force of which, while commensurate with eternity is
equal The disposition of every intervening obstacle The
question presented consideration IS grave and I'M
ouut question confined either in origin or effect TO
This OCCASION but transmitted to through reach OF an
terror experiences and extending its consequences far into
the future down TO succeeding political organizations we
have assembled under the shadow of its presence
While we debate the entire democratic constituency Of the
States pause in anxious suspense. AS shall decide
win democratic hopes revive, all the country over or De-
spondeny chill the courage and the energies OF our
party. !.
Shall the people irrespective of geographical separation
whether BY territorial lines of division be inrust
ed with the exercise of their American birth
rght2 Such is the problem with which we have been
charged by several constituencies and would ear
nesty guard gentlemen against a dercicllon or duty,
which sa involve failure to attempt its solution For
one am not only prepared, but resolved to meet the
issue here stand that with whatever result rewarded
oppressed may return to my constituents with the
consciousness Of duty performed.
And here sir let me say word in consideration Of the
power that has been claimed this floor for the opinions
OF constituency cannot subscribe to the doctrine that
their opinions TO be invariably observed aud received
IN all instances obligatory. Nor, while rejecting sia-
wish subsection to them, would disrohe myself Of the po-
ca character which tho representation by me OF their
authors imposes Occupying therefore, the comprehensive
and unmisakabe ground covered by broad and catho-
lie democratic creed claim in my representative capaci-
4 the unramneled exercise Of my individual Judgment
81 adequacy and justice OF the measures by which is
proposed TO sustain creed Beyond this, the opinions
n my receive the guide of my direction
within this discaim their operation and will act upon
my convictions of what is true and just Applause
tits 10 the substantial and nesettled platform OF the
democratic party that would direct the attention OF gem
temen in advocacy of the principle of popular sovereign
~ it is those principles which distinguish democracy
from its hybrid political opponents that when connseing
r.tav Airaat thn
universal attention. and respectfully enreat that the fort
ress hung with the trophies of former victories and in
which centred all hopes Of future success be not now
rutblessly dsmantled and culFably abandoned.
was sorry TO hear from my colleague from New
York Mr.. Shepard suggestion that perhaps, in
view of the conflict q sentiment on these subjects,
it we're well that the convention preserve silence
upon national issues. lie finds an additional reason
Tor lie suggestion in the fact that, while the author
ity OF the convention is plenary on all State matters
may be properly regarded as exceeding its powers when
undertaking pronounce upon questions Of national
character. Much respect my colleagues opinions
he permitted to differ from the suggestion which he
intinated and do with the greater confidence that
thought observed that it did not possess the support OF
the Judgment of the gentleman himself but was rather
thought hastily compounded daring the ardor OF debate OF
desire preserve the harmony OF the convention and OF
device hastily conceived for securing it. 1t is quite
true contend for State officers in the coming
campaign and that the should embrace, as to a
large will embrace discussion of the State poll
cy, which the candidates whom we may nominate Tor
State offices will represent But has it not occurred to
presence Of ever-vigIant and aways-active political
Toe and that whatever may be disposed to adopt for
the plan operations decision may be reversed by the
action Of the enemy2 Sir, it is impossible for POI
ltcai party 10 compose its issues and to arrange
their order of presentation The principles OF party
most certainly are referahle TO its own judgment
but. whether Issue can be framed upon those
principles be- measuraby, referred to the action
its opponents Indeed the only significance there is in
proceeds from the presence Of an opposing force
and its nature and quality dervable, not more from
the nature Of its offer by the side than from the man.
and of it's acceptance by the other side There
that TWO Parties essential political Issue there is
homely strength in tho proverb, that lit takes
make bargain 4 and whether the bargain be agree
disagree think that the soecism can safely be relied
on the world over that mutual concurrence is quite
necessary TO effect disagreement agreement.
Laughter Now, whatever may resolve shall be the
snes which place candidates before the people
action vii! be incomplete without reference to that OF
adversaries While we possibly shall be determining
that the shall be confined State issues the fu-
sonss will have already propouRded to the country their
opinions national questions and IL unquestiOnaby
il often happens the silence of party upon op-
ions expressed by another party capable of being
sirned into evidence OF dissent national issues will have
been formed for us without our having opened lips
Thus sir il will be that the policy of silence cam
der circumstances avail anything and especially
It not avail anything TO us who on the questions sought
to he avoided have frequently and Enthusiastically we'll
nigh mp To the sitting of this convention recorded our
opinions. While therefore, shall stake nothing by
mouenp let us not cucumber character with recre-
ancy of duty and political cowardice. And besides sir,
there occasions when the eloqnence Of silence is
impressive than that Of utterance when from the
retirance OF moment spring thousand armed voices,
camorous through the future when the word unspoken
which should have been spoken perces like barb and
rankles as poison. Am wrong, when asserting that
silence upon national questions about which all parties are
resolving, and Of which all people thinking would be
such OCCASION | think, sir, that am not wrong
and that If we consult our manhood--nav sir that
refer ourselves to the counseis Of expedency
we win not blink these questions but approach the issue
manfaiiy. Appianse.l
aud then TOO it is recommended that all utterance be
suppressed Of the national administration. Can it be pos
sibe thai gentlemen have well considered of the effect of
eucs course That power triumphantly seated at Wash
iugcn BY your instrumentalty in the achievements Of
which the democratic party has strengthened aud reoiccd
the Of c have attracted its side thousands
oil former opponents and attached more strongly demo-
cratic hosts the of which have established the
homeare you maintain silence respecting these badges
of faithful democratic administration Mol the advice
which recommends it is treason to the democratic party
a The voice which uttes IL is counterfeit representa-
ton, There is not VINO will consent to the imputa
ton that Franklin Pierce, to whose elevation he
trhued has BY expression act forfeited his esteem
betrayed the democratic trust. No not lie Is
Justly entitled 10 the full OF your confidence and
the Of his administration have declared it to be
faithful democratic administration. lAppausc.
Sir the resolutions introduced by the gentleman from
Oneida Mr. Jenkins restore to the "a,igud doioran
the ancient grief Of the days when eight years gone
intended aud lis claimed that these resolutions present
views OF the subject of which they treat consistent with
those entertained during that period of discussion by that
division of the party apPropratng the title Of the radical
democracy, and popularity known barnburners 1t
my ortunewhether good bad as events may deter