Weekly Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1853-1861, 1855-12-06
Lieut.. GOV. WilIard's speech.


has been so heartily adopted, adds another to
the many obligations ! owe to you. Four years
ago you honored me with your support for the
position now occupy; thatw at time when
was young and almost unknown in the State
for but ten years since came among you boy
and stranger l had not then one drop OF
kindred blood within the boundaries Of your
State. have sympathsed with on in all youf
efforts TO establish the principles you advocate
as the permanent policy of the country. il af-
lords me pleasure that ] am able to be here in
person to return you my thanks for your kind
ness. Aud you will pardon me il avail my
self Of the opportunity to make some remarks
personal TO myself. They have reference 10 the
attacks made upon me, concerning my personal
habits. I'm SO doing. shall not claim exemp-
ton from every vice. Let he who is without
sin cast the first stone; this is good rule ia re
ligion, and hope not wrong one in politics
One Of the opposition papers alleges. that
during the last session of the Legislature per
mitted myself, by intoxication. to DEGRADE the
position which the generous and confiding De
mocracy of the State had elevated me- here
this day. at the Oaptal.of the State, in the pre-.
sence Of those who knew aud saw me- pronounce
the charge false. On the contrary 1 declare
that from the beginning TO the end Of that ses-
sion never drank one drop of liquor. When
the Legislature assembled Il was dark day in
the history of the Democracy Of Indiana. We
had been struck down by u secret foe, armed
with bigotry aud fanaticism. All eyes were
turned TO the Senate. more i'm hope than in con.
fidence that she would preserve the record Of
the State from the stain Of Abolition -disunion-
ism. At such n crisis felt that the Democracy
had a right to-demand of me all the capacity,
and all the energy which had commanded their
respect aud support, and appeal TO my associ-
ates to vindicaie my course.
Ii is difficult for me TO please the opposition.
AT one time they charge me with controlling
and governing the Legislature making and un-
making all the laws Of the State, and then in an
instant they turn and say | was intoxicated all
the while. Well if it is true that exercised SO
much influence. when so intoxicated, what
would accomplish provided remained always
sober.
The editor Of paper at Vincennes says that
was intoxicated when addressed the citizens
Of that vicinity That etiftor knew this charge
was false when he made il. Hhe sterling DE
mocracy who surrounded me that day are the
living witnesses for my yindicatioa.
After having said this much, will not deny
that in my social intercourse | may have been
guilty of errors as others have been before me-
And many of my kind friends have desired that
Tshouid place this subject beyond any -eontfo-
yersy. To them all return my thanks for their
counsel and advice And thank my enemies
also; for IL the love of my friends might not
have prevailed, the hatred Of my enemies has
determined me to the course shall this day
pursue.
Ii is time that | put this question at rest,
And in such manner thin.no Wan may trem-
BILE for the honor or safety az The State, provi-
ded the wishes Of this Conyention should be
consummated. feel that wils, my friends seek
my advancement. every embarrassment should
be removed which can he done by a word or act
Of mine. have no right if am selected TO
bear your standard in the terrible struggle
which is before us, la suffer one man TO be lost
to those principles which we all unite in sus-
tanning. I say, therefore. 10 you my friends who
have not allowed your affection. 10 b. changed
or your confidence 10 be shaken, that whenever
you shall know from reliable evidence that
have INDUCED in the nse OF ardent spirits. to
withdraw your support from roe IA the Conven-
ton, and IL am Nominated, yotr votes duriAg
the canvass; and ifclected, your support during
my term of service.
. have gone thus far in pledgng TO you my
total abstinence from the use OF intoxicating
LIQUORS during my term Of service IL elected
Governor of Indiana, that TO you might avoid
even the appearance of evil, and that the tongue
of Islander and malevolence may be hushed and
palsied.
Gentlemen, we are entering upon an eventful
contest. We are TO DO battle for the great prize
OF the Union Of the State. the preservation Of
the Constitution our fathers made. We are TO
test the strength OF the affections Of the citizens
of this republic for the cause OF human free
dom, as established by the men Of the Revolu.
ton, five bat maintain our high position. de
claring that we will execute the Constitution in
the letter and spirit in which it was written
and understood by its authors. suffering no dis
cord TO divide those who agree in principle, We
shall turn back from the ballot boxes. singing
songs Of victory for the Constitution and the
Union over the defeat q bigciry fanaticism. and
abolition treason.