The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-04-24
LETTER FROM HON. Il. w. CHASTAIN.

To the Editors Of The CassoiHs Standard:
GENTLEMEN: During the past few months have
ceyed numerous from various portions of the fifth
congressional district soliciting expression Of my views
as to the propety of holding convention for the nom
nation OF candidate the suages of the people at the
coming fall elections have adopted this mode of an
swerng letters not from any want Of courtesy to the
writers but because the subject being which every
voter in the district enjoys an equal right TO know the
opinions of his representative as well as to entertain and
express his own, have deemed it best to make known
those opinions through the medium of the public press
1t cannot denied the most bitter opponents Of
the cherished principles Of political faith, that
the prosperity of country home and the high posi-
ton it now occupies amongst the first and most powerful
nations of the world impose increased responsibilities
the democracy Of the nation, through whose policy and
principles this national greatness has been achieved From
thirteen States, containing population OF little over
three millions have become mighty nation dispensing
all the comforts life and all the blessings Of equal liberty
and equal rights to twenty-five millions of inhabitants
We have extended territory from the Atlantic to the
Pacific and have thrown open the countless acres OF our
vast domain the capital and industry of the oppressed
of nations under whose kfu toll the wilderness disap
pears the forests eled and the logcabns of the hardy
and adventurous settler give way to the cities and towns
and villages which spring up if by magic, charging
the area Of freedom and multiplying the blessings of civ
zation, religion, and liberty
We have INA word, become mighty nation, powerful
in all the elements Of moral and political greatness and it
due the truth Of history and should not therefore be
deemed offensive invidous by those not of our political
faith to proclaim as | do, that all his is the egt-
fruit of democratic ascendency in the administration
of our happy government
We have added louisiana Florida Texas, and Caliior
MIA the constellation of States, and Minnesota, New
Mexico Utah. Kansas and Nebraska viii be knocking
the doors of Congress for admission into glorious
conederacy. refer to these acquisitions not to dwell
upon the benefits which they have conferred upon the
ton large but remark that they tributes which
the democratic party have laid upon the altar of
try, in the face of the most uncompomsing hostility from
those opposedno doubt honestlyto peculiar party
In this march Of national progress the democracy of
Georgia have not been idle spectators We have been
laggards on the way, shall the backward
movement now, when country favorably point
to the many triumphs of measures and policy
achieved alike in peace and war; in the cabinet and in the
field
The increased responsibilities already alluded to will
am confident be fully met by democratic brethren
throughout the State II only for me TO add that
my confidence less strong that the gallant democracy
Of the fifth will prove themselves worthy Of their past
achievements On thing they may rely that whatever
may be the position they shall be pleased to assign me
whether their standardbearer or as private in the
lines, they will find me willing, prompt unHinehing fight
ing with them side by side wherever duty calls in the de-
fence and maintenance of glorious principles
There ne point more which il necessary to say
few words The enemy have already commenced the
contest but unfortunately for the success Of their plans
they have made them known too least they have az
forded sufficient time defeat and thwar them They
dread concert Of action unity OF counsel in word
they dcpreca,e submission the viii Of the people in
the choice Of candidates for their SURFACES This is their
characteristic policy indeed il is one Of their cardinal
principles to concentrate power in the hands OF the few by
Withdrawing 1t from the hands OF the many This Is ef
feced in sundry ways but in the particular case in which
they recommend il to they would desire to accomplish
by rpudang any direct reference the question to the
people and stimulating the ambition Of those who to carry
OUT their own selfish aud corrupt perhaps rorous pur
poses because indirectly divide and defeat our party and
prneipes would proclaim themselves leaders regardless
OF the wishes of those whom they would pretend to lead
Among such shall be found Before would con-
sent to hch from my party single vote or rob my prnc-
pies OF single defender would retire forever from pub
nc life, conscious that by doing would attest my
hdey TO principle and party whose past and present
challenge the admiration Of every American patriot The
democracy, therefore have only be true to themselves
and to their principles Let them spuru from their pres
ence the inriguer and the timeseryer let them speak
their opinions and express their preference through the
tinehonored medium of convention and be those opn-
ions and preferences in whose favor they may cand