, 1855-06-22
Letter from Gen. Lane.

On the reception at this plaee of the
news of the nomination to congress, by the
democracy of Oregon, of Gen. JOSEPH
LANE, it will be remembered that the dem
ocratic portion of our citizens expressed
the qualification which the action Of the
democracy of that territory afforded them
by the firing of national salute, and in a
public meeting, through committee, ten
dored to him an, invitation to visit our ter
ritory, at his convenence-extending to
him the hospitalities of our city, &c.
The following letter from the General,
in reply to the committee, declining, for the
present at least, the invitation extended,
will, we are quite certain, receive a careful
perusal from all classes Of our citizens-of
all parties. The attachment of the gallant
old General to the fundamental principles
Of the democratic faith-the bold, frank
and earnest appeal to the honest masses,
that they sustain those principles, is so
plainly evidenced, and fully set forth by
him, that nothing that we might say could
add strength to what is SO plainly express
ed as the duty Of the democracy of this
territory in the approaching election. Gen.
Lane has never become lukswarm in his
attachment to our people, nor faltcred, in
the capacity of representative in congress
from Oregon, in rendering this territory
essential aid whenever opportunities pre-
scnted themselves, and our interests and
necessities required a helping hand. Our
people will never be ungrateful, or cease
to remember their first governor and dele
gate We hope yet that before the meet.
ing of the next congress, the General will
find time to pay us visit and enjoy the
hospitalities of our citizens
PORTLAND, OREGON, June l2, 1855.
GEYTLEMEN-I have the honor to ac-
knowledge the receipt Of your very kind
letter enclosing resolutions adopted at a
meeting of the democracy at Olympia, ex-
prcssive of their qualification by reason Of
my denomination for delegate, abiding in
complimentary terms to my past services
in their behalf, and extending 10 me cor
dial invitation to visit their territory.
Permit me to say I am duly sensible Of
the honor thus rendered me, for which l
shall ever feel most grateful. 1t is with
unfeigHed regret am compelled to deny
myself the pleasure of accepting your kind
invitation, and forego the pleasure at this
time of visiting your Territory, to take by
the hand the true and warm-hearted de-
mocracy of Washington, for whom / shall
always cherish the sincerest friendship.
My heart warns towards them, and though
distant, my hand instinctively extends itself
to grasp theirs in brotherhood.
The principles of the democratic party
are the true principles Of our government,
and are too precious and important-now
and forever will be, to be trifed with, by
temporary, local or personal interests. AL
low me, therefore, to hope that my demo-
cratic friends Of our sister Territory will
go hand in hand in support Of their nomi-
nees. This am sure they will do-they
will heartily unite for the success Of our
principles They will unfurl our banner,
on which has ever been inscribed, Equal
and exact justice to all men, Of whatever
state or persuasion, religious or political ;
equal rights to every American citizen,
whether native or adopted" With this
banner at the head of their columns, they
will move forward to battle and victory.
With the democracy, the constitution,
the Union, and the rights of the states,
have been and will continue to be safe.
Gentlemen, allow me to assure you that
nothing would afford me greater pleasure
than to accept your invitation, but my
business and prior engagements are such
as to deprive me the power to do so.
With sincere wishes for your health,
happiness and prosperity, and for the tri-
umph Of the democratic party, I am gen.
tlcmen,
With great respect,
Your obedient servant,
JOSEPH LANE.
E. YuLEE, ESQ.,, Gro. b. GoUDY, Esq,