St. Charles Republican intelligencer. (St. Charles [Charles City], Iowa) 1856-1857, 1856-09-25
Aolitital.
Important Development.

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of Hon. George G. Bates, of California,
formerly Attorney General of Michi-
gan, will show how deep-rootcd are the
anti-slavery principles of Col. Fremont,
when, rather than surrender his con-
victions in regard to the repeal of the
Missouri Compromise, he refused to
accept the nomination for the Presi-
dency from the party with which he
had always acted. Col. Fremont, it
now appears, was the first choice of
the Democratic party, that he was
actually offered the nomination of the
Cincinnati Convention, but refusing
to endorse their principles upon the
subject of slavery, he was dropped
The following article from the Detroit
Tribune, gives the report Of Mr.. Bates
speech as delivered in that city on the
2sth ult.:
"Hon. George G. Bates, Of Californ-
ia, in the course of his speech, made
the following important political
statement: When he (Mr. Bates
was expected to sail for California in
August, 1855, he was persuaded by
Mr.. Palmer, of the firm of Palmer,
Cook & Co., bankers of San Francisco,
to remain until October, when he and
Colonel Fremont would accompany
him thther. Mr.. Bates postponed his
departure as desired. But when the
time for departure arrived, Col. Ere
mont; although his trunks were pack
ed, did not go, but ordered his bag
gage to the Metropolitan Hotel in
stead. This was in consequence of
the following facts: Governor Floyd
of Virginia, had just 'arrived in New
York city for the special purpose of
having an interview with Col. FIRE.
mont, and the result of that interview
was an offer made to Col. Fremont by
Gov. Floyd, in behalf Of the Democrat
ic party, he having advised with it's
leading men North and South, of the
nomination for the Presidency. He
said that party wanted new mana
man of integrity and well-won dis
tinction outside fparty.
Col. Fremont, after listening pa
tiently, and even submitting to two
separate interviews, and knowing the
platform he was expected to stand up
on, replied: that while deeply sensible
of the high distinction of the PROPOSE
ton made him, and flattered by the
promises it extended, yet, with his
opinion of the repeal Of the Missouri
Compromise, it would be impossible
for him to entertain the proposition.
He considered that repeal an infamous
breach of plighted faith, and never
should desist denouncing the act and
it's authors. Col. Fremont planted
himself impregnably on this position.
Mr.. Palmer being cognizant of these
facts, communicated them forthwith
to Hon. N. p. Banks, and Hon. Henry
Wilson, Of Massachusetts, and they
came and saw Col. Fremont, and to
state in brief the result of that inter-
view, he consented to lead the hosts
of freedom in this campaign if the
people should call him to that position.
All this happened late in September,
1855, if we correctly recalled Mr..
Bates statement. He gives time,
names, and places, and vouches for
the entire accuracy Of the above
statement.
There is no doubt, we believe, Of
the substantial accuracy of this state
ment: it illustrates in q very
striking manner the deep carnestness
and sincerity of Col. Fremont's opinion
in regard to the repeal of the Missouri
Compromise, as well as the belief en-
tertained by the leading members of
the Democratic party Of his popular
strength as candidate for the Pres
idcncy.