The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1856-07-02
CADIz OHIO WEDNESDAY, JULY 9 1856.

Webster Wright, Forsythe, ald others, whose
names are cherished as portion off the treasures
of the country-and he was not the least star
in that galaxy. His great compeers are gone,
yet he remains, in the vigorous possession of all
his faculties, standing in the midst of the des-
cendants of those, with whom he commenced
his career-respccted and honored by all class
es Of his countrymen. Like all public men, he
has been the victim of detraction, but he has
outlived its influence, nor can the calumnies
thrown out in the party contests long past, be
more successfully revived against him than a.
gainst the memories of his honored associ-
ates.
OF myself gentlemen, it does not become me
to speak, especially here in the midst of peo-
pie among whom was born and reared NJ
principles and course of life arc known to YOU
all.
Gentlemen, the platform of principles adopt
cd by the convention will attract the attention
of the country, and exert the most influence on
public affairs. Without entering into discus
sion of that platform, l may remark, that it re-
asserts the old and well recognized creed of the
democratic party; and then applies the princi-
pies of that party to the great questions of the
times. a-"-
Upon the two issues which do now most agi-
tate the Union, the position of the Democracy
cannot hereafter be misunderstood or misrepre-
sented. . -...... -.-..-r
They have defined in explicit terms their
construction of the guarantees of civil and reli,
gious liberty which are contained in the Consti-
tuition of the United States. i, w
Upon the distracting question of Domestic
slavery, their position is equally clear The
whole power of the Democratic organization is
pledged to the following propositions:
That Congress shall not interfere upon this
subject in the States, in the Territories, or in
the district of Columbia. ....
That the people of each Territory shall dc
termine the question for themselves, and be ad.
mitted into the Union upon footing of perfect
equality with the original States, without dis,
elimination on account of the allowance or pro-
hibition of slavery. ----
That the law of Congress, for the return O.
iugitives from labor, passed in pursuance of the
requirements of the Constitution shall be faith.
fully executed. .-....
Upon all these vital questions the Convention
was unanimous; every delegate from ever,
State giving them his cordial approval.
Gentlemen, if these principles can be main
tanned, every obstacle will be removed to tn
peace and prosperity of our country. Nor
than this you ought not to ask-less than thi
you will not consent to take. l know you vel
enough to be assured that there is not MAJ
within the souud of my voice, who does not feel
that this settlement is just, and that in no Other
mode can the rights of the respective members
of the conedcracy be preserved. and the peac,
of the Union secured.
To the maintenance of these principles arr
pledged the united efforts of the strongest poll
tical organization in the United States. You
are not called upon now to decide subordinate
questions of policy. You are brought face tc
face with issues which rock your country to its
center and involve the principles upon which
your institutions are founded. Hence high
personal responsibility is imposed on every cit
izen, which cannot be discharged by blindly herd
Ing beneath party banners, or utterng fierce raj
| lying cries, or surrcndering the judgment to the
dominion of the prejudices or the passions.
He who shall examine carefully and temper.
ately the platform of the National Democracy
compare twith the platform of other parties
Investigate the issues before the country
learn the strength and purposes of other orga.
nizations, and then prefer the decision of his
Judgment to the temptations of his passions, will
have performed his duty ina manner answcra.
BILE to the high claims of his country upon the
patriotism of her sons. ~ a.
My only purpose in appearing before you, up
on the invitation Of your committee, was to rem
der my sincere acknowledgements for the kind
ness which prompted you to desire my presence
If have been betrayed into remarks more ex
tended than the occasion seemed to demand
you must share the blame with me, and plac'
the error, in part at least to the account of you
warm welcome and friendly attention.
In one sentiment am sure we can all concu
that the great issues involved in this contes
may be so decided as to preserve the Constitu
ton, advance the general prosperity, and give
new guarantee of the equal and perpetual I'm
ion Of the States.