The union Democrat., 1856-08-30
speech of Gen. Cass.

The following address of thisy veteran statesman
and patriot was made at the ratification meeting
held at Washington immediately upon the terusi-
nation of the labors of the National Democratic
Convention 1t breathes the right spirit, and
should awaken responsive echo in the breast Of
every democrat in the Union:
| do not come here u make you formal
address. cane to unite with you Ill your con- |
gratalations upon the terulaatlon-the fortunate
termination-of the mission OF the representa-
tive body OF the democratic party at CncinnatA
A-voice has reached US from the West, borne by
that mysterious agent which dehes both time and
space, announcing that the convention has given
to our party the name of a statesman and patriot
for the Chief MasiStraCy OF the Union and for our
standard-bearcr, during the coming contest, who
will unite the hearts aud hopes and exertions of
the whole democracy of the country. And that
man Is James Buchanan. He respected by the
American people for his services and experience
and for his unsucd integrity and unquestioned
talents, his intimate acquaintance with public
affairs, and for his patriotism and his devotion to
the country, IN Whatever situation he has been
placed. at home or abroad. He has filed with
| honor and distinction Earious high stations, and
left them all enjoying greater measure OF public
confidence than when he entered thenl-a rare
circumstance in the life of a public in our
own party for his attachment to its cause and
principles, his fidelity in trying times, and his
| rejection ot mere local considerations always
regarding with Solcitude the rights apdclaimS of
every section of the country. The lahsrs of the
convention arc closed, and well closed aud now
ours-that is, yours and mine, those, indeed OF
the whole party-noW begin. Let us determine
to elect our nominee. We can do it, and shall do
it. Let every true democrat buckle on his
armor-not the armor of Sharpe's rifles, which
are supplied by some of the churches of the
| country, instead of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
but the armor OF truth, of reason, and of persua-
sion and go forth to the combat, and be is sure to
80 forth to victory
And never was there time which more de-
manded the patriotism anSdevoton o. every hon
eSt-hearted American than does the present.
Evil days are upon us, ard in the very wanton-
ness OF blessings and prosperity unknown else
where in ancient or ia modern times, we are
engaged in an angry and fearful sectional contro-
versv, whose consequences no man should con-
template without the most gloomy apprehension.
One portion of our country, not satisfied with
enjoying the rights of selfsovernment. seems to
desire to govern the other The day of trial has
come, aud the destiny of the Union, under the
God of our fathers and our own Ged who has
lead Us through the waters and the desert to this
beautiful land, not oa promise, but of perform
ance--under His overrWling Providence the des-
tiny Of this Union is in the hearts and hands of
the democratic party. Our old and honorable
| opponents, the viii gS--the wings of the days of
the lamented Clay and Webster-who so long
carried on Il contest with our party upon great
constitutional questions. and spirit of liberal
patriotism, are dsbaBded. Its leaders are dead
ar discouraged, its standard is in the dust and it's
tlme-honored distinctive principles are among
the things that have been, and mainly out of the
ruins have arisen sectional parties, some of them
with ayoWed designs, fatal to our national eXis-
'teuce, and all them without any otherconnectng
bond than opposition to the Democratic parte,
| Let US not underrate the strength of that oppo-
siton; but let prepare fur it, and we can over
come 1t Ill fair combat and save the ChioE: tfTsf
hete, this night, at this democratic meeting of
approval and ratification, M the political Capital
of the Republic, let us pledge ourselves to each
other and to the party to do our duty, and our
whole duty; and if this example is everywhere
followed, as it will be, the hattie will be half won
by the determination to win it, Let every dem
'ocrat sacrifice his personal prejudces and predi-
lections, If he have any that will be injurious,
upon the altar of his party. And if | have one
single friend in this numerous aSsemblage who,
for the sake of auld lang sgne, has any regard
for my wishes and opinions, l ask him to do as
shall do-supp0rt zeal0uSey, heartily, earnestly.
the election of James buchanan. He will find
his reward in the good of his country and in the
stability of her Institutions.
AS to the candidate for the Vice Presidency.
the selection is honorable to the convention and
to the party. Those whe know Mr. Breckinr;dg.
best, best know his true democracy, G1ga and ,.
honorable character, his eminent talents, and hia
claims upon the public confidence. He will be
faithful co-aborer with James Buchanan in th
cause of the country. Success to them both,
but, above all, success to this glorious Union
which has given US a greater measure of pros
fell IN
lot of any nation! Withered be the hand that
is stretched out to touch the Ark of the Consti-
tuition!
q