Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1856-05-03


! do not advise the running Of Wing can
didate for the Presdency-we could not hope to
suceeed-it would only complicate our difficult
ties and increase the chances of the election
Of Black Republcan-to the accomplish
ment of such result can never lend myself
just here | hope | may be allowed one word
of communion with that little band who have
stood fast by their guns-have never hauled
down their colors amidst the general desoa
ton that has swept over our once strong and
always gallant party. 1t is TO this little band,
always fearless and faithful, that | would ad
dress a few words in the fulness Of affection
Though small in numbers, yet our responsible
ties are great. Although we may not have any
gallant captain of our own choosing, as was our
fortune in other days, one whose voice was ever
heard above the battles din, one whose white
plume was ever seen waving proudly In the
thickest Of the fight, cheering the hearts OF his
followers though they only live in the hottest
memories of our hearts, yet let US not forget
we will never forget--that we have country.
They may rob us of much, but our country re-
mains to us. We will never surrender il ex-
cept in DEATH 1t is for us to determine what
duty requires at our hands, and when the path
is once seen, know you will tread it with firm,
unfaltering step. Unable of ourselves to elect
a candidate Of our own choice, still the privi-
lege remains to us to choose for ourseveS
among the candidates that may be presented to
the country.
Left, as | am, to decide for myself what |
ought to do in view of all the difficulties that
lie in my way, fully impressed with the respon-
sibility that rests upon me, have calmly sur
veyed the whole ground, and my judgment is
deliberately formed. / shall stand where am,
just as ! am, and wait the coming of future de-
velopments. We have before US the names of
the candidates of the American party and their
principles. shall wait and see who the Dem
ocratic party will present to US, and what princ
Piles they proclaim. When the candidates are
all before us, will cast my vote for that man
and with that party which | think most
likely to protect the Constitution, preserve the
Union, and drive back the horde of northern
vandas who seek to usurp our rights, and final
ly to possess themselves of the citadel liberty.
For the present have but one political am
bition, but one active, absorbing, political
principle; ambitious to be an humble agent in
preserving our rights, protecting our honors,
and forever crushing out and annihilating these
disturbers of the peace, invaders of our rights,
and traitors to the Constitution to be one of
the humblest in the accomplishment of this, is
all / ask-t would be glory enough for me.
You may ask, are you going to join the
American party? / answer, no. Are you
going to join the Democratic party? Again
! answer, no. am going for the country.
If satisfied that the American party
can best preserve the honor Of the country, and
protect our rights, however much | may depre-
cate their course, shall vote with them. If l
shall believe the Democrats best able to achieve
these great ends, Notwithstanding the many
scars | bear on my person, received at their
hands, they shall have my vote.
This is my position. Let me see the men,
and what they propose shall then judge for
myself what duty requires me to do-take my
position fearlessly, and stand by it faithfully.
| have endeavored thus briefly and candidly,
to present to you my impressions of the dan
gers that threaten you. / have felt constrained
to give you this warning; it may be, as others
have BEEN unheeded. If so, / shall regret it
but / shall have the consciousness of having
endeavored to discharge my duty.
In view of all that has transpired, and is
daily transpiring, the greatly increased and
constantly increasing strength and arrogance
of the Abolition party, all their bitter malig
nant denunciation of southern rights and
southern men, from the press, the hustings,
and the pulpit, in Congress and out of il;
if, in view of all these things, all these facts
and warnings, the South cannot be aroused
to a sense of its danger, then despair of any
thing breaking the fatal sumber in which they
repose, until the bell from this Capitol shall toll
the funeral knell of the Union. When this
terrible sound shall arouse you from your long,
fatal sleep, your waking will be too late.
My task is done, my duty performed, the
issue is in your hands; for myself ] have but
little to hope for or expect, and thank God !
have nothing to fear.
JAMES C. JONES.