Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1856-07-04
willards Pledge : DruAk in cinsin


We have indubitable testimony that
when Willard went to Richmond, Va.
last spring. he WIS often 80 drunk rs
to be disgrace to himself, and a
source Of modification to bis friends.
Our Information comes from one who
travelled with him most Of the way
He has recently been 50 drunk in Gin
cinnnii rs to elicit structures fom The
city press. The Gazette having allu.
ded TO u, the Enquirer affects TO deny
IL by saying;
CAS- TO what he says about Mr.. vii.
lard being almost n confirmed drunk
ard" aud Of being guilty Of violating
pledge ito abstain from the use.o
intoxicating drinks" we pronounce i
gross libel"
But the fact Of his drunkenness in
Cincinnati was so manifest, that even
he Enquirer could not face on IL di-
rec,ly. Notice the abose. IL only
denies his being "almost a..conirmed
drunkard.' and his violating his
pledge" Il virtually admits that he
was drunk. but this was no ''vioIation
Of his pledge. for. says the enquirer
"Thc "pledge" TO which il aIlade'
was not to take effect until after his
election ae Governor. and. in oul
judgement. there was nothing In his
habits. then or now, to make such
pledge at all necessary"
Your Judgment" Mr.. Enquirer
differs from the judgment Of sober
tloosiers. Even Willard himself, con
fessed, before the nomination. that on'
Of his habits was unit to govern a So
Der people. so he took the pledge, 0
hia own free will and accord. Blu
you will SEQ from It's peculiar phrase
ology tina, il was not because ho ab
horred drunkenness but the "hatret
OF his enemies" Il ad his pledge
below. and. knowing that he has VIC
lated il, will you vote for himg Ifh'
disgraces himself by Drunkenness be
fore The election, are you willing tina
be should disgrace your state, as /
drunken goyerporg We can prove b.
Democratic witnesses Who drank soitl
him that he drank freely at PennsyI
| yaniaburg. a few weeks ago. Here 1
his pledge as published in the Sent
mel. SCI
"Af,er having said this much. vii
not deny that in my uociaI intercourse
| may have been guilty Of errors. a
Others have been before me. Al,
many OF my kind friends have desires
that / should place this subject beyon'
any controversy 10 them all. | re
turn my thanks for their counsel ant
advice. And ! thank my enemies al
so; for, II the love OF my friends nigh
not have prevailed, the hatred Of m
enemies has determined me IN III
course 1 shell this day pursue.
l. is Time that put this question q
rest. And In such u manner that n
nun may tremble Tor the safety 0
honor Of the State, provided the wishe
Of this Convention should be consum
mated. feel that when my friend
seek my advancement. every embaI
basement should be removed which ca
be done by a word or deed OF mine
have no right il | am selected to bea
your standard in the terrible struggl
which is before us. to suffer one ma
TO be lost TO those principles which W
all unite In sustaining. ] say, there
fore. TO you nv friends. who have nc
!. allowed your affection 70 be changed
or their confidence TO be shnken, tbs
whenever you know. from reliable ey
dence that have INDUCED in the us
Of ardent spirits. TO withdraw you
support from me IN the Convention
and " | am nominated. your votes dc
ring the canvass: and II elected. you
support during my term Of service.
/ have gone thus far in pledging
you my total abstinence from the Us
OF oil Intoxicating drinks during m
term OF service. Il elected Governor
Indiana. that to you might. avoi
even the appearances Of evil. and th'
the tongue Of Islander and malevs
Ienee may be entirely hushed and pa
sled.
We hope that all honest men wills
once Withdraw their supper. from hin
according TO bis own words. A ma
~hc will get drunk during the canvas
will get drunk afterwards. as the pc,
Pile Of Franklin know TO their own so
row and shame.