The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-06-26
MIR. DAYToN's ACCEPTANCE.

Mr.. Dayton, on having been informed by the
Committee of his nomination, thus respond
ed.
Mr.. Dayton said that it was with feelings
that he could not express that he had listened
to the announcement Just made. 1t was to him
utterly unexpected. The unsolicited honor.
however, he felt and duly appreciated, not on
his own account only, but on behalf of his
State. 1t was an honor to Jerseymen. For the
last few years, though engaged in the ayoca
tons of private life, he had not been an mat.
tentive observer of the course of events He
could say, with emphasis, that his principles
had not changed. He stood now, in reference
to the great leading issues of the country. as in
times past. He held that the Constitution pro-
tects Slavery where it is, but carries it no.
where-that, in the language of the day, Free
dom is national, and Slavery sectional. He had
carefully examined the platform of principles
upon which the nominations took place, and to
it and all its parts he could give cheerful and
cordial assent The repeal Of the Missouri
Compromise was, in his Judgment, a most un.
warrantable breach of good faith, pregnant
with untold mischief, and to be remedied by
every just and constitutional means in our
power. Kansas had as she deserved, his heart.
felt sympathy. Her citizens and their rights
had been trodden down In manner unexam
pied in free Government Justice to her and
to them demanded her admission as a free State
of the Union. 1t was expedient and proper
too he said as a mode of calming down the
exasperated feeling of the country, by termina-
ting its cause. The admission of California
into the Union as State-her unprecedented
growth-outrunning and distancing his own
most sanguine expectations, seem now to de.
mand increased facilities of communication
A roadway from the West to the far West will
be ligament binding to the Union both ex-
tremes. 1t will tend to consolidate more firm
ly the lasting union of the States union
such as our fathers made, based on equality of
rights. 1t will tend too to increase the interior
commerce of the country, and to develop still
more largely the resources of that magnificent
State upon our Western borders. The improve
ments of rivers and harbors are specially ap-
proprated by the Constitution to the General
Government and whether our commerce floats
upon our coast, our rivers or lakes, it is due to
the lives of our citizens, as well as their prop
erty, that the Government should provide for
their safety. He trusted that the people would
lay aside all minor differences, and come UP
manfully to the work, yielding to one another
freedom of conscience, freedom of speech,
equality of rights, but claiming-nay, exact
ing-the same for ourselves.
In conclusion, ne a0QeO tnat ne had the
honor to know the man selected by the Peoples
Convention as the chief standard bearer for the
ensuing campaign. He was man of great
intelligence enlarged capacity, and indomitable
energy. The man who had so often assembled
the heights of the Rocky Mountains, and looked
into the then unknown depths of the Great
Basin, was the very man to look to the heights
and sound the depths of the political corruption
Of the times. He knew, too, the adversary, Mr..
Buchanan. With him or his associate, he could
have no personal issues. Let us, as far as pos
sible, soften the acerbity of the contest
us have no controversy with persons, but plat
fms. 1t is question, not Of men, but of prin-
ciples and these principles are TO be finally
settled in this campaign.
At the conclusion of Mr.. Dayton's remarks,
the crowd sent up three hearty cheers for the
ticket, which were followed by three cheers for
Kansas, three for California, and three for New
Jersey.
The procession then formed, and returned
to the depot, where they met the down train to
New York. They were joined on the platform
by all the delegates on board, and nine hearty
cheers were given for the ticket, and three for
New Jersey, while the train remained at the
depot. One hundred guns were being fired
during Ne same time.
Mr.. Dayton is about fifty years of age, of fine
form and commanding appearance, and seemed
to be in excellent health and spirits.
At New Brunswick another demonstration
was made. the train being met by a number of
citizens and cheers given for the ticket.
Throughout the State the same enthusiasm
was manifested, and when the boat reached the
dock at this city, three parting cheers were
given for Fremont and Dayton.