The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-06-17
DEMOCRATIC MEETING IN WASH
INGTON

| mocrats of Washington held a meeting in
Copps Saloon, Saturday night, to ratify
the nomination of the Democratic Conven-
ton. Hon. Samuel Smith was appointed
Chairman. He pledged himself that Ten
nessee would give such majority for the
nominees as has never been given since the
! days of jackson.
General Cass made a speech heartily
endorsing the nomination. The time hon
ored statesman continued his theme at con-
siderable length, and in most felicitous
| manner, closing with the Invocation
''withered be the hand that is stretched out
to touch the ark of the constitution The
cheering was long and loud.
Hon. Judge Douglas, as the chairman
introduced him, the Young Giant of the
West" followed in one of his sound, spirit
stirring, powerful speeches. He rejoiced
that they had a standard bearer with wis
dom and nerve to execute the laws; COM
plimented President Pierce as the ''Star in
the East that never sets" He followed the
example of his illustrious friend by exhort-
ing all who love him, or regard his opinions
or have any respect for his memory, to put
their shoulders to the wheel, and do every
thing in their power for glorious victory.
Tremendous cheers while the band PLAYED
the Star Spangled Banner.
The meeting then adjourned to serenade
the President, and proceeded to the Exeeu-
tive Mansion.
PRESIDENT PIERCES SPEECH
The President came forward, and from q
window of his mansion, said:
[ congratulate you, my fellow-citizens
upon the occasion which brings you here;
and indulge the confident hope that the
JOY with which you hail the harmonious
and unanimous result of the deliberations
at Cincinnati may be strengthened and
deepened by the ratifying voice of our
countrymen.
1t is pleasant to realize that, however
other parties may be divided and distracted,
there is nothing with US but union of pur-
pose, and will be nothing but union in
action. From this hour to that when the
polls will be opened in November, all pre-
judices and personal animosities among
those who should cultivate mutual regard
and afford mutual support will be laid aside;
nay, even preferences which may have
existed in our ranks, are already no longer
remembered. The preferen e of the Con-
vention is the preference in this crisis of
every friend who cares more for the country
than for himself Devotion to the cause,
and an earnest support of the standard
bearers who are to lead US through the great
struggle, will constitute the controlling
sentiment of the Democracy, North and
South, East and West.
We are all, I am sure, quite sincere in
our convictions that not only the prosperity
of the Republic, but the perpetuity of this
blessed Union depends essentially upon the
vindication and maintenance of the prlnci-
pies declared by the recent Convention
But these principles can be windicated and
sustained only by concerted action, and
that can only be secured by organization.
Hence fidelity to this organization and its
usages becomes, like fidelity to principles,
a cardinal virtue. The latter can only be
manifested and made effectual through the
former.
My friends will have duties to perform in
the canvass which my position alone will
prevent me from attempting to fulfil in
person. It is never to be forgotten by me
that, in 1852, older and better many voices
cried out mot better!' soldiers than my
self, (Mr. Buchanan and General Cass)-
men who had been faithful and tried leaders
through many years of labor and conflict
were passed by to call me from the retire
ment which | had sought, and to which |
shall return without regret. May not add,
gentlemen, that, if life be spared, snail 20
back to the State of my birth with con-
seriousness of having adopted no single
measure Of public policy during my admin
istration which did not believe to be de-
manded by the best interests of my country,
nor one which does not, tonight, command
the appreciation of my judgment and my
conscience!
The conduct of these older and better
soldiers of whom have spoken. and of the
younger but nevertheless better soldier
Judge Douglas) now standing by the great,
venerated, and good man, General Cass,)
who for so many years has had, not merely
my confidence and respect, but my affec-
ton, will never cease to be gratefully re-
membered by me. They were all in the
field, not merely to encourage and direct,
but actually to lead the columns. Their
energies were not put forth because the
standard was in my hands, but because its
bearer was, in their estimation, for the time
being, the impersonation of those sound con-
stitutional principles which they believed
could alone give stability and permanence
to this glorious fabric of our institutions.
1t is cheering to know that the action of
the late Convention places the statesmen
and patriots who are to lead US now upon
platform identical. in scope and spirit,
81. ~, 7 c-lI