Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1856-06-23
NEWS
MT. Buchanan,s Acceptance.
NHrATiAND, NEAR LANCASTER,

! ocratie National Convention. recently held ot Gin
clhnat as The Democratic candidate for the oficeof
President OF this United States shall not attempt
10 express tue grateful feelings which entertain to-
wards my Democratic fellow citizens for la wing deem
ed me worthy of ths-the highest political honor on
carthan honor such the people of no other coun-
Try nave the power to bcstow. Deeply sensible Of
the vast and varied responsibility attached 10 the
station, especially at the present crisis in our affairs
have carefully RETAINED from seeking the nom-
nation either by word or by deed. Now that il has
been offered by the Democratic party aeccp, il with
diffdence in my abilities, but with an humble
trust, that in the event of my election may be en-
abed TO discharge my duty in such a manner rs to
ailaY domestic strife, preserve peace and friendship
with foreign nations and promote the best interests
of the republic.
In accepting the nomination, | need scarcely say
that accept in the spirit, the resolutions con
stung the platform of principles erected by the
Convention. To this platform | intend to conine
myself throughout the canvass believing that have
no right rs the candidate of the Democratic party
by answering heterogeneous to present new and
different issues before the people.
II will not be expected that in this answerI should
specially refer to the subject of each of the resolu
tiodsi and shall therefore confne myself to the two
topics now most prominently before the people.
And in the first place, cordially concur in the
sentiments on the subject of civil and religious lib
erty No party founded on religious political in
tolerance towards one class of American citizens
whether born in or in II foreign land can
long continue to exist in this country. We are all
equal before God and the Constitution; and the dark
spirit OF desposm and bigotry which would create
odious distinctions among fellow citizens will
be speedily rebuked by free and enlightened public
opinion.
The agitation on the question of Domestic Slavery
has too long distracted and divided the people of this
unon,and alenaed their affections from each other.
IhIs agitation has assumed many forms since its
commencement but it to be directed chief
ly to the Territories; and Judging from its present
character think may safely anticipate tina, it is
rapidly approaching a "tnality.n The recent legs-
latlon OF Congress, respecting domestic slavery de-
rived as it has been from the original and pure foun-
tain Of legitimate political power, the will of ma
jority, promises long to allay the dangerous
element This legislation is founded upon princi-
pies, as ancient free government itself and in
cordance with them has simply declared that the
people of Territory like those OF State, shall de-
eide for themselves whether slavery shall or shall
not exist within their limits
The Nebraska Kansas act does no moro than give
the force of law to this elementary principle of self
government; declaring il to be the "true intent and
meaning Of this act not to legslate slavery into any
Territory State, TO exclude it therefrom but
TO leave the people thereof perfectly free to form and
regulate their domestic institutions in their way
subject only to the Constitution of the United States"
This principle will surely not be controyerted by any
individual Of any party protesting devotion to popu-
lar Government Besides, how vain and usory
would any other principle in practice in regard
10 the ierritoriesi This IS apparent, from the fact
tered the Union and become State, no Constitu-
tional power would then exist which could prevent it
from either abolishng establishing slavery the
case may be- according to its sovereign will and pleas
ure.
Most happy would it be for the country if this long
agitation at end During its whole progress
it has produced no practical good to any human be-
ing whilst it has beed the of great and dan
gerous evils. 1t has alienated and cstranged
portion of the Union from the other and has even
threatened a m
personal knowledge, it has produced the impression
among foreign nations that our great and glorious
confederacy is in constant danger of dissolution
This does serious injury because acknowledged
power and stability always command respect among
nations and among the best securities against
Just aggression and in favor of the maintenance of
honorable peace.
May we not hope that it is the mission of the
democratic party now the only surviving conserva-
tive party of the country ere long to overthrow all
sectional parties restore peace, friendship and mutu
al confidence which prevailed in the good old time,
among the different members of the confederacy Its
character is strictly national and it therefore asserts
principle for the guidance of the Federal Govern
ment which is not adopted and sustained by its mem
bers in each and every State For this reason it is
everywhere the determined foe of all geographic
cal parties, so much and so justly dreaded by the
Father of his Country. From its very nature it must
continue to exist so long their is Constitution and
Union to preserve conviction of these truths
has induced many of the purest, the ablest and most
independent of our former opponents, who differed
from US in times gone by upon old and extinct party
issues, to come into ranks and devote themselves
with us to the cause of the Constitution and the
Union. Under these circumstances most cheerful
" pledge myself should the nomination of the Con-
venton be ratified by the people that all the power
and influence constitutionally possessed by the En-
| ecuve shall be exerted in firm but conciliatory
spirit during the single term shall remain in Office
to restore the harmony among the sister States
which prevailed before this apple Of dscord, in the
form of slavery agitation, had been cast into theif
midst Let the members of the family abstain from
inermeddling with the exclusive domestic concerns
of each other and cordially unite the basis of per
feet equality among themselves, in promoting the
great national objects of common interest to ALL anti
the good work will be instantly accomplished.
In regard to our foreign..pocy to which you have
referred in your communication il is quite impossl-
BILE for any human fore-knowledge to prescribe posi-
tive rules in advance, to regulate the conduct OF
future administration in all the exigencies which may
arise in our various and changing relations with
| foreign powers. The Federal Government must OF
| necessity exercise sound discretion in dealing with
inter national questions they may occur but TINS
| under the strict responsibility which the Executive
must always feel to the people of the United States
| and the Judgment of posterty You will, therefore
excuse for not entering into particulars; whilst
| heartily with you in the general sentiment
that our foreign affairs ought to be conducted with
such wisdom and frmness to assure the prosper
| ty of the people at home, whilst the interests ana
honor of our country be wisely but infexibly main
tanned abroad Our foreign policy ever ought to be
based upon the principle of dongjusticc to all nations
and recurring jussice from them in return ana from
this principle shall never depart.
Should he placed in the Executive Chair, shall
use my best exertons to cultivate peace ana friend
shin with ell nations believing this to be our nigh
| est policy az we'll as our most imperative duty; but
at the same time shall target that i'll case the
| necessity should arise which do not appreheno