The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1857-09-23
SPEECH OF SENATOR BIGLER,
.. AT CLARION, ON THE srH INST.
In reply TO the address of the Hon. David Wa
mot, deiivered at Pail adelphia, 24th ah.

- AT CLARION, ON THE 8TH INST.
In reply to the address of the Hon. David WI.
mot, detipered at Pail adeiphia, 24th ah.
After giving brief history OF the Demo.
cratic party, showing how eminently wise
and successful it's policy had been in the
past, and how il had uniformly, in all exi-
gencies,in war or peace, stood by the true
interests OF the country, and had advanced
It's growth and prosperity, and elevated the
dignity and prowess of the nation, claiming
for that party higher degree Of purity,
wisdom and patriotism than were possessed
by any similar association of men IN modern
times; and having also paid compliment 10
the character and qualifications of General
Packer aud his associates on the Democratic
ticket, he proceeded as follows:
Judge Wilmot, the Republican candidate,
has evinced HE unure willingness TO make
his views known to the people, and seems
quite unhappy that the State Committee
would not agree that the Democratic candi.
date should waste his time with him in per.
sonal controversy, and still more displeased
,ha, The Committee should have suggested
that the discussion of the slavery question
is not essential in Gubernatorial contest
Failing to secure the attractions Of General
Packer TO get up large meetings and excite.
meut for him, he has braveiy dashed into
the field alone. am in possession of copy
OF his first address delivered at Philadelphia
on the Gath ul,imo, and published in the
Evening Bulletin, 10 the leading features Of
which shall ask you attention before I take
my sect. find no fault in MI. Wilmot for
appearing before the public 10 make known
his views. think candidate for any Office
may properly do SO. see no wan, of dig
nifty or proprie,y in the practice, II pursued
in the proper spirit. In doing this, no candi-
date properly appreciaiing his position will
solicit votes; he will simply declare his views
on pending questions, foresh shadowing as best
he can the policy he will maintain if elected,
so the intelligent eleclor may vote for or
against him, as may seem proper. But
have searched il vain for any such fore.
shadowing in The late speech ofMr. Wilmot
1t is devoted exclusively TO the subject Of
slavery, except only brief reference to his
letter on Amercanism. State affairs seem
10 have had no attractions for him. II 10 an
almost incredible fact that in long speech
occupying columns of The Bulletin, he should
not have alluded 10 any one of the many in.
tsres,s which woulo cone under his cnarse,
were he elected Governor, nor discussed
single question connected with the duties of
the Office for which he is candidate, or over
which the political authority of the State
Government could in any way be exered.-
From beginning 10 end he has talked out
side Of the true purpose of his appearing be-
fore the public, and has failed, therefore, 10
give the people the means 10 decide whe,h
er he would make good Governor or not.
He has talked about Slavery, and questions
incidental and collateral; but not word
about State affairs. He should certainly have
given US his view on the question of more
Banks and paper currency. Many of the
people would be glad 10 know whether he
intends to maintain to the policy of the
present incumbent, his political friend, on
these vital questions. What does he think
Of the policy Of giving away the largest
snare or the Pupiic works for on inadequate
compensation, payable 10 the next generation;
and if elected, will he favor disposition of
the remainder on the same condition ? Why
not give the people his views on these State
questions, as also on the subject of paying
the public debt, maintaining and extending
our system oil free schools; on the granting
Of special privileges 10 facilitate the ends Of
private gain, and especially. on The pending
amendments 10 the Constitution, embracing
questions of grave concern for the people,
All these subjects, vitality important, and
within the range of the legitimate duties Of
the Executive, seem TO have been lost sight
of in the smoke and dust of kind of Quix.
olic onslaught upon Slavery and the Slave
power.
But another fact, equally singular, Is, that
although his address abounds with graphic
descriptions of the evils of slavery, and
course impuiatIons upon the motives Of lis
advocates, il does moi contain single prac.
tical suggestion as to remedy for the evils
ii lamenis. Mr.. Wilmot declares il TO be
''question Of vital practical importance which
lies at the foundation Of everything valuable
10 us as freemen," and ye, he has no, at.
tempted to show the people of Pennsylva'
mia in what way they can apply the remedy.
Not only this, but | shall prove to you thai,
according TO his own showing, the people Of
free Slate have no Constitutional right 10
interfere for or againet the evils he affects 10
deplore, whether in State or Territory. If
Mr.. Wilmot found it necessary to make bis
address on national issues entirely foreign 10
the Executive duties, il is to be regretted that
he did not devote portion Of his time to
his favorite topic, the tariff. The old friends
OF "protection for the sske OF protecton,"
whom he expects TO rally under his flag,
would doubtless be delighted to hear from
the man whom they used TO designate as the
advocate of "British free trads,n the SUCCESS.