Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1857-07-01


he is an illustrious defender but he spoke
out, unaffected by jealousy aud disappoint-
ment in the slightest degree, and is first and
loudest in his eloquent and effective support of
the nominees of the Convention Mr. Stokes
was never more powerful than now, and his
great abilities are honestly devoted to the sup
port of the Democratic party. This magnan-
imous appeal to the people of WestmorelaDd
is wholesome reading, full of instruction to
all members of the party, and wo expect to
see it re-published in every Democratic pa
per in Pennsylvania.
Mr.. Stokes said
Gentlemen of the Convention Il under
stand the meaning of this hearty and prolong-
ed salutation, and l thank you for it. I am
proud to express my gratitude to the Demo
Gratis of Westmoreland. Our great and glo-
rious country is dearer to me now than ever.
Pro vidence has blessed us with the richest
gifts, fertile soil, healthy climate, beautiful
scenery, extaustless mineral Treasures
people brave, hardy, industrious and honest.
What more can we desire? That only which
is within our command-the reassertion of
our ancient political faith by our ancient and
magnificent majority. If any of you think
we are not well treated-that, to be West
morelander, is to be a victim of falsehood and
faction, here is our remedy-give two or three
thousand Democratic majority, and we shall
again hold our just place in the Councils of
the party, as proud as the proudest, and as
certain as the most secure Let us have our
redress by beating the common enelny-nev-
er by harboring harsh thought of our po-
litical brethren. All true Democrats are bound
together by the sacred ties of political affec-
ton. Our ends and interests are Identical
Our action must be harmonious. All enjoy
alike the glory of our great vic:ories-the tri-
umphs of truth, of justice, and of order the
assurance of security, of prosperity, and of
the perpetuity of our free institutions the
sacred legacy of our ancestors, which we are
bound, by the most solemn obligations of du-
ty, to transmit, unimpaired, to our posterity.
Before these truths--and they are the breath
of political life-how small are all personal
considerations unimportant is any man.
What matters it reho is considered the most
worthy of the constitutional trusts, when their
effective vindication is to be found only in the
continuous ascendency of that Democratic
spirit which rightly intere SITS and boldly applies
the stern principles of human right in organi-
zed government.
The Harrisburg Convention has presented
to the people candidates every way worthy of
support. speak from personal knowledge,
when say that Gen. Packer is wise, expe-
rienced, energetic and discreet statesman. 1t
is safe to say that his administration will be
pure, his policy sound that. supported by a
Legislative majority of radical Democrats, cor
ruption will be driven from the Capitol, and
the wages of iniqaity will cease to be paid by
public plunder.
Mr.. Strickland was appointed an Associate
Judge by Governor Skunk, one of the purest
patriots that Pennsylvania ever produced.
was present when this appointment was dis
cusscd and determined, and well recollect
that fearless integrity was the element of all
others in his excellent character which deci-
ded the case
Mr. Strong is from Berks-glory enough
for any man. I knew him nearly twenty
years ago. A lawyer equal to any antagonist
and any cause-calm, clear and sound lie
wisely pursued his profession with undivided
devotion, until his industry made him indie
pendent of courts and clients. He then went
to Congress, and sustained there the high
reputation he has acquired at the Bar.
With Judge Thompson, it is my misfortune
to have but slight acquaintance but every
one knows his high reputation for talent,
learning and industry. He has been a sue
cessful actor ON no small theatre, and is emf
nent both professionally and politically.
All the gentlemen are of spotless character
enlarged experience and decided ability-f
for and worthy the positions for which they
are candidates. They are the Legitimate
choice of the par rty-and thus they are youl
choice and mine--n,ine in special manner
because was candidate before the Couven
ton, and am therefore bound, by the highes
considerations of personal honor and politica
fidelity, to exert myself to the utmost to in
crease the splendor of our certain victory
There is no sacrifice or merit in this, for
became candidate, as many of you know
against my own views and wishes and an
quite content to remain where the judgmen
of the party has left me--a private in tn
ranks of our Republican army, ready hereai
ter, as heretofore, to give battle to the hos
tile fragments of discordant parties whic