Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1857-07-01
LETTER FROM MA. RANks,

The officers of the late Republican State
Convention at Worcester, which nominated
Mr.. Banks for Governor, have received from
him the following letter =
WALTHAM, Monday Morning,
June 20, 1857.
/ GeAtlemen FL had the honor to receive on
the evening of the 9th instant, your commu-
nicaton informing me that l had been nomi-
mated by the Republican Convention, held at
Worcester on the oath instant, as its candi-
date for the Office of Governor OF the Com
monwealtt, with copy of the resolutions
passed on that occasion. With profound ac
acknowledgements for the high honor conferred
upon me, accept the nomination, and if its
choice be confirmed by an election, shall
make every exertion in my power TO meet and
answer the just expectations OF the Conven.
tiun.
My opinions upon all questions relating to
the general government of the States, have
been made public during my connection with
an office from which have bren but recently
relieved, and also by my course in the late
Presidential canvass. l resisted the repeal of
the Missouri Compromise, and l am still OPP
posed to that measure, as L am to all acts of
the late and the present administration,
whether of an executive legislative, or judi
cial character, which have been devised to
maintain or to perpetuate the original pur-
pose of that hAgitious wrong; and l shall
earnestly advocate the admission of Kan
Zas into the Union of States under its own
charter of freedom. I am opposed to the
further extension of slavery, or 10 the increase
of its political power. believe that the Con-
stitution confers upon Congress sovereign
power over the Territories of the United States
for their government, and that in the exer-
ole Of ifc II 10 IN y,rnh ibit
slavery or polygamy therein. J shall support
the most energetic measures which the Con,
stitution admits for the development of the
moral and material interests of the American
people; defend the sovereignty OF the States
against Executive or Judicial encroachment,
and contribute all in my power for the restor~
alton OF the general government to the prin-
eiples OF the fathers of the Constitution and
the Union.
am opposed to the recent decision of the
Supreme Court of the United States, not only
upon the ground that it controverts the prin-
ciples and oVerthrows all the precedents OF
our history upon the subject of slavery, but
that it assumes to de,ide as judicial problem
the question whether slavery shall be estab.
lished in this State, which has been, and
ought to be, left as political question for the
people Of the State to determine for them.
selves.
1t is pleasant for us at all times to recall the
traditions of our fathers, TO repeat their af-
6rmation OF principles, which seem to us to be
self. evident truths, and which were announe-
ed to the world by men who were ready and
able to support them in council and to defend
them in the field But it is pleasure that can
not be enjoyed apart from the conviction that
it is Tor us an equal, if not higher duty,
Viui loutlu IN IL
tend to ensure and perpetuate their supreme
ey, on this continent at least. If it shall here
after appear that our government has depart
ed therefrom, and joined itself to other and
false political doctrines, trust that it may
never be said of the people of Massachusetts,
that an unreasonable refusal of minor eonces-
sions, or their material dlversities of opinion
always the bane of republics-gave success
and perpetual power to their opponents. No
one can doubt that vast majority of the peo-
pie of the United States are opposed to tn e
policy represented by the slavery propaganda
lists and still less can we doubt that it is
their diversity of opinion in nom essentials
that encourages the government with hopes
of success, and constantly defeats the pur-
poses of tie people.
1t is no less shame for us, under such
circumstances, TO admit our ncapacity TO
maintain our principles than to acknowledge
detection from the faith of our fathers. In
our age, with our lights, success is a duty.
The graves of the past proclaim that failure
must be the fault OF the people and not of
their cause But there will be no permanent
failure. There was never more suspicious
hour for the friends of freedom than the pres
ent. To whatever policy the government may
now devote its energies, political power must
f,il l. H. Al
shall pass into the hands of the young men of
this age, l can entertain no doubt that, like
the young men OF past age. 10 whom Jeffer-
son appealed, and who were his constant sup
porters i'll the great battles of his day, for the
suppression of the slave trade and the ul,i-
mate supremacy of Liberty in the early coun-
ellis of our people, they will give renewed life
to a national policy of freedom, traditional
and true, which must be the basis of all moral
or material prosperity, and which is dictated
alike by conscience and common sense. re-
joice with an inward JOY that the young men
Of Massachusetts, as it were by spontaneous
movement, and with true appreciation of
their duty and power have assumed posi-
ton and unfurled flag that will be hailed in
other States as a harbinger of better age
a radiant star that shall lead to new and de.
cisive victories for the good old cause.
The affairs of our State demand no less our
attention. There is now an unusually favor
able opportunity for the initiation of political
changes of great importance, which cannot
fail to be acceptable to all classes of people.
Of these, restricted sessions of the Legislature
and heavy retrenchment in State expenditures
are OF lasting importance. Our people, con-
stantly engaged i'll pursuits of commerce man
ufacturrs, mechanic arts, and agriculture,
have right to demand of the government
that it shall meet without evasion the neces.
tiles Of the time, and enable them, without
following the constant changes of partizanship
to hold their servants to an immediate and d.
rect responsibility.
If am elected to the Office for which YOUR
convention has nominated me, with the honor
of the station l will accept its responsibilities.
i will use my best exertions so to direct the
affairs OF the Commonwealth, that it's people
cannot bv ;.pproye or condemn, and | will be
ready to meet them for their judgement, |
repeat my acknowledgements TO the gentlemen
of the convention for its honors, and remain,
Very respectfully,
Their fellow citizen,
&c. &c. sc.
N. 2. BANKS,
Hon. Joseph White, President.
Thos. J. Marsh, Esq, Secretary.
A.su..r,, PAN E,.,, S.. nv,