The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1857-08-14
Address
Of the Democratic State Central Committee,


To the CITIZENS OF PENNsYLvANiA:-It has
been usual for the State Committee represent
ing the Democratic party of Pennsy ylyania, to
address the people ofthe State pending impor-
tant elections. In conformity with this usage,
which may be regarded as settled and salutary,
we submit the following address:
The Democratic State Convention, upon the
second day of March last, and at its rrassem-
bling in June, made nominations tor the offices
of Governor, Canal Commissioner and Judges
ofthe Supreme Court.
For Governor, Gen. Packer, of Lycoming,
was named, after a spirited contest, and his
nomination was then unanimously and right
fully confirmed. He has been well known
throughout the State has filled anumber of re-
sponsIhIp and important positions in the State
government, and has established a public char
acer which recommends hlm to the popular
confidence. We conceive it to be material
qualification for this high Office, that the ncum-
bent shall be acquainted with the practical wor-
kings of the governmeRt-witht the course and
character of iegiSlation-the details Of business
in the several executive departments-and with
the public men Of the Commonwealth, who
have filed or may fill the various positions Gre
ated bv the Constitution and laws. The con-
tlas!, in this respect, between our candidate and
the candidates Of the opposition, is too strongly
marked to escape general notice, and it is but
necessary to aIlude to il to show the vantage
ground held BY our party in the present canvass.
It may be asserted that the Convention have ma
med sthe right man for the right place. and
that their nomination deserves popular endorse
ment iregard is had to qualification and exPp-
rience.
1t is agreeable to add, that our candidate has a
solid and reputable character in private life, and
that his rStimable qualities have endeared him
to large circle Of friends who can enter upon
bis support with feelings Of enthusiasm as well
as with convictions of duty. We do not de-
sire TO draw strongly the contrast which Il is
possible to draw, between our candidate and his
leading opponent. Judge WImot has had
career as public man which has given him no.
i7TistY without Inspiring confidence. fmFrr-
iectIy acquainted with the practical action Of
State government; without experience either in
the legislative or executive departments; with
but limited knowledge of public men and
State affairs beyond his immediate locality
heis presented on comparatively remote pa
tional issue, and as the candidate Of bitter sec
tional party which received merited defeat at
The recent Presidential election II is not be-
Aeved that bis career in Congress exhibited any
high capacity to promote the interests Of the
people OF Pennsylvania, and II is certain that
the recent course in the office he now holds. has
been calculated 10 lower the judicial character
by connecting It with extreme and violent parti-
zan dispute
Nimrod Strickland, of Chester county, was
named by The Convention for Canal Commission
eF, He needs no recommendation at our bands,
i2T bS integrity, frmness aud capacity are not
disputed and are widely recognized. 1t will be
pleasure for those who belong to our party,
and Tor all who desire to consult fitness and mpr-
IN bestowing their sufrages 10 give him their
cordi2l support
BY reason ofthe declination, by Chief JUS
tca Lewis, Of the denomination rendered him
by the Convention, and the calling Of Judge
Black to the post Of Attorney General in the
National Administration, the Convention. upon
lis Resembling in June, found the duty devoI-
we'd upon II Of naming two candidates for the
Supreme Bench. William Strong, Of Berks
county, distinguished member of the Bar, and
formerly a mpfabsr Of Congress, and James
thompson, Of Erie, also former member Of
Congress, once President Judge Of the Com
mon Pleas, an ex-mpmber Of the Legislature,
and profound and successful lawyer, were Sc
Iected by the Convention. Their locations are
suitable, giving both TO the East and West a
representation upon the ticket, and their learn
ing and integrity well qualify them 10 dis
chafge the ardu0ns and responsible duties Of
lae highest judicial position under our Conslitu-
ton.
Such is the ticket formed by the delegates
representing the Democretc party. and support
oi IS confidently asked in view Of the chaFac-
Ter Of the nominations But confidence and
support IS also invited upon the general grounds
oi P9IIcy and principles upon which our party
stands. Ours is no new, untried, vindictiVe,
sectional, or suspicious organization. It has
oeeh tfIed; II is bold and open in conduct: il is
oagnanimous, patriotic and National. Found
60 more than half century ago by the author
OF the Declaration Of Independence, it has had
distinguished history, has ordinarily given di
fpclion to the administration of public affairs,
and planting itself early, and throughout its
~hoe career, upon strict construction of the
Constitution, and sparing use Of the power Of
government, has preserved our American sys-
lem from degeneracy and failure.
Ihe usefulness of organized parties is some
'mes denied and oftpner doubted Bat in view
OF historical facts it cannot we'll be questioned
mat they are incident 10 free governments, and
arse of necessity under their operation. An
inquiry, however, into the nature Of political
parties and causes which produce them, can
scarcely be expected TO constitute the subject of
fugitive address. II will be sufficient for the
present purposes 10 assert the necessity Of our
party TO check the evil and dangerous in6uen-
'oes to which our political system is liable, and
against which it is impossible that written con-