The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1857-06-03

At the American convention 10 De heIu al
Baton Rouge. next Monday let men OF talent
and acknowledged probity-ofenergy and abll-
|ity in the advocacy of American principles and
maintenance of their necessity, to meet any
and all opponents who may enter the lists DUR
ing the coming campaign-be nominated. We
would have men who can, and who will, if elect
ed and robed in the panoply of office exert all
legitimate influence to advance and consum-
mate the reforms which the American party
aim to effect, and which we believe Of vital
importance to the prosperity and permanency
of the federal government. We want none but
good and true memo lukewarm or halfway
men, Our standard bearers should be actuated
by full consciousness that, in endeavoring
to establish American principles, they are stri-
wing to further the real interests of the State
and secure the prosperity and perpetuity Of the
Union.
At this time, more than at any other, since
we have taken an earnest interest in political
affairs, do we believe that selfshness and am
bition for self-aggrandisement and preferment,
should be discarded and discountenanced. The
prosperity and welfare of our common country
should alone actuate the actions of all good cti-
zens. To accomplish this, each and all ought,
if called upon, sacrifice their personal prefer
ences and aspirations. No one should consider
any Office to which the people desire to elect
him, or where they need his services, beneath
his talent, his ambition, or his deserts. Nor
should any one advance claims to any particu
lar state Office or offices. No man, we hold
has any claim to fill an office, until he is duly
called thereto by the people. 1t is the duty
of every citizen to advocate and exert all his
influence to advance, establish and sustain, as
far as he can, those principles he believes bes
calculated and most eminently fitted to secure
and render stable the institutions of his country,
and the peace, happiness and prosperity of the
people. To do this, is his duty--his stern and
imperative duty. If he shrnks, or neglects,
or refuses to do this, he is recreant to the SER
vice and allegiance he owes his native land
no claim upon Offices Of honor, trust and pro,
fit. These should ever be the free-will gift o.
the people, as a reward to the faithful citizen
for his capacity, honesty and tried integrity
! The bestowment of the honor, however, but
increases citizens duties to the State and his
responsibilities are but the greater because
he is clothed with official dignity.
To hear men talk about their claims to office
is ridiculous. The people, however, we con
tend, have claims upon individuals; and wher
they need their services and indicate it, then iis
one of the most imperative duties Of the gooc
citizen, when he can do SO without the sacrifice
of vital personal interests, to acknowledge tina
claim and accept the prohered honor. The
higher the station, the greater the responsibility
and the duties. There are men in every parish
belonging to the American party, who are capa
BILE and able to serve the State we'll and faith
! fully, but who do not seek and run after nomi.
nations. Such are the men that the American
convention should choose for standard bearers
! The people would enthusiastically rally to thei,
support.
We trust that every parish in the State will
be fully represented at Baton Rouge, and The
nominations put forth by the convention b.
such as will reflect honor alike upon our State
and the party.
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