The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1857-08-12


ble your opponent proposes 10 discuss, has
very recently been thoroughly considered
and passed upon the people of the Com
monwealth. The late Presidential canvass
involved tho whole subject so iat MS il was
proper for consideration by our people, and
we can perceive no utility in its re discus.
sion at this ,ime nor any other good reason
for reopening debate upon it. The position
of our party is well understood aud requires
no yndication, at least by any extraordinary
proceeding like that proposed.
A joint canvass by candidates Tor the Gu
bernatorial office has never been conducted
In this State, nor, believe, in any other
Northern one, and may well be questioned
on the grounds of public policy. If the
practice be once adopted, it will doubtless
continue, and party nominations be uniform.
y made with reference to it. No party will
venture 10 select candidate for this Office
who is not qualified for the stump; and ap-
titude for debate will hence come 10 be pre-.
ierrcd 10 administrative ability. In short
the result will be TO coniine nominations 10
/ the class of takers, and 10 exclude all 9TH
ers. A rule of party action which would
preven, such men as Benjamin Franklin,
Simon Snyder and Francis II. Skunk from
filling the Executive CHAIR Of this State, must
be bad one, and 10 be denounced rather
than adopted.
We believe there is a considerable pub
lie opinion against the proprieiy of execu-
tive candidates appearing AT all before pop
uar meetings to solicit votes. This was
first pracliced by VIM. F. johnson in is4s,
and has been TO some extent followed by
candidates since. The good results OF it
are not obvious. Ii did not originate with
the Democratic party, nor has it ever re-
ceived any formal, popular or party sane.
tion. 1t may therefore be considered al
open question in future practice, and at all
events, as forming no part of the duty Of a
candidate imposed Upon him by his nomi-
ton.
While your opponent holds the office of
President Judge, there is special objection
TO the acceptance of his project. The pro-
priety of law Judges taking part in political
meetings is denied by our party, and is
opposed by sound public opinion. BY no
act whatever ought we 10 sanction, or be-
come participants, in prostitution OF the
judicial character. Nor will resignation
now made altogether remove this objection
Your opponent has Intentionally held his
office until within three months OF the elec-
ton, rendering it impossible 10 elect a
, successor, the present year:) and if a resig-
, nation shouEl now take place, ii would OBJ
viously be with the intention Of resummg
f the office after defeat for the post which
lie aspires
The proposed mode of conducting cam
paigns may possibly be suited 10 some of
{ the Southern and Southwestern States,
where it has been ptacticed, and where
, population and political conditions differ
: from ours; hut its introduction here would
r be against solid objections, and without any
conceivable good. ltis, therefore, propo-
sed Southern aggression" upon the ptac-
tices and politics Of parties in Pennsylva-
mia, which cannot be at all accepted or per-
mitied.
II Ia Wcu thdl INC luOsuou Hos aitscu
when we have candidate capable and fit
for any discussion before the people, and
q when the decision can be placed, without
q embarrassment, upon public grounds which
!. control it.
= am. very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
C. R. BUCKALEW, Chairman.
, GEN. PACKER TO JUDGE wILaoT.
;. W,ltianspo't Juy 27. 1857.
. How. D. WILMor:
Dear Su-Iour letter OF the lith instant
IS was duly received; anu as il proposed a
e plan for conducting the Gubernatoriai cam
paign which had never hitherto been adop-
e ted in Pennsylvania, and as the interests of
;. other candidates were involved in the result
% did not feel at liberty TO accede to your
Z proposition without first consulting the
1t State Committee TO which the Democratic
lr Convention has on its part specially conf
:, ded the control and management OF the
canvass.
T. You will receive herewith copy of my
letter to the Committee, as also their reply,
bv which you will perceive that your suc-
gestion does not meet their approval, and
that, for reasons stated at length, ought
not to accede 10 your proposition. 1t Is
therefore respectfully declined.
am, yours, truly,