Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1858-12-09

humble part to promote Its success IN what
ever walk of life may be found. ~
f You have come together, tonight, to
take counsel on public affairs, and to in
terchange opinions upon the present con-
dition and future prospects of the Demo
cratic party. 1t is eminently, proper at
this time TO do so. Men are here from
every part of the State, fresh from the peo-
pie, and it is right that we should confer
together, and let us speak to one another
kindly, but without reserve. If differences
of opinion exist, the first step towards con-
cert of action must be the utterance OF our
sentiments. i shall speak for myself alone,
and plainly, for shall speak honestly, but
with no desinej to wound the feelings of
anyama i propose to be very brief. @ 1
shall not attempt to play the orator, but
simplysto state my opinion on sone points
of importance. L wish TO hear a number
of cur friends from different parts Of the
State tonight, so that We may collect, as
far as possible, the sense OF the party.
This is no time to enter into an elabo-
rate discussion Of public affairs, or to con-
sume an evening in set speeches from one
or two persons. -A79E tz'i 'i'-a' 9"
Iu 1856 we met together IN this Hall,
proclaimed our. creed, and went forth TO
victory. Never was there more devoted,
united and gallant army than that which
Ashbel P. Willard led in that memorable
contest Indiana achieved lanrels then
that should live forever green upon her
brows. l had the honor to draft the State
platform of 1856 on the slavery question,
the leading issue of the State and national
election at that time. 1t was broad and
unequivocal. 1t enclosed the compromise
measures of1s5O, and their application as
embodied in the Nebraska bill. Upon the
construction of that famous bill some diff
ference of opinion existed, some contended
for State equality, the construction now
established by the bred Scott decision;
Others for Squatter Sovereignty. The for
mer was more acceptable TO the South j;
the latter to the North. The platform left
that question TO judicial decision, by which,
it is needless 10 say, the Democratic party
always abides. The preference of our peo-
pie'doubtless was for squatter sovereignty.
We believed that the more expedient and
acceptable mode of settling the question of
slavery in the Territories. We would most
of us been gratiied had the Supreme Court
of the United States recognized the legali-
ty of squatter sovereignty, yet even here
in Indiana there were those who desired
that and favored State equality.
The Dred Scott decision has settled that
question. That decision has been sane
toned and accepted by the Democratic
party every where. 1t is not in conflict
with the Cincinnati platform. 1t will
doubtless be approved by the Charleston
Cen, etion.
Let me remind you of the resolution
adopted by our State Convention of the
6th of January last-a resolution which no
one opposed, not even these shining lights,
who are now subsiding into Republicanism
as kindred drops are mingled into one. 1t
is the unanimous voice of the Democracy
of Indiana, expressed in plain and vigor-
Gus language. -.--7 ~, -,,-,r
"Resoived, That in the late decision of
the Supreme Court, known as the Dred
Scott decision, we recognize legal express
ion of the doctrine of the Constitution of
the United States and of the State of In
diana, and we herewith denounce and hold
up to the universal execration and scorn of
all loyal American citizens, the loathsome
doctrine of negro equality now sustained
and endorsed by the so-called Republican
party of Indiana, as the natural and ineyi-
table consequence oftheir opposition to the
Supreme Court decision above named"
This bred Scott decision disposes of the
question of Slavery in the territories for
ever if faithfully adhered to, and is ma
tioial platform founded on justice, upon
which the Democratic party OF. the whole
Union can stand with an unhroken front.
As to the admission slave States into the
Union, the R5publIcans profess now TO be
divided among themselves. We are uni
ted! We adhere to our doctrines that they
may come in when, in the language of the
Cincinnati platform, they have sufficient
population, with or without slavery, as
their respective constituents may prescribe.
The Kansas question: temporary is
sue-is settled upon the English bill in
conformity with the principle, as to popu-
lation, laid down in the Cincinnati plat
form, and, let me add, in the Fillmore
platform too. 1t is well known to you that
I have voted for that bill. 1t is scarcely
necessary to add | approve it. I defend
that population clause in all my late can.
vass,, and I intend to stand by 1t. .f
l have seen it charged in Southern news.
papers, and in the speeches of some south
ern men, who ought to have known better,
that Northern Democratic representatives
have deserted the English, bill. 1t may
be true as to some; it is not true as to all;
it is entirely untrue as to myself II is Just
as far from being true as. the letters of Ger
tain distinguished Souther Democrats upon
Illinois politics, recently published, are far
from being either wise or, well-timed. |
am very free to declare my opinion that
those letters were in very bad taste.
Now what ground shall we, as party
in Indiana, occupy on the slavery question
in the future9 Shall we 60 forward, or
shall We go back9 We will soon be called
upon to unfurl the flag for the great battle
of 1860. ! say let US stand by the Dred
Scott decision-let us stand by the Eng
lish bill. : - ls..r,o.3s l..arses5 $50
/ have witnessed with regret, indications
of a purpose tokeep enough of the slavery
question open, and in doubt, to serve as a
pretext for agitation; and 10 make an issue
ior elec.ioneering purposes. The prolific