The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-08-26
Speech OF Hen. George l.. Becker. befsFe
the D~mocs ratio State ConventSoa.

Speech OF Hen. George l.. Becker. hef1go
the Democ ratio State Convensiea.
Sfr. Pre''dent and Genfismsn efAs Cosrsnesn.
am here in compliance with the invisa-
ton OF your committee to respond to the
nomination which you have to day made for
the Office OF Chief Magistrate Of this young
commonwealth.
Entertaining as do, profound respect
for the position, and high appreciation Of
the important and responsible duties which
belong to it, l have from the time my name
was first associated with this nomination
distrusted my fitness for the Office, and have
both felt and expressed my sincere desire
that your choice would fall on aDothos0
better man.
| have been constant in season and n of
season in urging upon your consideration a,
the representatives Of the Democratic party
of Minnesota, as the candidate for its stasd-
ard bearer, the names and claims Of der
and more distinguished men, who are vet(r
ans in the service. (
You will all bear me witness that 1 havc
not sought this distinguishing marx Of
your favor; but coming as it doe4 thus
voluntarily from the representatives Of tie
party with which | have ever been sesociat-
ed, do not feel at liberty to Zinc the
honor. Tremendous cheeringlT
| accept then, my fellow Z lsss, this
nomination in the same cordial spirit with
which you tender it, Icheers, "A through
the contest which is before 4 ,sits - be
alike my pleasure and my PRIDE, to bear 10
an honorable and certain victory !, your
banner, upon which are inscribed in chSrac-
tiers of living light the time hon<d prin-
sass.. of the Democratic part II0'd
1t is not my purpee, now that our Ia
bors as State Convention are b6 Just
commenced, to taespass upon youralne and ,
patience by iterating and re iterabisg the
principles and doctrines which We ID par.
ty maintain-they are the Alphs- and
Omega of our Institutions Is q peopI<, i. and !,
as laid down in the platform You have
adopted, they meet my warm and -helHty
concurrence. Loud and continued APP
plause. ~
We are opposed toa seopening OF the
African slave trade 90 j repeal of the laws
which declare the iphunAn traffic to be pi.
racy. Cheers
We are in favor ola Homestead bill, and
l may add general revision. ofAll our laws
relating to the public lands: Cheers r.
We are opposed TO Congressional shve
code, or indeed any Congressional coda for
the Territories, and maintain che right II
the people Of the Territories as well q the
States TO frame their institutions in ,heirown
way, subject only to the Consultation Of
the United States. Loud cbsers
II | am placed in the Executive chair Of
this State by the SURFACES Of my fellow
citizens, shall endeavor % administer the
Government efficiently, honestly and eco
:.
1t will be my highest ambition to do oil
that can be property done to develop the
various resources Of our State; to relieve
our people Of oppressive bur,hens, and to
give to every man who here SEEKS home q
government OF law and order. Cheering
l may add that neither this nor any other
position in the State or Federal Government
has any attractions for me unless it is OBJ
tanned BY the unboosht, honest SURFACES OF
4 free people. (Ctosl Tbepuri,y Of the
ballot box FROM corruption Of every kind
should be aDobject Of care and solicitude
10 every American citizen ard If violated.
{ is alike your duty and mine no, only to
,xpose the wrong but bring to punish.
nep, the offenders. (Cres OF good
good, and loud applsuse)
In conclusion. gentlemen Of the Couven-
ion, return TO you my sincere acknow.
dgmen,s foe your expressions Of cooSdeoce
nd regard and ! submit myself my views
nd opinions upon public matters-oonarp-
ng which have no cooceAlmenr-to NE
and Judgment Of the in.eIi.
'n' ELECTORS Of Minnesota Tnuendou.