Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1859-08-19
pOlttitaI.
Acceptance OF the Nonina ton by Gel.
George w. Hughes.


On Monday, the LIST of August, a spe.
cial committee of the Bladensburg Con-
vention called on Col Hughes at bis
residence, West River, when G. 8. Par
ran, of Calvert county, in brief, neat,
and appropriate address, formally tender
ed to him, in behalf of the Convention,
the nomination for Congress. Twelve Of
the delegates to the convention and other
distinguished Democrats we're present,
and subsequently dined at Tulip Hill
To the address of Mr. Parran Colonel
Hughes replied in substance:
Mr.. Chairman aud gentlemen of the
committee, | have listened with feelings
of profound sensibility to the announce
ment you have just made of the action
OF the Bladensburg Convention in con-
ferrihg on me the nomination to repre-
sent this-the 9th Congressional District
in the next Congress of the United
States.
You have well said, sir, that to be
thought worthy to represent our district
Is a compliment Of which any man may
be justly proud for when we regard its
extent and geographical position, en-
bracing in its arms the capital of the
Federal Union-its agriculture, mineral
and manufacturing resources, represent
ing within its own territory three of the
great departments Of human Industry
its aggregate wealth and the intelligence
and manly character of its population
we cannot greatly err in claiming for it
high rank. certainly not inferior to that
of any other rural district of the United
States You have also been pleased to
refer to the fair and honorable manner in
which the nomination was obtained.
was gratifed to hear it. It was what |
expected from my friends, and would
have received it on no other terms, eor
should deeply regret to be the cause,
however innocent, Of heart-burnings,
disappointment and disaffection in oui
ranks.
When looking to the facts to which
you have referred, and to the peculiar cir.
cumstances which surrounded the meet,
ing of your convention, the strong loca
feeling aud personal attachments that
existed, and the number of distinguished
gentlemen whose names we're presented
and claims eloqucntly urged on your ia
vorable consideration, / may be excused
trust, without mourning justly the
charge of egotism, for regarding, as |
sincerely do, the compliment which the
convention has paid me as of no ordinary
character. If l had consulted simply
my own feelings, at an early period Of
the contest, / should have declined, as
had done on two previous occasions, TO
permit my name to be used for the nomi-
nation, and would most cheerfully have
received instead the name of either of
my distinguished competitors, or, indeed,
that of any other true national Democrat.
But | did not feel at liberty longer to
refuse compliance with the earnest 80
licitatons of my numerous friends from
different portions of the district.
To prevent any misappreheusion which
may exist in regard to my political posi-
ton, | avail myself of this opportunity
TO say that | am firm and decided sun
porter of the policy Of the present Ad-
ADMINISTRATION, which comments itself alike
to my judgment, to my patriotism and to
my sense Of fidelity to the Democratic
party. At the same time ] protest against
the attempts that have been made to rule
out Of our ranks those who, in the exer-
else OF an independent judgment, have
chosen TO differ from the Administration
on questions of policy not involving prin-
cipes of great and vital Importance. II
was said by Cardinal Contariua, one oil
the most eminent men Of his age. and
the Legate Of the venerable Paul III tC
the Conference Of Ratisbon--"In gray,
truth it would be asking very much tC
require that we should defend all the act,
of all the Popes.'" And it may be said
with Justice in our days, that it is to-
hard party test to ask an approval Of
all the acts of any President. How
many Of our leading men conld stand
this test at the present time? Let tho
proceedings Of the late Congress answer
A National Democratic Convention Is
the only exponent Of the principles Of
the Democratic party, and when it has
promulgated its creed, any one who
pleases may adopt il and thus become
member of the party; but be is not at
liberty 10 repudiate any one Of its articles
and claim at the same time TO remain
within liz organization, or TO share its
honors. Thank God our platform is
wide enough and strong enough--for it
is braced on the broad and solid founda-
tons Of the Constitution to hold all the
conservative men Of the Union, while at
the same time we may safely tolerate
difference Of opinion on questions Of mere
policy This the Democratic party has
always done, md 10 my Judgment. ii
constitutes one Of It's main elements Of
strength.
Mr.. Chairman. ] will further add, that
as il regards the successor 10 our honor
able and illustrious Chief Magistrate, I
entertain no strong personal predictions,
but am prepared 10 sustain the nominee
OF the Charleston Convention, ia the full
assurance and undoubfing confidence that
that body will select for its candidate
none other than sound statesman, a
friend Of the Union and true Democrat.
10 accepting the nomination thus hand.
somely rendered TO me, I am not uncon-
scious Of the responsibility IL implies,
and can only say that I expect to make
thorough canvass Of this District; and
ihat shsuN your recommendation ~ epp-