Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1859-08-25
PLAIN TALK TO THE REPUBLf-
CANS OF BEL MONT COUNTY.
To he Ediicr Of Tie belmont CAronicls:

circumstances existing at this time. for the
Republican element OF the opposition 10
cast about and ascertain, if possible, the
true position of aflairs, and what will pro-
badly be the result if the present policy OF
the opposition is carried out.
The circumstances referred to are
lst An industrious and continued ef-
fort On the part of the American element to
monopulizs the lucrative offices at the nomi-
mating Convention. To this, so far, as the
Americans are concerned. have no .objec-
ton, as they have an undoabted right to
procure their own ggrandizement, by II
fair means, but do most seriously Object
to Republicans assisting them in their
schemes, and being the instruments OF
crowding themselves out of the very Offices
to which, or 10 fair proportion of which
they are justly entitled. Assuming the vote
for Fremont and Fillmore in 1856 as the
standard of the strength Of the two parties,
it will be seen at once that the Republicans
ara entitled to oue-half the Offices. Instead
of demanding this, however, we see leading
Republicans advocating the claims OF
Americans who have always been as bitter
ly opposed to the Republican party and its
principles as the most radical democrat, and
assigning as their reason for so doing thai
unless the Americans are conciliated by
such means they will bolt the nominations
and thus destroy fusion. Where has
their safe-respect gone! |, for one, have
no desire to throw straw in the way of a
fusion, but | most zolemenly protest aga INST
this manner of proceeding.
I'd. Americans in pushing their claims for
Office, have the unblushing impudence to tell
us that unless such and such an American
is nominated the great mass of the Ameri-
can party will not support the ticket
AgaiE, with an equal degree of effrontery
they tell us that if any very prominent Re
publican is placed upon the ticket the
Americans will ROT support it Now what
must be the spirit of any Republican who
will allow an American to talk thus to him
without examining his impudent duplicity
down his throat. Must we, as Republicans
submit TO the intiiction of a ticket of ultra
Americans. and never even ask for the
nomination Of a siaunch Republican! Are
we to bear everything and the Americans
nothing1 If such policy prevails al the
nominating convention many Republicans
will be under the necessity ofstaying away
from the polls entirely.
81. For the past six months the Ameri-
can organ in this county has teemed with
the most outrageous abuse of the Repub-
lican party and its measures, and no voice
is raised in opposition. Our men are Wilt
fied--our principles are misrepresented and
assalet-and our candidates are made the
SANDER. Why is it. that no voice is raised
to defendi Two reasons are assigned: II
any one opposes the stupendous "uS' OF
the A merican organ it will be enraged and
refuse to support the ticket. Another re-
ason offered by all the leading Americans
is that "ihe Independent Republican, has
no manner of influence and anything it can
say will make no difference" Now ask,
who cares if the -'Rspvblcan" does or does
not oppose the ticket-are we to sit quietly
down and permit it TO abuse everything we
hold dear and say nothing for fear of hurt
ing its feelings! Are the spols of Office OF
more Importance than our self-respect!
What have we gained if we do keep quiet
and thus gain victory! We have virtually
given life to the hand that has abused us
we have submitted quietly to all IFS abuse
and given 1t the wherewithal to continue it.
As to the influence of the "Republican'
among Americans--that is all a farce! Its
influence is as powerful as it ever was. II
they do not recognize its influence, and do
not endorse its vsgaries, why do they not
repudiate it openly, and not talk sneaking
ly about him behind his back. II they are
opposed tc his course why not manifest
their reputation by quietly dropping his
paper, and refusing to advertise with him! +!
1t is the easiest thing in the world for them
to manifest their disapproval. ! do not
counsel the withdrawal of their support
from him if they think him right, but wish
them to act consistently. If he is right,
support him-if he is wrong repudiate him
openly and manly, but do Eot meanly sup.
port him with one hand and stab him with
the other. The organ is more consistent
and manly than the party. III
do not wish in anything have said to
oppose fusion, but merely to put Repub-
licans on their guard, for fear they may
wake up after the election feeling painfully
conscious that they are filling the anomalous
position Of victors and vanquished.
Above all things do not go into the nomi-
mating convention to frilter away your
strength upon several men for the same
office, thus giving the other branch the
entire ga me to themselves. Select your
man (not naen) for each offiee-let them be
the very best kind of men-nc blot what
ever on their character men who are well
known as "honest, capable, and faithful
and then if successful you have men who
will support the character Of the party, and
if defeated, yon have nothing to be ashamed
of. But, on the contrary, if your candidates
are men of easy virtue" men in whom the
public have not the most implicit confidence,
their election is worse than defeat.
FLUSHING.
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