Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1860-01-26
fOk GhESlbENI,
e D w A r D B A Il e 8
Of Ms,onrk
Judge Bates and the Clipper.

Judge Bates of Missouri, as our first choice
fer the Opposition candidacy, for the Presi-
dcncy; but after mature and careful rofiec-
.icn, and a settled and confirmed conviction
Of the eminent ability, sound conservative
neSs, as well as urquestonablc availability OF
She man. lie is one Of that small class of
American Politicians, who has ever main
tanned n dignifed and consistent course, and
who have entertained the most patriotic
views. Neither Southern or Northern man
in his preferences, but truly National in ev-
cry impulse Of his manly heart. Looking
to the success OF the candidate put forward
by those opposed to sham democracy, and
eonceiving that Judge Bates had more Of the
elements ola successful candidate than any
other gentleman that Lad been named, we, in
,Le exercise Of right, which we have ever
eonsceded to others. announced him as our
choice to bear our standard in the face Of the
enemy. Entertaining these views, VIC were
not little surprised, that the Bait. Clipper,
which had sometime before in Che undcubt.i
exercise Of its right, announced its preference
for Mr. Bolts of Virginia, should show its i'll
temper by some very unfriendly remarks.--
Docs the Clipper assume to dictate to the OPP
position press Of this Statc' Docs It do well
to be angry when it will not submit 30 its
dlctation ? Has not the opposition press
a right to decline announcing Mr. Bolts as its
first choice, without being subjected to the
ehidings Of the Clipper We DO not pro-
pound these questions to our coten,porary in
any csptiuos spirit, but with the utmost kind
nevs, acknowledging the ability with which
il has battlcd for the interests Of the Oppo-
sition, and tho signal service 1t hss rendered
our common cause. but that it may act itself
right in matter where we have reason to
fear it has unwarily injured itself and weak
ened its influence.
There can be no frocrustcan bed on which
every man is to be laid, and to which he must
measure up-no infalliblc standard 10 requi-
sition that every man shall pronounce his
shbbolcth with precisely the same accent,
but simply a unity Of purpose, and an agree
mert on great and cardinal principles among
the Opposition. With such an understanding
the great Opposition Of tho country can carry
their standard bearer triumphantly into the
Presidential chair. We wish it to DO under
stood. that we have never said that We were
for Judge Bates, and Judge Bates only, neither
have those journals which have united in this
measure. The Bait. Patriot and Cecil Wing
with the Cumberland Civilian & Telegraph,
are not impracticable. II they cannot secure
the nomination of Mr.. Bates, there can be no
question but they will contend theoretically
for any other man the Opposition may put
forward. II is true we have not connected
with our announcement OF Judge Bates, at
the head OF our columns, subject to con-
ventiou Ct the opposition, 70: this is certain
II understood. We shall use our utmost a.
biity to elect whoever may be the choice Of
, convention OF the conservative elements OF
the country, should it be the Clippers favor
i've Mr.. Bolts, or any other man. Is the
Clipper ready to do the samo9 We shall
pause for reply. Since writing the above,
we have met with the following letter, from
Judge Bates, TO which we invite the ntten-
ton Of our readers, icing assured while it
strengthens lis in our conviction OF the pro-
prietv of our choice it will satisfy our friends
that ne better man can he put forward as the
standard bearer Of the Opposition:
LETTER FROM HON. EDWARD RATEs.
ST LOUIS, Jan. 3, 1860.
7b .Messrs. Robert {, Gtryr, Ddrid l. Ley
and Clement IT. Seaman.
SIRs-Somc days ago MAS honored with
your note Of Dee. %. inviting ne to attend
the thirteenth anniversary OF the Ashland
Association. to be held at the WSerly Hotel
in the city Of New York, oil. the 10th January
instant.
Accept my hearty thanks for the invita-
ton. /. is very gratifying to me to fluid that
in these DISCOUNTED times, there are still many
true hearts, whose constant love for their
country coustrains them still TO love and hon.
or the character of Clay. You truly say that
his career is a landmark in the nations his
tory; and you might have added, with equal
truth, that his character rs now emha!med in
history is q standing lesson 10 his country
men, teaching them that corruption wins
not more than honesty that brave truth,
patieut courage and wise moderation are in-
dispeusiblc conditions Of success in popular
Government, and that without these it is in
vain TO hope that our Government in its prac-
,ical workings will display TO the world what
its trainers ardently wisheG-tEe beauty Of
order, the strength OF harmony and the wis
dom which flows from united minds
Divided among ourselves, and urged on 10
mutual Injustice By bitter sectional and par
tisan passions how can we hope to fulfil the
great condition of Republican success-pub-
lie virtue? Wise men tell Us that the spirit
ofdespotism is fear. the spirit of monarchy
honor, but the spirit of the Republic, virtue
A hard condition, truly; but 1t is the iuexora-
bic condition Of our Republican success, i'm
posed upon us by a power whose laws are
never broken with IMMUNITY.
We all desire to see our country restored
70 a condition of peace and prosperity at
home. and Of respect and confidence abroad
Then. let us adopt The means NEST lik, ly to
nrod,ce that excellent result. lie, us cast of
our own sectional and partisan feelings lie.
us anticipate all Our competitors in the good
york Of moderation, forbearance and charity.
I'm short. let us initiate IS far as We cen, tie
great Peace-maker-the wise, the moderate,
the strong patriot and statesman Of Ashland.
Whatever sectional animosity the bad pas
sons of men NAV have engendered, and what
ever national dangers may be threatened
\, reckless ambition. still ain cheered with
~. confident belief that the existence Of the
rTn;on is In no danger. Doubtless. all Of It's
may live to witness ioCai and transient dis.
orders within the nation, but tie IH'on Itself
i indestructible for ages to come. It was
cot made withou. the blessing OF God upon
l,s formation and its objects, and 1t was made
for glorious mission upon earth, which has
not yet been fulfilled.
In iny present circumstances hna II I'm,
pcssible to accept your Bind invitation. and
10 za,d vo,, tina aer m art