The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1860-07-05
Judge Bates Letter i'm support
of Lincoln.

o. Fl. BROWNING, Esq, Quincy, ILL.,
DEAR SIR when received your letter
ofMay 23d, had no thought that the an
swer would be so long delayed but, waving
all excuses, proceed to answer it now.
Under the circumstances of the case, it
ought not to have been doubted that I would
give Mr.. Lincoln's nomination cordial and
hearty support. But in declaring my inten-
ton to do so, it is due to myself to state
some of the facts and reasons, which have q
controlling influence over my mind, and
which think ought to be persuasive argu
ments with some other men, whose political
opinions and antecedents are, in soma i'm
portant particulars, like my own.
There was no good ground for supposing
that felt any pixue or dissatisfaction be-
cause the Chicago Convention failed to nomi-
nate me. had no such feeling. On party
grounds, had no right to expect the nomi-
nation. had no claims upon the Republi-
cans as party, for have never been men,
ber of any party, so as to be bound by its
dogmas and subject to its discipline, except
only the Whig party, which is now broken
mp and its materials, for the most part, ab-
sorbed into other organizations. And thus
am left, alone and powerless indeed, but per-
fectiy free to follow the dictates of thy own
judgment and to take such part in current
politics as my own sense of duty and patriot
ism may require. Many Republicans, and
among them, think, some Of the most mode
rate and patriotic Of that party, honored me
as their candidate. For this favor was in
debted to the fact that between them and
me there was coincidence Of opinion upon
certain important questions Of government.
They and I agreed in believing that the ma
tional government has sovereign power over
the Territories, and that it would be impolite
and unwise to use that power for the propa.
CATION of negro slavery by planting it in free
Territory. Some of them believe also that
my nomination, while it would tend to soften
the tone of the Republican party, without
any abandonment of its principles, might
tend also to generalize its character and at
tract the friendship and support of many
especially in the border States, who, like me
had never been members Of their party, bu,
concurred with them in opinion about the
government of the Territories These arc
the grounds, and think the only grounds
upon which | was supported at all at Chi
cago.
AS to the platform put forth by the Chi
cago Convention, have little to say, becaus.
whether good or bad, that will not constitute
the gronnd of my support of Mr.. Lincoln
in general ereft hsss gssssst sRs fer RAEy platforms
times of high excitement under pressure
circumstances, and with view to conciliat
present support, rather that to establish
permanan. ., srem ofprinciples and lines O
policy for the future good government of th
country. The Conventions which form then
arc transient in their nature their ro"e
and influence are consumed :. the using
leaving no continuing ~sngation upon thei
respective par4:~s. And hence VIC need no
wonds~ mat platformes so made are hardl,
ever acted out in practice. shall not dis
cuss their relative merits, but content my
selfwith(Aying that the Republican platform
though in several particulars it does not con
form to my views, is still far better that an,
published creed, past or present, ofthe Demo
Gratis. And as to the new party, it has no
chosen to promulgate any platform at all
except two or three broad generalities whcl
are common to the professions of faith of Al
parties in the country. No party, indeed
dare ask the confidence Of the nation, Will
openly denying the obligation to support tn
Union and the Constitution, and to enforc
the laws. That is common duty, bindin
upon every citizen, and the failure to pc,
form it is crime
To me it is plain that the approaching cor
test must be between the Democratic am
Republican parties and, between them,
prefer the latter.
The Democratic party, by the long pos
session and abuse Of power, has grown war
ton and reckless; has corrupted itself an
perverted the principles of tho Government
has set itself openly against the great hou
interests of the people, by neglecting to pr'