Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-03-14
THE GUBERNAToR1AL CONTEST.

THE GUBERNATORIAL CONTEST
The two great parties in Pennsylvania hav-
ing selected their standard bearers for the GU
bernatorial contest, it may be well enough, at
this time, to draw attention to some of the is
sues that will be affected by the result. 1t is
so apparent as scarcely to require mention to
be made of it, that the Governors election
will tend, in no small degree, to decide the
great struggle which is to follow in Novem-
Der, and with it questions affecting the pros
perity of the country and the stability of the
government-whether the system of msruie
now prevailing at the National Capital shall be
continued, Or a new and better order of things
be introduced. The reckless course of th C
present National Administration--its utter
disregard of the interests of the laboring clas-
ses-its base trucking to the slave power-its
countenance of fraud and violence, whereby
the will of the majority was frustrated-its
connivance at, if not its direct participation in,
the most stupendous corruptions which have
ever disgraced our Government since its or
ganization-are all well known. Should the
Democratic party succeed at the October cleo
tion in electing their candidate for Governor,
it will be hailed by the spoilsmen, throughout
the country, as an endorsement of Mr.. Buchan-
ans course, and that Pennsylvania desires
continuance of Democratic rule at Washing
ton. On the other hand, if the Peoples can
didate is elected, which is as certain as any
event to come can be, it will be regarded ev-
erywhere as condemnation of the conduct of
the National Administration, and as an ire
&i,o
be placed in new hands.
The talk about Fosters nomination being
"spontancous' movement of the masses of the
Democratic party, is all bosh and CANNON
He is not the popular man that he is claimed
to be-, The truth is, he has been singularly
unfortunate on nearly every occasion that he
was before the people a candidate. No
longer ago than 1853, he was beat for Con-
gress over 1000 votes in district that few
years before gave $500 Democratic majority.
But let see how his nomination was brought
about. When it was proposed to elect him a
delegate to Charleston, he received so votes,
and then his name was withdrawn. Suisse
quently he received bnt votes for Elector at
large, and the ballot, so far as it concerned
: him, was ordered to be expunged, because he
was sstoo good man. to have his name appear
in the proceedings with so small vote! Next
came the ballotings for Governor. On the
first he had 4, on the second he had IL votes.
On the third, Witte had 54, Fry 80, &c. AS
the ballot progressed, every now and then a
buchanan man, who had previously voted for
Witte, changed over to Foster, making set
speech so as to insure cheer from the outs-
ders and help on the arrangement. In this
way he received a votes, by the time the list
was called through. AT this juncture, Mr..
Dietrich, another Buchanan man, made the
motion that Foster be nominated by acclama-
tion, which the President declared carried !!
If the nomination was made is now con-
tended, how did it happen that among the
first seized by the 'sinspiration" were custom
house officers and other wire-pullers of the
National Administration? Why did they take
such an active part in the movement, if it
was not in accordance with the wishes and Sc
cret man@uvres of ssthe power behind the
throne 20 The spontaneous combustion idea
won't dot will require something more sub
stantiai to elect Mr.. Foster.
There is, however, little need of indulging
in any such speculation. Andy Curtin will be
the next Governor of Pennsylvania, beyond a
doubt. He is gentleman of unusual public
spirit, and his whole soul is bound up in the
development of the immense mineral and ag-
ricultural resources of his native State. By
birth, education, and lifelong habit and asso-
citation, he is Protectionist, and a tradition
ary believer in Free Labor, and in that policy
which purposely encourages, diversifies, and
perfects all the arts, industries and refnements
of free and civilized community. He unites
an even temper and solid judgment, TO great
knowledge, not only of books, but of men and
affairs. No man in the Commonwealth is
more familiar with its history, or with its vari-
ous local interests; with its diversified capaci-
ties and requirements; with its legislation, its
policy, and its public opinion. In all his pri-
vate relations, and in the discharge of his Off
cial duties he has achieved high character
for probity and honor. In head and heart, in
temperament and action, he is an ingrained
Pennsylvania. Within our broad limits there
is none who can and will make a better Gov
crnor; and if the people-the mechanics, the
]aboring men, the sshard- -fisted yeomanry =
understand their own interests, they will rally
in a body to his support, and elect him over
Mr.. Foster, who, whatever may be said In bis
favor, stands on a platform that endorses the
corrupt and imbccile Administration of Mr.
Buchanan from the odium of which he can
not be detached by the specious arguments
and explanations of the managers OF his party.