Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1860-03-17
GEN, FOSTERS NOMINATION AT MS Mol4D.
Grand Ratification Meeting.
SPEECH OF GENERAL FOSTER.

The Groensburg Denaocr0t, brings us
the proceedings of the Democratic ratifca
ton meeting held there-the home of Gen.
HENRY ID. FosTER-on the evening of his
nomination by the Reading Convention for
Governor, The town was brilliantly illu-
minated, and the Court House, where the
meeting was held, was thronged to suffo-
cation by the naighbors and friend of Gen.
eral FOSTER, anxious to testify their grat.-
fcation at the very unexpected news
JAMES G. CLARKE, Esq, presided, and
motion being made to invite General Fos-
TER to address the assemblagc, the chair,
in putting the motion, said
In rising to put the motion just made, 1
do not know that am called upon TO make
any remarks to the meeting every one
present is aware of its object. We have,
but few hours since, learned that the
Democratic State Convention, assembled
in Reading, has most Unexpectedly, and
by acclanation, placed in nomination, as
the Democratic candidate for Governor of
the great State of Pennsylvania, our dis
tinguished fellow -townsman, General Hen
ry D. Foster cheers and we have met
here, spontaneously as it were, to rejoice
and congratulate each other upon that
nomination, and to ratify by our united
voices tonight the action of the Conven
tion-a ratification, which, although at the
time and place, coming as it does from the
grateful hearts of the immediate friends
and nci ghbors and personal acquaintances
of General Foster, is but the prelude to the
greater ratification which will be given by
the people of Pennsylvania at the ballot
box on the second tuesday of October
next. Renewed checrs.] Fellow-c citizens
OF Westmoreland county, l most heartily
congratulate you; L congratulate the peo-
pie of Pennsylvania, on this au'pcious
nomination. The manner in which it wa,
made, unsolicited as it was-and even
aga n t the wishes Of the recipient assures
u; that the Democratic party Of the State
is again returning to the good old times Of
its purity and integrity when the Office
sought the man, aud not the man the office ;
[great applause j when the only question,
were, is he honest, is he capable The
Unprecedented unanimity with which the
! nomination was made, and the unbounded
enthusiasm which followed its announce
ment, augers that we have but to do our
duty in the coming political contcs. and a
glorious victory, u Democratic victory, will
follow. But will not dctain you longer
i from the pleasure l know you all anttci-
pate, oilistening to the voice of acceptance
Of his highly honorable nomination from
the generous and noble hearted son and
favortc of Old Weslmoreland-Gen Eos.
ter-hinself. Loud cheers
The chairman then put the motion. 1t
was answered with deafcning shout for
Foster, and his appearing i'll the meeting
was the signal for long continued, and
boisterous cheering. Gen, Foster spoke as
follows.
Mr.. President and FeHolo Citischs -
L confess, that few hours ago, no man in
Pennsylvania less anticipated the action
Of the Democratic State Convention, and
Of my fellow-citizens here present, tina,
myself. had 10 expectations that
would be selected for the high and honor.
able position that has been assigned me-
Upon every proper and convenient occa
sion, had discouraged the use of my
nlme as candidate. But the nomination
has been made and rendered to me in
manner and with unanmity that pre-
cludcs deciination. While had no per
sonal desire for the nomination, it is not
now question whether it is to my ad
vantage and my gain, or my disadvantage
any my loss. | cannot but accept it, ant
thus accodc to what appears to be the ur
| gent desire of my party. That such
manner, is gratifying, it would be idle anc
foolish in me to deny. But while appre
ciate the honor done me, 1 cannot but fee
. that it is rather compliment paid to IN
0 out of respect for, and on account of, tn
! noble Democracy Of Old Westmoreland.- -
All that | have, and all that am, | har
had from the hands Of it. Democracy an
. this nomination has been given to ther
= rather than to me.
I 1t is not expected of me that upon thi
| ccc sion l should undertake to discuss an
t OF the issues of the campaign. 1t will b
@ long and an arduous contest. Their
will be no child $ play in the battle whic
is t, be fought in the fall OF 1860; but t
{ deserve as well as to secure success, thcr
!, will be required not only the untireing ell
It ergy of your candidate, but of every ind
vidual Democrat in the State. That Den
n ocratic principles ought to prevail, shoul
- never for a moment be doubted. BY ii
i principles of that party-by its measure
" measures that have made this countr
t, what it isl shall stand firmly, Itsmea
n ures and its principles arc dear to even
Democratic heart, and upon its platform
shall surely stand
Great questions of public policy and
N vital interests are agitating the country
" its very centre. Those questions must
IL settled, and settled upon sound, nationi
re constitutional grounds. They must be Sc
IS tied not for the benefit of the North-n
m for the benefit of the South--not for t
:, exclusive benefit of any section, but for t
- best interest and the common good of {