The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1860-05-04
Sam Houston and the Presidency.

Whatever may be the faults Of Sam
Houston, here is much in his character
10 respect and admire. He does not
sympathise with the dsunion fire eaters Of
the South, but, on the contrary, exposes
and rebukes their insane and reasonable
policy. This seems TO have increased his
popularity in Texas, whose people are de.
termined TO place him in the Presidential
chair. Last year, ms the Peoples candi-
date, he was elected Governor, by n
majority OF 10, ,oo0, though he had been
defeated by the same majority, in 1867
The recent State Convention Of the De-
mocracy of Texas, nominated him for the
Presidency, and the nomination has been
seconded by a Mass Meeting at San Ja-
cinto.
We make the following extract from
Gov. Ilouston's reply 10 letter from n
Committee at Galveston, asking il he
would permit his name 10 go before the
Charleston Convention:
The grand idea Of parties, ms maintained
| by the great men OF the past, has been
destroyed All those absorbing questions
! of finance and government which rallied
around Jackson and Clay the patriotism
Of the country, differing as to the best
mode Of advancing the national interests,
yet all striving TO accomplish that end,
are lost sight OF. We are drifting on ward
in the march Of cxtravagnnce and cor.
ruption. That which pertains 10 the
whole country commands scarcely q
passing thought, while that which per.
tains to each individual section is a scheme
OF distraction.
The Democratic party which eight
years ago carried its candidate into the
Presidency, by an overwhelming ma.
jorily, is divided by factions. Coalitions
formed with men OF more ambition than
patriotism have broken down the old land.
marks. National men have given place
to sectional agitators. Practical national
questions have given way TO distractions.
Slavery agitation has been renewed in
Congress, and the great work OF the pa.
cifcators Of / $50 has been uudone. Sec
tionaiism has been the canker worm which
has feasted on the party until its vitality
has been well nigh consumed.
1t is needless TO define, at any length,
the various heresies which distract the
country, each claiming for itself the name
Of Democracy. They each have their
peculiar advocates, and are suited to
peculiar sections or isms.
Tie Charleston Convention is to behold
these elements-"Black spirits and white,
red spirits and gray"-congl glomerated. -
Men who have devoted their lives TO the
service Of the Constitution and national
| principles are 10 behold the humiliating
spectacle; and their sentiments and coun-
sci are TO be ramped under foot by those
who 20 committed 10 doctrines subversive
Of the government and the rights Of the
States.
The qualifications Of candidate are
not considered, nor whether he is known
10 the nation or has done aught to ad-
vance its interesls-but is he avoiio6fe ?
Ii he is, the end Of the party is secured,
and there arc always on the spot the lead.
ing men Of delegations friendly 10 him.
ready TO give pledges, who, united, nom
mate the candidate and endorse him.
Pledgiug all the delegates who enter the
Convenlion'to support the nominee, tina,
independent action SO essential 10 freedom
is destroyed.
No independent man ought to accept n
nomination accompanied by any platform
with which his previously entertained
opinions are in conflict.
II my. name should be used in con-
nection with the Presidency, the move.
ment must originate with the people them
selves, as well as end with them. will
not consent to have my name submitted
to any convention, nor would l accept a
nomination il i! were rendered me, and
procured by contrivance, trick or manage
ment. II such n thing were possible that
| could be elected and not in harmony
with the voice of the majority Of the
American people, l would not hold the
position q single day, but retire TO private
station. solaced by self respect,
Thine truly, SAM HOUSTON.