Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-07-10
BY SAMUEL J. ROW.
THE ELECTIONS.

THE LATE ELECTIONS.
The late elections indicate disposition on
the part of the people, to sustain the Admin
istration in the most vigorous efforts to crush
the Southern rebellion. Two elections have
been lately held to fill vacancies in Congress;
one in the Luzerne district to fill the vacancy
caused by the death of Mr.. Scranton, and one
in Pbiladelphia to fill the vacancy caused by
the resignation of MIR. Morris. In the Luzerne
district, the people generally, discarded any
mere party issues, and Hon. Hendrick b.
Wright, Douglas Democrat, accepted the
nomination from both Democrats and Repub-
licans, on the simple issue of sustaining the
Administration in its efforts to put down re-
bellon. In his letter, accepting the Demo-
cratic nomination, Col. Wright declared his
readiness, if elected to Congress, to vote any
necessary amount of money out of the Fed
eral treasury, and, if necessary, put half a
million of men in the field. Mr.. Wright's S
views were too patriotic for that portion of
the Democratic party that sympathised with
the Rebels, and they accordingly got out a
candidate by the name of Randall. But il
was no use. Wright was elected by such an
overwhelming majority that Randall hardly
knew he was candidate.
In the ID district of Philadelphia, the ma
jority Of all parties, gave hearty and enthu-
siastic support to the war and great many
thought that under the circumstances party
should not be revived, but that the people
should agree upon suitable candidate with
out respect to his politics. The parties, how
ever, did not follow this counsel. The Re-
publicans nominated Charles O'Neill and the
Democrats Charles J. Biddle, both men of
high character. Mr.. Bidde had, since the war
broke out, acted a patriotic part. He was a
Colonel in the army, and absent at the head OF
his regiment, when the nomination was made.
When nominated, n pledges were asked and
none were given. Biddie was elected. The
vote wa, very close, and did not indicate any
great change in parties. Very many did not
vote nor seem to care which candidate was G.
lected. Not much over half as many votes
were polled as in October, when Mr.. Morris
was elected. In October the vote stood as fol-
John Brodhead (DemocraD 5,493, Henry NJ.
Fuller (American) 1,745-total vote 1888.
At this election it stood Charles j. Biddle
3,947, Charles O'Niell 8, 3,730-total vote 1877.
Such are the facts. And yet, we suppose, that
all the papers over the country, in sympathy
with the secessionists, will endeavor to make
the public believe, that these elections a
rebuke to the policy of Lincoln and his adj
ministration. Just the reverse of this is true.
1t shows that the course of the present Ad-
ministration meets the approval and support
of the patriotic portion of all parties. 1t at
fords but little encouragement to secession.
lists and their allies. If Mr.. Wright or Mr.
Biddle had been of the Secessionist class o
politicians, who are always whining and growl
ing at every vigorous effort of our govern
ment to resist the traitors, neither the Demo
cratic nor any other party would have dared te
present either of their names candidates
before the people, or if they had, the candi
dates would have been left hopelessly behind
The MEssAGE.-We this week publish Pres
ident Lincoln's first message. 1t is an able
and diguifed and interesting State paper. L
will be read by all with much attentions fol
in no period of the history of the United
States, have the views of the Chief Magistrate
been a matter of so much moment. ALI have
more or less interest in the maintaining of the
government intact and therefore the reading
of this message will be qualification to near
ly all. 1t comes fully up to the general ex.
pectation. There is no lowering of the stand
ard of the Inaugural. There is no talk Of
yielding to the traitors-no propositions fol
inglorious concessions to, or compromises
with the rebels,-but the message is charac
terized by that bold, firm, decided tone which
brave and loyal people have a right to ex
pect from their chief magistrate in the hour
of the nations peril. He stands by the flag
and ,ciH stand by it, until it floats in triumph
over all the rebellious States. and the rebels
have laid down their arms. The Presiden!
having met the expectations of the public, il
but remains for Congress to uphold the hands
of the Executive by legalizing the acts of the
past, and making that abundant provision fol-
the future without which the war cannot be
carried to successful conclusion. The Pres
ident is ready to do his part; the army is pre-
pared for its share of duty, and burning fol
the opportunity of doing it, and if Congress.
does its duty promptly in furnishing the sin
ews OF war, we may reasonably look forward
to the realization of hopes so long deferred
FRAUDULENT SMALL NoTEs.-Beware of one
two and three dollar bills on the Farmers and
Drovers' Bank of Waynesburg, Greene couh.
fy, Penna. That bank has, as yet, issued nc
small bills, and all that are in circulation are
for0ertea