davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-09-13

1t is already known to the people that
our "easy chair" Governor, who is try
ing to make his fortune out of other peo-
pies patriotism, has already offered to the
Government two more regiments-th quota
of Minnesota yet to be raised for the war.
His Excellency," as confessed by his
organ, the Press, bestows military appoint.
men,s as personal favors, for which the re-
cipients, and all their friends, are expected
to do him most grateful and dutifuI HON.
age.
This fact has become perfectly understood
in this community and was so before it
was avowed in the Press.
The tricky, shuffling, self.seeking coDtri-
vances to which his Excellency has habtu-
ally resorted in military affairs, his imme-
date dependents may, perhaps, excuse and
palliate in him.
In no other way could he be sure Of max.
ing capital for himself out of this war
without the risk of exposing his own pre-
cious body on the battlefield.
Men of his make always prefer fighting
by proxy-in the person of some MAJOR
Dixie, or other brave man while he himself
enjoys the easy chair of politics." far
away from danger. This is indeed very
nice and comfortable arrangement, if such
brave men could be induced to play the
part of proxy for such artfu. demagogues
as his ExcelleDcy.
We acknowledge the Governors wonder,
full aptitude and skill as track-covering,
crafty politician but, for the conduct of
military affairs, or official intercourse with
men fit to be soldiers,-for all such despise
the meaner articles Of the mere professional
politician,-it is evident that he does not
possess one solitary qualification. The
sooner Minnesota is rid of his Governor
ship, the better it will be for the honor and
interests of the people.
If RAMSEY continue Governor, drafting
will become necessary, as the only means of
furnishing the full quota of this State for
the Grand Army in defence OF the Union.
But elect as Governor brave, frank and
noble hearted soldier, like Major Dixie, who
is above huckstering the military offices for
personal service, and in less than a month
thereafter the two additional regiments will
be full, without the necessity of pressing or
drafting single man.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-09-13
Republican Defeat PrOphesied by the
Republican Organ

While believing that it is the sacred duty of
the Republican party to maintain its Organiza-
ton, we believe THAT 1T OR ANY OTHER PARTY
WILL BE DOOMED FROM THE HOUR THAT IT SEEKS
TO MAKE ITSELF CLOSE COMMUNION FOR THE Pos
SESSION OF OFFICE. The patriotism of the peo-
pie is thoroughly aroused, and too sincere and
earnest to tolerate schemes of mere party
agrandizement.-St Paul Press, July 81.
In the extract quoted above from the or.
gan of the "close communion - Republi
cans of this State, We read prophecy OF
their defeat at the October election. If
there was ever a strict party convention
held, it was that held in st. Paul, on the
4th instant, in pursuance of the call of the
Republican State Central Committee. 1t
was addressed to the Republicans, as parti-
Fans, and to no other class of men whatever.
No man of any other political belief, could
have beeT elected delegate to it,
or taken part in its proceedings, without
loss of personal respect. 1t was in every
sense of the term, "close communion" and
to the utmost extent of their meaning, "for
the possession of Office" and for "mere party
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT"
With reference to the clique organization
represented at the Republican State Con-
vention,it needs only change of the Press's
language from the future tense to the past,
to make history of its prediction. i" The
Republican party was doomed from the hour
that it sought to make itself close COM
munon for the possession of Office" And
doomed, too, because, in the further lam
guage of the Press, "the patriotism of the
people is thoroughly aroused, and too sincere
and earnest to tolerate schemes of mere
party ACKNOWLEDGMENT"
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-09-13
Ono Reward save his Pay and Rations.'

Ono Reward save MS Fay ana tatiOhS.
The Press thinks that Major Dixie is en-
titled to "no reward save his pay and ra-
tions" We have no doubt but the Major,
who is as modest as he is brave, feels that
the consciousness of having done his duty,
is sufficient reward without either pay or
rations.
That is the very reason why the people
of Minnesota, knowing his fitness for the
position, desire to honor him with the office
of Governor.
Governor RAMSEY, who came to this State
as poor as church rat, has never lost sight
of the pay and rations; and has grown rich
on the opportunities of bis "poitician's easy
chair" But the Governor seems to think
that this is sufficient to entitle him to per-
petuity in Office.
Major Dixie belongs to an entirely differ
ent sass of men. He does not enter the
public service for &" the pay and rations,"
but in obedience to an exalted sentiment of
patriotism and duty. And he could just
as content in the ranks as common sol.
der, if that position were assigned him, as
in any other post of duty and danger. That
his "pay and rations are given away in
noble hearted and transformations benevos
lence, those who know him best have no
doubt.
Unlike Governor RAMSEY, be is not the
man to make money out of az official posi-
tion-or to enter the public service for the
sake of "pay and rations." He is one of
that able, thrifty and superior class of cit~
liens, whose qualifications for business. tai
ents, industry, promptitude, aud integrity,
place them altogether above the low level
of the pay aud rations politicians easy
chair " class to which RAMSEY belongs.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-09-13
The Union Men of the South Plead
for a Union of Parties at the North.

We copied from the Springfield Mass
Republican, the other day, a patriotic ap~
peal to the Republicans and Democrats Of
New England and the North to forego
their party organizations, for the purpose
of uniting in one grand phalaDx for the
support of the government. Appeals of
the same tenor are continually coming to US
from the organs of loyal opinion in the bor-
der States. A late number of the Louis
vile Journal, which has fought the fight,
and won the victory over treason, in Ken
lucky, speaks as follows to Northern Re-
publicans and Democrats:
In our opinion, both the Republican and the
Democratic parties of the nOn-slavehOlding
States should, as such, give up their organiza.
tiOns and go into dissolution. 1t seems to us that
neither of the two parties in question has now
any peculiar mission that ought to be fulfilled.
We are very clear in the conviction that the
whole patriotic portion of the nation should
spontaneously resolve itself into one great
party for the Union, the Constitution, and the
Enforcement of the Laws.
This appeal comes from source entitled
to the respect of every patriotic citizen. 1t
is easy enough to be loyal in the North,
but it requires nerve to be so in the border
Slave States, and patriotism which must
exhibit itself by its works as we'll as its
faith. The Union men of the Border States
have the right to ask that the North shall
strengthen their hands for the conflict which
they gaze on, not as we do, from afar off,
but which is being waged under their eyes,
on their fields, in their streets, and even in
their very homes, where brother is array
ed against brother, and father against
son. Shall their appeal be made to the
true men Of the North in vainS
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-09-13
The Union Movement Inaugurated by
the Republicans of Ohio.

The Union Convention of the State of
Ohio, called by the Republican State Gen.
trail Committee, met at Columbus, on the
9th instant, and nominated a ticket which
will be elected in that State by hundred
thousand majority. The ticket is composed
of Hon. DAVID TOD, Democrat, for Cover
nor; Hon. BEN. STANTON, Republican,
Lieutenant Governor DR.. G. VoLNEY
DORSEY, Democrat, State Treasurer Judge
ScorT, Republican, Justice of the Supreme
Court: JOHN H. RILEY, Democrat, Comp-
troller BENZ. CoYAN, Republican, Secre>
tary of State; john F. ToRKENcE, Ameri-
can, Commissioner OF Public Works.
In the language of the Chicago Tribune,
the leading Republican journal of the
Northwest, we look upon this Convention
as an evidence at once of the steady 10y
atty and solid sense of the people by whose
command it was called. The resolutions
adopted are up to the advance sentiment of
the day. The ticket is good one, and
everything argues splendid triumph over
the narrow partisans and disguised seces-
sionists by whom the Union movement is
opposed"
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-09-13
The Progress of the Union Movement
for the sake of the Union

The loyal masses of the great State of
Ohio, in inaugurating union of the pa
triots of all parties, for the sake of the
Union, have struck the key note OF move
ment which will sweep over the whole n orh
at the coming Fall elections. The example
there set will probably be followed in New
York, to-day, as it has already been fol-
lowed in Iowa and Minnesota.
AS an indication of the tone that governs
the ablest papers of the Republican school,
we call attention to an article elsewhere
published under the head of d" Party Action
which we take from the Albany IN. 7 J
Evening Journal, edited, as our readers
know, by the astute politician, THURLow
WEED If the counsels Of the Republican
leaders prevail IN New York, ticket like
that nominated in Ohio will be selected to
day, which all loyal men can vote for, and
which will truthfully represent the patriot.
ism of the masses of all parties.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-09-13
The Press, ON 'sPressing'' and ''Draft-
1ng,D for the War.

The Governors State organ of Sunday
contains an editorial Shy authority" no
doubt, on the subject of drafting soldiers in
this State
We are informed by the "easy chair" or.
gan, that it has become "the universal topic
of the shanties that the Governor is going
to press men into the service"
1t is our opinion that the obligations OIL
political fealty, and personal service, ex-
pected by the Governor from all those to
whom be grants commissions, as avowed by
his organ, the Press, is fast pressing men
out of "the service"
RAMSEY having, by his pressing out sys.
tenn, made the filling up of the new regiment
by volunteers, exceedingly doubtful, if not
out of the question. while be is Governor
his organ informs the people, that in that
extremity, be will not "press," but draft
and to shirk whatever of responsibility or
odium there may be in the proceeding, that
be will, with his usual calculating shrewd-
ness, assign thai disagreeable duty over to
the Sheritls.
If we had man for Governor, fit to be
soldier, this disgrace and humiliation Of
being compelled to resort to drafting men
for the war, could never have become topic
of either "shanty" or newspaper discus
sions.
Here is what the Governors organ has to
say on the subject:
We understand in fact that the apprehension
of a sudden and ruthless CONSUMPTION is very
general among cons iderable number of the
| less intelligent foreigners who have been &C.
customed to it in Europe.
1t may be well, then, to say to these people,
that they have entirely misunderstood the ma.
ture of the levies which the government in ex.
traordinary emergencies is empowered to
make. 1t is hoped that a sufficient number OF
persons will enter the army as volunteers to
make it unnecessary to call out the militia re.
sources of the country by the legal process OF
drafting, and which has been found necessary
in previous wars of the United States. But il
this necessity should arise, it is not by the bru-
tai press gang that the levy will be made, but
by very much the same process OF allotment
by which a jury is selected by the Sheriff. Il
the President of the United States should call
upon the Governor for the quota of troops al
lotted to this State by Congress, it would be
the duty of the Governor to issue his requisi-
ton upon the Sheriff. I'VE believe, of each coun.
ty, for the number of men falling to each. 1t
would be the duty of the Sheriff to draft the
required number of men from the militia of the
county by lot. If the business engagements
of any one selected should make it inconve.
nient to go. he would be at liberty to hire a
substitute.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-09-13
The Politicians Easy-Chair."

The Press of Saturday calls the Office Of
Governor of this State "the polite ian s
easy chair" and avows the opinion that
RAMSEY is just the man to fill the easy
chair"
We accept the fact that he is " the Easy
Chair" candidate; but in these times we
need a straight forward, brave, frank and
liberal man, who is willing to make some
sacrifices for his country, and like Governor
SPRAGUE, of Rhode Island, win imperish-
able glory for the State. Major Dixie is
the man.
If "easy chair" RAMSEY wants to go to
the war, Governor Dixie will doubtless give
him commission but we may safely pre-.
dict that in his case discretion will always
continue to be the better part of valor, and
that he will prefer the easy chair of retire
ment to the dangers OF the battle field.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-09-13
Before and After.

Before Major Dixie received a nomina.
ton for Governor at the hands of the Peo-
Piles Union Convention, the Press, of this
city, was filled with praises Of his merits as
a citizen, and bis gallantry as q soldier.
On the End of August, when it was known
here of the important part borne by the
Minnesota First on the disastrous field Of
Manassas, and of the gallant bearing of
Major DYKE, the Press sounded bis praises
ia the following strain:
MAJOR DIKE.-This gallant officer has won
the plaudits of the brave men he had the hon
or to lead, in part, to battle on the fatal 2lst of
July. 1t was his big heart and genuine love of
the stars and stripes that prompted him to take
up arms. 1t was no dazzle of military glory
that took him to the tented field. And the
good account given of him is just what was
expected by all who knew the man.
This praise was not fulsome, but was
warranted by the plain facts connected with
Major DIKE's conduct on the field of battle
And when, fortnight since, the Major was
home, on furlough, the Press took the op-
portunity to furnish the public with bio
graphical sketch of our distinguished fellow.
citizen, so just in its estimate, that we had
no hesitation in adopting it in the place of
a sketch from our own pen. But all this
was before Major Dixie was nominated for
Governor, in competition with the PRESS
candidate, ALEXANDER RAMSEY.
Since Major DlKE's nomination, the
Press, so far as it dare, without palpably
outraging the public sensibilities, has been
casting slurs upon its former favorite. In
its anxiety to do away with the effects of
its former praise, it even goes so far as to
discredit its own commentator. 1t speaks
of the elaborate editorial which appeared in
the Press on the 29th of August, as having
Preached its columns through an ingenious
circuit of solicitation from the gentlemen
who were mainly instrumental in procuring
his nomination"
We do not know, of course, upon what
principle the Press is conducted, and so cam
not absolutely gainsay the grave charge
which it brings against itself, in represent
ing that its labored eulogies and criticisms
on the characters of public men, are not
the sober estimates of its editor, but are
procurable, on demand, simply by 81 olici.
tation." We know of no other journal in
the country, setting forth any claim to re-
spectability, that would thus disparage
itself for any purpose whatever. Indeed
the Press's charge against itself is so vile,
that we feel bound, on common professional
grounds, to disbelieve it. We have no doubt
that the explanation was an after thought,
suggested by the fear of defeat, which it
already feels, in common with its candidate.
The editorial career of Mr.. MARSHALL
has not been of cast to impress us with a
very high estimate Of his honesty or discre>
] ton; but we had not got to the point OF
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-09-13
The Press SANDERS.

The Press is becoming seriously alarmed
about its candidate for Governor; and in
it's furry seems to have lost all sense of de-
cency or propriety.
Its sla nderous attacks on Major Dixie
which are no doubt instigated by Governor
RAMsEY-must disgust all right-minded,
and sound-hearted men.
Among other ISLANDERS the Press asserts
that Major Dixie came home on furlough to
plot" for nomination. Will the Press
state the evidence upon which this and
other ISLANDERS is based? We await a re-
NV
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-09-13
to be thus handled by set OF hardened
political gamesters ? II they do, we'll may
enlightend patriots despair of the Republic.
Do CIVIL and Military Offices be-
long to the People, or are they the
Private Property OF Alexander Ram
sey3


long to the People, Or are they the
Private Property of Alexander Ram
sey3
If Major Dixie has acquired any especial
renown which can be rendered available Tor
this purpose, it will be recollected that it
was acquired in a position conferred by tne
generosity of political friend. now candl-
date by the spontaneous action OF the people
for reelection to the chief magistracy OF the
State. To use the sword entI usted 10 MIN lor
the defence of the country to cut down the
magistrate who put it in his hand, and to
fight, not the battles of his country but of a
party NAV or may not be delicate and fitting
return for the noblest gift which civil officer
can bestOw, but such man would be an en-
tirely appropriate instrument for the wire'pul-
lers who are using their name and influence as
Republicans, to destroy the Republican organ.
ization.-St. Paul. Press Sept. 7th.
The remarkable paragraph quoted above,
from the organ of ALEXANDER RAMSEY,
suggests the important inquiry whether the
public appointments made under our laws,
by the Governor of the State, are mere
perquisites of his office, and to be used for
his personal ACKNOWLEDGMENT, or, whether
they belong to the people, and are to be
made solely with reference to the public
good. From the sentences above expressed,
it is clear that Governor RAMSEY regards
them as his property, to be disposed of for
his personal advantage.
We should have been 10th. to make as a
charge against Gov. RAMSEY, what is ad-
mitted by his organ, as thing OF course.
1t is an acknowledgment Of the truth of all
that has been surmised, that his appoints
ments, civil and military, have been made
for the most selfish and dishonorable of pur
poses. 1t is the same as saying, in terms,
that, when Gov. RAMSEY confers an appoint
ment, and it is accepted, the recipient be-
comes, by the act, bond>slave of the Gov
ernor bound, thenceforth, to sink his own
individuality and manhood, and to use the
faculties, which belong to the country, for
the ignoble purpose of pandering to the
ambition of his august patron"
If it is true that the Press represents the
ideas of Gov. RAMSEY. in this view, it is
clear that he has already been Governor
too long. When a man in Office comes to
believe himself an Autocrat of State, in
stead of public servant, entrusted with
the exercise of power for the public well
fare, it is time he were relieved from the ex-
ercise of its functions.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-09-13

regarding him in the light in which he in~
considerably or shamelessly places himself,
of editing paper whose criticisms are in
fuenced either by purchase or "solicita-
tions." Our concern for Mr.. MARSHALL
reputation, therefore, forces us to discredit
his assertion that the laudatory sketch of
Major Dixie was any thing else than what
it appeared to be, on its face,-Mr. MAR
STALLS unprejudiced estimate of Major
DIKE's character and qualifications, in pri-
vate as we'll as in public life.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-09-13

1--WE think that the First Regiment would
prefer that they should be honored in the per-
son of some one of their number who remains
with them. sharing their hardships and studi.
Gus for their welfare, rather than of one who
SO soon seeks to abandon the tented field for
the politicians easy chair. Of iSatur.
day.
Can the above be excelled in meanness ?
The Press would have the people believe
that Major Dixie is not with his regiment,
sharing their hardships and studious of
their welfare" We venture to say that no
man, in any regiment, has made greater sac
ri6ces, or has been more studious of the
welfare of his fellow soldiers, than Major
Dixie.
He has already done more kindnesses for
bis fellow soldiers, not for any personal adj
vantage or ostentatious display, but from
the natural goodness of his heart, than Gov.
Ramsey is capable of in whole lifetime.
Major Dixie did not seek the nomination
for Governor and it is basely false in the
Press to say that he did. 1t was conferred
upon him spontaneously by those who know
him, as just tribute to his noble qualities
as a man and soldier, who..is as brave as
he is unassaming and who possesses the
qualifications essential, especially at this
time, for Chief Magistrate of the State.
Such "easy chair politicians" as Ramsey
are worse than good for nothing in times
like the present. We need a man for Gov.
ernor who has some soul, and who is alto
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-09-13

gether above the tricks and intrigues of
"the easy chair politician, "a man, in short,
who will not peddle out the patronage of
the State, and military commissions, either
to put money in his pocket, or to perpetuate
himself in Office.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-09-13
Archbishop Hughes on the War

We call the especial attention of our
readers of all religious denominations, to
the truly catholic loyalty expressed in the
able letter of Archbishop HUGHES, pub
lished in our columns to-day. In this letter
the great Catholic prelate proves himself to
be true and enlightened patriot.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-09-13
The Question of Major Dike's Acs
ceptance.

1t having been made question, on the
part of the enemies of the Union movement,
as to the acceptance by Major Dixie of the
nomination yesterday conferred on him, for
Governor of Minnesota, we are authorized
to state that be left with friends here the
most unequivocal assurances that, if desired,
his name might be used before the people
for that position. 1t is, however, due to
Major Dixie, to say, that be was, in no
sense, an aspirant for the place; and that
he gave his consent only after urgent soli-
citation on the part of large numbers of
our most prominent citizens, in whose
friendship aud patriotism he reposed impli-
cit confidence.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-09-13
The Reply of Col. Aldrich to Adju.
tant General SanbOrn.

We direct attention to the commupica.
ton from Col. ALDR1cH, in response to the
late card of Adj. Gen. SANBoRN, and to
the remarkable documents interspersed
through it. 1t reveals facts which could
hardly be credited on less convincing testi-
mony. It deserves to be read and pondered
over by every voter in Minnesota.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-09-13

The rebel Congress mas adjourned to
the third Monday of November.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-09-13

"A serious accident occurred on the rail-
road near Arlington, on Friday. The All.
ken Guards, l4th Louisiana, had one killed
and thirteen wounded.