Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1861-09-30
THE REST POLICY.


Tie state convention which meets in this
city to morrow VIII practically determine the
administration and policy OF Massachusetts
for the coming year. Other movements have
been sugg, d, and in one or two localities
pressed with impatient pertinacity, cuntem-
plating course of action somewhat different
in details from that which it will probably pur.
sue. But the public judgment and the course
Of events have not favored them, and their
advocates are quite likely TO acquescc in the
decision Of this convention which will represent
in peculiar manner the well-underslood and
predominant convictions Of the people Of this
commonwealth With clear appreciation of
the terrible crisis through which the country
is passing, by tile side of which all other con-
tests and riyalries seem 10 be unpatriotlc and
in every sense unworthy, the republicans Of
Massachusetts, have postponed the assertion
OF issues about which they radically differ
from other political organizations, and rec
ognize loyalty to the government as the only
test Of political fellowship. In holding their
convention upon this broad and liberal basis
they have done their simple duty, aud their
action will commend itself to all citizens, eX
cept those who have irrevocably chosen
different course, and perhaps, also that small
class OF dissentents who are c0nstitutonally
impatient OF results which they do not direct
and control.
Coming together, then, under these new and
unprecedented circumstances, the first and
only question to be answered, is, what policy
will give the m jst sincere assurance of the
devotion of this old commonwealth to the
Union and be the earnest of its unrelenting
purpose 10 stand by the flag ? If the conyen-
ton, which represents so much OF the inieili'
gence and character OF the state, and is by the
necessity OF It's position the responsible expo
nent of lis controlling public sentiment, gives
forth an uncertain sound, how shall we justify
ourselves 10 our sister states, who look to
Massachusetts for an example in this dark
time which is an equal trial Ia thn'a 81 ?
Ue u1due before the election, II indeed any
are now contemplated, the full responsibility
OF the state government its errors, if it shall
commit any, its virtues, il it shall have any
will rest ultimately here. We trust, therefore,
the convention will take tie responsibility
boldly, and show by their declaration OF SENT.
ments and their nominations of candidates that
the people of Massachusetts are now, as they
have always been, faithful to the government
faithful, too, to those great principles of con
sdtutional liberty which are the fundamental
articles o: their faith bearing always in mind
that il is cowardice, and not patriotism, to
evade the assertion OF good principle because
by the eXigency of political organization it
happens to have been associated with one or
another obnoxious party name and ritual.
While exercising the utmost forbearance upon
questions which are not vital to the welfare
Of the republic, it should be remembered with
religious fidelity that it is parrcidal for any
one to see wherein a fearful danger threatens
it, and not TO sound the warning which may
save it from destruction.
In the presentation OF candidates, we pre-
sumo there will be little if any opposition to
the denomination OF Gov. Andrew AT no time
probably since we have had state govern
ment, have the duties of the chief magistrate
been SO delicate, engrossing, and aborious, as
during the past year. Yet with little expert
ence, and no precedents TO guide him in such
duties, he has given himself TO their perform
ance with intelligent energy, which, while il
gratitied his friends won for him the respect
eof his opponents and the admiration of strang-
ers. And while the state owes to him debt
of gratitude, Which the compliment of re-
alactiop w IN t,oOrlv rpDav Ua have tl, ocsurod
conviction that such a recognition of his ser.
vices, by the unanimous voice of this conven-
ton, would be hailed with satisfaction wherev
er ihe fair fame of Massachusetts has a friend.
For the post of lieutenant governor, now va.
cant by the removal of Mr.. Goodrich to anotii.
er post of duty, several candidates of different
political affinities have been mentioned. Stand.
ing as the lieutenant governor does next to the
chief executive, and necessarily in near rea.
tions Of intimacy and confidence with him, it
would seem TO be desirable that the place
should be occupied by one who sympathizes
with the general policy Of the state govern
ment, and who will be disp osed 10 contribute
by cordial cooperation to its harmony and sue.
cess. When the question rises, the good sense
OF the convention will see the propriety OF
such selection from the many worthy names
that have been designated by their friends.
With any result, however, lei us never lose
faith in the beloved ealtl--the firm
friend, in war as in peace, OF elderly and
union, one and inseparable, now and forever"
TuE state central committee of the const-
tutional union party have issued an explana.