The Weekly Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, O. [Ohio]) 1861-1???, 1862-10-22
+. J. OBLINGER,
II. s. CHAPLIN.
THE REELECTION or HON. J. NJ.
ASHLEY.

The RI. election of Mr.. Ashley AZ Mcm.er Of
Congress from the Tenth District is a matter Of
general qualification among all who are in favor Of
using every available means to crush the rebellion
against the lawful authority of the United States
Well known, since the first shot was fired at Fort
Sumter to be an earnest advocate Of the most en-
ergetic means for preserving the Government,
and early promugatng measures which the Presi-
dent has since adopted his defeat would have been
regarded AZ a censure to the Administration, dis
couragement of it's present policy, and in like ratio
an induoement for traitors 10 redoubc their re-
sisancc in the hope of final Northtr interven-
ton which might terminate the war in their favor
Under ordinary circumstances, the result of the
election in this District would not be II matter Of
the least surprise. While the principles represent
ed by MIR. Phelps were known to be in opposition
to the sentiments of majority of the legal voters
Of the District, the absence of 81 many Union men
in the army rendered his defeat doubtful, had there
been but two candidates in the field, and even
more so when consider the extraordinary cNer-
tions which were made to convince the people that
the two other candidates had claims upon the sup
port Of those earnestly devoted to the Union.
The position in which Mr.. Waite was placed by
his friends was far from objectionable to men who
valued the preservation of the Union above any
other interest. While urging his claims to the
consideration of the people, they pledged him to
support the policy of the President, aud with the
same breath charged Mr. Ashley with being a"howl-
ing Abolitonist." This was conclusive that Mr.
Waite was not expected to sustain the policy which
Mr.. Ashley had long md earnestly advocated.
But the echo of the pledges and denuncintions of
Mr.. Waites friends had scarcely died away, ere
the President, by official act adopted the policy, for
advocating which Mr.. Ashley had been traduccd.
The position was then this Mr.. Waite sustained
the President the President sustained Mr.. Ash
ley but Mr.. Waite Cor at least his support rs }
denounced Mr.. Ashley as Il " bowling Abolition
st." This was equivalent to thus denouRoing the
President while promising to support him. To
look fer consistency in this position, would bc
about as useless as to look for the end Of circle
Aud had not Mr., Ashley previously proved him
self an earnest and faithful Rep esentntive. the
inconsistent position oi his opponent, would doubt
les have insured his election.
We have but slight acquaintance with MIR. Ash.
ley-none at all with Mr. Waite--and we are
influenced by no feelings Of personal love or hate
for eitherby no obligations for hyors received or
expected nor are we biased 10y ill-wiil or unkind
fceiitg toward any man in the District bat we
have always admired the man, of whatever creed
or party either in public private life. who openly
aud candidly avowed his principles, and was will
ling to stand or fall With them, and who guided his
course upon his own convictions Of right aud duty,
rather than by the words or acts of superior civil
officer. And such man has Mr.. Ashley proved
himself TO be, Long and earnestly an advocate of
the most rigorous measures against armed traitors
when such advocacy met with little favor from the
leading men of his own party, and with much con
tumely and derision frsm his opponents, he has
still held fast 10 his honest convictions, and has
finally been sustained by honest, cautious, faith
ful and patriotic Presidepi as the United States
has known since the days Of Washington.
Concerning the charges of corruption made
against Mr.. Ashley, little need now be said for
the person who assumes that voters will fail to
crush man whom they think guilty cf intent tn
deiraud the Goyernm, ut which their hfc.bood is
flowing to protect places himself beyond the pale
of argument. The facts in the case have alt been
published, In every township and by the treside
of every voter in the District the matter has doubt
less been discussed, and rRS PEOPLE returned their
verdict on Tuesday, October l4'h Hereafter the
man who, On those charges, accuses Mr.. Ashley of
intent tn defraud, merely sets up his per
sonal opinion and prejudice against the verdict of
that power lrOm which there is no appeal the
popular voice and at least implies a defect in the
principle which is he admitted handspring of our
Government viz "The decision of the majority
is right"