The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1862-10-04
Gel. T. Lyle Disksy for Congress.

We have read with mingled feelings Of
pride and pleasure the subjoined article
from the Joliet Signal of Tuesday, noni-
mating Col. T. LYLE DIcKEY for Congress in
opposition to JESSE O. NORTON Knowing
Col D. 50 well, we have all along felt that
eminent men in this state, we could desire
to see in Congress. His purity of charac-
ter. exalted talents, and whole hearted de-
votion to the cause of his country in this
hour of her great need, have marked him
q . man not only to be trusted in the
most exalted and trying position, but
whose clear head, courageous heart, and
pure patriotism it him above his fellows
to plan and advise in the great council
chamber Of the nation. Yetwe have been
10th tourgehis nomination for the position
by a mere party convention. If there is a
man in the state whose single devotion to
his country raises him above the clamor
of mere party, that man is Col DIcKEY-
Ever cool, calm and conservative in his
views, we have confidence that his sympa-
thies are with the democratic party ~
opposed to the violent measures of the
abolition extremists; yet 50 wholly is his
mind and soul wrapped up in the one
great work of subduing the present rebel
lion, and restoring our country to its for
mer glory and happiness, that no man
who knoscs Col D. can doubt for an instant
that, in pressing forward to such goal,
mere party francis would no more be al
lowed to hamper his action than the withes
that bound Sampson. Such men temper,
mould, and direct parties,-never slavishly
servo and follow them.
We are rejoiced, therefore, and proud
that his merits are appreciated and his
name has been presented to the people of
this district in the manner it has. Had
he been presented here first, it might have
been attributed to mere personal friend.
ship, or to local feeling or pride. But the
movement beginning at Mr.. Norton's own
home, shows that THE PEOPLE are in it, and
desire to vote for something more than a
mere party machine at a time when the
country is brought to the verge of 6estruc-
ton for the want of high-toned, sterling,
manly, Independent thought and action in
the councils of tho nation. Parties are
useful add necessary in their place. IN
republican government they are the only
safeguard Of public morality ana a. such
indispensable. But parties do not make,
naould and guide, but should be moulded
and guided by great miadk The mare
party slave is unfit to lead and give eoun-
sci in times like these.
In seeonding the nomination, and urging
upon the people the support of Col. D. for
Congress, however, We are we'll aware that
all is not done that is necessary or tho oc-
casion calls for. The people must be
reused to the importance of the subject
Meetings should be held in every town in
the district, aud the grounds upon which
the election OF Col D. to Congress is press
ed upon them as . patriotic duty fully
presented and explained. This will in
volve some degree Of organization among
his friends and some uork. We throw out
the idea in the hope that it will lead to
speedy action.
Following is the article of the Joliet
Signal presenting the name of Col D. as
the preference of the people of that por-
tor Of the eth Congressional District for
Congress.