Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-09-22

Before the Democratic state COnven-
tiOn at Albany, September 10, 1861,
ON Receiving the Nomination for
Governor.

Mr. President. having uniformly aud decidedly
expressed my unwllingness TO hold any official
position at this time, | did not expect my name
would be brought before this Contention The
nomination you have made subjects me to great
inconvenience, whatever may be the result of
this election. | came to this Convention ex
pecting to aid in placing at the head OF the ticket
the name of one whom feel TO be more it than
myselfior that honorable position. But sir what
ever may be the injury to myself, | can not re
fuse nomination made ia manner that touches
my heart and fills me with a still stronger sense
OF my obligations to this great and patriotic party.
In addition TO my debt of gratitude to particular
friends, | am impeled bv the condition OF our
country to sacrifice my personal wishes and inter-
ests TO its good
Two years have not passed away since a Con-
ventiOn. remarkable for its numbers, patriotism
and intelligence, assembled at this place to avert
If possible the calamities which aiflict out people
Ia respectful terms il implOred the leaders OF the
political party which had triumphed al recent
election to snbmit to the people of this country
some measure of Cancellation which would save
them from civil war. Ii asked that before we
should be involved in the evils and horrors of do
mestic blOOdshed, those upon whom il would bring
bankruptcy and ruin and into whose homes it
would carry desolaton and death, should be al
lowed to speak. That prayer for the rights Of
assurances were given that there was no danger
The storm came upon with all its fury-and
the war so constantly and Clearly foretold, desc
latel our land Ii is said no compromises would
have satisfied the South IL we had tried them
il would not now be matter of disc0rant opin-
ion. Ii these offers had not satisfied the South
they would have gratifed loyal men ut the North
and would have united us more perfectly.
Animated by devotion to our Constitution and
flas
Government, and one year since show Ell an armed
strength that astOniShed the world. We again
appealed to those who welded this mighty mate
rial power TO use it for the restoration of the
Union and to uphold the Constitution and were
told that he who clamJred for the constitutional
rights was "A traitor
Congress assembled. inexperienced in the
conduct of public affairs. drunk with power it
began its course OF agitatiOn. outrage and wrong.
The defeat of our armies at Manassas, for time
filed it with terror. Under this influence it
adopted the resolution of Mr.. Crittenden, de-
clarng:
That the present deporabe civil has been forced
upon the country by the dsuniOnisS of the Southern
States against the Constitutional GOveTn-
ment, and in around capital; that in this
tonal emergency Congre-s, BAN hing al feelings
passion or reseum nt will recoect only ts duty to the
whole county; thatihis is waged, their part
in spirit Of oppression for purpose OF conquest
subugaiion, purpose Of overtrowng in.er ns
but 10 defend and maintain the supremacy Of The Con
stiu ion and The Union tn all the dignity
equality aud rights Of the several states unmpaired and
that soon these objects are accomplished the war
ought TO cease.
Again the people rallied around the llg of the
Union. But no sooner their fears alayed
than they began anew tlie iactOus ntrigues-
the violent discussions and the unconstitutional
legislation which ever brings defeat and disgrace
upon nations. In vain were they warned of the
a. 4 II.
President implOre fOrbearance and moderation.
No act was omitted which would give energy to
the Secessionsts, or which would humiliaie and
mOrtify the lOya men of the South. Every to-
pic calculated to divide and distract the North
dragged into embittered debates. Proclama-
tions of emancipation were urged upon the Presi
dent, which could only cOnfiscate the property Of
loyal citizens at the South; for none Others could
be reached by the power of the Government
The conhscation act had already forfeited the lie
gal rights of all who were engaged in or who
aided and upheld the rebellion. These were ex
cited to desperate energy by laws which made
their lives, their fortunes. the safety Of their
families nn1 homes depend upon the success OF
their schemes. From the dragons teeth, sown
broadcast 10y Congress, have sprung the armies
which have driven back our forces and which
now beleaguers the Capital of our country. The
acts Of the National Legislature have given
pleasure to the Abolitionists, victories to the Sc.
ce>siOnists But while treason rciOices and tr
umphS. defeat aud disgrace have been brought
upon the flag Of our country and the defenders
OF our Constitution. Every man who ysited
Washington six months ago could see and feel
we were upon the verge of disaster. Discord,
Jealousy, envy aud strife pervaded its atmO-
sphere.
/ went to the camp Of our soldiers. Amid the
hardships OF an exhausting campaign-amid suf-
ferings from exposure and want-amid those Ian
gushing upon els of sickness or those struck
down by the casualties OF war. heard and saw
Ouly devotion tO our Constitution, and love for
our Country's Flag. E E,ch eye frightened as il
looked upon the National Standard with its glo-
rOus emblazonry Of Stars and Stripes From this
scene of patriotic devotion | went into our Na-
tional Capitol. | traverSed is Mosaic pavements;
| gazed upon its walls of polished marble; | saw
upon its ceilings ali that wealth, lavishly poured
out. could do tO make them suggestive of our
cOuntry's greatness and it, wonderful wealth OF
variei productions. Art had exhausted itself in
painting aud sculpture TO make every aspect sug
restve of high and noble thought aud purpose
Full of the associations which cluster about this
vast Temple which should be dedicated TO patri
otism aid truth, | entered its Legislative Halls;
their gided walls aud gorgeous furniture did not
CONTRAST more strongly with the rude scenes OF
mrrtal lie than dill the gstening putrescence
and thin lacquer of Congressional virtue contrast
with the steriing loyalty and noble self-sacri6ce
OF our country's defenders / listened TO debates
full OF bitterness and strife
saw in the camp heartfelt homage to our
national hag-a stern defiance of those who
dared to touch it, sacred folds with hostile hands
| heard ia the Capitol threats of mutation of
its emblazpnry-by striking down the life of
States. He who would rend our National stand
ard by dividing our Union is Traitor He who
would put out one glittering star from its azure
field, is Traitor, too.
THE PRESENT CONDITION OF OUR COUNTRY.
Let us now confront the facts of our condition,
and they shall be stated in the language of those
who brought this Administration int0 power, and
who nov are politically opposed to the members
OF this Convention. After the expenditure OF
nearly one thousand millions OF dollars, and the
sacrifice of more than one hundred thousand
Northern lives, in the language OF the EoeHing
Post:
What has been the RESULT Our armies Of the West the
noble Of Fort onclson and SHILOH scattered
hat n knOws heir Whereabouts while the Toe
they sent 10 dsperse i hundred miles In their
threatening the cities OF Tennessee aud Kentucky. and
advancing toward OF the prime pal al
ctie OF the free States There noieaderhp, unity
Of command apparen y plan concert Of action In
the entire region have undertaken TO hold and defend.
AT the time army of the East numbering z50
0O0 troops fully armed aud equipped and admirably dis
cpned, after investing the capital Of the ensmy, has
been driven back 20 It's original position the Potomac,
deeimated In numbers and unprepared make a single
vigorous movement In advance.
And IL adds:
Now Is useless shut eyes the fact that this Is
fai ure, disgraceful humiliating, and awful
The EoeHing Journal, the redted organ OF
the Secretary OF State, now admits the truth Ut
tered in this hall when we assembled here in
February, 1861; truths then derded and de-
nOunced absurd and reasonable. Ii says:
The war has been schoolmaster the people Of
the loyal States. wehave learned the folly Of under