Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1863-06-24
A Sound Speech.

The following speech was made by the
Hon. T. A. Hendricks, at the great mass
neeting of the Democracy of Indiana on
be 10Th ultimo. We commend it to the
r.en,ion of our readers. Mr.. Hendricks
sid:
| NJ Es!lorc CitiseAs
did not expect to participate as one
| Of the speakers on this occasion. We had
expected, as you are aware, distinguished
| sentlemen from other States to be present
and address the Convention, and Of course
IN that event you would not have expect
ed to be addressed by one of your own
itlOw-citizens of Indiana. But inasmuch
Is We have been disappointed in this re-
spect, have thought it was perhaps my
duty to consent to address you on this
occasion, which shall do very briefly.
heretofore, ever since | became voter,
have thought the Democratic party was
right Within the last year, however, it
has not been, as heretofore, an opinion
with me. On the contrary, it has ripened
into conviction, and now kno,c that
the Democratic party is r7gAt-right as
tried by the record of the past, and right
IN the doctrines and measures which it
now advocates
Let me ask you to-day, my friends,
whether, in looking over the record of the
past political history of the country, you
can put your finger upon single instance
Of Democratic policy of which you are
ashamed-one which you would alter if
you could F.! Are you not all content to-
day with the past policy of the Govern
ment so far as it has been influenced by
the Democratic party? Then if you are
proud of the glorious past-if you
are satisfied with the policy which guided
the destinies of this country for the sixty
years that elapsed between the election of
The immortal Jefferson and that of Abra-
ham LlncOln-why should you now think
Of turning your backs upon the Demo-
cratic partys Men have, the assurance
to stand up and tell us that it is our duty
70 abandon this organizatian. l tell you,
sentlemen, as L love my country and
would wish well for her interests,
would stand by the Democratic party.
Gould look backward over the past and
see but solitary instance in which the
oPeration of Democratic ideas had
Brought dishonor or misfortune upon my
Conntry, | would not advocate its exist
ence for another hour. But if, on this
ether hand, the past history of the coun-
'y sustains the principles ard measures
adhered to by that grand old party, then
! have another suggestion to make
What principle or doctrine of the Demo
Ganc party, should you now abandon II
order that you may become better citi,
len or a truer friend to your country:
pom this subject of slavery the doc
9'ne of the Democracy has uniformly
"en no intervention. We have alway:
ned that Congress had no right to inter
S'e with it in any manner but that i
should be left to to the people of ever,
Ga'e to regulate it according to their owl
Teasure. If the people of a State o
territory wish to have slavery, the DE
Docracy said their will was sovereign II
regard to that matter, and that their viii
was final and conclusive. That has al
ways been the doctrince of the Demo
G"ue party and tell you, my friends
.uat II that principle had been recognise
N Congress and in the States, our flag to
uay would have been unsullied and ur
"rn, our national banner ornamente
win thirty-four glittering stars, and peac
and harmony would have reigned ovt
Tlr country. There would be no bloc
u'scoloring our streamlets-we would
aunl'ed and happy people. Now son
" these Republican gentlemen will te