Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-10-13
rrcCIellnn,s Platform.
ORANor. NEW JERsEY, SEPT.

r.,... ORANGE. New JERSEY, Sept. 8.
GENTLEMEN: have the honor TO acknowledge the
receipt OF your letter informing me Of my nomina-
tion 6y the Democratic National Convention. recent
ly assembled at Chicago, as their candidate at the
next election for President of the United States,
1T is Unnecessary for me TO say TO you that the
nomination comes to me unsought.
am happy 10 know that when the nomination was
made the record of my public life was kept in view
The effect of long and varied service in the army,
during war and PEACE has been to strengthen and
make indeIlibe in my mind and heart the love and
reverence for the Constitution laws and flag OF our
country impressed upon me in early youth.
These feelings have thus far guided the course Of
my life, and must continue to do so TO its end.
The existence of more than one government over
the region which once owned our flag is incompati.
bic with the peace the power, and the happiness OF
The preservation Of our Union was the sole ayowed
object for which the war was commenced Ii should
have been conducted for that object only, and in
accordance with those principles which took 0cca-
sion 10 declare when in active service. -.
Thus conducted, the work Of reconciliation would
have been easy and we might have reaped the bene-
ft Of our many victories on land and sea:
The Union was originally formed by the exercise
Of spirit of Cancellation and compromise. To re-
our'ccuncils, and in the hearts Of the people.
The re-establishment of the Union in all its integ-
rity is, and must continue to be. the Indispensable
condition in any settlement. SO soon as 1t is clear,
or even probable, that our present adversares are
ready for peace, upon the basis OF tie Union, we
should exhaust all the resources Of statesmanship
practiced by civilized nations, and taught by the
traditions Of the American people, consistent with
the honor and interests of the country, to secure
such peace, re-establish the Union. and guarantee
for the future the constitutional rights OF every
Stale. The Union is the one condition oil peace
we ask no more:
pressed the sentiment of the Convention, as it of
the people they represent that when any one state
is willing to return 70 the Union be recey-
cd at once with full guarantee Of all its eonstitu-
tional rights.
II frank, earnest and persistent effort to obtain
rior consequenccs win fall upon those whOreman in
arms against the Union. But the Union must be
couid not no look 10 the face my gallant comrades
ofsthe army and navy who have survived so many
bloody battles, and tell them that their labors and
the sacrifice of many of our slain and wounded
brethren had been in vain; that we had abandoned
that Union for which we have SO often periled our
lives. -
and navy or at home, would. as would, hail with
unbounded Joy tho permanent restoration Of peace,
without the efusion Of another drop Of blood. But
no peace can be permanent without Union.
As 70 the other subjects presented in the resolu-
tons Of the convention need only say that should
seek in tho Constitution Of the United States and
the laws framed m accordance therewth the rule OF
my duty, and the limitations Of executive power;
endeayor TO restore economy in public expenditure,
ro-cstablish the supremacy Of law and by the asser
tion Of q moro vigorous nationality, resume our
commanding position among the nations Of the
The condition Of our finances, the depreciation Of
the paper money, and the burdens thereby imposed
on labor and capital show the necessity Of return
TO sound financial system; whilst the rights Of cit
gems and the rights of states. and the binding au
subjects Of mot less vital Importance in war than in
believing the views here expressed are those
of the convention and the people you represent.
| realize the weight Of the responsibility 10 be
borne should the people ratify your choice.
fcryentIyS the guidance Of the Ruler Of the Unit
verse. and, relying on His all powerful aid, do my