Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1864-08-16

The Indiana state Sentlnel oil yesterday, con
tanned. what purpor.s to be an address of the
Democratic State Central Committee 10 the peo-
pie Of Indiana signed by J. J. Bingham. Chair
man.
As this document is of an extraordinary char
acter, 1 deem il my duty to warn the people
against the consequences which it seems intended
to produce. To prevent any charge of miscon-
struction on my part, / here quote in the exact
words as il appeared in the Sentinel:
"At a meeting of the Democratic State Central
Committee, held at Indianapolis on the 18th and
18th inst at which were present the following
members. to- wit: 5. NJ. BARTON, of the first Con-
gressional district; LEVI SPARKS, of the second
SAMUEL III. BUsKIRK of the third; JAMES B. Fo
LEY, of the fourth; WILLIAM HENDERSON, and
JOSEPH j. BINGHAM. of the sixth; ERASMUS M.
WEAVER, of the eighth; PHINEAs NJ. KENT, of the
ninth; THOMAS TIGAR. of the tenth; and AUGUSTUS
WEAVER, of the eleventh, the following address
to the people Of Indiana. suggested by the pecu-
liar exigencies of the times, was unanimously
agreed upon:
In view of the excitement of the public mind,
arising from the perilous condition of the coun-
try, and especially from the late call of the Pres
dent for 500 900 men to be drafted on the 9Th of
September next, if not before voluntarily enlisted
into the military service of the United States, the
Democratic State Central Committee, expressing
as they believe the opinions and purposes of the
Democracy of the State have deemed it proper
publicly TO declare
First-That while il is the well considered
and inhexible purpose of the Democratic party OF
this State, acting in concert with all patriotic
citizens who respect the purity of the ballot and
desire the public good, to maintain by force, if
need be and at all hazards. the right of the peo
ole to free and fair elections condemn any
attempt at resistance of the laws before constitu-
ti0nal remedies are exhausted. and earnestly adj
wise all men to abide patiently the action of the
chosen representatives OF the Democratic party
at Chicago. on the 29th Of August looking for
ward to the coming election for peaceful and
constitutional redress of grievances more effectua
than violence.
Second-In times of public peril like the pres
ent. and in view Of what are believed to be well
founded apprehensons of attempts on the part of
those in authority to interfere by military power
with the freedom Of elections. patriotism and
prudence alike demand that the constitutional
right of the people to keep and bear arms as a
necessary means of defense to free State. should
not be violated nor abandoned and il is the right
and duty of all good citizens to cooperate in
open lawful organizations for the protection OF
the freedom of elections, and for the preservation
Of peace and constitutional order and the rights
Of the people within the State. as well "a for its
defense against invasion; and we especially re-
commend TO the people in all their counties,
townships and election precincts thorough or
ganization for these ends.
Third-As manifest inequalities exist in the
assignment of quotas 70 the different States un-
der the late call for 500 600 men, which have
created the belief that there has been an unfair dis
elimination in favor of certain EasternStates to the
prejudice of Indiana and other States, this COM
mittee has assumed the duty Of ascertaining by
application to Governor Morton. Adutant Gen
eral Noble, Provost Marshal Baker or other
proper authorities, the grounds Of such inequali-
ties and whether not they are in accordance
with law and can be remeded
By order of the Committee.
J. J. BINGHAM, Chairman"
The second clause declares that, in view of
what are believed to be well founded apprehen-
sions of attempts by those in authority to inter
fere with the freedom of elections, recommends
a thorough military organization of the people in
all the counties. towns, and election precincts
and advises all to exercise their constitutional
right in keeping aud bearing arms.
The assumption that there is well founded
apprehension that those in authority in this State
will interfere by military power with the freedom
of elections is absolutely aud wickedly false
There is not one fact upon which such an appre-
hension can be based; not a circumstance can be
referred to in the political or military history OF
the State during the existence of this war justi-
fying or suggesting the charge. Ii is true that
this charge has been made before. but always
without an element of truth for the simple pur-
pose of exciting and goading the people into ille-
gal, disloyal and dangerous organizations and
demonstrations against Federal and State su-
th0rity.
So far as nv administration is concerned can
lof~ fls
TO a single act giving color to this wicked and
infamous charge. or to show a single instance in
which | have failed TO exercise the executive
power for the protection OF persons and propert,
and social and civil rights without regard TO par
ties or politics. While serving as the Governor
ot Indiana | have endeavored 10 act for the
whole people aud not for a party, and shall so
continue regardless of all assaults or aspersions
az the same time | shall not hesitate to vindicate
legitimate authority. no difference under what
preface or bv what method II may be assailed
So tar as the approaching elections are concerned,
they shall, 10 the extent of the power vested in
me, be open and free and every legitimate voter
be protected IN the urTestrained and deliberate
exercise OF the elective franchise. This is INV
purpose. nor has there ever been anv reason TO
doubt II; and l cannot, under the pretense that
am about 10 violate nv duty, tolerate the forma-
ton OF any dangerous OF illegal military organi-
zttione the true purpose OF which - to resist the
State and Federal authority overawe the people
control the elections. and thus accomplish the
very thing against which it is hypocritically pre-
tended they are To guard IL Is true that phrases
about '.oOeE lawful organizations. defense
against invasion, &c, are introduced in the sec
one clause OF the address, but they do not in the
least disguise its effect and purpose. Ii as
ssmes that those in authority about to
violate the law, and urges the formation Of
military organizations TO prevent such violation.
taey being the judges of the existence extent and
remedy Tor such violations Such has been the
history OF all revolutions and civil troubles Sfhe
people have been arrayed against the Govern
nent upon the real or assumed pretext that acts
of tyranny hal been. or are about 10 be perpe-
rated, Justiiying AMI dem andng military resist
ance
Need argue to an intelligent people shat the
state OF things recommended by this document
would inevitable lead 10 collisions and civil war.
the end and consequences OF which no msn can
predict While il purporis TO be addressed 10
the people OF the State generally. it is intended
only for those who belong to the political organ