Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-11-22
nIcCIellan,s Platform.

ORANGE. NEW JERSEY, Sept. s.
GENTLEMEN: / have the honor to acknowledge the
ton By the Democratic National Convention, recent
ly assembled ut Chicago, as their candidate at the
next election for President of the United States.
IL is unnecessary for me to say to you that tho
nomination comes to me unsought.
am happy 10 know that when the nomination was
made the record of my public life was keptin view.
The effect Of long and varied service in the army,
during war and peace, has been to strengthen and
make indellbe in my mind and heart the love and
reverence for the Constitution laws and nag OF our
country impressed upon me in early youth.
These feelings have thus far guided the course 6f
mylife, 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 incompat-
BILE 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. 1t should
have been conducted for that object only, and In
sccOrisncs with those principles Which took occa-
have been easy and we might have reaped the bene-
ct Of our many victories on land and sea;
The Union was originally formed by the exercise
of q spirit Of Cancellation and compromise. 10 re-
store and preserve it. the same spirit must prevail IN
our councils, and in the hearts Of the people.
The establishment ofthe Union in all its integ-
rity is, and must continue to be, the indispensable
condition in any settlement. so soonas 1t !; clear
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 homer and interests Of the country, to secure
sach peace re- establish the Union, and guarantee
for the future the constitutional rights OF every
State. The Union is the one condition Of peace
we ask no more. 80
Let me add what doubt not was, although unexS
pressed the sentiment Of the Convention, as it is Of
the people they represent that when any one state
Is willing TO return to the Union, II should be receiv
Cd at once with full guarantee Of all its consttu-
Ifa frank, earnest and persistent effort to obtain
those objects should fail the responsibility for nlte-
arms ssSiast the Union But the Union must be
could not look in the face my gallant comrades
bloody battles, and tell them that their labors and
the sacrifice of so many of our slain and wounded
brethren had been in vain that we had abandoned
vast majority of our people. whether in the army
and navy or at home, would. as would, nan with
unbounded Joy tho permanent restoration OF peace,
on the basis of the U Union under the Constitution,
without the efusion Of another drop Of blood. But
no pesc: can pe IN tbs reou
tops Of tho convention need only say that should
seek in the Constitution Of the United states. and
the laws framed in accordance Herewith the rule of
my duty and the limitations OF executive power;
endeay0r 70 restore economy in public expenditure,
re-estabsh the supremacy OF law, and, by the asser
tion Of more vigorous nationality, resume our
commanding position among the nations OF the
fIs ambition Of our finances, the depreciation Of
the oaper money! and the burdens thereby imposed
on labor and capital show the necessity Of return
TO sound financial system; whilst the rights Of citi-
sens and the rights OF states, aud tho binding au-
thority Of law over President. army and people are
subjects Of not less vital Importance in war than in
Believing that the views here expressed are those
Of the convention and the people you represent.
accept the nomination. Ftf4a 80
i realize the weight OF the responsibility 10 be
borne should the people ratify your choice.
Conscious Of my own weakness, can only seek
fervently the guidance Of the Ruler Of the Uni
verse. and, relying on His all powerful aid, do my
best 70 restore Union and peace TO suffering peo
pie, and establish and guard their liberties and
am. gentlemen, very respectfully. ~
Your obedient servant,
NN ft GE0RGE b. McCLELLAN.
Hon. Horatio Seymour, and others, committee.