Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-09-20
McCleIlan,s Platform.
ORANGE. NEW JERSEY, Sept. 8,

ORANGE. NEW JERSEY, Sept. ..
GENTLEMEN / have the honor to acknowledge tho
tiOn by the Democratic National Convention. recent
ly assembled at Chicago, 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; -l
| am happy to know that when the nomination was
made the record Of my public iie was Kept IN IN view
during war and peace, has been TO strengthen and
make indeibe 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 IL
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.
BILE with the peace, the power and the happinesso oil
the people az,
object for which the war was commenced. 1t should
have been conducted for that object only, and III
accordance with those principles which took occa-
sion to declare when in active service =,
Thus conducted, the work Of reconciliation would
have been easy, and might have reaped the bene-
fit of our many victories on land and sea.
The Union was originally formed by the exercise
of spirit of conciliation and compromise. 10 re-
store and preserve it. the same spirit must prevail IN
our councils, and in the hearts Of the people.
The re-estabishment 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 probable, that our present adverSaries 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 ne
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
State. The Union is the one condition OF peace
Let me add what doubt not was although unex..
pressed the sentiment Of the Convention, as 1t IS OF
the people they represent that when any one State
willing to return to the Union, it should be receive
ed at once with full guarantee Of all its eonsttu-
Ifs frank, earnest and persistent effort to obtain
those objects should fail the responsibility for ulte-
rior consequences will fall upon those who remain in
arms against the Union. But the Union must DO
preserved at all hazards. ,I1'
could not look in the face my gallant comrades
Of the army and navy who have survived SO many
bloody battles and tell them that their abors and
the sacrih fee of so 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.
vast majority of our people, whether in the army
and navy or at home, would. as would, hail with
unbounded Joy the permanent restoration OF peace,
on the basis Of the Union under the Constitution.
without the effusion of another drop of blood But
no peace can be permanent without Union. il
As to the other subjects presented in the rcsolu-
tOns of the convention, need only that should
seek in the Constitution of the United Statt and
the laws framed in accordance there With, therule OF
my duty, and the limitations OF eSeHutve power;
endeavor to restore economy in public expenditure
re-esabsh the supremacy OF law and, by the asser-
t0n of a more 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-
zens and the rights of states and the binding au-
thoriy of law over President army, and people.
subjects of not less vital Importance in war than in
peace.
Believing that the views here expressed are those
Of the convention and tho people you represent.
accept the nomination. luH loli IuH !if
/ realize the weight of the responsibility 10 be
borne should the people ratify your choice.
Conscious Of my own weakness, can only seek
feryenty the guidance of the Ruler of the Uni