The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1865-09-15

Gen. eTaoxAs b. Bmyoa, Jr., of Iowa,
has written'a letter accepting the NOMINEE
tion for Governor rendered him by the
Soldiers Convention Ls!a at Des Moines
on the 23d ult. He s.. tes that he is a
Republican, has been iden:i6ed with the
party from its organization to the present
time, still adheres to it, and will be gov
erned in the future by the fundamental
principles which brought it into being,
and would now support its ticket were be
not compelled in doing go to endorse ne
gro Suffrage, which his judgment con-
denns. He discusses the negro-voting
question at considerable length, and we
quote the following from this portion of
his letter:
The extension of the elective franchise to
the colored race is the only issue involved IN
this contest Believing that the period has not
arrived for 80 radical q change in our political
organization, and that such change under exist
ing circumstances would prove detrimental
rather than beneficial to the race, am oppes-
result of prejudice, but is founded on principle
We're satisfied that it would promote their
bestl interests, afford material aid in reorganiz-
ing civil government on permanent and
equitable basis in the States recently IN rebel
lion, and In restoring peace and tranquility to
the country, should not hesitate to advocate
its immediate adoption. But honestly belier.
ing that it win impede the contamination of
these great ends, I cannot consistently do 9th.
erwise than cast my vote against it. Eel"
To extend the right Of suffrage TO the freed
men Of the South at this particular period, and
in the manner proposed, would create deadly
hostility between the white and black races,
and lead to continued acts Of violence and bar.
barity against each other, which nothing but
the presence of an armed force could prevent.
But recently released from bondage, they ara
g yet infaats 80 far as freedom and the cleo
tive franchise are concerned, and while they
ehould be protected in the enjoyment of the
former, |! do not consider them qualified for
directly home: should the 450, freedmen
Of Georgia be transferred to Iowa In their pre-
sent condition, would we invest them with the
right of suffrage? think I hazard nothing in
asserting that the most radical friends of the
measure would say, no. Why then force upon
ourselves?
The supportes of the measure say
that the limited number of colored
persons among us renders the issue
trivial one, so far as Iowa is con-
cerned that it is a matter of no con-
sequence whether the right to vote is ex-
tended or withheld. # so, why force the
issue, conceded by its advocates to be unim.
portant, upon the people at this time2 In
answer to this it is pretended that the issue is
not before the people In the present contest
such is not the fact It is made an article of
political faith, and is just as binding as
the Obligation to support the nominees Of the
no Mo 60
binding in one Particular, it is equally 60 in
all, and every Republican who is opposed
to the measure will be prescribed in the event
the ticket is elected, and the news will be
heralded abroad with lightning speed that the
sovereign State of Iowa has declared in favor
randidates' and the platform has uniformly
i'een repudiated ny the Republican party, and
Sana0t now be adopted with any show Of con-
sisteucy.
Gen. BENTON says he supported Mr..
aANooLN's administration, and is also
supporter of his successor, Mr.. JOHNSON,
and believes it his duty to cooperate with
him in the discharge of the onerous duties
imposed upon him as the representative
head of the nation. In regard to the en-
dorsement given him by the Democracy,
or rather to their failure to make any
nomination in opposition to him, Gen.
BENTON says:
That you may fully understand my position,
permit me to say that the democrats have made
no overtures to me nor have made any to
them They have asked no pledges. shall
give none. They have given me no assurances
of support, nor do ask any. Whether they
will vote for me, Or against me, or not at ali,
are questions with which I have nothing to do.
and over which / have no control. Having
presented my views. leave the question Of
voting for the people of Iowa to decide.
1t is stated thar large number of dis
tinguished officer and the great mass of
soldiers are supp'tFsing Gen. BENTON, and
much confidence Is felt in his election.