The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1865-08-11

them, and tho time had not come when, IN
the "logic Of events" 1t was necessary to
act upon them. In the political phase of
the great conflict We have upon us, o. In
the military strife which jus, ended. organi.
zadon will be found to be- of the last import.
ance, and, though guerrilla warfare has Its
attractions,1 am we'll convinced shat results
will be determined by the surer IL slower
march Of the heavy columns.
l have always believed that adherence TO
a party platform does not exclude freedom
Of opinion or Of discussion upon matters not
included in II, though 1t does imply that
such discussion should be free and friendly
interchange of views with the object Of
throwing all possible ligh, upon subjects
which may sooner or later become topics Of
importance, and upon which we may have
TO form definite policy. Whom the tmo
should agree to support that policy which
tho wisdom OF the majority may agree upon,
unloss II shall conflict with some principle
conscientiousiy held; in which case those
who go dissent have the undoubted right to
withdraw their connection, not from q
candidate simply, but from the party. This
view Of political organization is the only one
l have heen able to fed, which will secure
proper unity aud powor OF action, and at
the same timo afford full scope for true
progress of opinion and that liberty of indi-
al thought which, beg you to remember,
is as much the right of candidates as Of
those who nominate them. f.
| Our Convention adopted a platform, Of
which the doctrinnl part is substantially em-
bodied 10 two propositions: Ist. That slav-
cry and its institutions are irreconcilably
opposed TO freedom and it's institutions"
and must be finally and completely eradi-'
Gated; I'd. That President Jobnsons poi.
10y Of re- Construction is "endorsed," with
| the prOviso that tho completed restoration
Of the rebel States shall be ut such time
and upon such terms as will give uDques.
| toned assurance Of peace and security, not
only to the loyal people of The rebel Statos,
but also ftho peace and prosperity Of tho
Federal Union" s-: j r.+
The spirit and disposition which should
control ue 10 determining the "time and
terms" Of reconstruction, and all other
questions Of policy accum uiuting upon US,
were likewise stated in two resolutions. one
urging the example of our mnrtyred Presi
don't Yin waiting for the solution of difficult.
les to be furnished by the progress o. time
aud logic of events" the other declaring
The necessity "of keeping steadily in vie~
! the great principles of our government "a
set forth 10 the Declaration Of Independ-
ence." 1888. -ra..f-A .ft ri fs' ~
To condenso still more, the essence of
the position OF the party may be said to be,
the determination OF the political results OF
war by the united and harmonious action Of
truly loyal men. ac,uated by spirit at once
cautious and controlled by en- earnest be.
lief iu the broadcast doctrines of human
| rights. .tt"s ;s+' s5 .''s' $50 Z
To those principles have given my pub.
lie and sincere adhesion. You are the only
members of the Union party of the State
whom have found impatient to commits
your brethren, in advance Of the meeting o!
Congress, to a definite policy upon subject
upon which the Convention had by strong.
est implication declared it prema, ure to de.
eide what course ought to be taken. The
State election decides no such Issues; the
progress Of events in the South will prob
ably throw increased light upon all such
questions; yet you insist that shall give
you my views. not for the purpose OF mu
tuai assistance 10 arriving at a solution of q
difficulty, but under notice that the votes o
your people will DO determined for OF
| against me by my answer. think that in
so doing you wrong both yourselves and the
members of the whole political organization
to which we belong. and to which you gave
pledge OF cordial CO operation upon the
platform as adopted, through your delegates
who were present at the Convention.
For myself, l have no secrets as to my
opinions, and have never hesitated to de.
clare them on proper occasions. So far
have been from desiring to conceal them
that had sent, before the receipt of you,
| cr;v "a nnka m n
your place, indicating my plan for the fioa
solution of the problem OF rcconstructioD
and seekinc bis criticisms upon il. No re-
strictons were placed upon him in making
it known, except such % his own discretion
and friendship might impose. You are mis-
informed as 10 my having requested my
views to DO published at my home or else
where. You must act upon your own re-
sponsibility in determining what publicity
+ you shall give to this The importance t
our country of determining rightly th.
grave questions which must probably bt
settled within the coming year, is too Prea
to make me willing to omit using whatever
: influence or information may have in as
, sisting at the solution. Whether in public
or in private life, shall freely give the re
suits Of my experience and observation II
/ the South during the war, and the concu
sions to which my study of both races ba
, led me. shall expect the facts that bav,
been an anti.slavery man from my you'll
, up, that l assisted at the original organiza
ton of the Republican party, and acted will
, il and the Union party ever since, and tba
, I have been Federal soldier from the sur
, render of Sumter to the surrender of tb,
! last armed rebel, will secure me a candle
and even friendly bearing from all VIII,
f have loved the country and earnestly taker
, ito part In the late terrible struggle.
) other views than mine prevail. I shall! holt