Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1868-08-12
BLAIR S LETTER.

ton long since, but for two reasons-in
the first place we cannot well spare the
space, as they are modelled on the plan of
one of Sylvanus Cobb's stories in regard
to length; and secondly, Trey do not en-
Tighten US at all concerning the real poll
cy of the Democratic party on the most
important question before the country
The platform is simply blind to cover
their real purposes, and there is therefore
no need to infict the dreary document
upon our readers We publish below a
paper which is far more to the point, as
it shows the exact intention of the demo-
cracy in case they succeed at the coming
election. We have often had to fight
them in the dark-their. real plans and
purposes being covered up with cloud
of sounding words and phrases which
deceived the unsuspecting-but we now
labor under no such disadvantage. Their
Infamous scheme is revealed in all its de-
testable colors, and needs only to be
brought plainly before the people to re-
ceive their instant and unqualified con-
demnation
Gen, Frank P. Blair having been men,
toned IN connection with the Tammany
nominations wrote to the Convention the
terms upon which he would become its
Candidate. The conditions were accept
ed and he was made the n9minee for Vice
President. The convention unequivocaly
Endorsed his letter and so revealed to us
the exact position of the Democracy on
the most important issue before the coun-
try. Sen. Morton in speaking upon this
subject says:
But, M. President, we are not left to
grope for the meaning Of the convention.
We are not left even to seek for it by in
| ference. We have the letter of Gen.
Frank F. Blair, written, [ believe, less
than one week ago, and that letter has
/
ternoon by his nomination as their candi-
date for the Weep Presidency It is as
much part Of their platform as if it was
incorporated in it, for the ink was hardly
dry before it was Endorsed by his nomina-
ton. | repeat, sir, this letter is part
of the Democratic platform. Gen Blair,
whatever you may say of him, is bold
outspoken man, and he spoke the senti-
ment of that convention He saws ::
''Upon these sentiments [ want to stand
before the CONVEX tion," and upon these
sentiments he was nominated. There
fore, [ say that the language of the Dem
ocratic convention at New York to the
whole country is wa; resistance by force
of arms to Congressional legislation; the
overthrow by force of arms Of the govern
| ments that have been erected in the reb-
ell States under the laws enacted By Con
gress the continuance of this rebellion
continuance of this struggle in some
what different form, but still the same
struggle, contcnding for the same princi-
| pies. 1t is now announced formally, not
at Montgomery, not at Richmond. but at
| Washington.
The following is the entire letter of
Gen. Blair, alluded to by Sen Morton:
WASHINGTON, June 80, 1868.
Col. James o. Brodhead
DEAR CoLoNEL-In reply to your in
quiries, [ beg leave to say that I leave
| to you to determine, on consultation with
my friends from Missouri, whether my
name small lie presented to the Democra-
tic convention, and to submit the follow
ing as what [ consider the real and only
issue in this contest
The reconstruction policy of the Radi-
Gals will be complete before the next
election the States, so long excluded
will have been admitted negro suffrage
established, and the carpet-baggers in
stalled il their seats in both branches of
Congress. There is no possibility of
changing the political character of the
Senate, even if the Democrats should
elect their President and a majority of
the popular branch of Congress. We
cannot, therefore, undo the Radical plan
Demonstration by Congressional action;
the Senate will continue bar to its re.
peal. Must we submit to it? How can
it be oVerthrown 1t can only be over
thrown by the authority of the Executive
who IS sworn to maintain the Constitu-
ton, who will fail to do his duty if he al
lows the Constitution to perish under a
series of Congressional enactments which
are in pa lpahle violation of its fundament-
al principles.
Ii the President elected by the Democ-
racy enfOrces or permits others to enforce
these reconstruction acts, the Radicals,
by the accession of twenty spurious Sen
ators and fifty Representatives, will con-
troll both branches Of Congress, and his
administration will be as poweress as the
| present one Of Mr.. johnson
There is but one way to restore the
| Government and the Constitution, and
that is for the President elect to declare
these acts null and 0oi2, compel the army
to u2sdo its asuypat5ons at the South, dis
perse the carpet-bag State Governments,
aI5olo the achite people to recog1ei1e their
oecn governments, and elect Senators and
/ Representatives. The House of Repre-
sentatlves will contain majority Of Demo
Gratis from The North, and they will admi
| the Representatives elected by the white
people of the South, and, with the co OPP
Grafton Of the President; it will not be
difficult to compel the Senate to submit
once more to the obligations Of the
Constitution. 1t will not be able to with
stand the public Judgment, if distinctly