The Hancock Jeffersonian. [volume] (Findlay, Ohio) 1857-1870, 1869-09-10
Rosecrans' Letter.
Advanced Democratic Edeas.
RACY READING FOR DEMOCRATS.
WHAT THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY
OUGHT TO BE.
ING FOR DEMOCRATS.
In Advance Of the New Departure.

"SAN FRANCISco, Aug. 8, so.
"GENTLEMEN--On my arrival il
this city, returning from Mexico
Mayor McCoppon, Hon. SAMUEL But
Lerworth and Judge McArdle pre-
sented me your letter, and very
friendly notes from Senators Thur
man and Casserly, announcing my
unanimous nomination by the De
mocracy of Ohio rs their candidat,
for Governor in the p,anding electoral
canvass for State officers, and | have
carefully read and considered them
Il have likewise conversed with
Governor Haight, who takes great
interest in the consolidation OF the
Democratic organization in OHIO, or
the hasis of constitutional freedom
and progress, which, in The past, gave
unity 10 8 party that has governed
this country Tor more than two-thrds
OF the period OF our national exist
cnce, and originated or carried into
execution nearly all the great meas
urcs which form epochs in our his
tory.
"Grateiul for the honor OF this
nomination hy the Democracy of my
native State, | much regret that i'm
perious duties compel me to decline
the canvass, US | tciegraphed you yes
terday.
yielding to none in sincere devo-
tion 10 the democratic representative
governments of which | consider ours
the best model the world has yet
seen, at nearly fifty, with some
knowledge Of men and some expert
ence in governing them, / am still q
Democrat, from study, con victiOn aud
a sentiment of brotherhood with my
fellow-men. 1 therefore deem it 8
duty, under tho circumstances of this
domination, to make few sugges
tions, as TO the fundamental pIinsi-
plies which / think ought TO underiie c
every local Democratic platform.
"What of old gave the Democratic
party in the United States, lis pres
tige and spirit, was its profound faith
in the capacity OF man for seif-gov-
ernment and progress, under institu-
tions based on the great principles OF
liberty, fraternity and equality before
the law, and its courage in carrying
the logic of its iaith into action
Thence arose that discipline, order
and progressive originality which
have marked its history and made its
banner the symbol of hope
to lovers OF freedom at home and
abroad, while in the nature of things
it became the rallying point Of otlice-
seekers and political adventurers,
whose limid and time-serving coun-
sells sometimes impaired the energy
of its action, and prevented the Wig
orous development OF its principles.
But after q great civil war, which has
changed the face of politics, the in
stinctive democracy Of the American
people remains, and the events Of the
war have increased its confidence in
free institutions and in the capacity
OF the people TO adapt them to the ex-
igencies of a national Lille. In spite
OF dreamers alter imperialism or con-
in spite of those whose
only political principles are the appa-
rent cXpediencies of the law, who,
knowing that civilized man must have
are always cOntriving
tricks and schemes TO make them
selves the favored few ordained to
and be paid for it; in spite
of those who consider it weak and
failing experiment, the heart of the
great body of our people beats warm
ly, and its judgment moves instinct
lively with Its old Democratic feelings
and convictions. Appeals should
therefore be made to these instincts
and convictions hy asserting the fun
damental principles which ought To
govern the future Development of this
great and free country, and at the
proper times and places announcing
such measures oi policy, based Oh
them, as the exigencies Of the na.
TONS life and action may require :
The country requires, and the Dem
ocratic party ought to be. party of
a party of life, of action.
and of progress. Fossils and iault
finders do not properly belong to the
party, and if found in it ought to 60
on the retired list, leaving To its OPP
of all shades and grades, all
narrow and sectional grounds, all
monopolies and favoritism, based on
class, creed, race, color, or national
origin. The Democratic party of the
United States ought TO hold high the
banner of universal freedom, Impair
tial justice and equality before the
law of all who live beneath the flag
of our country
"a fact of our history, expressed
on our coat of arms by the words Il
Ptnrsbus C1um'--many in one--is,
that we have grown many distinct
substantially se!f-governing commu-