The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1870-01-27

TO CnaDlc me 10 rCmeID Uci .uStt !
must represent all and every part,
and not any locality. If | cannot do
this l would be unworthy the conf
dence Of the good people Of our noble
State, whatever my residence. Be
assured that I love Iowa-aN Of it,
not lone part of it-and that it
shall be my aim to cultivate the ut
most cordiality and good feeling
among her people wherever they
may be, and to SO legislate as to re-
dound to the greatest good of our
entire commonwealth. Its entire
national and every interest shall de-
mand my constant and earnest atten-
ton.
withdrawn somewhat for years
from active political life, some may
suppose l have hence been indifferent
to the scenes transpiring. No mis-
take could be greater. A sense Of
duty, in view Of the nature Of my
position and the duties hence devol-
wing, to my mind, demanded that !
should refrain from any active par
ticipation in political contests, how.
ever earnest my feelings. And those
most intimate know more of tho
depth of this earnestness, and how
fully sympathize with every onward
movement,-every breach made in
the citadels of error and wrong.
Do you ask me what would have
done? 1 answer hurriedly and briefly
(for time will not allow me to do
more.)
First. For the good namc of the
State and because we have never fal-
tered In the field or in council, |
would as quickly and as overwhelm-
ing = as possible, ratify the proposed
Fifteenth article Of the Federal Con-
stitution. +
Second. Never by any act or vote
fmine shall there be withheld dol
lars tribute or debt of any kind or
description due, or which can just
Iy or fairly claimed for those who,
upon the field, gave usa united coun-
try in the recent struggle.
Third. The public debt should and
must be paid according to the letter
and spirit Of the national contract
Reputation, secret or open, shall
never receive my countenance or
support. The nation, no more than
an individual, can afford to act in bad
faith. 1t is a reproach to .our good
name, our fair fame, the good name
of soldier and citizen alike, to ask or
intimate that the nation shall or will
prove untrue to it's obligations.
Fourth. To the end that the ma
tional debt shall be paid, good faith
observed, the public debts lightened,
and because it is right, there must be
the strictest economy in the expendi-
lures of the public funds. This in
cludcs an honest disbursement, of
course, (not in name merely, but truly
and actually and SO, too, it implies
the application of the peoples money
to objects and purposes strictly neces-
sary, and that | would discounten-
ance Gas l would thoroughly, abso-
lutely, and entirely) all railr5ad sub
sides, every effort to devote the pub
lie domain or treasure to the aggran-
dizement of individuals or monopo-
lies, and that my face would be set
against the exhorbitant demands of
those who combine that they may
fleece.
Fifth. Finally, l would stand by
protection to home industry and
manufactures. This is part of my
boy yhood faith, and is the conviction
of manhood, and this not to build up
the indicidual, but to protect and ben
eit the million.
Sirth. In every honorable way
the interest of the public deSt was
contracted to save the nation for pos
terity as we'll as the present, SO it is
but reasonable that the future should
be made to bear it's portion OF the
burden.
Seuenth. Am | asked what Of re-
construction. | answer, that in all
that | should do on that subject,
should studiously consult, and as Tar
as possible, protect the loyal people
in the late rebcllous States without
regard to color, in every constitution
al, legal or christian right. l think
that national dignity, national safety,
sclfrespect, demand that
while the law should be tempered
with mercy, it should also be enforced
with justice, that whatever rights
those lately in rebellion may have,
those who ''stood by the flag should
first demand our attention; that those
who took up the sword must not
only confess, but sincerely and truly
repent before receiving my confidence,
or even friendly legislation.
But, my dear sir, l will not say
more / have written in great haste.
perhaps at too great length, and yet
| have barely touched on many mat.
ters, leaving others entirely unmen-
toned. trust | am understood on
the topics glanced at, if SO for the
present l am content.
1t is gratifying to me that in the
earnest contest just closed there was
so little of acrimony or bitter feeling.
| trust that this little shall be forgot
ten, and that as individuals profess.
ing a common political faith, we may
work in harmony for the State and
national welfare and advancement.-
If | have friends to remember, (and l
rejoice that I have) trust | have
"no enemies to punish"
That the deliberations of yourself
and so-laborers may result in tho ad-
vancement of our State, and that l
shall have your and their friendship
in the future as in tho pastis the
wish of, Yours truly,