The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1871-12-16
From the Montgomery AdUerti.er and Ifa7.
Ninety-Eight Electoral Votes.

We have already stated the fact, and here
reiteratc II that, counting in the vote of Mis-
sissippi there are now ninety-eight electoral
votes In the South and Southwest certain to be
cast, If allowed lawful and peaceful express
sion, for Liberal Democratic and Conserva-
tive Presidential ticket next year. With this
intelligence in their possession, 1t Is important
that the North and West shall fully understand
the character Of the constituencies which will
give authority in the Electoral COLLEGES TO
these Democratic and Conservative Electors.
The leading thoughts and characteristics of
this body Of voters should be noticed and care
fully considered We will state them:
First. There Is not man among them now
in favor OF secession.
Second. There is not man among them in
favor Of the restoration of negro slavery.
Third. There Is not man among them who
wishes to deprive any class Of citizens of any
rights or privileges now enjoyed by them un-
der the Constitution and laws of the country.
Fourth. There Is not man among them who
has any inclination to disturb the peace of III
countryj but, on the contrary, all feel that
their FIRST interest is permanency in Govern.
ment, reform in the taxes snd expenses of ad-
ministrsiion; procurement OF capital and labor
for industrial development; the eradication of
legalized abuses, and the improvement of
their social and political systems without Of
fence to the freedom and Just right Of any class
of men, or Of any citizen whatever.
Fifth. The overwhelming sentiment of the
masses forming these constituencies Is In favor
OF the unObstructed execution Of the laws, and
the proper punishment Of all offenders.
Sixth. These constituencies are made up of
conglomorate but enlightened material com
posed Of Federal military officers and civilians
during the war, some of them distinguished
by their zeHl in both services, and Thousands
of Federal soldiers OF the rank and file who re-
mained In the South, or who have sought the
South since the close OF the war; those who
were Southern Union men before, during and
since the war those who were secessionists
but who have abandoned a useless principle |;
those who were Democi ats and Wings opposed
TO the separation OF the States, but who like
duteous and honorable citizens rallied after th q
initiation Of the war to tho banners of their
states, as the citizens of the North and West
did on the other side Of the contest; men of
former diverse opinions, but now combined in
a sincere and faithful effort to save the Repub-
lie and to preserve the principles Of American
Liberty; men who are prepared to support
Northern men for the two first offices Of the
Government on a platform constructed and
endorsed by three millions Of Northefn and
Western voters.
Seventh. These Conservative voters are the
men who since the war have applied themselves
with indomitable energy, to rescue society
from the perils ct semi barbaric subversion, as
now in South Carolna, and who have, at Inc
same time, by their wonderful endurance,
patience and industry saved the whole country
from bankruptcy, by the production OF hun.
dred Of millions in cotton and other great
commercial crops.
Here, we say the Electoral votes, 9s In num-
Der, having no aspirations except for peace and
freedom and In thorough accord with the pre-
dominant Northern Conservative sentiment
Among them too, may be found many inteili-
gent African voters. They ask not for special
southern rights nor for sectional power, but
for the good of all rational and decent people
from one end Of the United States to the other.
Only sirty-one additional Democratic and Con.
servative votes are needed TO insure the cleo
tion of Conservative President, and u Jubilee
OF thanksgiving and joy In assured relief from
that radical revolution still sweeping on to a
result whose fatal consequences no one can
calculate without a shndder. Cannot the
Northern and Western Democracy and Con-
servatives furnish sixty-one votes for their
own men and their own platform, which tie
South stands ready tn sustain. Surely there
can be no reasonable doubt Of it. The fifteen
Southern States thus offer the hand of restored
nationality to the North. Shall 1t be received
or rejected? Think of the responsibility.