Whig and tribune. [volume] (Jackson, Tenn.) 1870-1877, 1872-01-27
THE SITUATION,
Letter from Hon. J. r. DOoIitte of
EIscO nsin.
RACINE, (WIs.) Jan. IS, I87l.

RACINE, (WIs.) Jan. IS, 1871.
NJ. Z. GALLAwAY, ESQ.,:
Dear Sir-Your note of the sth
ult., asking my views upon the po-
litical situation, the prospects of q
Democratic nomination and of ''pas-
siYism," was duly received, and
ought, in courtesy to have been an
swered some time ago.
But you are aware, after leaving
the senate and before my nomination
for governor, had been actively
engaged in professional duties,
mainly in the city of Chicago, where
am now associated with my son,
j. Il. Doolittle, jr.
Some time spent in the canvass,
and, more than that, the fire which
destroyed Office, library, private pa
pers and all the records of the
courts, have brought such addition
al labor, for the lasttwo months,
that l have had no time to answer
your letter before, or TO take a
! glimpse at the political situation.
! The only respite have taken was to
| attend banquet and reception in
honor OF our distinguished Russian
guests at Milwaukee, and now
must reply in the briefest possible
l terms.
In my opinion the present party
| holds power simply because these
who are opposed to it do not act to-
| gether. Three million Democratic
voters are opposed to it, and, as
believe, nearly one million Republi-
cans are also opposed to it. Can the
| four million unite and vote togeth-
| er? If they can, they will have a
majority of five hundred thousand.
If they cannot, they must fail.
How can this union in political &C
ton be effected 1t cannot be by s
| coalition of leaders to obtain Office
| and power. There must be a union
| of the masses upon common princi-
pies, and to effect a common and
great patriotic purpose.
The whole country waits now to
see what shall be the action of the
Liberal Republican convention to
be held in Missouri on the oath in
! slant.
Ifthat convention shall plant itself
squarely upon ideas, and pledge it.
self to principles which all true Re
publicans, and all true Democrats of
Jefferson's and Jackson's school
cherish as vital to the maintenance
| of republican government, and to
constitutional civil liberty, they may
command the confidence not only of
the !, GOO, 600 liberal Republicans, but
of the 5000, 900 Democratic voters.
But in order to do so, they must de-
clare against Capitalization; against
keeping military power above civil
authority; against using the federal
army to control conventions and de-
stroy the freedom of elections ;
against the stupendous frauds, pee
ulations and robberies of the car
petbag governments Of the South,
as well as Of Tammany, the custom
! house and elsewhere and in favor
of universal Acknowledgement; of
giving to all the States their just and
| equal rights under the constitution:
in favor of the principle of one term
for the president; of applying that
principle to the present executive,
and of 8 practical civil service re-
form by placing a statesman of ca
pscity and integrity st the head of
| affairs.
Should that convention take some
such course and the liberal Repub-
licans of other states follow their
example, and show that the liberal
Republicans of the whole country
have the courage to work, and, if
necessary, make sacrifices to sustain
true republican liberty, the great
mass of the Democratic voters would
not only sympathize with them, but
in some proper and efficient mode,
fraternize with them in political ac-
ton in order to save our republican
system of government. If they seek
to lead, however, they must show
themselves worthy of leadership.
They must speak 10 the people in no
uncertain tones, and march before
them with no faltering tread.
Respectfully yours,
j, r. DooLITTLE.