Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1872-06-25
Henry wilson's Letter OF Acceptance.


Hon. Henry Wilson replied:
WASHINGTON, JUNE 18th, 1872.
10 the Hon. Thomas Settle and others.
President and Vice Presidents of the
National Republican Convention, held
ut Philadelphia on the 9th and 9th OF
the present month -
Gentlemen, -Your note of the 10th inst.
conveying 10 me the action OF the Conven
ton in placing my name in NOMINATION
for the Office of Vice President OF the
United States, is before me.
Ineed not give you the assurance oil
my grateful appreciation OF the high
honor conferred upon me by this action
OF the Filth National Convention OF the
Republican party. Sixteen years ago in
the same city was held the first meeting
of the men, who, amid the darkness and
doubts of that hour OF slave.holding as.
cendancy and aggression had assembled
in National Convention 10 coulter with
each other on the exigencies to which that
fearful domination had brought their
country.
After iull conference the highest
most they dared recommend. was the
ayowsd purpose to prohibit the existence
of slavery in the territories. Last week The
same party met by its representatives
from 81 States and territories at the
same great centre OF wealth, intelll'
gence and power, 10 review the past,
take note Of the present and indicate
It's line of action for the future. As ty-
pjcal facts, head.ands OF the nations
history, there sat on its platform, taking
ap honorable and prominent part in It's
proceedings admitted OF terms OF perfect
equality to the leading hotels of the city.
not only colored Republicans Of the race
which were ten years before in ableci
slavery, but one of the eldest and most
prominent and despised abolitionists TO
TO whom was accordedas TO no other the
wnrmest demonstrations of popular re-
gard and esteem, an ovation. not 10 him
alone but 10 the cause he had so ably and
for so many. years represented, and TO
men and women. living and dead, who
toiled through long years OF obloquy and
self.sacrifice tor the glorious tfntition oil
that hour.
Ii hardly needed the brilliant summary
OF its platform To set forth its illustriouS
achievements. The very presence OF
those men was alone significant OF The
victories achieved.
The progress already made in The
great distance which the nation had
travelled between the years of 1856 and
1872.
But grand as has been its record, the
republican party rests not on Its past
alone II looks to the future and crap
pies with lis problems OF duty aud OF
danger. Ii proposes as objects OF It's
immediate accomplishment, complete lib
erty and exact equality for all.
The enforcement of the recent amend
ments 10 The national constitution. the
reform in the civil service, the national
domain to be set apart for homes for the
people.
The adjustment OF the duties OH imports
so rs TO secure rsmunerative wages TO
laborers, the extension OF bounties TO all
soldiers and sailors who in line OF duty
became disabled, the continual and care
ful encouragement. and protection ot
voluntary immigration, and guarding
with Jealous care the rights OF adopted
citizens, the abolition OF the ranking
privilege, and the speedy reduction OF
the rates of postage, the reduction OF the
national debt, and rates of interest, and
assumption of specie payments. the en-
enlargement OF American commerce
and of ship-building, suppression OF
violence and the protection OF the ballot
box.
1t also placed on record the opinions
and purposes OF the party in favor ol
amnesty, against all forms of repudia'
ton, and endorsed the humane and
peaceful policy of the administration in
regard to the Indians.
But while clearly defining and distinct
~ announcing the policy OF the Republl-
can party on these questions OF practi'
cal legislation aud administration, the
Convention did not ignore the great
social problems which are pressing their
claims for solution. and which demand
the most careful study and wise consider
alton. Foremost stands the labor queS'
ton. Concerning the relations of CAPT.
tai to labor, the Republican party accepts
the duty OF 50 shaping legislation As to
secure full protection and the amples'
field for capital, and labor. the creator
of capital, the largest opportunities and
Just share OF mutual profits OF these
two great servants OF civilization. TC
woman. too. and her new demands, II
extend. the hands OF grateful recognition,
and proffers it a most respectful inquiry
and il recognizes her noble devotion tc
the country and freedom; welcomes hel
admission 10 wider fields OF usefulness,
and commends her demands for additions
rights 10 the careful consideration of the
nation TO guard well what has already
been secured.
To work out faithfully and wisely
what 10 now in hand, and TO consider the
questions which are looming up to view
but little way before Us, the republican
party is 10. day what it was in the gloomy
years OF slavery, rebellion and recon
s,ruclion-a national necessity. Ii appeals
therefore. for support, TO the patriotism
and liberty loving, to the just and hn
name, to all who dignity labor, to all who
would educate and tighten the burden:
of the sons and daughters of toll.
With It's great record, the work still
to be done under the great soldier. whose
historic renown aid whose successful
administration for the past three years
begot popular confidence. the Republican
party may confidently, in the language
OF the Convention you represent. start
on march TO victory. Having accepted
thirty-six years ago the distinguished
doctrines of the Republican party, of TO-
day, having during the years of tina
period for their advancement subordinat
ed all other issues acting in and cooper
ating with n political organization Will
whose leading doctrines l sometimes haC
neither sympathy nor belief, having IA
bored necessarily for many years to founC
and build up the Republican party. anc