New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-10-26
A REMlSIScENCE OF STEPHEN a. DOUGLAS.
TO the Editor Of The Tribune.

a
SIR: Mr.. Greeley's opponents have extern
sivey circulated his opinions and utterances in times
past against Democratic leaders, and Democratic prn
cples and policies. Aware OF the influence OF the name
OF Douglas, the last great header Of the National
Democracy, they have republished many harsh
opinions OF that statesman emanating from Mr..
a.. pen, or traced to the columns Of your
paDer. They have pursued this course with the
hope OF dividing the Democracy, and alternating the
most devoted and earnest Democrats, among the masses,
from his support This argument addressed to the
passions ana preudce OF men, and not their reason 1t
is both crafty and skilfu but mean and contemplate,
because presupposes that the American citizen cannot
be magnanimous and forgive and forget injuries, and
sacrifice his private feelings when the welfare OF his
country Is at stake. However insulting to the Democ-
racy this appeal may be, 1t has not been without its
effect aud have witnessed with grief even wise and
good men fall into the trap artfully prepared for
them.
From 1856 until the last hour of his life deeply
and intimately associated with Stephen A. Douglas OF
illinois, ana identified with his fortunes as surely en-
loved his esteem and unlimited confidence. HIS last dis
nct and intelligent act earth to call me by name
TO his dying bedside, and administer to me an oath to
unport the Constitution and laws OF the land which
repeated word for word after him and with up1fted
hand at his own request am not ashamed but proud
and delighted 20 be found acting for the best inter-
ests OF the whole country with the leading statesmen OF
the Republican party, Horace Hreeley' Nnailos
simmer. Salmon p Chase, Lyman Trumbun, and
Carl schurz who among his bitterest opponents
I regard 1t as a practical admission, which time has
oocomnlished that there may have been something
wrong IN the violence with which they opposed him, In
what we then too truly denounced as the sectional con-
test OF 1850. Surprising, for moment, what
deny. that had he lived. the country could
ever have reached its present condition, am
nositive and emphatic in my belief that were
no NIL himself
candidate on the similar platform principles
or else he would be found among Mr. Grecleys most ear
most sunporters have not allowed myself to be any
av Influenced by Mr.. Greeleys past record and nave
from the moment OF his nomination. decidedly ana u1
eouiyoeay supported it, having been made In honesty
and good faith and to advance the interests OF the entire
opntrv and secure its peace, harmony happiness and
welfare The recent elections have alarmed the mid
and confused shaken the purposes of the weak aud
have decidedly affected that miserable class Of men who
are trimmers I'm politics. in everything else; VINO
have one set opinions one day. and for one set OF per-
sons and another and different opinion on the next
day. and different person. and are always trying 10 Do
on the side which most likely to WIN These mean
men, by jumping down the wrong side OF the fence
a defeat Ms Let each one them be watched BY true
faithful men II is only In the hour OF danger that
feel compeed 10 declare my earnest conviction that u
IL the duty Of every Democrat in the land 10 give MI
Greeley his earnest and most enthusiastic support aha
70 warn the Democracy that every Democratic vote NOT
poed or cast for anybody else but Mr. Greeley Is poe
directly cast for the opposite candidate
Fidelity TO the party and devotion to the CONSTITUTION
and the Union equally require that every Democrat
shall not only vote but earnestly, deyotedy ana most
enthusiastically labor by day and by night with untr
ing resolution and sleepess energy, to secure MI Gree
ey's election. -,
II there are any Democrats In the country whose opn
fms or conduct can be influenced by my own earnestly
invoke them to come CALAMITY forward III tnls hour VI
peril. ,,. ,...,. -,
No soIdier ever earned any truly honorable aurels Dy
falling unon the rear of a retreating enemy or smiling
,rostrate foe. II is only when their own ranks arc
and defeat is TO be feared that gallant men rush
20 the defense OF their coors and peril their lives to re
form their broken lines. accompanied Mr.. Douglas IL
b Presidential campaign OF 1900 The
went largely against him. and yet with untiring deVouor
he continued the contest making his last speech al
Mobile Alabama, the very night before the election
Let every Democrat emulate his example. Let oul
largest and most enthusiastic meetings DO heiu Oh W
last night Of the campaign Let our last guns ned "
the heaviest shotted and the best aimed haVn
deserved success II every Democrat does us iu uuy
,be nolls cur defeat IL absolutely impossible IN O.
washington, d. O., Oct IA, 1871
mr. G.. seems unaware that Mr. Greeley IN looe
clearly indicated his opinion that the Republicans
Illinois ought to unite in returning Mr.. Douglas u
the Senate despite their past differences, because
nis fearless effective resistance to the Lecomptol