The Republican journal., 1872-09-26
Gov. Curtin Speaks.

The Tribune publishes a letter from eX-
Governor A. &. Curtin of Pennsylvania,
accepting nomination of Liberal Repub-
licans tor the constitutional convention.
lie says, ''The bad rule that has wholly
compassed the channels of political adj
ministrative authority in Pennsylvania is
not of recent creation 1t was the tireless
but lmpotent power that confronted the
action OF the government, State and ma
ton, during the dark DAYS of the civil war
and steadily struggled to gather advance
ment and gain from the bitter sorrows of
the people. Six Years ago it attained
control in our State. How it was achiev-
ca Is remembered in humiliation by all.
Why it was sought and won our subse-
quent history painfully demonstrates
The Republican organization that has
made lis name illustrious in maintaining
the unity of the States and redeeming a
continent to freedom, was seized in CON
tempt of the will Of the people and its
victories perverted to licensed wrong. |
need not recite, how, under an honored
name and flag it has created wide spread.
indeed, almost universal distrust of au-
thorlty, and made honest men despair of
integrity in Legislation, in elections, in
confirming legislative honors, and even
IN the administration of public Justice
The troubles and steadily gnawing evils
IN our political rule have made the peo-
pie demand the right to resume their SOW
erignty, to make new safeguards tor them
selves, but if the proposed convention is
to effect thorough reform it must be aid
ed not hindered by the vast power of the
Executive and other important officials.
1T Mr.. Buckalew shall be defeated and
4 new lease OF authority thus conferred
upon the despotic control that has long
misruled the commonwealth, it will be
marvellous indeed if a convention, chosen
in the partizan strife Of a national contest,
can afford any substantial relief and pro-
lection to the people. If Pennsylvania is
to be restored to purity, the government
IN all It's departments as well as the con-
vention must harmonic fully and earnest
ly in the work of regeneration. Mr..
Buckalew's confessed integrity and CON
slstent devotion to reform during many
years OF official service, give the best
guarantees OF honest administration and
complete restraint upon corrupt or recS-
less authority and his election seems to
be demanded by every consideration of
ildelity to the honor and advancement of
OF the State. If, as it is claimed by the
desperate leaders OF Pennsylvania, to re-
generate our State in October will affect
the national contest, the cause thus 10 be
endangered must be wanting in the most
essential attributes of popular confidence.
Actuated solely by sense of duty to a
people whose devotion in times past fur
nlshes the most grateful memories of my
life, shall vote in October for honest
government in our commonwealth and
meet the Presidential issue when il comes
before the people in accordance with my
long settled conviction. cannot consent
to sacrifice great contest for constitu-
tional, Legislative and administrative re-
form because a presidential election is
pending. To yield the question would
give fresh victory for misrule and make
the efforts for just fundamental restraints,
either measurably or wholly abortive.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
(Signed,) A. g. CURTIN.
TO the Hon. A. r. Mcclure, Chairman of
the Liberal Republican State Committee
of Pennsylvania.