The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1872-09-28
3olitial Sttairs.
The Issues Of the Campaign,

Hon. Thomas Swami, Of Baltimore,
addressedthe convention which recently
renominatcd him for Congress, aud in
the course Of his remarks lucidly but
tersely stated the leading issues of the
presidential campaign. as follaws:
Il would be inappropriate, gentlemen,
on this occasion aud IN this place, to go
into any extended review Of the great
issues that arc now agitating tho coun-
try. They are too momontous and en-
crossing to be referred to within the
limited space allotted to me here. 1t
viii be the uncoasing effort Of the party
to which belong TO endeavor by all
constitutional means to restore the just
powers and equilibrium Of the States, to
hold 10 chack the danger Of the military
rule which now governs the country, to
make corruption odious by signal expos
ure, andtorestore the co ordinate branch
SC Of the government to their just pow
ers under the constitution. This gov
ernment was founded, as we all know,
in the interest Of freedom. 1t was not
designed as military but purely a civil
government, resting upon the people for
guidance aud direction, and holding in
check by proper restrictions the ten
dency to Capitalization, which has OBJ
structed the progress of free institutions
in all ages Of tie world. How far we
have driited already from these great
landmarks OF its early founders i is
unnecessary to consider here That
duty will deYolye upon mo at another
time The history Of our legislation is
full Of warning and we have passed
from stage 20 stage Of violence and
usurpation until tho most reliable aud
patriotic of our statesmen are already
beginning TO look with alarm upon the
iagraut encroachments Of the execu-
tive branch, with its military surround
ings. s s.
The work Of reform, gentlemen, fear
will not be an easy task when your con-
stitution has been already invaded with
impunity and the form Of your govern
ment substantially changed by the
power in whose interest it has been
tampered with. | have lifted the voice
Of warning time and again when ! have
witnessed the progressive strides by
which this work Of consolidation has
been effected. General Grant may be
reelected, but it will be the inaugura-
tion Of Que of those great epochs which
have marked the downfall Of nations.
In the recent co operation with the
movement of the Liberal Republicans,
the Democratic party have made saeri-
ces to save the country, but they have
maintained, and mean to maintain, their
organization, whatever may be the re-
suit Of this patriotic movement. That
it may be successful is the earnest
prayer Of every true friend Of constitu-
tional government throughout the eoun-
try. They are willing to yield gene
rous support to any honest effort TO
wrcst the power which he now holds
flom the military administration of
General Grant. If Mr. Greeley can aid
in doing this, he will receive the thanks
Of all good men, Of whatever party, who
look to the safety of their institutions,
and may save US from the ruin which
is impending over US. II is your duty,
and mine, gentlemen. to accord to him
generous aud active support. You
will at least have the satisfaction of
knowing thatyour motives were honest
and patriotic.