Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1872-05-11

success OF these vital principles, and
the support of the candidates nomi-
mated by this Convention, We invite
and cordially welcome the co-opera-
tion of all patriotic citizens, without
regard to previous political atfilia-
tions.
(SigneD
HORACE WHITE,
Chairman Com. ON Resolutions
G. ?. Thurston, Secretary.
ADDRESS OF THE COMMITTEE.
In connection with the resolutions
the Committee on Platform presented
the following address:
The Administration now in power
has rendered itself guilty of wanton
disregard of the laws Of the land, and
Of usurpation of powers granted by
the Constitution. 1t has acted as if
the laws had binding force only for
those who are governed, and not for
those who govern. 1t has thus struck
blow at the fundamental principles
of constitutional government and the
liberties of citizens. The President
of the United States has openly used
the powers and opportunities Of his
high office for the promotion Of per-
sonal ends. He has kept notoriously
corrupt and unworthy men in places
Of power and responsibility to the de-
triment of the public interests.
He has used the public service of
the Government as machinery for
partisan and personal influence, and
has interfered with tyrannical AFRO
gance in the political affairs of States
and municipalities. He has rewarded
with influential and lucrative offices
men who had acquired his favor by
valuable presents, thus stimulating
Generalization Of our political life by
his conspicuous example. He has
shown himself deplorably unequal to
the tasks imposed upon him by the
necessities Of the country, and culpa-
bly, careless Of the responsibilities of
his high office.
The partisans OF the Administration,
assuming to be the Republican party
and controlling its organization, have
to justify such wrongs and
palliate such abuses, to the end of
maintaining partisan ascendencv.
They stood in the way of necessary
Investigations and Indispensable re-
forms, pretending that no serious fault
could be found with the present ad,
ninistration of public affairs, thus
seeking to blind the eyes Of the people.
They have kept alive the passions and
resentments OF the late civil war, to
use them to their own advantage. -
They have resorted to arbitrary
measures in direct conflict with the
organic law, instead Of appealing to
the better instincts and latent patriot !
ism of the Southern people, by re.tor-
ing to them those rights, the enjoy
ment of which is Indispensable to a
successful administration of their local
affairs, and would tend to promote
patriotic and hopeful national feeling,
They have degraded themselves and
the name OF their party, once justly !
entitled to the confidence Of the nation,
by base sycophancy to the dispenser
OF Executive power and patronage
unworthy of republican freedom.
They have sought to stltle the voice
Of Just criticism, to stihe the moral
sense of the people and to suhjugatc
public opinion by tyrannical party
discipline. They are striving to main
tain themselves in authority for selfish
ends by an Inscriptions use of power
which rightfnlly belongs to the people,
Ind should be employed only in the
service of the country.
Believing that an organization thus
ed and controlled can no longer be
If service to the best interests of the
Republic, we have resolved to make
IN independent appeal to the sober
Judgment, conscience and patriotism
If the American people.