The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1872-09-28
2olitiaI Sttairs.
The Issues of the Campaign.

-
Hon. Thomas Swami, Of Baltimore,
addressed the convention which recently
renominated him for Congress, aud in
the course Of his remarks lucidly but
iersely stated the leading issues of the
presidential campaign. as follaws
1t would be inappropriate, gentlemen,
on this occasion aud 10 this place, to 60
into any extended review Of the great
issues that are now agitating the coun-
try. They are too momentous and en-
crossing to be referred to within tho
limited space allotted to me here. 1t
viii be the unceasing 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 IN chaek the danger Of the military
rule which now governs the country, to
make corruption odious by signal expos
IRE, audtorestore the CO ordinate branch
sc of the government TO their just pow
ers under the constitution. This gov
eminent was founded, as we all know,
in the interest Of freedom. 1t was not
designed as military but purely civil
government, resting upon the people for
guidance aud direction, and holding in
check By proper restrictions the ten
deucy to Capitalization, which has OBJ
structed the progress of free institutions
in all ages Of the world. How far we
have drifted already from these great
landmarks Of its early founders it is
unnecessary to consider here That
duty will devolye upon me at another
time. The history OF our legislation il
full Of warning and we have passed
from stage TO stage Of VIOLENCE and
usurpation until the most reliable and
patriotic Of our statesmen are already
beginning to look with alarm upon the
flagraut encroaehments of the execu-
tive branch, with its military surround
ings.
The work Of reform, gentlemen, fear
will not be an easy task when your con-
stitution has been already invaded with
immunity and the form Of your govern
ment substantially changed by the
power in whose interest il has been
tampered with. have lifted the voice
Of warning time aud again when | have
witnessed the progressive strides by
which this work of consolidation has
been effected. General Grant may be
reelected, but it viii be the inaugura-
lion of one 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 sacri-
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
wrest the power which he now holds
fiom the military administration Of
General Graut. If Mr. Greeley can aid
in doing this, be 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,
aud mine, gentlemen, to accord to him
a generous and active support. You
will at least have the satisfaction Of
knowing that your motives were honest
aud patriotic.