Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-09-21
Letter from Vice President Wilson.
BosroN, IL.

BosroN, IL.
In reply TO an invitation to meeting
of republicans which is being held in this
city, to day, for consultation in regard 10
the political situation, Vice President
Wilson has written the following letter;
NArIoK, sept. 10, 1873.
Dear Sir:-I have received your invitation TO
attend conference OF leading Massachusetts,
Republicans. 10 consider their duties at the coming
election, at which II will not be in my power 10 be
present l cannot but express to you aud TO all
other Republicans the solioitude feel and have
felt felt for many months in regard TO the position
and prosperity of the republican party of the
Commonwealth aud OF the whole country. surely
the hour has come for all Massachusetts, repnbli-
cans TO "forgiye, forget and unite and to place
our State in The same commanding position she
has hitherto occupied
That Massachusetts which stood In days of trial
so firmly, and with such persistent steadiness IN
support OF the rights Of man, the unity OF the
nation and the authority OF the general govern
ment, does not occupy the leading position she
once held, Is plainly manifest. That the old Com
monweallh which Mt each of the last three prcsi-
DENTAL elections gave TO Lincoln and to Grant Il
majority OF seventy five thousand, has lost some
thing of its former position, republicans are
compelled with humiliation to confess. Your
proposed meeting take it, is, by full and frank
consultation ami comparison OF views 70 assist to
regain what has been lost, and to place Massachu'
sets once more in its recognized position among
republican States. Certainly this object is worthy
OF the thoughtful considerable and unselish alien
ton OF every republican who would faithfully serve
either his party or his country. In these consulte
tons and comparisons il should ever be rcmcm
bered that nothing will be won 10y lowering the
standard in regard TO principles measures or mon
Human rights have ever been the watchwOrd and
inspiration, the guiding star and the dominating
idea Of the republican party. 1t can with neither
honor or safety take step backwards. Mistakes
have been made in the State and in the nation
We have entrusted some men with Official posi-
lions who have proved themselves unworthy. But
public attention has been aroused aud directed TO
| such mistakes and misconduct. Republican press
Is and conventions have spoken and are speaking
loudly for the reform Of abuses and FOR the removal
of faihless officials.
Mistakes, too, have been corrected and are being
corrected Unlai,hlul officials have been dismissed
aud the public voice impcrati,ely demands that
D
dcncc that the party in whose ranks is found so
much OF the worth and character OF the country,
Looks with regret" n it was expressed by .
British statesman, "upon every hour that passes
over recognized aud unrclor med abuse
l. there then, or can there be sum lent reason
why the republican parry containing Tie masses
OF thc liberty loving AMI patriotic men Who fought
the battles of the rebellion and piloled the country
through the stormy nj. ht Ct the civil war should
be displaced IN the commonwealth OF nation, OF
yoluptarily relinquish the helm OF state to the
democratic party, with IT, past and present In
your Consultations aud comparison Of views, !
trust YOU will place Little confidence in mere party
diciplue. In the present temper OF the country
II has lost much OF is potency.
II la, seemed 10 ne aud now seems TO me, that
the way 20 strengthen the republican party Ia Mas
sachgsctts and in other states, b. 20 put fright on
living issues that divide the country, with princi
piles aud purposes go clearly ayowed' that there
need De- neither misipprchcusi0u nor mistake; TO
open vide it, doors and make the invitation and
promised welcome full and free. Not only should
new recruits be sought, but those who once belong
eel 10 ils ranks aud helped to swell is victories
AID all whp for cause OF without cause, have len
it, should be prcssngly invited 10 return. It, tried
and trained leader. should Ice brought to the front
again and their practical wisdom soughtior coun
eel and guidance in the effort 10 retrieve what has
been lost aud restore to the party IT, former pro.
tigc aud power. Republicans should look the c'iIs
in the face and meet the present emergency win
wise prudent and healing counscls. They should
act too In a spirit OF selfabnesation, prepared 70
sacrifice ior ia cause all personal aspirations =
Candidates for public stations, high or low, ana
the friends of such candida.es should see 70 thar
their individual ambitions and their personal
I.yAlrles should not be allowed to be burden OF
hindrance to our now .mpeyre!cd cause and thA1
10 the presence Of dangers tAlt menace the party
and the nation, something Of the spirit OF sell
denying men OF Cromwell limo should animate
/ them, and secure a Ike sacrifice now.
With this policy / AVA couflcu. that the rePuo
licans can rcgnn iher complete ascendcney IN
Massachusetts,, recover the lost state, continue to
guide throughout the nation, and complete with
out reaction their grand work ol unity and liberty
recon structon and recouC iliatiOn.
Truly Yours, IL. WILSON.