Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1876-10-05
SPEECH OF
w. H. G. ECKER, Esq,

Mr.. CHAIRMAN, LADIES AND GENTLE
MEN AND Fellow CITIZENS:
By the request of many citizens, 1
appear before you this evening to
discuss briefly the political issues of
the day. Let me say here, and with
out egotism, that came to this State
nearly twenty-five years ago. l was
educated here, and have lived here
ever since, and therefore my history
is well known to all of you. L need
scarcely refer to the fact, that 1 have
never taken any part in the political
affairs of our country; but when the
occasion and circumstances in a great
cause demand my services, I am al
ways ready to respond. There are
grave and important questions to be
decided by the American people this
campaign. And this Centennial
year Of our national existence is
fitting time to begin the work of
good cause. would deem it almost
equal to committing political suicide,
when my country demands it, not to
raise my voice in behalf of the is
sues that concern our individual, So
cial and political liberty. I should
deem it wrong upon my part to
keep silent, and see my brethren
fight my political battles for me. 1
have always been identified with the
Democratic party. have nearly al
ways voted the straight Democratic
ticket since have had the honor to
cast my first vote. 1t is true, 1 have
exercised my own judgment, and vo-
ted at times for candidates on the
other ticket, always looking forward
to the interest of the people of my
country, and giving my suffrage to
the candidate whom l thought de-
served it. Why am 1 not acting
with the Democratic party? be-.
cause the party has left me. The
Democratic organization that died
in 1872, but was afterwards res
urrected in Ohio by Allen G. Thur
man, is not such an organiza-
tion as the masses that belong
to it believe it to be. / love my
country. / love its institutions and
laws, and shall always be found
ready to defend them at all hazards.
That, / think, is an impossibility
within that organization called the
Democratic party. My views have
always been of a liberal nature, Civ
ing credit and honor to whom credit
and honor is due. Enlightenment,
advancement and philanthrophy have
always been my highest ambition.
And now, when find myself sur
rounded by grave national questions,
such as relate to the interests of the
freedman, the maintenance Of the
Union, the Constitution and the en-
forcement Of the laws, ! then cast my
eyes over the political field, to see who
favor these principles.
Then, where do l find myself but
in the midst of the Republican
party.
Why, then, should / act any longer
with the Democratic party? Ny
ideas are not those of a modern
Democrat, or as they are proclaimed
by the leaders of the Democratic par
ty.
MANS DUTY.
Every man is pla ced in this world
to fill certain place.
Now, it deyolves upon US to be-
come members of some political par
ty, for outside of either the Demo
cratic or Republican party, we can
accomplish but little.
TWO PARTIES.
Hence we are under the necessity
Of becoming identified with and CO.
operating with one or the other of the
two great political parties Of this
Nation.
Before you vote with either party,
look and see of what element each is
composed, and what class of men
control them. This is all neces-
sary before one can safely identify
himself with any party.
Gentlemen, we are told, "That the
continuing mission of the Democratic
party is to preserve in all its depart
ruenfa our nresent form Of constitu.