Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1876-05-31
COZ. SEYMoURS SPEECH.
BEFORE THE NEW YORK STATE DEMO
CRATIC CONVENTION,

1t is now more than ten years since
peace was restored to our land after a
bloody war. 1t left us then worn out
and weakened by the contest; our
land was filed by many green graves
there was mourning in our homes yet,
in the midst Of all that sadness, there
has been displayed virtues by the
American people that made us proud,
and lifted us up in the estimation Of
the nations of the world. Never be-
fore had we stood 80 high in the opin.
ion Of men Of other places, or in the
opinions of governments unlike ours,
and we looked forward with hope TO
the future to close the wounds that
war had made; we looked forth with
confidence forrenewed prosperity. Ten
years have rolled around, and we find
our country more depressed than it
has ever been II its history more care
and anxiety in its fields, in its work.
shops, and in its business circles. Why
Is thisY Nor is this ALL During tho
last ten years the course of political
events has been such that to-day II is
day of shame and sorrow to those
who love their country, and who love
lis glory and its estimation in the eyes
Of the world. Peace has brought 10
us more that has made us sad and sor-
rowful, more that has been hurtiul TO
our national character, more that has
suppressed honest labor, thwarted the
interests Of those who attempted to
build up our national prosperity than
ever war did with all its sufferings. II
needs no spirit of prophecy to tell what
the future historian, when he tells the
events of the past fifteen or twenty
years of our country, will dwell upon
when he comes to this period. He
will warn all nations that people may
live against armed rebellion. He will
teach the lesson that force cannot de-
stroy government when IL is strong
in the affections Of a people, and he
will teach the other great lesson that
corruption in reference to public vir-
tue and greed for gold will destroy
those institutions that were powerful
to resist all outward pressure and all
belligcrcnt attacks Now, I do not
stand here in this hour of our shame
and disgrace in many respects, this
last year Of century of our existence,
to speak to you in mere partisan
spirit. l admit that the difficulties
which surround us have grown out Of
lack Of virtue on the part of tho
whole American people. | admit that
we have lost sight, without regard to
mere party distinction, Of those virtues
which did abound when our institu.
tions were formed, and when we start
ed out in our great and glorious career,
which has made US sopowerful among
the nations of the earth. While will,
therefore, say to our Republican friends
that part Of the blame rests upon US,
as II docs upon them, yet another
thing il made true by all this, and
that Is that abuses and corruption have
come because we have lost sight Of the
principles Of those who formed our
government. lApplausc. The nation
al treasury would not have been rob.
bed IL a false national feeling had not
opened tho doors Of that treasury TO
schemes that were Unconstitutional,
and that were avcrsc 10 tho very gen
ius and spirit ofour Institutions ZAP