Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1876-08-16
Thomas A. Hendricks.

In view Of the contingencies which may
happen in case the democratic presidential
nominees succeed, aud in respect TO which
our experience has been somewhat sugges-
tive, to say the least, it is proper to turn the
light upon the public aud private life of Mr..
Thomas A. Hendricks II that record stands
the test of the thorough scrutiny which every
intelligent man is bound to make before de-
posting Presidential ballot, we much mis-
take the judgment of our people
The craftsmanship of Mr.. Hendricks seems
to have consisted entirely in blind follow
ing of democratic partisanship. Through
out the last quarter Of century the worst
acts OF the democratic party enter into the
record of Mr.. Hendricks. lie favored the re-
peal Of the Missouri compromise. lie ap-
proved OF the infamous bred Scottdecision.
lie took an active part in the effort 10 force
slavery upon the liberty-loving people Of
Kansas. IN his own state he advocated the
adoption of constitutional provision prohib-
ting free persons of color from settling in
Indiana. Aud though the supreme court
declared the amendment null and void upon
| the ground that it was in conflict with the
federal constitution, Hendricks still insisted
that ii was valid, and he sought to have it
enforced As q member of Congress Mr.
Hendricks was one Of the most noted and oh
noxious doughfaces that bowed aud trucked
10 slavery and disgraced the name of free
American citizens. And during his entire
term as Senator he never once cast vote on
the side of freedom, humanity or justice.
Mr.. Hendricks war record is a shame aud
q disgrace. 1t was during those gloomy
days of the war for the Union in 1868,
shortly after he had been chosen 10 the
| United States Senate, that he made that in
famous copperhead speech at Shelbyville, In
diana. Then aud there he denounced Pres
ident Lincoln la bitter terms. lie charged
him with the purpose of changing the con
hict iuto an abolition war, aud was especially
bitter aud vituperative because the Presi-
dent issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
lie also cried out in the most vehement
|
been completed. They have passed bill
in the House Of Representatives TO arm an
army OF negroes" Aud again he said " |
did not advise anybody to enlist" Said he,
al am ready to compromise at any time. -
Mr. Hendricks, at the date OF this Shelby
vile speech was about to take Il seat in the
United States Senate. President Lincoln.
urged on 10y the loyal sentiment OF the North,
had issued the Emancipation Proclamation
as a vital means of saving the Union. Yet,
in those fiery days of trial, in that supreme
hour, Thomas A. Hendricks, candidate for
Vice-President, stood up before Il Northern
audience and declared =" do not know
whether that proclamation is going to bt
taken back or not am gong 10 cofe 10 tax,
i back the first opportunity get II ,cas d
cicted hing 10 haze issued And these word,
were greeted with shouts OF rejoicing from
one end OF rebeldom to the other.
Such is a sample of the public services o.
Thomas a. Hendricks. When his country
was engaged in life aud death tussle viii
treason when his loyal countrymen wer,
. pouring out their blood like water in its de
Tense, he misrepresented the issues, belle,
the President, stigmatized the nmorta
charter OF freedom aud the most effcen
means for the salvation OF the Union as
wicked thing" and demanded that it b.
taken back.
A Northern doughface before the war,
Golden Circle copperhead and rebel sympa
y thizer during the rebellion, loud-mouthe,
y denouncer OF Lincoln, one " no gave aid an,
comfort to traitors in arms 10y his disloya
i utterances, an inhationist and repudiato
; such is Thomas \. Hendricks, Democrat
= candidate for Nice-President.