Year: 1869

]
WEEKLY CLARION of the 9TH, together
with expressions emanating from several
Of our cotemporaries Of the press, requires
a fun explanation Of our views in regard
to the State Democratic Executive Com
mittee, ifs powers and its duties.


The Committee derived its existence
from the Democratic organization of the
State, without Limitation Of time, or re-
striction of authority in all matters per-
tanning TO the interests Of the party and
the welfare Of the public. These powers
have never been revoked, and can only
be by the same authority that conferred
them.


In 1868, after the defeat of the Con-
stitution, and when discussion was pend
ing and diversity of opinion existed, in
regard to the assembling of State Con-
vention, and the nomination Of State
electoral ticket, the Committee did not
question either its existence or Its plenary
power to prescribe such course of action
as it deemed best for the public good.
There was animated discussion by the
press on the subject of holding Conven-
ton and nominating an electoral ticket.
The measure was urged with vehemence
by some, and was energetically opposed
by Others. The Committee took the sub
ject into consideration, and, after mature
deliberation, announced a decision which
was cordially approved by the people.
In the present canvass, the Committee
have not deemed it wise to take any ac-
ton thus far 1t has preferred rather to
follow, or to acquesce in public opinion,
than to do aught which would bear the
appearance of attempt at dictation. But
if does not follow that it has abdicated its
powers, or that it will hesitate to announce
such a decision to the members of the
party at large in reference to the hold
ing of Democratic Convention at this
Ftime, and upon such other subjects as
may require consideration.


Besides, we have all along thought that
though the members Of the Democratic
party throughout the State, and indeed
all good people without reference to past
political affiliation, should, for the pur-
pose of accomplishing speedy reeonstruc-
ton, and securing recognition of their
civil authority by the Federal head, sup
port the State and Congressional tickets
put in the field by the National Republi-
cans, on such platform as was adopted by
their June Convention-it would be
proper in the progress of the canvass to
have the agency of the Central Commit
tee in the general conduct of the campaign,
acting in .affiliation with the National Re
publicans, for the restoration of civil gov
ernment on the ruins of anarchy and mil
itary despotism, and to secure the read
mission of the State to all the privileges
of the other members of the Union, with
a Constitution guaranteeing equality OF
political and civil rights to every citizen
from the humblest to the proudest. The
success of this scheme will demand the
active efforts of such an agency as we
have described, speaking directly to, and
by authority Of the members of the pO
litical party from which its existence and
authority are derived.


The Committee is composed of men 0t
both the old parties. They have en-
deavored in the past to discharge impair



TALLY and faithfully the trust confded tC
them, and results have vindicated the
wisdom of their decisions. They have
not hastily undertaken to dictate public
policy, nor have they hesitated to take the
responsibility of doing what they believed
to be right and proper. They will dc
nothing to put in jeopardy the vital in
terests at stake in this momentous strug
gle; nor to forfeit the confidence which
has been so freely bestowed, and we will
add, so abundantly merited.