Year: 1860

replace Mr.. Fitzpatrick, who had not re-
ceived such vote. The two.third rule
has been proved to be a good one by long
experience of its salutary effects, and was
enacted by successive Democratic N National
Conventions, to prevent the very evils
which have came. upon the party in conse--
quencc of its nonenforcemont. Never nav.
ing been repealed, am at loss TO unE
derstand the logic which claims regular
domination for Messrs. Douglas and John
son.


The Maryland Institute Convention,
which also claimed to be the representa-
tive of the National Democratic party de
mands its recognition upon alleged injus--
tice to Democratic State delegations, and
its declaration of sound Democratic prin-
ciples. Although it was composed of
members from all the Democratic States,
its proceedings we're equally irregular
with that ofthe Front Street Theater


In this lamentable position, when those
to whom the Democratic party Of the whole
Union had confded the direction OF affairs
have proved themselves unable to control
political structure heretofore magnificent
and powerful, and thus failed in giving it
the force that should characterize it, l look
at home to our own State organization for
relief, and finding that intact and perfect
have no occasion to consider the oppinion
of Mr.. Sibley and his associates as of the
least Importance to the well being of the
Democracy Of our good old Common
wealth.


According to my understanding of the
custom and usages of the Democratic par
ty in Pennsylvania, when Democratic
State Convention adjourns sine die, hav-
ing appointed or made provision for the
appointment of the Executive Committee,
it confides the whole or ganization of the
party to that Committee. In any cmer-
gency they have full power to do what is
necessary. have no doubt if candidate
for Governor, Elector, or any other State
officer, died or declined so shortly before
an election that it would be inexpedient to
call conve ntion, q nomination made by
such Committee to supply the vacancy,
would be entirely satisfactory and perfect
ly regular,


1t is true that they can and generally
do decline so great responsibility, yet the
power to call conventions or supply def
ciencios, rests with them, and no whero
else, and the Democracy of the State will
never submit to having their State organi-
cation invaded by body of men at Wash
ington, of whom they know nothing, or by
a clique or single person in the State,
whose caprice may only induce an agita-
ton in favor of our opponents.


The present State COMMITTEES, with a
delicacy which does them honor, stayed
far within the limits of their lawful powers
when they mertly recommended tn, De.
mocracy of Pennsylvania to unite their
votes for President on the electoral ticket
nominated by the Reading Convention,
according to the plan set forth in their
resolution. If could not have conscien-
tiously endorsed that plan should in-
stantly have placed my resignation as an
clcctor at large into the hands of the Chair
man of the state Committee, notwithstaud-
ing the very large and complimentary vote
l received from the members of the Con.
vention. ] hold it to be inconsistent with
fair and manly conduct to accept nomi-
nation and not carry out the views as ex-
pressed by the authority that gave it. To
my mind it is under such circumstances
highly becoming to resign, rather than to
persist in maintaining position that has
nothing to justify it but mad ambition
uncontrolled by the advisory influences of
a very honorable and proper authority.


Such being my views as to the nomina-
tons and powers of the State Committee,
my course seems to be plainly set before
me. The plan recolnmed by the State
Committee is wise and appropriate All
true Democrats concede that it is of the
first importance that Mr., Lincoln should
be defeated. lean vote most chserfully
for either Mr.. Douglas or Mr.. Breckin.
ridge in preference to Mr.. Lincoln, and
know no other mode by which it can be
done, but by u union of preferences upon
one electoral ticket. If the insiduous de-
vices of those who prefer men to principles
should prevail, and two electoral tickets
are thrown into the field, it will not at
least be the fault of the Democratic Party
of Pennsylvania, but of those only who,
regardless OF fealty to time -honored prin
ciples, would sacrifice all at the shrine of
personal aggrandizement. Thank Heav-
en- ! that class of men have no weight with
the conservative sensible, thinking and
efficient portion of the community, whose
votes must decide the election. The bat
tie must be fought in Pennsylvania. A
cordial union of all for the sake of the
Union upon the suggestions of the State
Committee would secure the triumphant
election of that excellent and worthy citi
zen Henry d. Foster, to the Gubernato'
rial chair, majority of the Senate and
House of Representatives, and as nee


essary consequence United States Sena


tor. Are all these glorious results to b'


jeoparded for the sake Of any one man =
Is it to be done at the dictation Of body
which can claim no shadow of authorit,
! for its interference with our State organi
, cation, and which seems to have so it'll


confidence in its own innate strength as T.
=. tran afar oil IL possaasaa n tho kec nino of