History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 23

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1316

USA > Iowa > Butler County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 23
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 23

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6. That this is a government of white men, and was established exclusively for the white raee; that the negroes are not entitled to and ought not to be admitted to political or social equality with the white race, but that it is our duty to treat them with kindness and considera- tion, as an inferior and dependent race; that the right of the several States to determine the position and duties of the race is a sovereign

right, and the pledges of the constitution require us, as loyal citizens, not to interfere therewith. That the party fanaticist or the crime, which- ever it may be called, that seeks to turn the slaves of the Southern States loose to overrun the North, aud iuto competition with the white laboring classes, thus degrading their manhood by placing them on an equality with negroes in their occupation, is insulting to our race and meets our emphatic and unqualified condemna- tion.

7. That the purchase of the slaves by the government, as proposed by the President, will impose an enormous and unendurable burdeu upon the present generation, and entail upon posterity grievous exaetions.

8. That Congress, in the enactment of the late tariff and tax bills, and the President by his avowal, have imposed unfair and unjust enact- ments upon the people at large, by discriminat- ing in these acts in favor of the comparatively wealthy, and against those who are least able to bear the burdens of taxation.

9. That we recur with patriotic pride to the bravery and valor of the officers and soldiers of all the Iowa regiments exhibited in the struggle upon the many bloody fields in which they have been engaged; and that this couvention, in be- half of the Democracy of this State, tenders to them a united testimony to their valor, and devotion to the constitution and the Union, and offer to the friends and families of those who have fallen upon the field, its sincere sympathy and condolence.

10. That viewing the glories of the past and contemplating the realities of the present, we believe there is no hope in the future for the perpetuity of our government, but by preserving the constitution inviolate and in respecting it by both government and people as a sacred deposit of individual and State rights; in an economical and systematic administration of the govein- inent by which corruption will be prevented, extravagance restrained, expenditures reduced, and heavy taxation rendered unnecessary; in cultivating among the people that spirit of American fraternity which once knew no North,

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no South, no East, no West, except as parts of one unbroken Union; in submitting questions which might arise hereafter, effecting the legal rights of States to the judicial tribunals and not to the executive or legislative branch of the government.

And firmly believing in the effieieney of the prineiples herein enunciated, we implore the blessing of God upon our efforts to have them applied to the administration of the government, and we appeal to our fellow citizens who love the constitution and Union as it was before its harmony was disturbed by abolition fanaticism, and its bonds broken by rebellion.

The Republicans met at DesMoines and nominated as follows: Secretary of State, James Wright; Auditor of State, Jona- than W. Cattell; Treasurer of State, Wm. H. Holmes; Attorney-General, Charles C. Nourse; Register of the State Land Office, Josiah A. Harvey. The platform adopted lead as follows :

We, the delegates of the Republican party of Iowa, assembled to declare anew our politieal' belief, and to select candidates for important official positions, present to the people the fol- lowing as our artieles of faith:

1. That the constitution of the United States is the fundamental law of the land; that it was adopted by our fathers to establish justice and seeure the blessings of liberty to themselves and their posterity; that in accordance with the forms preseribed by that instrument, and by the laws of Congress, Abraham Lincoln was elected by the voluntary suffrages of the people as the Chief Magistrate of the United States for the term of four years; that before he had taken the oath of office or exereised any of the powers with which he had been elothed, certain States of the Union passed ordinanees of seeession, assuming thereby to be no longer a part of, nor subjeet to the laws of, the United States; that soon afterward they organized a separate eon- federation, proclaimed their independence of and hostility to the federal government, and from that time to the present have waged cause-

less, merciless and barbarious warfare against the republie, to which they owe perpetual grati- tude and allegiance.

2. That for the maintenance of the govern- ment, in this the hour of its peril, it is the duty of every eitizen to devote time, labor, property, life; that we, as the representatives of an organ- ized association of citizens, publiely pledge all our energies and substanee, should they be needed, for the governmental defense.

3. That we have undiminished confidenee in the President of the United States, that he is faithful to his pledges, is honest and determined in his purposes to crush the rebellion and main- tain the union of the States, and that we earn- estly endorse the aetion of our Representatives in Congress in aiding to pass laws for the aboli- tion of slavery in the Distriet of Columbia; for the perpetuation of freedom in all the Territo- ries of the republic; for the confiscation of the property of rebels, and clothing the President with authority to use the slaves of traitors for all military purposes.

4. That we abhor all sympathizers with seces- sion, who, to cover their treasonable sentiments, raise the cry of abolitionism; but that, on the contrary, we will honor any loyal eitizen, what- ever may have been his former political assoeia- tions, who will sustain, with all his power, the struggle of Democratie Republieanism against traitorous aristocracy, North or South.

5. That, extending a hearty welcome to those who are present with us in this convention who have left the so-called Democratic party, we in- vite all loyal citizens, regardless of former politieal associations, and who are in favor of giving the national administration their honest support, to co-operate with us, and we commend to all of such the patriotie words of the lamented Douglas, who said: "There is only two sides to this question. Every man must be for the United States or against it. There can be no neutrality in this war-only patriots or traitors."

6. That we reiterate the demand for an eco- nomieal administration of our national and State government, and for a punishment of fraudu- lent contractors and plunderers of the public treasury.

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7. That the valor of our soldiers and sailors, and especially those of our own Statc, on every battlefield to which they have been called, has earned for them a lasting gratitude, and com- mended themselves and their families to our practical sympathy and aid.

8. That the State of Iowa will promptly fur- nish her quota of troops called for by the recent proclamation of the President, and any addi- tional numher which the public service may require.

9. That the voluntary enlistment of our adopted citizens in the army and navy, and their tried valor on our battle-fields, have demon- strated the warmth of their patriotism and an appreciation of liberty and good government which have earned for them the proud name of American citizens and soldiers.

10. That as citizens of a loyal State, whose patriotism, 'oth at home and upon foreign battle-fields, has spoken for itself, we earnestly appeal to the incumbents of the legislative and executive departments of the government, to use every legitimate means in their possession ·to crush the rebellion, and if, as a last measure for the preservation of the republic, it shall hecome necessary to blot out the institution of slavery from the soil of every State, we will say Amcn, letting the consequences fall upon the wicked authors of the war, and leaving the final issue with God.

The official vote on Secretary of State was as follows:

James Wright, Rep 66,014-15,205 Richard H. Sylvester, Dem. 50,809

In 1863 the Democrats met in conven- tion at DesMoines, and nominated Maturin L. Fisher for Governor. Mr. Fisher sub- sequently declining, Gen. James M. Tuttle was substituted; John F. Lumcombe was nominated for Lieutenant-Governor, and Charles Mason for Supreme Judge. The following was the platform adopted:

In view of the circumstances that have brought us together, we hereby resolve:

1. That the will of the people is the founda- tion of all free government. That to give effect to this will, free thought, free speech and free press are absolutely indispensable. Without free discussion there is no certainty of sound judgment; without sound judgment there can be no wise government.

2. That it is an inherent and constitutional right of the people to discuss all measures of their government, and to approve or disapprove as to their best judgment seems right. That they have a like right to propose and advocate that policy which, in their judgment, is best, and to argue and vote against whatever policy seems to them to violate the constitution, to imperil their literties, or to be detrimental to their welfare.

3. That these and all other rights guaranteed to them by the constitution are their rights in war as well as in times of peace, and of far more value and necessity in war than in peace: for in peace, liberty, security and property are seldom endangered; in war they are ever in peril.

4. That we now say to all whom it may con- cern, not by way of threat, hut calmly and firmly, that we will not surrender these rights, nor suhmit to their forcible violation. We will obey laws ourselves, and all others must obey them

5. That there is a manifest difference between the administration of the government and the government itself. The government consists of the civic and political institutions created by the constitution, and to the people owe allegi- ance. That administrations are hut agents of the people, subject to their approval or con- demnation, according to the merit or demerit of their acts.

6. That we are opposed to the war for the purpose of carrying out the emancipation procla- mation of the President of the United States; and if the Federal administration expect a united North to attend its efforts to suppress a rebellion, it must not only come hack to its object of the war, as set forth in the Crittenden resolution adopted hy the House of Representa- tives in July, 1861, hut it must, in its dealings

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with the people of the States, infringe upon no one single right guaranteed to the people by either the federal or State constitutions.

7. That we declare our determined opposition to a system of emancipation by the State upon compensation to be made out of the treasury of the United States, as burdensome upon the people, unjust in its very nature, and wholly without warrant of the constitution.

8. That we declare that the power which has recently been assumed by the President, where- in, under the guise of military necessity, he has proclaimed and extended, or asserts the right to proclaim or extend, martial law over States where war does not exist, and has suspended the writ of habeas corpus, is unwarranted by the constitution, and its tendency is to subordinate the civil to the military authority, and subvert our free government.

9. That we deem it proper further to declare, that we, together with the loyal people of the State, would hail with delight any manifestation of a desire on the part of the seceded States to return to their allegiance to the government of the Union; and, in such event, we would cor- dially and earnestly co-operate with them in the restoration of peace and the procurement of such proper guarantees as would give security to all their interests and rights.

10. That the soldiers composing our armies merit the warmest thanks of the nation. The country called, and nobly did they respond. Living, they shall know a nation's gratitude; wounded, a nation's care; and, dying, they shall live in our memory, and monuments shall be raised to teach posterity to honor the patriots and heroes who offered their lives at their country's altar. The widows and orphans shall be adopted by the nation, to be watched over and cared for as objects fully worthy of the nation's guardianship.

11. That we will adhere to the constitution and the Union as the best, it may be the last, hope of popular freedom, and for all wrongs which may exist, will seek redress under the constitution and within the Union by the peace- ful but powerful agency of the suffrages of a free people.

12. That we hail with pleasure and hope, manifestations of conservative sentiment among the people of the Northern States in their elec- tions, and regard the same as the earnest of a good purpose upon their part to co-operate with all citizens in giving security to the rights of every section, and maintaining the Union and constitution as they were ordained by the foun- ders of the republic.

13. That we will earnestly support every constitutional measure tending to preserve the union of the States. No men have a greater interest in its preservation than we have. None desire it more; none who will make greater sacrifices or endure more than we will to accom- plish that end. We are, as we have ever been, the devoted friends of the constitution and the Union, and have no sympathy with the enemies of either.

14. That the establishment of military gov- ernment over loyal States where war does not exist, to supersede the civil authorities and sup- press the freedom of speech and of the press, and to interfere with the elective franchise, is not only subversive of the constitution and the sovereignty of the States, but the actual inaugu- ration of revolution.

15. That we denounce as libelers of the Democratic party and enemies of the country, the men who are engaged in representing the Democracy as wanting in sympathy with our gallant defenders.

16. That we earnestly denounce the authors of those heresies, secessionism and abolitionism, which have culminated in an armed rebellion, desolated our country and brought sorrow to the heart of every person in this broad land.

The Republicans met at DesMoines, June 17th, and adopted the following platform :

We, a convention of representatives of the loyal people of the State of Iowa, assembled under the call of the Republican organization of the State, as an expression of the views which shall govern our political action, do declare:

1. That when our fathers formed our consti- tution, and founded thereon a republican form

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of government, they intended to and did grant to that government full power to sustain its natural existence.

2. That whenever the life of the Republic is endangered, either by invasion or rebellion, the constitution justifies the use of all necessary means known to civilized warfare in resisting invasion or suppressing rebellion.

3. That we fully and hcartily endorse the policy of the administration, and we will to the · utmost continue to sustain the government in suppressing the rebellion, and to effect that object. we pledge our fortunes and our lives.

4. That the gratitude of a free people is due to our soldiers in the field, both native and foreign born, for that heroic valor by which they have honored us and sustained the flag of our country, and we guarantee to them con- tinued encouragement and support.

5. That we have witnessed with pride and admiration the bravery and heroism of Iowa soldiers, and we recognize in their brilliant ca- reer a history for the State of Iowa, second to that of no other State in the Union.

6. That we approve of the action of the Gen- eral Assembly of the State, in enacting a law giving to our brave soldiers in the field an opportunity to vote at our elections, and we earnestly hope that no technicality may deprive them of their right.

7. That this convention hereby tenders to Hon. Samuel J. Kirkwood the cordial thanks of the loyal people of lowa for the able, fearless, and patriotic discharge of his dnties, during the two terms he held the office of Governor of the State.

8. Finally, we declare that the preservation of the constitution and the Union is above and beyond all other interests, and that all questions of party, of life, and of property, must be sub- ordinate thereto.

At that convention the following ticket was nominated: Governor, William M. Stone; Lieutenant-Governor, Enoch W. Eastman; Judge of the Supreme Court, John F. Dillon.

The official vote on Governor was as follows :

W. M. Stone, Rep.,. .86,122-38,174 J. M. Tuttle, Dem. 47,948

The year 1864 brought with it another Presidential campaign. The Republicans placed in the field for re-election Abraham Lincoln, while the Democrats nominated General George B. McClellan. In Iowa the Democrats met in convention at Des Moines, June 16th, and placed in nomina- tion the following named, without adopt- ing resolutions: Secretary of State, John H. Wallace; Attorney-General, Charles A. Dunbar; Treasurer, J. B. Lash; Auditor, H. B. Hendershott; Register State Land Office, B. D. Holbrook; Supreme Judge, Thomas M. Monroe.

The Republicans held their convention July 7th, at DesMoines, when they nomi- nated the following ticket: Supreme Judge, C. C. Cole; Secretary of State, James Wright; Auditor of State, John A. Elliott; Treasurer, Wm. H. Holmes; Attorney- General, Isaac L. Allen; Register Land Office, J. A. Harvey. The platform adopted was as follows:

Resolved, That we hereby ratify the nomina- tion of Abraham Lincoln for President, and Andrew Johnson for Vice - President of the United States, for the next term, and we pledge for them the electoral vote of Iowa,

2. That we cordially approve and adopt the platform of resolutions presented by the National Union Convention at its recent session in Balti- more, and that we most heartily endorse the action of Congress in repealing all laws for the return of fugitive slaves and abolishing the inter-State coastwise slave trade.

3. That the brave sons of Iowa who have gone forth to defend the cause of liberty and Union on the battle-fields of the South, and

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whose heroic achievements have shed imperish- able glory on our State and nation, we offer our highest praises and our most fervent gratitude, and that our State government should continue to make liberal provisions for the protection and support of their families.

4. That to the women of Iowa, whose patriotic labors have contributed so much moral and material aid and comfort to our sick and wounded soldiers, we tender our heartfelt thanks.

A Peace Convention was held at Iowa City, August 24th, when the following res- olutions were adopted :

WHEREAS, We believe that there is indispu- table evidence existing that the Union may be restored on the basis of the federal constitution; and,

WHEREAS, We further believe that a vigorous prosecution of this abolition war means the spcedy bringing about of a division of the Re- public; and being ourselves in favor of a restored Union, and against the acknowledgment of a Southern Confederacy, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the war now being prosecuted by the Lincoln administration is unconstitutional and oppressive, and is the prolific source of a multitude of usurpations, tyrannics and corrup- tions, to which no people can long submit, with- out becoming permanently enslaved.

2. That we are opposed to the further prose- cution of the war, believing that the Union can be preserved in its integrity by the President agreeing to an armistice, and by calling a national convention of sovereign States, to con- sider the terms upon which all the people may again live together in peace and harmony.

3. That believing war to be disunion, and desiring to stop the further flow of precious blood for a purpose so wicked as disunion, we respectfully urge the President to postpone the draft for 500,000 men "to be driven like bullocks to the slaughter," until the result of an armistice and national convention of States is known.

4. That in the coming election we will have a free ballot or a free fight.

5. That should Abraham Lincoln owe his re- election to the electoral votes of the seceded States, under the application of the President's "one-tenth" system and military dictation, and should he attempt to execute the duties of the President by virtue of such an election, it will become the solemn mission of the people to depose the usurper, or else be worthy the slavish degradation, which submission under such cir- cumstances, would seem to be their just desert.

6. That if the nominee of the Chicago con- vention is fairly elected, he must be inaugurated, let it cost what it may.

7. That, in respect to the general relations which do and ought to exist between the federal and State governments, we approve and will ad- here to the principles in the Virginia and Ken- tucky resolutions of '98-to the interpretations thereof by Jefferson, Madison and Jackson-and to the resolutions passed by every Democratic convention held in this country-to all of which special reference is here made, in utter condem- nation of the war, and of its incidents.

8. That in respect to the new and disturbing element of our times-negro equality-we shall maintain that the status of the inhabitants (black, white and mixed) of the States, within their respective States (now sought to be con- trolled by federal bayonets), is, and ought to be, an exclusively State regulation; that the African negro is not our equal in a political or social sense; and that every usurping attempt, by fed- eral force, so to declare him, will meet with our determined resistance.

9. That the foregoing preamble and resolu- tions be submitted to our delegation to the Chi- cago convention, for their consideration.

The official vote at the November elec- tion, on Secretary of State, was as follows: James Wright, Rep. .90,033-40,090 John H. Wallace, Dem. . 49,943

The Republicans were the first to meet in convention in 1865. They met at Des Moines June 14th, and selected the follow- ing ticket : Governor, Wm. M. Stone; Lieutenant-Governor, Benjamin F. Gue;

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Supt. of Public Instruction, Oran Fayville; Supreme Judge, Geo. G. Wright. The platform adopted was as follows :

Resolved. That the perpetuation of the federal Union, with all guarantees of Republican liberty which its founders contemplated, is the most sacred political duty of American citizenship.

2. That, during the four years of war, inau- gurated by pro-slavery traitors, the great truth has been demonstrated, in devastation and death, that the nation cannot exist half slave and half free, and believing that political and religious freedom is the natural right of man- kind everywhere, we do most fervently pray, and shall most earnestly labor, for the ratifica- tion of that amendment to the fundamental law which provides for the abolition of slavery throughout all the States and Territories of the federal Union.

3. That, to the end that the consequences of treason may be made so appalling that never again shall it be inaugurated upon the United States soil, we recommend the permanent dis- franchisement of leaders of the rebellion, civil and military; and that the late President of the so-called Confederate States of America, as the deepest embodiment of criminal barbarity, be brought to the speediest trial and swiftest execu- tion, regardless of the habiliments, under the immunities of which he sought, in the day of his calamity, to take refuge.

4. That, with proper safeguards to the purity of the ballot-box, the elective franchise should be based upon loyalty to the constitution of the Union, recognizing and affirming equality of all men before the law. "Therefore, we are in favor of amending the constitution of our State by striking out the word 'white' in the article of refuge."

5. 'That we extend to Andrew Johnson, in his assumption of Presidential responsibilities, our confidence and support, pledging for the patri- otic masses of Iowa a continuance of the same devotion to the federal flag which was promptly extended to his predecessors.

6. That now the war is practically ended, and

our brave citizen soldiery of Iowa may return to

their homes and avocations of peace, we extend to them the grateful thanks of the people, and a welcome, such as only the patriotic and the brave are entitled to receive.

7. That every man who voluntarily left his home in this State, before or during the rebellion, with a view to serve the cause of treason in the rebel army or navy, and also every man who left his State to avoid military service, due from him to the government, should be forever debarred by constitutional provision, from holding public office, and from the exercise of the rights of suf- frage in this State.

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History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 23

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company Number of Pages: 1316

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1316