USA > Iowa > Cass County > History of Cass County, Iowa; together with sketches of its towns, villages, and townships; educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of old settlers and representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races, and a brief review of its civil, political, and military history > Part 21
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The Democrats met at DesMoines, June 23, adopted a platform, and placed the fol- lowing ticket in the field: Governor, A. C. Dodge; Lieutenant-Governor, L. W. Bar- bitt; Supreme Judges, Charles Mason, T.
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S. Wilson, C.C. Cole. The following is the platform, as to National policy:
WHEREAS, In view of the double relation in which we stand toward the federal government on the one hand, and our own State on the other, we deem it expedient and proper, before enter- ing upon a contest which may, in no amall de- gree, influence the character and destinies of both governments, to adopt and promulgate the following declaration of principles for the gov- ernment of our conduct:
Resolved, That we affirm the principles of the national Democratic platform of 1856, and re- assert the doctrines of non-intervention therein contained, as the ground upon which a national party can be maintained in these confederate States.
2. That the organized Territories of the United States are only held in their Territorial condition until they attain a sufficient number of inhabitants to authorize their admission into the Union as States, and are justly entitled to aelf-government and the undisturbed regulation of their own domestic or local affairs, subject only to the constitution of the United States.
3. That, inasmuch as the legislative power of the Territories extends undeniably to all right- ful subjects of legislation, no power can prevent them from passing such laws upon the subject of slavery as to them may scem proper, and whether such laws, when passed, be constitu- tional or not, can be finally determined, not by Congress, but by the Supreme Court on appeal, from the decisions of the Territorial courts.
4. That the Supreme Court of the United States, being under the constitution, and an independent co-ordinate branch of the govern- ment, with a tenure of office which cannot be changed by the action of parties, through the instrumentality of Congress, we hold the Democ- racy entirely irresponsible for its doctrines, and in no case conclusively bound by the same, except so far as to inculcate obedience to its decisions while they continue in force.
5. That without courts of justice, both State and national, respected by the people, and aus- tained in their proper functions by popular sen-
timent, anarchy and violence become inevitable, and all rights of both person and property be- come insecure and worthless.
6. That the action of the public authorities in some of the Statea, in attempting to set at defiance by State authority, decisions of the Supreme Court and acta of Congress passed in accordance with the constitution, ia the very essence of nullification.
7. That a tariff for revenue alone is the true policy of this country, but an incidental protec- tion is one of its legitimate consequences. The amount of duties levied should be limited to the ·necessary wants of the government, and they should be so apportioned as to fall as lightly as possible upon the people, by whom they are eventually to be paid.
8. That it is a doctrine of the Democratic party that all naturalized citizens are entitled to the same protection, both at home and abroad, that is extended to the native-born citizens, and that even a voluntary return of such citizens to the land of their birth, for a temporary purpose, does not place them beyond the range of that protection, but that our government is bound to shield them from injury and insult while there, at every hazard.
9. That the expansion of our national domain is desirable whenever it shall be necessary for the safety, happiness and prosperity of the Re- public, and we will hail with pleasure the acqui- sition of the island of Cuba, whenever it can be effected with justice and in accordance with the wishes of the people thereof, and as a nation we can never assent to its appropriation by any of the powers of Europe, and will incur all the hazards of war to avert such a result.
10. That the building of a railroad connecting our Atlantic and Pacific coasts, by grants of the public lands along the line thereof, or by any other constitutional means, will meet with the hearty approval of the Democracy of Iowa.
11. That we are in favor of granting a home- stead of 160 aeres of land by Congress to actual settlers, subject only to such restrictions as will exclude speculators from the benefits of such acts.
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12. That we are in favor of an economical administration of the federal government, and will lend our best efforts to those who advocate reform and retrenchment in our national expen- ditures.
13. That we are unconditionally opposed to the re-opening of the African slave trade; that its revival would not only renew those cruelties which once provoked the indignation of the civ- ilized world, but would entail a foul blot on our country's fair escutcheon.
14. That we cordially tender to the Democ- racy of the Union an invitation to unite with us in maintaining our organization on principles indicated in the foregoing resolutions, and that we earnestly appeal to them to drop past differ- ences, and assemble again as a band of brothers under the panoply of the constitution and Union.
As to State policy-
Resolved, That the burdens of taxation have increased and are increasing under the present administration of State affairs, and that a com- plete and thorough reform of existing abuses and expenditures is demanded by the highest interests of the people.
2. That the Democracy cordially and sincerely invite emigrants to settle in the State, promising them all the protection and right they have en- joyed under the laws of Congress since the days of Jefferson; and that we earnestly deplore the acts of the Republican party in Massachusetts, and their attempts in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, to confer upon the uncouth, semi-barbarian negro from the South the right of suffrage and office in one year, and requiring for the same purpose of the naturalized citizens a residence of two years after naturalization, equivalent to an extension of the period for nat- uralization to seven years, thus degrading the foreign white man below the negro and mulatto.
3. That we are opposed to the policy inaugu- rated in this State by the Republican party, by which the immigration to this State of the Afri- can race is encouraged and promoted, thus bringing cheap negro labor into direct competi- tion with the labor of the white man, and filling our State with a class of population that can
never become citizens thereof; and we are in favor of a change which shall discourage and prevent the settlement of that race among us.
4. That, since the border States of Ohio, In- diana and Illinois exclude the free negroes of the South from their limits by stringent laws, Iowa will become the great receptacle of the worthless population of the slave-holding States, to the exclusion of an equal number of free white laborers, if the present Republican policy be persisted in.
5. That such a policy leads necessarily to the intermixing of black and white children in the common schools, or the necessity of dividing the common school fund to maintain separate and independent schools in every locality where free negroes reside.
6. That the Democracy demand a total repeal of the provisions of our State constitution, and the law made in pursuance thereof, requiring negro children to be admitted into our common schools, or separate schools, to be supported out of the common school fund for their education.
7. That the Maine liquor law is inconsistent with the spirit of a free people, and unjust and burdensome in its operations; it has vexed and harrassed the citizen, burdened the counties with expense and litigation, and proven wholly use- less in the suppression of intemperance.
8. That we favor a total change in the present common school system, so as to give the people the full benefits of a common school education without the cumbersome machinery and enor- mous expense which the present system requires.
The vote for Governor was as follows:
L. J. Kirkwood, Rep .56,506-2,964 A. C. Dodge, Dem. .53,542
The campaign of 1860 was the most ex- citing one in the history of the State, and, next to that of 1840, the most exciting campaign in the history of the Govern- ment. Abraham Lincoln had been nomi- nated by the Republicans for the Presi- denoy; Stephen A. Douglas by the North- ern wing of the Democracy; John C.
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Breckenridge by the Southern wing, and John Bell by the Union party. The Re- publicans of Iowa met in convention at Iowa City, May 23d, and selected the fol- lowing named candidates : Secretary of State, Elijah' Sells; Auditor of State, J. W. Cattell; State Treasurer, Charles C. Nourse; Register of State Land Office, A. B. Miller. The platform adopted was short, and as follows :
Resolved, That this convention approve and endorse the platform of principles laid down by the late Republican convention at Chicago, as the true and sound exposition of Republican doctrine, which we are prepared to advocate and defend.
2. That, in reference to State policy, the Re- publican party of the State of Iowa are in favor of a rigid economy in the expenditures of the public money, and the holding of all public offi- cers to a strict accountability.
3. That the Republicans of the State of Iowa in convention assembled, do hereby endorse the nominations made at the Chicago convention, of Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, for President, and Hannibal Hamlin, of Maine, for Vice-President, and pledge to them the undivided support of the party of the State.
4. That this convention have full confidence in the nominations made by it to-day, both for State and national officers, and we recommend them with entire unanimity to the support and confidence of the people of Iowa.
The Democrats held their convention July 12, at DesMoines. Their ticket was as follows: Secretary of State, James M. Corse; Auditor of State, Geo. W. Max- field; Treasurer of State, John W. Ellis; Attorney-General, Wm. Mcclintock; Reg- ister of Land Office, Patrick Robb. Their platform was as follows:
Resolved, That the Democracy of Iowa, by their delegates in the State convention assem- bled, do hereby most cordially endorse and
approve of the Democratic National Convention, which convened at Charleston on the 23d day of April, and which concluded its labors at its adjourned session, in the city of Baltimore, on the 23d day of June, by the nomination of Stephen A. Douglas for the Presidency.
2. That this convention heartily endorses and approves the platform enumerated by said convention; and that we will give that platform and the nominees of the national Democracy for the Presidency and Vice-Presidency, Douglas and Johnson, our most zealous and energetic support.
3. That retaining unabated confidence in the intelligence, integrity and patriotism of the people, the Democracy of Iowa firmly adhere to the doctrine of non-intervention and popular sovereignty, laid down in the said platform, as presenting the only just and practicable solution of the question of domestic slavery.
4. That the Iowa delegates to the National Democratic Convention are entitled to the thanks of their constituency for the able and faithful manner in which they discharged the duty entrusted to them, and that this convention heartily approves of their action in said hody.
5. That in view of the fact that efforts are being made in some of the States to form ao- called union electoral tickets, pledged to vote for this or that candidate for the Presidency, as circumstances may subsequently determine, the Democracy of Iowa totally disapprove of all attempts to compromise the integrity of the Democratic party organization, by putting Dem- ocratic candidates for electors upon the same ticket with candidates who are not pledged to vote, if elected, for Douglas and Johnson, and for no other persons whomsoever.
6. That we approve of a homestead law, giv- ing to every citizen of the United States a home for himself and family; and that this convention recommend to our Representatives in Congress to use their best efforts to procure the passage of a law for that purpose.
7. That we cordially invite all conservative national men to fall into the Democratic ranks and help to crush the hydra-headed monster, Congressional Intervention.
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8. That the dominant party, called Republi- can, during the brief period it has been in power, inflicted upon the people of Iowa a con- stitution and laws, the result of which has been the constant perplexity of the people, the crea- tion of an enormous, unconstitutional debt, and the imposition of taxes too grievous to be borne, thereby exhausting and using up the hard earn- ings of the industrious and the prudent-all of which call loudly for reform at the hands of the people.
9. That it is high time there should be a change of men in power and policy in govern- ment; that the Legislature should pass more wholesome and stringent laws, by which men in official station occupying a judicial capacity, either as directors and officers of banks or rail- road companies, shall be made personally liable for an improper use of the moneys of the people entrusted to their care and custody.
10. That the Democratic party of the State of Iowa is committed to and pledges itself to carry out, so soon as it obtains the administra- tion of the affairs of the State, the following measures of State policy:
1. A reduction of the enormous and unneces- sary expenses of the government, which have grown up under the administration, and through the corrupt partisan management of the so-called Republican party.
2. A reduction of the appropriations of money for extraordinary purposes.
3. A reduction of appropriations for chari- table institutions and purposes, to the necessary requests of those classes of the unfortunate, for which it is the duty of the State to fully and liberally provide.
4. To reduce the excessive taxation which now burdens the people and consumes the hard carnings of the industrious and frugal.
5. The construction of buildings for the use of our charitable institutions upon plans com- mensurate with the wants of those institutions and the ability of the State, without attempting to imitate the grandeur or magnificence of the public buildings erected for similar purposes in old and wealthy States or Governments.
6. The early revision of the State constitu- tion, so as to free it from those features which render it justly obnoxious to the people.
7. The amendment of our banking laws so as to throw reasonable restrictions upon the operations of the banks, and to secure the peo- ple against the frauds and swindling which, un- der existing laws, enacted by Republican legis- lators, in the interests of the banks, may be practiced by bank officers, of which the system has already furnished its fruits in two important cases.
8. That we are in favor of removing the stocks or other securities, pledged for the prompt redemption of the issues of the banks, from the the custody and control of the State Bank to the custody of the Treasurer of the State.
9. The increase of these securities to such an extent as will furnish ample protection to the people in using the issue of the banks, which is imperatively demanded, as the officers of the State Bank themselves admit that at the present time there is no real security for the redemption of the notes of the banks.
10. The entire separation of the finances of the State from the banks, and a repeal of all laws authorizing either State or county officers to deposit public money with the branches of the State Bank, save at their own risk.
Resolved, further, That the Democratic party is opposed to any and all attempts to create an enormous State debt, in violation of the consti- tution, for the purpose of promoting the schemes of plunder, of railroads or other speculators.
2. That the system inaugurated by the Re- publican party of erecting unnecessary and use- less offices for the purpose of providing for the politically lame, halt or blind, and that we hold the revenues of the Government should he ap- plied strictly and economically to the legitimate wants of the Government.
3. That while we are in favor of fostering popular education, until the means of liberal education be placed within the reach of every child in the State; that while we are in favor of providing liberally and justly for all the benev olent institutions of the State, and for all classes
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of the unfortunate, which humanity demands shall be protected and cared for,-we are op- posed to enormous appropriations of public money for uncalled-for purposes, or placing large sums of money in the hands of men, poli- ticians or unscrupulous persons, to be wasted in promoting private and political intereats, instead of applying the same to the purpose for which the appropriationa were made.
For Secretary of State the official vote was as follows :
Elijah Sells, Rep. 70,706-13,670 J. M. Corse, Dem. 57,036
When the campaign of 1861 was inan- gurated the war for the Union was in progress. The Republicans met in con- vention, and placed in nomination Samuel J. Kirkwood for Governor; John R. Needham, for Lieutenant Governor; Ralph P. Lowe, for Supreme Judge. The fol- lowing platform was adopted:
1. Renewing our declarations of unalterable devotion to the constitution and Union of the States, to the doctrine of the Declaration of In- dependence, and to the law of submission to the will of the majority, constitutionally expressed, we again commend each and all of these corner- stones of our government to the unchanging affection of the people of Iowa.
2. That this convention, in behalf of its own immediate constituency, of all patriotie citizens, acknowledges, with profound gratitude, the prompt dedication of life and fortune by our gallant volunteers, in response to the appeal made to a loyal people by a patriotic President, and in this action, creditable alike to the admin- istration and to the people, we witness a return of the noble spirit of the revolution.
3. That the new doctrine of secession is a wicked abomination, as abhorrent to patriotism, as it is alien to the constitution, demoralizing in its principle, and destructive in its action, a dis- guise to treaaon, and an apology for traitors, the ruin of commerce, and the dissolution of politica! society, the mother of all political crimes and the
sum of all villainies, and as such we utterly re- ject and hold it in absolute detestation.
4. That government always means coercion when its lawful authority is resisted, and those who oppose " coercion," necessarily oppose gov- ernment itself, and deny to it the only power by which it can be maintained. £ Anti-coercion, therefore, is only another of their disguises of treason, by which they hope so to weaken the government at present as to overthrow it in the future, and we brand it as hypocrisy and repu- diate it.
5. Having, by our firat war of 1776, won our independence and established our glorious con- stitution and Union, and having, by our second war of 1812, maintained our national integrity against the :nost formidable of foreign foes, it now remains for us to establish that integrity for all years to come against internal foes, and in this third and last great trial of our country's history, in its struggle to maintain that system of government which has been the admiration of the world, whoever hesitates or faltera should receive the execration of mankind, as he surely will the reproaches of posterity.
6. The value of the constitution and the Union cannot be measured by dollars and cents, nor by the span of a human life, and there should he no limit to appropriations of men and money for their preservation, except the amount requi- site for certain success. We therefore cordially approve both the action of the President in call- ing for men and money, and the action of Con- gress in placing at his disposal more of both than he demanded, thus giving assurance to the world of the unalterable determination of this government to perpetuate its existence as estab- lished by our fathers, to crush out the foulest rebellion known to history, and liberate the loyal people of the rebellious States from the odious despotism and terrorism which have wrenched from them the blessings of peace and prosperity in the Union of the States, and we demand the prosecution of the war until the insults to our national flag and authority are avenged by the restoration everywhere of law and order, and the supremacy acknowledged on its own terms.
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7. In the State affairs we demand all the economy consistent with the public safety, and all the liberality required for the comfort and efficiency of our volunteers, and for the protec- tion of the State against invasion. To that end we approve the action of the General Assembly, at its special session, in making appropriations for war purposes.
8. We heartily invite co-operation with us of men of all parties, whatever their former politi- cal ties, who adhere to these sentiments, and who unite in the patriotic support of the present loyal administration of the government.
The Democrats nominated William H. Merritt for Governor; Maturia L. Fisher, for Lieut .- Governor; James L. Elwood, for Supreme Judge. Their platform was as follows:
The people of the State of Iowa who regard the constitution of the United States in its judi- cial relation to the States and people as inter- preted by the Supreme Court, and its political principles as enunciated from time to time by the Democratic party, and as applied by several successive : administrations in carrying on the government of the United States, being assem- bled by their delegates in convention, in the Capitol at DesMoines, on the 24th day of July, 1861, do make and proclaim to their fellow citi- zens of the sister States of the Union, the follow- ing declaration:
WHEREAS, In the vicissitudes which are inci- dent t , all governments, to human safety, and to civilization, the government and the people of the United States have become involved in a civil war, which threatens alike to be disastrous to the form of government which experience has proved to be the most conducive to the happi- ness of mankind, and to result in imposing upon the present and future generations onerous burdens, which it should be the duty of a gov- ernment having any regard for the well being of the people to avoid, it becomes the incumbent duty upon the people for whose benefit alone government is instituted, and who, having the right to either alter or abolish it when it ceases
to be administered for their happiness and pros- perity, have also the right to determine and direct how it shall be administered when they find it departing from the principles upon which it was founded, and to be precipitating into waste and ruin the fabric of civil society, instead of preserving the people in peace, promoting their prosperity, and securing their rights. Viewing, therefore, dispassionately, the present condition of our distracted country, and with the single purpose of making an effort to avert impending and other threatened calamities, and of restoring peace, founded upon that fraternal patriotism which gave birth to the American Union, and which preserved its integrity till the election of a President upon a principle which was hostile to the constitution of the United States and antagonistic to the vested right of the people of nearly half the Statea of the Union, do declare-
1. That we regard the present condition of the country, the civil war in which the people are engaged, the effort to dismember the Union and all the concomitant evils which afflict us as a nation, as the legitimate result of the success- ful teaching of the doctrine and policy of the "irrepressible conflict;" a doctrine and a policy which arrayed northern sentiment in antagonism to the constitutional rights of the people of the slave States, and which proclaim an "irrepres- aible" and unceasing hostility to the domestic institutions of our brethren of the South.
2. That, notwithstanding the provocation given to the people of the South by the mani- festation of hostility toward their institutions, by a majority of the people of the North, we unequivocally condemn the course they have pursued to obtain a redress of their grievances, believing, as we do, that, aided by the conserva- tive people of the Northern States, their griev- ances would have been redressed, and their rights and interests respected and secured in a constitutional manner and by constitutional means.
3. That we are heartily opposed to the doc- trine of secession, a political heresy, unwar- ranted by the constitution, detrimental to the
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best interests of the whole country, and destruc- tive of the Union and that glorious heritage of liberty bequeathed to us by our fathers.
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