USA > Iowa > Hardin County > History of Hardin county, Iowa, together with sketches of its towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 19
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Resolved, That wc commend the ticket pre- sented by this convention to the people of this State for their cordial support.
Patterson was elected President over McKean by a majority of 712 out of a total vote of 22,632.
The Whigs met in convention May 15, 1850, at Iowa City, and made the follow- ing nominations: Governor, James L Thompson; Secretary of State, Isaac Cook; Auditor of State, William H. Seevers; Treasurer of State, Evan Jay; Treasurer of Board of Public Works, James Nosler.
The resolutions adopted were as follows:
Resolved, That every day's experience vindi- cates the sentiment proclaimed by the Whig State Convention last year, that the welfare and interests of the people of Iowa imperatively require an amendment to the State constitution, by which the incubus imported in some of its provisions upon their resources and prosperity shall be removed.
Resolved, That the people have a right to de- mand that this question shall be submitted to them for their action, and in the judgment of this convention they will be recreaut to their interests if they do not so determine by their votes at the approaching election.
· Resolved, That we have undiminished confi- dence in the integrity, ability and patriotism of the people's President, General Z. Taylor, and in the wisdom of the policy by him recom- mended to Congress.
Resolved, That the Whigs of the country owe it to themselves and the great principles they profess to cherish, to give the President a Con- gress disposed to co-operate with him in his patriotic purposes to serve the country, instead of pursuing a factious opposition to the bitter end.
Resolved, That we cherish an ardent attach- ment to the union of the States, and a firm de- termination to adhere to it at all hazards and to the last extremity.
Resolved, That we hail with the highest grati- fication the rising of a new State upon the borders of the Pacific, and that we are in favor of its immediate admission into the family of States upon no other conditions than those im- posed by the constitution of the United States, and untrammellcd by any question of Territorial legislation.
Resolved, That while we hold it to be the duty of all to be ready and willing to stand to and abide by the provisions of the constitution of the United States, we are nevertheless free to re- affirm, as we now do, the opinion heretofore ex- pressed by the Whig party in Iowa, that we are in favor of free men, free territory, and free States.
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Resolved, That the Surveyor General's office of Wisconsin and Iowa, under the control of the Democratic party, has been, and is, an engine of vast political power, and that its extensive patronage has been used to subserve the interest of that party. We, therefore, re- spectively and earnestly request of the President of the United States the immediate removal of C: H. Booth, Esq., the present incumbent, and the appointment of one who will not use the patronage of this office for political ends.
Resolved, That we cordially recommend the candidates nominated by this convention, for the various State offices to be filled at the next August election, to the confidence and support of the people of Iowa.
The Democrats met at Iowa City June 12, 1850, and nominated the following ticket: Governor, Stephen Hempstead; Secretary of State, G. W. McCleary; Auditor, Wm. Pattee; Treasurer, Israel Keister; Treasurer Board Public Works, George Gillaspie. The following platform was adopted:
Resolved, That the events of the past year, having served to demonstrate the soundness and wisdom of the resolutions adopted by the last Democratic State Convention, we re-assert and re-adopt them, as follows:
Resolved, That we recur with pride to the tri- umphant success, the splendid achievements and the imperishable renown of the late admin- istration; and that, while we point to these as the glorious results of past labors, we should remember that, as they were gained by a strict adherence to honest principles, and the adoption of an honest policy, they can be sullied or im- paired only by a base abandonment of them upon the altar of cxpediency, or by a disgrace- ful surrender in the form of a cowardly silence.
Resolved, That we still adhere, as firmly as ever, to the principles and measures which dic- tated and governed the course of the late admin- istration; and that we derive a high pleasure from the fact that a Democratic Senate is vouch- safed to us as an impassable barrier between the
Federal high-tariff, bank and paper policy, hopes and designs of the present dynasty, and the gold and silver currency, low tariff and independent treasury policy of the people.
Resolved, That the administration of General Taylor, as far as it has proceeded upon its mis- sion, has unblushingly falsified every promise and grossly violated every pledge given before the election by its nominal chief; and that a party which can go before the country upon one set of issues, and immediately after its installation into power enter upon the practice of another set, is more than ever deserving of the reproba- tion of the world, and of the continued and un- compromising hostility of the Democratic party.
Resolved, That General Taylor, for the part which he has played, or has been made to play, in this disgraceful game of deception, has dis- played a want of honest principle, or a weakness of mind and character, which equally disquali- fies him for the place he holds, and fully justifies the worst predictions ever made against his fit- ness for the Presidency; and that, although we may have once admired the soldier in the tented field, we are now reluctantly brought to con- demn and to repudiate the cipher in the Cabinet of the country.
Resolved, That the removals in this State have been made without cause and in direct violation of the professions of General Taylor before the election; and that the appointments which have followed have been made in equal violation of the same professions.
Resolved, That it is as gratifying to the pride as it is creditable to the patriotism of the Dem- ocrats of Iowa, that prominent statesmen of all parties, in seeking for a satisfactory adjustment of the difficulties which unfortunately exist be- tween the slave and non-slaveholding States, are found uniting, in main, on the policy of non- intervention; and while they arrogate to them- selves no right to question the course of other States on this subject, they point to the fact, with feelings of unmingled satisfaction, and they, in co-operating with those who are striving t : preserve the Union, are required to "tread no steps backward."
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Resolved, That, regarding the preservation of our happy form of government. as paramonnt to all other considerations, and believing that the threatened danger may be averted, we approve of the bill recently introduced into the United States Senate by the Committee of Thirteen, generally known as the "Compromise Bill."
Resolved, That, as this bill authorizes the im- mediate admission of California, organizes the Territories of New Mexico and Utah, provides for the settlement of the Texan boundary qucs- tion, enforces the provisions of the constitution with regard to the reclamation of persons escaping from service, and abolishes the slave trade in the District of Columbia, we believe its adoption, as a whole, would be hailed as a peace- offering by an overwhelming majority of the people; nor is onr confidence in the wisdom of the measure diminished by the fact that the ultraists of both extremes are found united in opposition to it, but rather increased.
Resolved, That the late decision of Secretary Ewing, by which the State of Iowa has been robbed of nearly a million of acres of valuable land, and the improvement of her principal interior river, retarded, if not wholly destroyed, is an act which finds no justification in the pre- cedent or usages of the government; that it is a derogation of both the letter and spirit of the act of Congress making the donation, and that, in the name of the people of Iowa, we feel called upon to denounce it as illegal and unjnst.
Resolved, That this decision, taking away from the State, by a Whig administration, the greater portion of a valuable grant, made to it under a Democratic rule, the people of Iowa have suf- fcred a wrong which, while they have no alterna- tive but submission, they cannot but feel most deeply and sensibly that the administration at Washington is not less responsible for the deci- sion than those who defend it; and that it is the dnty of the Democracy to arraign them at the bar of public opinion at the approaching election for aiding and abetting in crippling the energies of our young and expanding commonwealth.
Resolved, that President Taylor's Cabinet have, in the recent Galphin swindle and other spccula- tions of the same kind, proven to the world that
their promises of retrenchments and reform in the administration of the government were made to deceive the people, and not with the intention of being kept.
Resolved, That the present Governor, Secre- tary of State, Auditor and Treasurer, whose terms of office are about to oxpire, each and all of them, by the honcst, efficient and impartial discharge of their dnties, deserve the cordial approbation of the people of the State of Iowa.
Resolved, That we confidently present the nominees of the convention to the voters of the State of Iowa for their support; and that we, ourselves, will individnally use all honorable means to secure their election.
The official vote on Governor was as fol- lows:
Stephen Hempstead, Dem. 13,486 -2,083 James L. Thompson, Whig 11,403
William Penn Clark. 575
In 1851, for Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Democrats nominated Thomas H. Benton, while the Whigs sup- ported William G. Woodward, an Inde- pendent candidate. Benton was elected by a majority of 1,351.
In 1852 the Whigs were early in the field, meeting in convention at Iowa City, February 26, and placing in nomination the following ticket: Secretary of State, J. W. Jenkins; Auditor of State, Asbury Porter; Treasurer of State, Hosea B. Horn. The following platform was adopted:
Resolved, That we most cordially approve of the administration of President Fillmore, and have the fullest confidence in the executive officers of our government, and that the admin- istration of onr foreign and domestic affairs deserves our highest admiration and firmest support; and wc have the assurance that under snch an administration our republic will always bc safe.
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Resolved, That our warmest gratitude is due to those of whatsoever political party, who have, for the last two years, battled for the union of these States, and that we now regard the question out of which our apprehension of disunion arose as settled now and forever.
Resolved, That we rejoice to see our Demo- cratic follow-citizens in the Western States occupying a part of our political platform, es- pecially that relating to currency, to the im- provement of rivers and harbors by appropria- tions from the national treasury, and a revision of the tariff of 1846.
Resolved, That, as by alone following the advice of the illustrious Father of our Country for three-quarters of a century, our nation is prosperous and happy, we are still for adhering to that which teaches us to be at peace with all nations, and to form entangling alliances with none.
Resolved, That the delegates to the National Convention be left free to act according to their own judgment, when they meet their brethren in the National Convention, to nominate candi- dates for President and Vice-President of the United States, according to the lights that there may be presented, and so to act as to harmonize conflicting claims and interests, and to maintain the integrity of the Whig party and the ascend- ancy of Whig principles.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this con- vention that a convention to revise the constitu- tion of the States should be called at as early a day as is practicable; and, with a view to the advancement of this object, it is hereby recom- mended to State and local candidates in every part of the State to make this issue distinctly and strongly before the people.
Resolved, That this convention request the executive committee of the State, and of each county and of each district composed of several counties, to effect a complete and efficient or- ganization of the Whig party in their respective counties and districts.
The Democratic convention met May 28th, at Iowa city, and nominated the fol-
lowing ticket: Secretary of State, Geo. W. McCleary; Auditor, William Pattee; Treasurer, M. L. Morris. The following platform was adopted:
Resolved, That paramount to all questions of a party or sectional nature, we are in favor of "The Union now and forever."
Resolved, That to carefully regard the rights of States, is the only possible way to strengthen and perpetuate our glorious confederacy.
Resolved, That a strict construction of the Constitution of the United States is the only safeguard for the rights of the States, and that we fully recognize the doctrine of the Virginia and Kentu ky resolutions of 1798 and 1799 and the Baltimore platform of 1844.
Resolved, That we are opposed to a national bank, a high protective tariff and all measures and monopolies of a like nature, and are in favor of the independent treasury and tariff. of 1836.
Resolved, That we are opposed to a wasteful, extravagant and corrupt system of internal im- provements; but hold that improvements of a national character may properly be made with the nation's money, and that, in justice, the general government, as a great landholder in the States, should contribute of her large domain to those public enterprises by which her interests are secured and promoted and the value of that domain enhanced.
Resolved, That we are in favor of the " com- promise " as a final settlement of the question which has so long agitated the country upon the subject of domestic slavery.
Resolved, That we are opposed to " nullifica- tion " of every kind, whether in the legislature of Vermont, or in the latitude of South Carolina, and are in favor of a faithful execution of laws of Congress until they are repealed, or declared inoperative by the proper tribunals of the country.
Resolved, That our adopted citizens well deserve the political blessings which are now extended to them by the existing naturaliza-
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tion laws passed by our Democratic forefathers, and we are opposed to any alteration of them sought for by native "Americanism."
Resolved, That we are opposed to the nomi- nation of a candidate for the Presidency upon the naked idea of availability, hut are in favor of a candidate whose principles are known to he national and in conformity to the time-honored tenets of the Democratic party.
Resolved, That we are in favor of the nominee of the Baltimore convention, as our candidate for the Presidency, and to such nominee we pledge our hearty and individual support.
In regard to State policy-
Resolved, That we heartily concur in the great principles of judicial and financial reform which are agitating the civilized world, and which have to some exteut heen recognized by the adoption of our revised code; but at the same time repro- bate many of the provisions as destructive of the great ends sought after, and earnestly recom- mend a thorough revision of all ohnoxious fea- tures.
The official vote for Secretary of State was as follows:
George G. McCleary, Dem. .16,884-1,857 J. W. Kenkins, Whig. 15,027
In 1853 the Democrats inaugurated the campaign by nominating David C. Cloud for Attorney General, and adopting the following resolutions:
Resolved, That the delegates this day in con- vention assembled, congratulate the Democracy of the Union, upon the emphatic verdict of the people in favor of Democratic principles, as ex- pressed in the election of Franklin Pierce and Wm. R. King, to the Presidency and Vice-Pres- idency of this Republic.
Resolved, That we recognize as principles car- dinal in the Democratic faith: "The election of all officers by the people." "The limits of State indebtedness." "Equal taxation"-compelling the property of the rich, invested in stock, to bear its proportion of the public burthen of con-
tribution to the taxes of-the State. The restraint of the legislative - power-confining it to the legitimate subject of general legislation, and the crowning glory of repeal, which secures the people sovereign from ever becoming slaves to any law or charter passed by their servants.
Resolved, That a wise political economy de- mands a more liberal system of disposing of the public lands, and that the prosperity of the country, and the happiness of individuals would he eminently promoted hy the passage of a law giving the public domain in limited quantities to actual settlers at a price covering the cost of survey and other necessary expenses.
Resolved, That no species of industry should he fostered to the injury of another, that no class of men should he taxed directly or indi- rectly for the benefit of another; that every de- scription of industry should stand or fall on its own merits, and that commerce should be unfet- tered, and, like the air, free.
Resolved, That the Democracy of Iowa adhere to the known and long-established doctrines of the party relative to the currency.
Resolved, That to the Democratic, Republican, State and federal institutions, resting on univer- sal suffrage and universal eligibility to office, do these United States owe their unexampled pros- perity among nations, and that it is our duty to sympathize with every people struggling against tyrants for freedom.
Mr. Walker introduced the following resolutions, which, on motion, were adopt- ed :
Resolved, That the present Commissioner of the DesMoines Improvement, General V. P. Van Antwerp, by the fidelity, energy and ability with which he has discharged the duties of his respon- sible position, is entitled to the highest esteem and gratitude of the people of this State.
Resolved, That to his faithful and judicious efforts we are indehted to the final grant hy the general government of the fund for the Des Moines River Improvement, sufficient and ample to ensure a completion of the work, and develor the resources of the DesMoines Valley.
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Resolved, That in prosecuting the negotiations · for the State, he has displayed unsurpassed per- severance, industry and discretion against the most trying discouragements and embarassments, and that he has not only faithfully improved cvery opportunity to advance the interests of his trust, but has signalized his term of service by measures which will identify his name with the successful completion of the public works.
Resolved, Therefore, that in his voluntary re- tirement from the office which he has so ably filled, we hereby tender to him, in convention of the Democracy of the State, the endorsement, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
The Whigs made no nomination, but supported Samuel A. Rice for the office of Attorney-General. Cloud was elected over Rice by 7,564.
In 1854 the Democrats convened on the 9th of January, at Iowa City, placed the following ticket in the field, and adopted a platform: Governor, Curtis Bates; Secre- tary of State, Geo. W. McCleary; Auditor of State, Joseph L. Sharp; Treasurer of State, Martin L. Morris; Attorney-General, David C. Cloud; Supt. of Public Instruc- tion, Jas. D. Eads. The following is the platform :
Resolved, That we, the delegates of the various counties of Iowa, in State Democratic Conven- tion assembled, do hereby re-affirm and pledge ourselves to the principles of the Baltimore Na- tional Convention of 1852, and that we hold and cons der them as constituting the true platform of the Democratic platform, and as fundamental and essential with all true Democrats.
Resolved, That we look upon ourselves as members of the real National Democratic party, a party radically identical in all parts of the Union; and that we have no sectional views to gratify, no selfish designs to accomplish, but are wholly devoted to the Union, harmony and success of the cause; we therefore repudiate all disaffection on sectional or personal grounds, and denounce all bickering among ourselves
and most earnestly recommend "union, har- mony, concession and compromise," as a nucleus for universal observance.
Resolved, That we have increased confidence in the talents, and in the integrity and patriotism of Eranklin Pierce, that his administration of the government have been distinguished by wisdom, firmness aud unwavering adherence to its sound Democratic principles; that he has fully redeemed the pledges given to the Ameri- can people, previous to his election.
Resolved, That we regard the right of instruc- tion as the sheet anchor, the main pillar of our freedom; and that we are determined never to surrender it, but to the last stand by and defend it, convinced, as we thoroughly are, that it is only by frequent and rigid exercise of this in- valuable privilege that the Democratic character of this government can be preserved, and we believe the agent who disobeys to be unworthy the confidence of his constituents, and that he ought to resign his seat.
Resolved, That the liberal principles embodied by Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence, and sanctioned in the constitution, which makes ours the land of liberty and the asylum of the oppressed of every nation, have ever been cardi- nal principles in the Democratic faith, and every attempt to abridge the privilege of becom- ing citizens and the owners of soil among us, ought to be resisted with the same spirit which swept the alien and sedition laws from our statute books.
Resolved, That in the recent development of the grand political truth of the sovereignty of the people, and their capacity and power of self-government, we feel that a high and sacred duty is devolved with increased responsibility upon the Democratic party of this country as the party of the people, to sustain and advance among us constitutional "liberty, equality and fraternity," by continuing to resist all monopo- lies and exclusive legislation for the benefit of the few, at the expense of the many, and by vigilant and constant adherence to those prin- ciples and compromises and strong to uphold the Union as it was, the Union as it is, and the
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Union as it should be, in the full expansion of the energies and capacity of this great and pro- gressive people.
Resolved, That we look upon the speedy or- ganization of Nebraska Territory as a highly important object, and that its northern boundary should coincide, or nearly so, with the latitude of the northern boundary of Iowa.
Resolved, That we hereby pledge ourselves to abide the decision of this convention, and to use all honorable means to secure the election of the nominees.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this con- vention be published in all the Democratic papers in the State, and copies be sent to the President, heads of departments, and to our Representatives in Congress.
The Whigs met at Iowa City, February 22, and nominated the following ticket: Governor, James W. Grimes; Secretary of, State, Simeon Winters; Auditor of State, Andrew Jackson Stephens; Treasurer, Eliphalet Price; Attorney-General, James W. Sennett. The following is the plat- form:
Resolved, That an experience of seven years under our present constitution has demonstrated that that instrument is not suited to the politi- cal, the agricultural and commercial wants of the State or the Spirit of the age; that the wants of the people demand a constitution making liberal provisions for the promotion of works of internal improvement, and providing, also, for a well regulated system of banking, which will relieve the people of this State from the onerous and oppressive burden they now suffer in the shape of indirect taxation paid to the banks of others States, whose money is in circulation among us.
Resolved, That, in common with the Whig party throughout the Union, we recognize the binding force and obligation of the act of Con- gress of 1820, known as the Missouri Compro- mise, and we view the same as a compact between the North and South, mutually binding
and obligatory, and as a final settlement of the question of slavery within the geographical limits to which it applies.
Resolved, That we most unqualifiedly and emphatically disapprove of the efforts now being made in Congress to legislate slavery into the free Territory of Nebraska, and we do most heartily recommend to our Senators and Repre- sentatives in Congress to oppose by all honor- able means the passage of the Nebraska Bill, as reported by Senator Douglas, of Illinois; and that we cannot otherwise look upon the pretense by Mr. Douglas and his aiders and abettors, that "the 8th section of the Missouri Compromise is suppressed by the acts of 1850," than as a propo- sition totally unreasonable and absurd on its face, conceived it bad faith and prompted by an ignoble and most unworthy ambition for party and personal political preferment; and that we do, as citizens of the West and the free State of Iowa, most earnestly desire to see an immediate organization of Nebraska Territory, without any infringement of the solemn compact of 1820, commonly called the Missouri Compro- mise.
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