USA > Iowa > Humboldt County > History of Kossuth and Humbolt counties, Iowa : together with sketches of their cities, villages, and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 17
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Resolved, That all modes of raising revenue for the support of Government are taxes upon the capital, labor and industry of the country; and that it is the duty of a good government to impose its taxes in such a manner as to bear equaliy on all classes of society; and that any government which, in levying duties for raising revenue, impresses burdens on any one class of society, to build up others, though republican in form, is tyranical in deed, ceases to be a just government, and is unworthy of the confidence or support of a free people.
Resolved, That the separation of the public moneys from the banking institutions of the country, in the passage of the Independent Treasury Bili, meets the approbation of this Convention, and the recent vote of the people of this State, adopting the Constitution, is a de- cisive indication of public sentiment against all banking institutions. of whatever name, nature or description.
Resolved, That the repeated unjust aggression of the Mexican people and Mexican Government have long since called for redress, and the spirit which has discouraged, opposed and denounced the war which our Government is now carrying on against Mexico, is the same spirit which op- posed the formation of a Republican Govern. ment, opposed Jefferson and denounced the iast war with Great Britain, and now, as they did then, from a federal fountain.
Resolved, That General Taylor and our littie army have won for themselves the everlasting gratitude of the country, for which they will never, like Scott, be exposed to a shot in their rear from Washington or any other part of the country.
Resolved, That we repudiate the idea of party without principies; that Democracy hns certain fixed and unaiterable principles, among which are equal rights and equal protection to all, un- limited rights of suffrage to every freeman, no property qualifications or religious tests, sov- ereignty of the people, subjection of the Legis- lature to the will of the people, obedience to the instructions of constituents, or resignation, and restriction of all exclusive privileges to corpo- rations to a level with individual rights.
Resolved, That henceforth, as a political party, we are determined to know nothing but Democ- racy, and that we will support men only for their principies. Our motto will be: Less leg- isiation, few laws, strict obedience, short ses- sions, light taxes, and no State debt.
The vote on Governor was as follows: Ansel Briggs, Dem. 7,626-247 Thomas MeKnight, Whig .7,879
The office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction having been vacated, it was provided in the act that an election should be held the first Monday in April, 1847, for the purpose of filling the office. The Whigs placed James Harlan in nomi- nation, and the Democrats, Charles Mason. Harlan was elected by a majority of 413 out of a total vote of 15,663.
By act approved February 24, 1847, the Legislature created a Board of Publio Works for the improvement of DesMoines river, and provided for the election of a l'resident, Secretary and Treasurer of such on the first Monday in August. The Democrats in State convention at Iowa City, June 11, placed the following ticket in the field: President of Board, H. W. Sample; Secretary, Charles Corkery; Treas- urer, Paul Bratton. The following plat- form was adopted:
WHEREAS, Our country is at present engaged in an expensive and sanguinary war, forced upon her against her will, and carried on to repel aggravated and repeated instances of in- sult and injustice; and,
WHEREAS, There are those among us, native- born Americans, who maintain that Mexico is in the right and the United States in the wrong in this war; and,
WHEREAS, The public mind is, at the present time, agitated by other great questions of na- tional policy, in relation to which it is proper that the Democracy of Iowa should speak out
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through their representatives here assembled; therefore,
Resolved, That we indignantly repel the charge made by the Whig press and the Whig leaders, that the war is one of aggression and conquest. The United States, we fearlessly assert, have for years submitted to treatment at the hands of Mexico which, by any European government, would have been regarded as a good cause of war, and which our own government would have made cause of quarrel with any transat- lantic power.
Resolved, That we triumphantly point to the repeated efforts made by our government, siace the commencement of the war, to re-open nego- tiations with Mexico with a view of putting an end to hostilities as evidence of the pacific motives by which it is actuated, and we rely upon this testimony for the justification of our government in the eyes of the civilized world. We also point, with the highest satisfaction, to the humane and Christian like manner in which the war has been conducted on our part, show. ing, as it does, that the United States have throughout acted upon principle in every respect worthy of the enlightened and civilized age in which we live.
Resolved, That we have the most unilimited confidence in the ability and statesman-like qualities of President Polk; that the measures of his administration, standing, as they have done, the test of time, have our most cordial approbation; that in the prosecution of the war with Mexico, he and the several members of his cabinet have evinced the most signal energy and capacity; that the brilliant success of our arms at every point, and the fact that in the short space of one year more than one-half of .Mexico has been overcome by our troops, and is now in our possession, furnishes a refutation of the assertion sometimes heard from the Whigs, that . the war has been inefficiently conducted, and that the country has the amplest cause to con- gratulate Itself that, great and important as the crisis is, it has men at the head of affairs fully equal to the emergency.
Resolved, That the thanks of the American people are due to Major-Generals Scott and
Taylor, their officers and men, for their courage, bravery and endurance; that in the victories they have achieved, they have shed imperishable honor upon their country's flag at the same time that they have won for themselves, one and all, chaplets of imperishable renown.
Resolved, That in the demand which now ex- ists in the countries of the old world for Ameri- can provisions, we have an illustration of the incalculabie benefits which are sure to result to the United States, and particularly to the great West, from reciprocal interchange of commo. dities; that the agriculturists of Iowa have sen- sibly partaken of the benefits resulting from this liberal system of policy, and in the name of the Democratic party of Iowa, we tender to President Polk and the Democratic members of Congress our thanks for the enactment of a tariff, which is likely to have the effect of aus. ing foreign countries to still further abolish thvir restrictions upon American grain and American provisions.
Resolved, That the evidence to be found in the fact that, within the last three months, the cnor- mous sum of fifty-five millions of dollars has been offered to be loaned to the Government at a premium, is a proud vindication of the finan- cial ability of the Government, at the same time that it rebukes with merited severity the croak- ing of those who, at the commencement of the war, predicted that the treasury would be beg- gared in less than a year, with no means of re- plenishing it.
Resolved, That we approve of the conduct of the Democratic members of our first State Legis. iature. Under the peculiar circumstances by which they were surrounded, their conduct was such as became them, and is sustained by the entire Democracy of the State.
Resolved, That the Democratic party have ever regarded education as the only means of pre- serving and perpetuating cur republican institu- tions; that it is now and ever bas been solicitous for its extension throughout the whole length and breadth of our land; and that it is one of the chief objects of the Democratic party of this State to establish such a system of free schools as wili cnabie every child within its borders to
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qualify himself to perform all the duties devolv- Ing upon a citizen of this favored country.
Resolved, That we pledge ourselves collectively to support the nominees of this convention; that in our respective countles we will spare no efforts to promote their success; that we will permit no selfish consideration, no sectional feel- Ings, to influence us, but, rallying under the banner of the good old cause, the cause of De- mocracy, we will march on to victory, triumph- ant victory !
The Whigs nominated for President of the Board, Geo. Wilson; Secretary, Madi- son Dagger; Treasurer, Pierre B Fagan. Sample was elected over Wilson by 510 majority, out of a total vote of 16,250.
The Whigs of Iowa were first in the field in 1848, meeting in convention May 11th, at Iowa City. They nominated for Secretary of State J. M. Coleman; Auditor, M. Morley; Treasurer, Robert Holmes. The following platform was adopted :
The Government of the United States is based upon and exists only by the consent of the peo- ple; and,
WHEREAS, It is the duty as well as the rights of the citizens of the United States to meet In their primary capacity, whenever thelr judg- ment may dictate, to examine into the affairs of the Government; and,
WHEREAS, This right carries with it the power to approve the conduct of their public servants, whenever approval is merited by faithfulness and integrity, so it equally confers the duty of exposing lubecility, selfishness and corruption, when they exist In the administration of the Re- public, and of denouncing those who, disregard- ing the example and admonitions of the Fathers of the Republic, are abandoning the true prin- ciples on which our civil institutions are found- ed, and proclaiming and carrying out measures that cannot but prove detrimental to the har- mony and best Interests of the Union, and may eventuate in the overthrow of our present Re- publican form of government; therefore,
Resolved, By the Whigs of Iowa, through their Representatives in State Convention assembled, that the Government of the United States Is a limited Government, divided Into three depart- ments, each having its appro riate sphere, and separate and well-defined duties to perform; that it is necessary to the stability and perpetu- ity of our institutions, that the Executive, Leg- Islative and Judicial Departments should be kept distinct, and confined to thelr legitimate duties; and that any encroachi :ent, by one de- partment, upon either of the others, Is a viola- tlon of the spirit and letter of the constitution, and should call down the severest reprehension of the American people.
Resolved, That the admonition of a late Presi- dent of the United States, "Keep your eye upon the President," should especially recommend Itself to all the people in times like the present; that the Government can only be kept pure by the constant watchfulness of the people and the expression of their loudest censure, when spec- ulation and corruption is detected.
Resolved, That entertaining these opinions, we have no hesitation In declaring that the eleva- tion of James K. Polk to the Presidential office was a sad mishap to the American Government; and that his administration, by its total aban- donment of the principles of true Republican- ism, as taught by Washington, Jefferson and Madison; by Its encroachments on the national constitution, and its entire disregard of the will of the people, as expressed through their Rep- resentatives in Congress; by its denunciations of its own constituents, its futlle attempt to misrepresent facts and conceal the truth, Its endeavors to prostrate the Industrial energles of the people and discriminate in favor of the man- ufactures and machinery of Europe, its violation of its own much lauded system of finance, the sub-treasury, thereby furnishing the people with promise to pay Its officers with gold and silver; by its war, commenced without the assent of the war-miking power, against a weak and dis- tracted sister Republic, while at the same time, It ignobly and cowardly crouched before the lion of England, and took back its own asser- tlons; its public debt of one hundred millions
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and its sacrifice of human life; its veto of meas- ures that met the approval of every former Pres- Ident; and, worse than all, by its infamous at- tempt to rob of their well-earned laureis, won on the tented field, in the heart of the enemy's country, those who commanded the armies of the Republic, and bring them into unmerited disgrace before the American people,-by this aggregation of misdeeds, has signalized itself as the worst, most selfish and corrupt adminis- tration the United States ever had.
Resolved, That, while we concede that it is the duty of every citizen to support his country when engaged in a conflict with a foreign power, yet we cquaily insist that it is the duty of the people to hold their public servants to a strict accountability, and honestly to condemn what- ever their judgment cannot approve; that we indignantly hurl back the imputation of James K. Polk and his parasites, that the Whig party of the Union are wanting in love of country, and deficient in its defense, and in evidence of the patriotism of the Whig party, we proudly point to the commanding generals, the distin- guished officers and the brave soldiers who, in our army in Mexico, have shed luster upon them- se ves and renown upon the flag of their country.
Resolved, That, believing the war terminated, our convictions require us to declare that the war with Mexico was a war brought on by the Executive, without the approbation of the war- naking power, that had the same prudence which governed the administration in its inter- course with Great Britain, relative to the settle- ment of the Oregon question, exercised toward Mexico, a nation whose internal dissensions and weakness demanded our forbearance, the war would have been averted, and the boundaries between the two nations amicably and satisfac- torily settled.
Resolved, That we are in favor of the applica- tion of the principle contained in the Wilmot proviso (so called), to all territory to be incor- porated into this Union, and are utterly opposed to the further extension of slave territory.
Resolved, That our opposition to the sub-treas- ury and the tariff of 1845 has not been dimin-
ished by the evidence furnished us of their oper- ations; that they are twin measures, calculated and designed to depress the free labor of the country, for the benefit of a minority of the people-the one operating to lessen the price of labor, and bring down the wages of freemen, and the other throwing open our ports for the introduction of the productions of the pauper labor of Europe, thereby crippling our own man- ufacturers and compelling them either to sacri- fice their laborers or close their business; that the one has failed as a disturbing system of the Government, the administration having been compelled to resort to banks and paper in making their payments, and the other, as a rev- enue measure, has proved entirely inadequate to the support of the ordinary expenses of the Gov- ernment; that the one, by withdrawing from circulation, and shutting up in its vaults a large amount of specie, and the other, by overstock- ing the market with foreign goods, have largely contributed towards, if they have not entirely produced, the present financial difficulties; and that we cannot but foresee that the country will soon be visited, if these measures are continued, with a commercial revulsion as great and disas- trous as that of 1837.
Resolved, That the profession of the adminis- tration of James K. Polk, that It is in favor of. and devoted to, an exclusively metallic currency, while it is issuing millions u. on millions of paper money, In shape of treasury notes, irre- deemable in specie, is an insult to the American people, and deserves the unqualified denuncia- tion of every lover of truth and honesty.
Resolved, That the great West, whose popula- tion and commerce are rapidly increasing, bear- ing, as it does, its full proportion of the public burdens, is entitled to some consideration at the hands of the General Government, and to some participation in the Union; that the Mississippi river is to the whole Mississippi Valley what the Atlantic is to the Eastern and the lakes are to the Northern States; that if it is constitutional to clear and improve any harbors in the latter, it is equally constitutional to do the same in the former; that the River and Harbor Bill of the last session of Congress contained only appro-
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priations for work that had met the approval of Jackson and VanBuren; that the veto of that measure by the Executive was a high-handed usurpation upon the rights of the pe pie and their representatives, uncalled for and unneces- sary, and that, by that act, James K. Poik proved himself false to the principles of his pre- decessors, and hostile to the future growth and best interests of the West.
Resolved, That in view of the misrule, venality and Infractions of the Constitution which have characterized the present administration, we decm the approaching Presidential election one of the most important that Las occurred since the organization of the Government; that it is necessary to the preservation of the institutions bequeathed to us by our fathers, that there should be a change of rulers as well as a change of measures; that, animated by a sincere desire to promote the welfare and honor of our coun. try, we have determined to buckle on our armor and enlist for the war; and, in the language of one who never faltered in his devotion to his country, we call upon every Whig in Iowa to "Arouse ! Awake | Shake off the dew-drops that glitter on your garments !" and, in company with your brethren throughout the Union, "Once more march forth to battle and to victory !"
Resolved. That, although the Whig party of Iowa has expressed a preference for General Taylor as the Whig candidate for President, yet they deem it due to themselves to declare that they commit the whole subject into the hands of the Whig National Convention, and whoever may be the nomince of that body for President, the Whigs of Iowa will give him a cordial sup- port.
Resolved, That locofocoism in Iowa has proved itself a faction. "held together by the coercive power of public plunder," and devoid allke of generosity and principle; that, under cover of an assumed love of law and order, it has under- taken and cast from office a citizen chosen by a large majority of the popular voice, while, at the same time, it is represented in Congress by men elected without the shadow of law; that in foist- ing into the halls of Legislature, men who had no right there, for the purpose of carrying out
their own selfish designs, they were guilty of a clear violation of constitutional law, and of usurpation upon the rights of the people; and that the Whig members of the Legislature, by refusing to go into the election of Senators and Supreme Judges, while those individuals exer- cised the functions of Representatives, truly reflected the will of their constituents, and de- serve the thanks of cvery friend of good gov- ernment.
Resolved, That we most cordially commend to the support of the people of Iowa the ticket placed in nomination by this convention, of State officers and electors of President and Vice President; that they are citizens distinguished for their ability, integrity, patriotism and cor- rect moral deportment; and that we pledge to this ticket a full, hearty and zealous co-opera- tion in the ensuing canvass, with the confident assurance that if every Wuig does his "duty, his whole duty, and nothing short of his duty," at the ballot-box, they will receive from the people of Iowa a majority of their suffrages.
Resolved, That we are watching with deep in- terest the recent movements in Europe, indica- ting as they do, the spread of popular liberty, and the determination on the part of the masses to throw off the fetters of despotism and kingly ruie; that we joyfully admit into the brother- hood of republicanism the new republic of France, trusting that an all-wise Providence will guide and watch over the destinies of the new government and establish it on a permanent basis; and that to the masses of the other na- tions of Europe, who are now struggling to be free, we tender our warmest sympathies, and bid them a heartfelt God-speed in their efforts to obtain a recognition of their rights and liberties.
The Democrats placed the following ticket in nomination at a State convention held June 1st, at Iowa City: Secretary of State, Josiah H. Bonney; Auditor, Joseph T. Fales; Treasurer, Morgan Reno. The official vote showed Bonney to be elected Secretary of State by 1,212 majority, out of a total of 23,522.
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The campaign of 1849 was opened by the Democrats, who met in convention at Iowa City, and nominated William Patter- son, President of Board of Public Works; for Secretary, Jesse Williams; Treasurer, George Gillaspie. The platform adopted by the convention was as follows:
Resolved, That, in view of the large interest at stake in the judicious and vigorous prosecution of the public works on the DesMoines river, and in view also of the efforts on foot by the Whig party to obtain the control and direction of the same, by means of a Whig Board of Public Works, it is important that the Democracy of the State should take immediate and energetic steps toward a thorough and complete organiza- tion of the party, and be ready on the day of the election to secure to themselves, by a tri- umphant majority, the choice of the officers; and that, while we cordially and unreservedly recommend the nominees of this convention to the confidence and support of the people, we should also take occasion to admonish our friends, that in union there is strength, and in vigilance, success.
Resolved, That this convention has received, with feelings of profound grief, the intelligence of the death of that pure patriot and able states- man, James K. Polk, late President of the United States; and that for his eminent and distinguished services to his country, for his faithfulness to principle, and for his purity of private life, his memory will ever live in the cherished recollec- tions of the Democracy of the nation, by none more honored than the people of this State.
Resolved, That we recur with pride to the tri- umphant success, the spiendid 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 re- member 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 expediency, or by a disgrace- ful surrender in the form of coward silence.
Resolved, That we still adhere as firmly as ever to the principles and measures which dic- tated and governed the course of the iate 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, and low tariff and inde- pendent treasury policy of the people.
Resolved. That the administration of Gen. 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; 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 se:, is more than ever deserving of the reproba- tion of the world, and of the continued and uncompromising 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 weakness of mind and character, which equally disquali- fies him for the place he holds, and fully justi- fics the worst predictions ever made agains' his fitness for the Presidency; and that, although we may once have admired the soldier in the tented ficid, we are now reluctantly brought to condemn 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.
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