USA > Iowa > Tama County > History of Tama County, Iowa, together with sketches of their towns, 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 we deprecate experiments in legislation where the result is uncertain and un- ascertainable, aud that while we should avoid the errors of the past, we should cling with unflinching tenacity to those institutions which have successfully stood the test of experiment, and have received the sanction and support of the framers of the constitution.
Resolved, That we deem the establishment of a national currency of certain value and every- where received, as indispensably necessary to the greatest degree of national prosperity; that the international commerce of this widely ex tended country is greatly retarded and heavily burdened with taxation by the want of a com- mon medium of exchange, and that it is the constitutional duty of the General Government to remove all impediments to its successful pros- ccution, and to foster and encourage the internal commerce and enterprise, the interchange of commodities among the States, not only by a reasonable system of internal improvements of a general character, but also by furnishing to the nation a currency of equal value in all parts of its wide-spread domain, and that the exper- ience of the past fully proves that this end has been accomplished by a national bank, can be again accomplished by a national bank, and in no way so safely and so certainly as by the agency of a well regulated national bank.
Resolved, That a tariff which will afford a rev- enue adequate to all the wants of the General Government, and at the same time protect the agricultural and mechanical industry of the American people, is a measure necessary to secure the prosperity of the country, and
warmly advocated by the Whig party of this Territory.
Resolved, That although we have no right to vote at the approaching Presidential election, yet we look forward to the exertions of our friends of the States for the elevation of Henry Clay to the Chief Magistracy of the Union with intense interest and assurance of our most ardent wishes for their success.
Resolved, That governments should be admin- istered so as to produce the greatest good to the greatest number, and that this is true Democracy; that the self-styled Democratic party, by the policy they have pursued for the last ten years in their efforts to destroy the prosperity of our farmers and mechanics by rejeeting a tariff for revenue and protection, by destroying the best currency ever possessed in any nation, by seek- ing to deprive us of all currency except gold and silver, in refusing to the indebted States relief by paying to them their proportion of the proceeds of the public lands, in their continued uniform and violent opposition to all measures calculated to advance the national and individ- ual prosperity, by means of the encouragement of commerce and internal improvements, by a narrow and selfish policy in converting the ex- ecutive power into an engine of party, by their federal and aristocratic exertions to maintain the veto power, and consolidate all the powers of Government in one leader, thereby rendering the administration of the Government a mere machine of party, in their repeated efforts to undermine and destroy the constitution and laws of Congress, by openly disregarding the rights secured by those laws, in their demoraliz- ing efforts to induce the States to disregard their honor and repudiate their debts, in their open violation of private rights, by repealing charters and violating the obligation of contract; in short, by their whole policy and principles which, in a time of peace, and abundant crops, and with the smiles of heaven, have reduced this wealthy, proud and prosperous nation to actual bank- ruptcy, rational and individual, they have for- feited the name of Democrats, and as a party are no longer to be trusted with the reins of power.
G
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HISTORY OF IOWA.
The Democrats adopted no platform in 1844.
The Legislature on the 12th of February, 1844, passed another act submitting the question of a constitutional convention to the people, which was carried. A consti- tution was framed by this convention, and Congress passed an act providing for the admission of Iowa as a State; but curtail- ing the northern and western boundaries. At an election held in April, 1845, the people rejected the constitution. The August election, 1845, was for Delegate to Congress. Ralph P. Lowe secured the Whig nomination, while A. C. Dodge was nominated for re-election by the Demo- crats. The vote stood:
A. C. Dodge, Dom. .7,512-831 R. P. Lowe, Whig, .6,681
In April, 1876, delegates were chosen to a second constitutional convention, which met at Iowa City, May 4, 1846. The con- stitution framed by this body was accepted by the people in August, Congress having repealed the obnoxious features respecting boundaries, giving Iowa the territory to which it was justly entitled.
After the adoption of this constitution, the Whigs met in convention at Iowa City, September 25, and nominated the following State ticket: Governor, Thos. McKnight; Secretary of State, James II. Cowles; Auditor of State, Eastin Morris; Treasurer of State, Egbert T. Smith. The following platform was adopted:
Resolved, That, considering it our duty, as Whigs, to effect a thorough organization of our party, and, by use of all honorable means, faith- fully and diligently strive to ensure the success of our political principles in the State of Iowa.
Resolved, That we, as Whigs, do proudly and unhesitatingly proclaim to the world! the follow- ing distinctive and leading principles, that we, as a party, avow and advocate, and which, if carried out, we honestly believe will restore our beloved country to its prosperity, and its insti- tutions to their pristine purity:
1. A sound national currency, regulated by the will and authority of the people.
2. A tariff that shall afford sufficient revenue to the national treasury and just protection to American labor.
3. More : erfect restraints upon executive power, especially upon the exercise of the vetc.
4. An equitable distribution of the proceeds of the sales of the pul lic lands among all the States.
5. One Presidential term.
6. Expenditure of the surplus revenue in national improvements that will embrace the great rivers, lakes, and main arteries of com- munication throughout our country, thus seeur- ing the most efficient means of defense in war and commercial intercourse in peace.
Resolced, That the re-enactment of the thrice condemned sub-treasury, which will have the effect of drawing all coin from circulation and locking it up in the vaults and safes of the Gen- eral Government, the passage of Mckay's British tariff bill discriminating in favor of foreign and against American labor, and striking a blow, intended to be fatal, to home market for Ameri- can agricultural productions, and the executive veto of the river and harbor bill which paralyzes the western farmer's hope of just facilities for transporting his surrlns products to a market, and cripples the cnegies of commerce in every division of the Union, should consign the present administration to a condemnation so deep that the hand of political resurrection could never reach it.
Resolved, That we hold these truths to be self- evident, that the forty-ninth degree of north latitude is not fifty-four degrees, forty minutes; that James K. Polk's late letter was a deception and falsehood of a character so base as none but the most dishonorable mind would have resorted to; that MeKay's tariff is not a judicious revenue
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tariff affording incidental protect to American industry; that the annexation of Texas is not a peaceful acquisition; that lamp-black and rags, though called treasury notes and drawn on a bankrupt treasury, are not the constitutional currency, and that locofocoism is not Democ- racy.
Resolved, That we believe the American sys- tem of Henry Clay, as exemplitied in the tariff of 1842, is essential to the independence aud happiness of the producing classes of the United States; that in its protection of home protec- tions it nerves the arm of the farmer and makes glad the hearts of the mechanic and manufac- turer by ensuring them a constant and satisfac- tory remuneration for their toils, and that it is found by the test of experience to be the only permanent check on the excessive importations of former years, which have been the principal cause of hard times, repudiation, bankruptcy, and dishonor.
Resolved, That we regard the adoption of the constitution at the recent election, by reason of the highly illiberal character of some of its pro- visions, as an event not calculated to promote the future welfare and prosperity of the State of Iowa, and that it is our imperative duty to pro- cure its speedy amendment.
Resolved, That we pledge ourselves to use our utmost exertions to keep up a thorough organi- zation of the Whig party in Iowa; and although our opponents claim erronerusly, as we believe, to possess an advantage in numbers and depend upon ignorance, prejudice and credulty for suc- cess, yet, having a superiority in the principles we profess, we have implicit confidence in the dawning of a brighter day, when the clouds and darkness of locofocoism will be dispelled by the cheering rays and invigorating influence of truth and knowledge.
On motion, it was
Resolved, That we recommend to the support of the people of Iowa, at the coming election, the ticket nominated by this convention; that we believe the candidates to be good men, and that the members of this convention, in behalf of those for whom they act, pledge to them a cordial and zealous support.
The Democratic Convention was held September 24, which nominated the fol- lowing ticket: Governor, Ansel Briggs; Secretary of State, E. Cutler, Jr .; Auditor of State, J. T. Fales; Treasurer, Morgan Reno.
The following platform was adopted:
Resolved, That the couduct of James K. Polk, since he has been President of the United States, and particularly during the last session of Con- gress, has been that of an unwavering and un- flinching Democrat; that Young Hickory has proved himself to be a true scion of Old llick- ory; and we tender to him and his coaljutors in the executive department the gratitude of the people of the State of Iowa.
Resolred, That the recent session of Congress has been one of the greatest importance to the people of these United States, since the time of Mr. Jefferson, and we confidently regard the acts passed by it, particularly the passage of the Independent Treasury Bill, the settlement of the Oregon question (though the people of Iowa would have preferred 54, 40), and the re- peal of the odious tariff act of 1842, as destined to advance the welfare, promote the interest, and add to the peace and harmony not only of our people, but of the civilized world.
Resolved, That the repeal of the unjust, un- equal and fraudulent tariff act of 1842, at the recent session of Congress, deserves the highest praise from the people of Iowa, and entitles those members of Congress who voted for it to the lasting gratitude of all good citizens; that by its minimum and specific duties-by its unequal and unjust protection of the captalists and moneyed institutions, and by its casting the burden of taxation upon the laboring masses, and exempting the uper ten thousand, it was absolutely a federal tariff, based on the doc- trines of the great God-like Belshazzer of Massa- chusetts, viz: "Let the Government take care of the rich, and the rich take care of the poor"; that the conduct of the Vice-President of the United States, upon that great question of the age, entitles him to the highest place in the con- fidence of the Democracy of the United States.
Y
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HISTORY OF IOWA.
Resolred, 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 equally 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 Bill, 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 Mexic in 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 last war with Great Britain, and now, as they did then, from a federal fountain. .
Resolved, That General Taylor and our little 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 principles; that Democracy bas certain fixe l and unalterable principles, among which are equal rights and equal protection to all, un- limited rights of sulle ge to every freeman, no property qualifications or religious tests, sov- ercignty of the people, subjection of the Legis- lature to the will of the people, obedience to the instructions of constituents, or resign ition, and restriction of all exclusive privileges to corpo- rations to a level with individual rights.
Resolved, That henceforth, as a political party, we are determine 1 to know nothing but Democ- racy, and that we will support men only for their principles. Our motto will be: Less leg. islation, 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 Me Knight, Whig .7,379
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. IIarlan 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 Public Works for the improvement of DesMoines river, and provided for the election of a President, 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 publie mind is, at the present time, agitated hy 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, since 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 aud 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 unlimited 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 incalculable 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 lowa 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 caus- ing foreign countries to still further abolish their restrictions upon American grain and American provisions.
Resolved, That the evidence to be found in the fact that, within the last three months, the enor- mous sum of fifty-five millions of dollars bas 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 heg- 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- lature. 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 our republican institu- tions; that it is now and ever has 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 will enable every child within its borders to
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7
qualify himself to perform all the duties devoly. 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 counties 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 banter of the good old cause, the cause of De- mocracy, we will march on to victory, trinmph- ant victory 1
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 their judg- ment may dietate, 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 imbecility, selfishness and corruption, when they exist in the administration of the Re- public, and of denonneing those who, disregard- ing the example and admonitions of the Fathers of the Republic, are abandoning the true prin- ciples on which onr 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 eventuale 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 appropriate 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 their legitimate duties; and that any encroachrent, by one de- partment, upon either of the others, is a viola- tion 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 dennneiations of its own constituents, its futile attempt to misrepresent facts and conceal the truth, its endeavors to prostrate the industrial energies 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-m .king 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- tions; 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 laurels, 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 equally 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 baek the imputation of James K. Polk and his parasites, that the Whig party of the Union are wanting iu 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- selves and renown upon the flag of their country.
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