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 19
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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- fered 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 duty 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 specula- 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 expire, each and all of them, by the honest, efficient and impartial discharge of their duties, 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 individually use all honorable means to secure their election.
The official vote ou 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 our foreign and domestic affairs deserves our highest admiration and firmest support; and we have the assurance that under such an administration our republic will always be 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 fellow-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 tor three-quarters of a century, onr nation is ¡ rosperons and happy, we are still for adhering to that which teaches us to be at peace with all nations, ard 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, aud 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.
Resolred, 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. MeCleary; 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 confederaey.
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 aud 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 Stites, should contribute of her large dom tin 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, ' r 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 be 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 sueb nominee we pledge our hearty aud individual support.
In regard to State policy-
Resolved, 'T'hat we heartily concur in the great principles of judicial and financial reform which are agitating the civilized world, and which have to some extent been 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 obnoxious fea- tures.
The official vote for Secretary of State was as follows:
George G. McCleary, Dem. 16,884-1,837 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- ideney 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"-coripelling the property of the rich, invested in stock, to bear its proportion of the public huithen 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 aby 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 be eminently promoted by 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 be fostered to the injury of another, that no class of men should be 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 kuown 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 introd iced 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 indebted to the final grant by 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 proscenting 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 every 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 en 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 observauce
Resolved. That we have increased confidence in the talents, and in the integrity and patriotism of Franklin Pierce, that his administration of the government have been distinguished by wisdom, firmness and 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 ly 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 he 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 wauts of the State or the Spirit of the age; that the wauts 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.
Resolved, That, as Whigs and citizens of the great valley of the Mississippi, we are heartily in favor of that well regulated Whig policy of liberal appropriations by the general govern- ment, for works of internal improvement of a national character, and that we view all navi- gable waters in the country, whether rivers or inland seas, as eminently national in their char- acter, and recommend to our Senators and Representatives in Congress to endeavor, by all honorable means, to procure appropriations for such purposes, and especially for the removal of . obstructions to navigation in the Mississippi river.
Resolved, That we view the proposition of Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, of Illinois, to effect an improvement by the levying of tonnage du- ties on the internal commerce of the country, as entirely inadequate to the accomplishment of such a purpose, and only calculated to impose heavy and unjust burdens on the people of the West, in the shape of indirect taxation, without
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securing to them any of the proposed advan- tages.
Rex red. That we unreservedly and cordially approve of the course and conduct of the Hon. John P. Cook. our Representative in Congress from the Second Congressional District, and we hereby pledge ourselves to sustain him in his able and independent course.
WHEREAS, The object of our educational sys- tem was to place the means of a common school education within the reach of all; and
WHEREAS, Under its present management more than one third of the proceeds of the fund set apart to cherish anl maintain that sys- tem is annually absorbed hy its constitutional guardians, subjecting it to a loss, in the year 1851, of $10,751.40 to pay the salaries and ex- penses of the Superintendent of Public Instruc- tion and Commissioners of the School Fund, and leaving only the sum of $20,600.11 to be dis- tributed among the public schools; and
WHEREAS, The duties of said officers may all he discharged by other State and county officers, without any or with but a trifling expense to said fuud; therefore,
Resolved, That sound policy and enlightened philanthropy demand such legislation and amendment to our constitution as will preserve this fund inviolate to the purposes originally intended as an inheritance. to our children and their posterity.
Resolved, That we are in favor of a donation, by Congress, of public lands, in limited quanti- ties, to actual settlers.
Resolved, That we believe the people of this State are prepared for, and their interests re- quire, the passage of a law prohibiting the man- ufacture and sale of ardent spirits within the State as a beverage.
The official vote on Governor was as fol- lows:
Jimes W. Grimes, Whig. .23.025 -1,823 Curtis Bates, Dem .21,202
The election of 1855 was for minor offi- cers. The Democrats met in convention,
January 24, at the Cap.tol, and nominated the following ticket: Commissioner Des Moines River Improvement, O. D Tisdale; Register DesMoines River Improvement, W'm. Dewey; Register Land Office, Stark II. Samuels. The following is the plat- form adopted:
WHEREAS, It is in accordance with the Dem- ocratic party, to declare, from time to time, its views upon the various political principles that occupy the attention of the country; therefore,
Resolved, That there has been a period in thé history of our country, when we could with more confidence proclaim to the world our entire adherence to and approval of the old landmarks of the Democratic party.
2. That the temporary success of our foes being a result of an abandonment of principles on their part, and of the aggression of discord.int elements, brought together for mercenary ends, affords no grounds for alarm; but contideut of the correctness of our principles, and of the in- tegrity of the masses, we appeal to the sober, second thought of the people with uo fears as to the verdict they may render.
8. That we declare our firm determination to sustain the principles recognized as correct, in reference to slavery agitation, to support the constitution faithfully. to carry out its provis- ions, and discountenance all incendiary move- ments that tend to the overthrow of our govern- ment, from whatever source they may originate.
4. That the efforts being made to colonize free negroes in their native land, is a measure that commends itself to every philanthropist as being the only favorable plan for the ultimate accomplishment of the first wish of every friend of freedom.
õ. That we endorse, to the fullest extent, the compromise measure of 1850, believing those measures to be constitutional, just, and proper.
6. That iu changing his domicile from one portion of a republican government to another, man does not divest himself of his political, muoral or natural rights, nor can he be deprived
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of them otherwise than as he has consented to constitutionally
7. 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 op. pressed of every nation, have ever been cardinal principles in the Democratic faith, and every at- tempt to abridge the right of becoming citizens and the owners of soil among us ought to be re- sisted with the same spirit that swept the alien and sedition laws from the statute books.
8. That we adhere to the doctrine of an un- restrained religious liberty, as established by the constitution of the United States, and sustained hy all Democratic administrations.
The Whigs held their last State conven- tion at Iowa City, January 25, 1855, and, withont resolutions, made the following nominations: Commissioner on Des Moines River Improvement, Wm. MeKay; Regis- ter DesMoines River Improvement, J. C. Lockwood; Register Land Office, Anson HIar ..
The official vote for Commissioners was as follows:
William McKay, Whig. .24,743-4,737 O. D. Tisdale, Dem .... .20,006
A vote was taken this year on the pro- hibition liquor law, with the following re- sult:
For the law .25,555-2,910 Against the law. 22,645
While the Whig party in. this State ap- parently was in a well organized condition, throughout the Union it was undergoing a process of disintegration. In the South it was being absorbed by the American or Know Nothing party, and in the North by the newly organized Republican party, born out of the issues growing ont of the slavery question. Representatives of the Republican party met in convention at !
Iowa City, February 22, 1856, and selected the following ticket: Secretary of State, Elijah Sells; Auditor, John Patten; Treas- urer, M. L. Morris; Attorney General, S. A. Rice. The following platform was adopted at the same time aud place.
Uuited in a common resolve to maintain right against wrong, and believing in the determina- tion of a virtuous and intelligent people to sus- tain justice, we declare-
1. That governments are instituted among men to secure the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
2. That the mission of the Republican party is to maintain the liberty of the press, the sov- ereignty of the State, and the perpetuity of the Union.
3. That under the constitution, and by right, freedom is alone national.
4. That the federal government, being one of limited powers, derived wholly from the consti- tution, its agents should construe these powers strictly, and never exercise a doubtful authority -always inexpedient and dangerous.
5. If the plan is Jeffersonian, and the early policy of the government is carried out, the fed- eral government would relieve itself of all re- sponsibility for the existence of slavery, which Republicanism insists it should and means it shall do, and that regarding slavery in the State as a local institution, beyond our reach and above our authority, but recognizing it as of vital con- cern to every citizen in its relation to the nation, we well oppose its spread, and demand that all national territory shall be free.
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