Vallandigham too Much of a Load

The New York Leader, the Democratic paper of that city, in reviewing the Democratic Address, says of Vallandigham:

Two things, we know, however, and these are, that a Democrat’s patriotism, like a woman’s virtue, should be above suspicion; and, that, as it is Mr. Vallandigham’s penalty or misfortune to bear a very great weight of public odium, by reason of doubts as to his loyalty to the national cause, he ought not to ask the Democratic party to shoulder the load.  If he is wronged, his innocence will appear in due season; if he has been unfaithful, he deserves all the condemnation he can receive.  Meanwhile we respectfully suggest to be a little less officious, and to let those be spokesmen who are beyond even suspicion.  The Democratic party at the present time, less than any other, is not to be run for any man’s benefit, and lest of all for Mr. Vallandigham’s.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 19, 1862, p. 2