The eyes of the
whole nation are turned upon Chicago to-day, and every truly patriotic heart
beats in sympathy with the grand movement there to be inaugurated. For eight
long, disastrous years has the country been misgoverned, its true interests
sacrificed to the selfish schemes and peculations of the most corrupt and
diabolical cabal that ever grasped the reins of an enlightened government.
Every day, almost every hour, brings to light some ignoble act, more infamous
that the last, till it seems the lowest possible depth has been reached. Is it
strange that the people should begin to enquire earnestly when and where these
things are to end? Nay, is it not passing strange that they have so long and so
patiently borne with this crushing weight of corruption? But it has been
endured, and today have come together, from all parts of the country, from almost
every state in the Union, good and patriotic men, who see and appreciate the
perilous condition in which the country is placed, to deliberate up[on] the
best means to extricate it from this condition, to devise measures to stop the
downward progress of the government, to stimulate the people to unite in
hauling from power the men who have disgraced their positions and made the name
of a republican government a reproach and a by word to all nations, and to join
in placing men in their stead who will rule in accordance with the principles
of freedom, justice and honesty. It is no wonder that this great movement
should constitute the all-absorbing theme of conversation and enquiry. It is no
wonder that the people have become thoroughly aroused; that they are looking
with fixed earnestness at the means that are to disembarrass the government and
disenthrall the nation; that are to displace the unfaithful servants who are
wasting the substance of the public treasury for selfish gains and party
favoritism, and to secure a return to the first principles of our republican
government.
May the
deliberations of the Chicago convention, commenced to-day, be characterized by
that intelligence, harmony, moderation and foresight which we have a right to
expect from men chosen for such a purpose, to promote such a good cause. May
nothing occur to check the good feeling and enthusiasm with which the delegates
and attendants upon the convention have come together, and may no result
transpire to dampen the ardor with which the people are prepared to enter the
canvass.
SOURCE: “The Delegates,” Janesville Weekly Gazette, Janesville, Wisconsin, Wednesday, May 16, 1860, p. 2, col. 1.
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