My own personal experience teaches how futile is the charge, that,
because Horace Greeley receives Democratic votes, therefore he
becomes a Democrat, or lapses under Democratic control. I was first
chosen to the Senate by a coalition of Free-Soilers and Democrats.
Democratic votes helped make me Senator from Massachusetts,--as they
also helped make my excellent friend Mr. Chase Senator from Ohio,
and will help make Horace Greeley President. But neither Mr. Chase
nor myself was on this account less faithful as a Free-Soiler,--and,
answering for myself, I know that I never became a Democrat or
lapsed under Democratic control. I do not doubt that Horace
Greeley will be equally consistent. The charge to the contrary, so
vehemently repeated, seems to reflect the character of those who make
it,--except that many repeat it by rote.
There is a common saying, “Principles, not Men”; and on this ground
an appeal is made for President Grant, it being justly felt that
in any personal comparison with Horace Greeley he must fail. But a
better saying is, “Principles _and_ Men.” I am for the principles of
the Republican Party in contradiction to Grantism, and I am for the
man who truly represents them. By these principles I shall stand,
for them I shall labor, and in their triumph I shall always rejoice.
If any valued friend separates from me now, it will be because he
_places a man above principles_. Early in public life I declared my
little heed for party, and my indifference to the name by which I was
called; and now I confess my want of sympathy with those who would
cling to the form after its spirit has fled.