Rensselaer Union, Volume 2, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 April 1870 — Let us have Peace. [ARTICLE]

Let us have Peace.

There in no republican »in this Congressional district with the interest* of his p*riy nt heart but who regrets the unfortunate discussion row going ,yn in the district between those who favor General Packard’s re-election to Congress and those who oppose him. Strong, honest and sincere men—leaders in their respective localiti es—are becoming heated and immoderate. Bitter are the denunciations and charges uttered by those who oppose him, and severe the retorts of his friends. The welfare of the party demands a cessation of hostilities.* We can not afford to fritter away our strength in this State, and place weapons in the hands of our enemies, by ruinous Jissention among ourselves. Already the democracy anticipate an easy victory in our district and openly boast of certain success. This should cause us all to dispassionately survey the situation and critically ascertain whither we are drifting. . ■ No individual should desire to hazard the success of principles for the gratification of personal ambition; and no party is wise that hearkens to such dangerous counselors. By this time Mr. Packard should be convinced that hie unfortunate course has made his reelection exceedingly doubtful. It makes little difference with the result how quarrels originate, if nothing is done to conciliate the parties who feel aggrieved. Every step made by our representative thus far has complicated bis difficulties and increased the determination of his opposition. This failure to harmonize disturbing elements presents a marked contrast with the ability of his illustrious predecessor.— While Mr. Colfax represented this district our majorities steadily increased, and dissentions were unknown.

We repeat what wc have previously said: w believe the renomination. of Mr. Packard will hazard the success of the ticket. Why should he persevere in this matter against the protest of a respectable number of his constituents? It is true he served honorably and with distinction* Juring the war, as his scars and title attest; so did thousands of others in his district. For his blood spilled in defence of the nation he deserves the gratitude of his countrymen, and they have proven that his services are appreciated by keeping him in public office ever since. Fof the last two years he has received a salary of $5,000 per annum. Before the campaign that elected him to Congress he enjoyed the emoluments of one of the best offices in the wealthy county of

LaPorte. He made the Congressional campaign with little expense to himself, in some instances county central oommittees footing his hotel bills, and, as we have been told» the State central committee giving him tSOO to defray his traveling expenses. The gratitude of his eonstituents has secured him a compecy, now let him stand aside while they reward other deserving sons. It is true we have felt ourselves needlessly and causelessly mortified by General Packard’s course towards us in the postoflice matter, but he claimed to have done what appeared to be lor our personal interests and the good of the party.— We profess as much loyalty to the party as his friends claim for him, and at the same lime reciprocate

as far as possible his care for our individual interests by advising him to withdraw from the sontest w hile he may do so gracefully. Let him, ia this respect, emulate the noble nxaoiple of his illustrious compeer, Mr. Orth, for what will the empty honor of * Domination benefit him if he is defeated at .the polls? We are sincere in whet we have said, and naught has been uttered in malice or bravo. Jn respect to situation in this Congressional district we have spoken only what »• believe tobo truth, and what all should know. Jt is useless for ••• °*> r ayes to facts or attempt to concsal them. Already

the leaven of discontent is spreading among the masses. This unfor/ lunate diacussion must cease, oil muat be poured upon the troubledwaters, the agitated elements must be calmed, or just .so certain as causes produce their results and the 11th day of October dawns a Democrat will be elected to Congoers from this district. We see no way by which harmony is to be attained except by bringing out some other man. The question is no longer upon Mr. Packard’s capacity, but it is upon his nvailibility.— The children" opposed to him arc too many to bo spßnked into supporting him, as waa suggested by the Kentland Gazette, neither can they bo bullied into submission with the covert throats contained in the “deep laid plot” circular he is franking ovor the district. It is time Congressmen understand that they are the servants of the people and not their masters. If Mr. Packard’s friends arc wise they will not conceal from him the real position his blunders have placed him in. If thby are sincere in their professions of party fealty they will assist us in restoring harmony.