The Lancaster Gazette

For the Lancaster Gazette,
Governor Dennison.

Ohio has no citizen to whom public opinion accords a higher position, among gentlemen of national reputation, than Governor Dennison. His distinction is well earned,—not fortuitous. Entering the legal profession, early in life, at the Capital of the State, bringing to its exercise learning, ability, eloquence and earnest application,—he rapidly advanced into the foremost rank of the eminent Bar, of that day, at Columbus.

The interests of the Capital City, dependent, at that time, upon the action of the Legislature, demanded, for their success, her best ability and address in that body. To meet such requirements Gov. Dennison, then a young man, was put into the Senate. His selection, from such motives, by so intelligent a constituency, was an emphatic acknowledgment of his ability, and a presage of his subsequent success and eminence. He fully met the sanguine expectations of his friends, and took high rank among the distinguished gentlemen then in the Senate.

In all the great political discussions, which have since taken place in the State, Gov. Dennison has participated largely,—making himself, by his ability, eloquence and gentlemanly bearing, a great favorite with the people.

In acknowledgment of his worth and as some reward for his patriotic services to the Republican cause, his party, with unusual unanimity, gave him their nomination for Governor; and every Republican remembers with gratitude and pride, the able, gallant and triumphant campaign he made, in behalf of his party, against Judge Ranney and the Democracy.

It was fortunate for the whole country, as well as the State, that he so gallantly carried the Republican banner, and won success for its principles. That campaign made him Governor, and put into his hands the power of organizing and sending forward Ohio's first brave and gallant contributions to the great host of the defenders of the Republic. Time,—revealing the difficulties of the situation and the wisdom of his measures,—still wins approval for his administration, and promotes him in the affection of the soldier and the respect of the country.

The sagacious and patriotic Lincoln,—brought into acquaintance with him through official relations,—discerned his fidelity and worth,—unpatroned by clique or faction; and called him into the Cabinet, as Post Master General. That Department was never entrusted to a more competent, laborious and faithful Head; but Gov. Dennison was among the first to discern the treachery which Johnson meditated against his friends and the loyal men of the country; and, honorable and attractive as was the place he held, he put aside his ambition, and surrendered his office, rather than be a tacit party to the fraud and crime, to the perpetration of which the whole power and patronage of the Administration were to be devoted.

He came back to his State, and, with unsullied fidelity, resumed his place, and has performed his duties, in the Union ranks.

Gen. Grant is, in fact, though not yet in form, the nominee of the Union party for the next Presidency. We are not embarrassed therefore, in reference to the Vice-Presidency, by the hope or expectation of securing the first office for a great and honored Ohioan.

As distinguished gentlemen are being proposed, for the Vice-Presidency, in several States, I feel impelled, more in justice to Ohio, than from any other motive, to add the name of Governor Dennison to the array of names of good and true men from which a selection is to be made.

In the geographical position of our State, in her record in the war to save the Republic, in her devotion to the Union party, in the location of former incumbents of the office, there is nothing to give us distrust or reserve in asking the nomination.

In his unblemished personal character, in his tried and proven ability, his unquestioned integrity, his parliamentary experience, his knowledge of public affairs, and in his fine personal and social culture and bearing, Governor Dennison presents a rare combination of qualification and fitness for the high position. He is deficient in none of the great elements of popularity. His sentiments, feeling and sympathies are always in concert with the general interests. His generous and active enterprise and public spirit have given him prominent and influential identification with the great systems of development and progress in Ohio, the West and North-west, and his magnanimity and other engaging personal qualities have won esteem for him wherever he is known. His name will give strength to the ticket; and his unswerving political fidelity will relieve its friends from the dread of treachery and desertion, against the recurrence of which we are now fearfully admonished to guard.

I earnestly hope that the Union Convention of Ohio, soon to assemble at Columbus, will do itself the honor of proposing him as Ohio's candidate for Vice-President, and of combining the great power and influence of our State in advancing him toward a position and sphere in which he is so signally suited to be useful and distinguished.