Memoirs of John Adams Dix; comp. by his son, Morgan Dix.

1853-1860.] INVITED TO ATTEND A MASS MEETING.

321

"Philadelphia, September 11, 1856.
"DEAR S]R,-The Democracy of Eastern Pennsylvania, and all other
friends of the Constitution, will hold a monster mass meeting in Independence Square, Philadelphia, on Wednesday, the 17th instant, being
the anniversary of the adoption of that great charter of American liberty.
" In fulfilment of a pleasing duty as Chairman of the Democratic Central Committee, and conscious of your eminent ability as a friend and
champion of the Constitution, I most earnestly ask your attendance on
that great occasion. Yours truly,
" J. W. FORNEY,
"Chairman of Democratic Central Corn. of Pennsylvania."
"New York, September 15, 1856.
"DEAR Sln,-Your favor is just received, inviting me to attend a
monster mass meeting of the Democracy of Eastern Pennsylvania, and
all other friends of the Constitution, in Independence Square, Philadelphia, on 'the 17th instant, being the anniversary of the adoption of that
great charter of American liberty.'
"I regret exceedingly that an engagement to address a Democratic
meeting in this State will deprive me of the pleasure of accepting the
invitation. No one can venerate more than myself the profound wisdom
and the spirit of conciliation in which the Constitution of the United,States had its birth, or appreciate more keenly the vital necessity of
maintaining all its provisions with scrupulous fidelity. It is only
through such a strict adherence to it that we can hope to preserve the
union of the States. I have never for a moment doubted that the people
would be faithful to all its requirements, and frown with indignation on
every attempt, from whatever quarter it may come, to dissever the Confederated States, and to inflict upon us and the cause of popular government throughout the world the greatest of calamities. And though
clouds darken our horizon now, I look forward to the election of the
distinguished Pennsylvanian, whom the Democracy of the Union have
chosen for their standard-bearer, as the dawn of that brighter day which
is to succeed and dissipate them. The pleasure of attending the meeting of his political friends at the great emporium of his State would be
greatly enhanced by the opportunity of bearing testimony by my presence to the importance of the day which they have selected for the purpose; and it is with great regret that I am compelled to relinquish it.
"I am, dear Sir, truly yours, JOnN A. DIx.
"J. W. FOR.EY, Esq."
" New York, November 19, 1856.
"MY DEAR SIR,-I hope you will not take it amiss if I say a few
words to you in regard to the condition of our political affairs, which in.L-21