Изображения страниц
PDF
EPUB

wit-the rules of the House of Representatives-he was unable to discern that he had any authority, even prima facie, to scrutinize and canvass credentials, although they were such as, upon their face, were free from contest or controversy either of form or of substance, and therefore he deemed is his duty to reserve the determination of that question to be submitted to the Convention. And in due time the Chair will present that question as one of privilege to this body.

Gentlemen, the Convention is now in order for the transaction of business.

The Address of the President was delivered in a clear, loud voice, with much emphasis, and was listened to with close attention. The statement of the position in which the business was left at the time of the adjournment at Charleston, created an evident sensation, inasmuch as it indicated that, according to the opinion of the Chair, the platform question, as well as the resolution declaring that a vote equal to two-thirds of the full electoral college to be necessary to the nomination of a candidate for the Presidency, were each in a position to be again brought up for the action of the Convention.

ADMISSION OF DELEGATES.

Mr. Howard, of Tennessee, offered the following resolution: Resolved, that the President of this Convention direct the Sergeant-at-Arm to issue tickets of admission to the delegates of the Convention as originally constituted and organized at Charleston.

Mr. Cavanaugh, of Minnesota, moved to lay the resolution on the table, and upon that motion called for a vote by States; but by request withdrew his motion to permit Mr. Sanford E. Church, of N. Y., to offer the fol lowing, which was read for the information of the Convention and created much excitement:

Resolved, That the credentials of all persons claiming seats in this Convention made vacant by the secession of delegates at Charleston be referred to the Committee on Credentials, and said Committee is hereby instructed, as soon as practicable, to examine the same and report the names of persons entitled to such seats, with the district-understanding, however, that every person accepting a seat in this Convention is bound in honor and good faith to abide by the action of this Convention and support its nominations.

After a running debate on questions of order, in which Messrs. Cochrane, of N. Y., Saulsbury, of Del., Clark, of Mo., Montgomery, of Pa., Cavanaugh, of Min., and the Chair participated. Mr. Church moved his resolution as an amendment to that offered by Mr. Howard, and upon that he called for the previous question.

Messrs. Gilmor and Randall rose to debate the question, but the Chair ruled debate not in order.

Mr. Avery, of North Carolina.-I call for a division of the question, so that the first question shall be upon referring those credentials to the Committee, and the second question upon the proposition to initiate testoaths in the Democratic Convention, [Applause.]

The Chair could not entertain such a proposition at that time, as the previous question had been demanded. The question was-Would the Convention second the demand for the previous question?

Mr. Russell, of Va.-I ask that this Convention will allow me to make a friendly, candid and sincere appeal to the gentleman who made the call for the previous question (Mr. Church, of New-York) to withdraw his call.

The President.-The Chair has no authority over that question.

Mr. Russell. I ask the Chair to appeal to the gentleman to allow fair play in this Convention.

Mr. Stuart, of Mich.-I insist that the Chair preserve order.

The President.-The gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Russell) is not in order.

Mr. Russell.-If we are to be constrained to silence, I beg gentlemen to consider the silence of Virginia as somewhat ominous. (Applause and hisses.)

The question was stated to be upon seconding the demand for the previous question. Being taken viva voce,

The President stated that the noes appeared to have it

Mr. Richardson, of Ill., doubted the announcement, and asked that the vote be taken by States, which was ordered. Mr. Brodhead, of Pa., stated that Mr. Church was willing to withdraw his call for the previous question. The Chair decided that it was too late.

Mr. Saulsbury, of Delaware, moved a recess to 4 P.M. Lost: 78 to 1784.

Mr. Howard, of Tennessee.-I hold in my hand a respectful communication from one of the States of this Union, Mississippi, not now represented upon this floor, addressed to the President of this Convention. I desire that it be read for the information of the Convention.

The President.-It can only be done by common consent, as the seconding the demand for the previous question is now pending. Cries of "object," "object," from various quarters. The President-Objection being made to reading this communication, the Secretary will proceed to call the roll of States upon the seconding the demand for the previous question.

The question being then taken by States upon seconding the demand for the previous question, it was not

agreed to.

YEAS.-Maine, 6; New-Hampshire, 5; Vermont, 44; Massachusetts, 4; Connecticut, 3; New-Jersey, 24; Penn sylvania, 94; Maryland, 2; Missouri, 24; Tennessee, 8; Kentucky, 1; Ohio, 28; Indiana, 18; Illinois, 11; Michi gan, 6; Wisconsin, 5; Iowa, 4; Minnesota, 24-1084.

NAYS.--Maine, 2; Vermont, ; Massachusetts, 8; Rhode Island, 4; Connecticut, 2-one absent; New-York, 35; New-Jersey, 4; Pennsylvania, 16; Delaware, 2; Maryland, 6; Virginia, 15; North Carolina, 10; Arkansas, 1; Missouri, 6; Tennessee, 8; Kentucky, 10; Minne sota, 14; California, 4; Oregon, 8-1404.

On calling the roll, the New-York delegation asked per mission to retire for consultation, and during the interim there was an entire cessation of business. The vote of the State as a unit was finally rendered against the call for the previous question.

The question was then stated to be upon the amendment to the amendment.

Mr. Gilmor, of Pennsylvania, offered the following amendment to Mr. Church's resolution:

Resolved, That the President of the Convention be directed to issue tickets of admission to seats in the Convention, to the delegates from the States of Texas, Florida, Mississippi, and Arkansas, in which States there are no contesting delegations.

Without taking a vote on Mr. Gilmor's resolution, the Convention, on motion of Mr. Randall, of Pa., took a recess till 5 P.M.

When the Convention reassembled, the President said: amendment moved by Mr. Gilmor, of Pennsylvania. Mr. Randall, of Pennsylvania, has the floor upon an

Before proceeding in the debate, the Chair begs leave to state to the Convention that he has had placed in his hands tion, from the States of Delaware, Georgia, Alabama, Flothe credentials of gentlemen claiming seats in the Convenrida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas, includ ing in that enumeration the letter presented to the Con vention, in his place, by Mr. Howard, of Tennessee, in behalf of the gentlemen claiming seats from the State of Mississippi, and in addition to that, there has been addressed to the Chair, a communication from Mr. Chaffee, claiming a seat from the State of Massachusetts. The Chair deems it his duty to communicate the fact to the Convention that those several documents have been placed in his hands, to be presented at the proper time to the consideration of the Convention.

Mr. Gilmor, of Pennsylvania.-I have made a small addition to the amendment I offered this morning to the amendment of the gentleman from New-York (Mr. Church), for the purpose of covering the cases mentioned by the Chair just now.

The amendment, as modified, was read as follows:

Resolved, That the President of the Convention be au thorized to issue tickets of admission to seats in this Convention, to the delegates from the States of Arkansas, Texas, Florida, and Mississippi, in which States there are no contesting delegations, and that in those States, to wit: Delaware, Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana, where there are contesting delegations, & Committee on Credentials shall be appointed, by the several delegations, to report upon said States.

After discussing points of order, Mr. Clark, of Missouri, offered a substitute for Mr. Gilmor's amendment, which was read for the information of the Convention, as fol lows:

Strike out the proviso in the amendment of Mr. Church, of New-York, and add the following:

Resolved, That the citizens of the several States of the Union have an equal right to settle and remain in the Ter

Perry, S. C.; James B Steadman, Ohio; W. H. Carrol, Tenn.; S. A. Hall, Ind.; W. J. Allen, Ill.; John M. Krum, Mo.; Benj. Foilet, Mich.; D. O. Finch, Iowa; P. H. Smith, Wis.; H. H. Sibley, Minn.; J. H. Beverly, Del.; Isaac J. Stevens, Oregon; G. H. Morrow, Ken

ritories of the United States, and to hold therein, unmo- | Md; E. W. Hubbard, Va.; R. R. Bridges, N. C.; B. F. lested by any legislation whatever, their slave and other property; and that this Convention recognizes the opinion of the Supreme Court of the United States in the Dred Scott case, as a true exposition of the Constitution in regard to the rights of the citizens of the several States and Territories of the United States, upon all subjects concern-tucky; D. S. Gregory, Cal. Ing which it treats; and that the members of this Convention pledge themselves, and require all others who may be authorized as delegates to make the same pledge, to support the Democratic candidates, fairly and in good faith, nominated by this Convention according to the usages of the National Democratic Party.

Mr. Randall then took the floor and opposed the amendment of Mr. Church, and favored that of Mr. Gilmor. The amendment of the gentleman from New York imposes a condition upon the returning members of the several States that seceded at Charleston. I deny the power of the Convention to impose any such condition. The right of their constituents is unqualified and beyond the power of this Convention, to send their representatives to this body without condition and without limitation. (Applause and hisses). It is an interference with the right of the constituents of seven seceding States to impose any qualification upon their representatives in this body. I deny its equity or its justice. We who sit here-the honorable gentleman who moved the amendment, the President, the Vice-Presidents of this body-all who sit here, are unfettered by any such limitation or condition. (Applause.) What justice in imposing upon others the condition that they shall come in here as slaves, with the bands and the iron fetters about them, with no right to exercise their judgment or their patriotism, except as the majority of this body may choose to indicate? I deny the power or the right. The proposition has been put in the least offensive shape.

It is said in the amendment that it is "understood." Understood! an apology for the broad declaration of a naked invasion of the rights of freemen. Not that the members of this body thus admitted have denied the right, but it is understood that they are pledged to do what other members are not pledged to do-to conform to the decision of the majority. Mr. President and gentlemen, I invoke you to look at the injustice of every such qualification-a qualification which no honorable man, except under very peculiar circumstances, could ever submit to; a qualification which it is known that the representatives of these seven seceding States will never submit to. (Applause and hisses.) But, Mr. President and brethren of the great Democratic family, who are now contending for the success of the Democratic cause, I ask you to halt, not simply upon the ground of right and justice, but of policy. Not a member of this body but knows that the representatives of those States will not give any such pledge (applause and hisses); that it is tantamount to a declaration of secession from the body. (Applause and hisses.)

The debate was continued by Messrs. Richardson, of Ill., Cochrane, of N. Y., Montgomery, of Pa., Merrick, of Ill., King, of Mo., and West of Ct., against Mr. Gilmor's amendment, and by Messrs. Russell, of Va., Ewing, of Tenn., Loring, of Mass., Hunter, of Mo., Avery, of N. C., and Atkins, of Tenn., in favor. At last, Mr. Atkins moved the previous question, which was sustained, 233 to 18, and the Convention adjourned till Tuesday morning.

On the reassembling of the Convention, Mr. Church asked and obtained unanimous consent to make a proposition which he thought would produce harmony. He said:

A paper was presented from Mr O'Fallon, of Missouri, who had acted at Charleston in the place of one of the regularly appointed delegates from that State, but had been refused a ticket in Baltimore, asking admission.His case was referred to the Committee on Credentials.

The memorial of the contesting delegates from Arkansas was also presented, and was handed to the Committee on Credentials. And the Committee took a recess till 5 P.M., at which time it reassembled, but, the Committee on Credentials not being ready to report, the Convention, without transacting any business, adjourned to 10 o'clock the following day, 20th.

The Convention met at the usual hour, on Wednesday, the 20th, but, in consequence of the delay of the Committee on Credentials in reporting, no business was transacted.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS.

Credentials presented their report, or rather reOn Thursday, the 21st, the Committee on ports, for there were three; the majority report being presented by Mr. Krum, of Missouri, as follows:

1st. Resolved, That George H. Gordon, E. Barksdale, W. F. Barry, H. C. Chambers, Jos. R. Davis, Beverly Matthew, Charles Clarke, W. L. Featherston, P. F. Slidell, C. G. Armistead, W. F. Avaunt, and T. J. Hucston, are entitled to seats in this Convention as delegates from the State of Mississippi.

2d. Resolved, That Pierre Soulé, F. Cotterman, R. C. Wickliffe, Michael Ryan, Maunsell White, Charles Bienvenala, Gustav Lenroy, J. C. Morse, A. S. Heron, N. D. Colburn, J. N. T. Richardson and J. L. Walker are entitled to seats in this Convention as delegates from the State of Louisiana.

8d. Resolved, That R. W. Johnson, T. C. Hindman, J. P. Johnson, Henry Carroll, J. Gould, and John A. Jordan, be entitled to seats as Delegates from the State of Arkansas, with power to cast two votes, and that Thomas H. Bradley, M. Hooper, and D. C. Cross be also admitted to seats as delegates from the same State, with power to cast one vote; and, in case either portion of said delegates shall refuse or neglect to take their said seats and to cast their said votes, the other portion of said delegates taking seats in this Convention shall be entitled to cast the entire three votes of said State.

4th. Resolved, That J. M. Bryan, F. R. Lubbock, F. S. Stockdale, E. Green, H. R. Runnels, Wm. B. Ochiltree, M. W. Carey, Wm. H. Parrows, R. Ward, J. F. Crosby, B Burrows, and V. H. Manning are entitled to seats from Texas.

5th. Resolved, That James A. Bayard and William G. Whiteley are entitled to seats from the county of NewCastle, Del.

6th. Resolved, That K. S. Chaffee, who was duly admitted at Charleston as a delegate from the fifth congressional district of Massachusetts, is still entitled to said seat in this Convention, and that B. F. Hallett, who has assumed said seat, is not entitled thereto.

7th. Resolved, That John O'Fallon, who was duly admitted at Charleston as a delegate from the eighth electoral district of Missouri, is still entitled to said seat in this Convention, and that Johnson B. Gardy, who has assumed said seat, is not entitled thereto.

Upon consultation with the gentleman (Mr. Gilmor who moved that amendment to my amendment, we have agreed, if it meets the approbation of this Convention, for the purpose of harmonizing the action of this Convention, to an arrangement alike honorable to both sides, and which, if carried out, will terminate the controversy as to pending questions. The proposition which has been made and accepted is simply this: The gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Gilmor) is to withdraw his amendment to my amendment, and then I am to withdraw the latter part of my resolutions, leaving only a simple resolution of reference to the Committee on Cre-State of Alabama. dentials. (Applause).

This proposition was accepted, and the resolution, as $23 amended, was adopted without a division. Vacancies in the Committee on Credentials were filled, and the committee, as now constituted, consisted of the following gentlemen:

C. D. Jameson, Me.; A. P. Hughes, N. H.; Stephen Thomas, Vt.; Oliver Stevens, Mass.; George H. Brown, R. I.; James Gallagher, Conn.; Delos De Wolfe, N. Y.; A. R. Spear, N. J.; H. M. Forth, Pa.; W. S. Gittings,

8th. Resolved, That R. A. Baker, D. C. Humphrey, John Forsyth, Wm. Jewett, I. I. Seibles, S. C. Posey, L. E. Parsons, Joseph C. Bradley, Thomas B. Cooper, James Williams, C. H. Brynan, Daniel W. Weakley, L. M. B. Martyr, John W. Howard, W. R. R. Wyatt, B. Hanson, Thos. M. Matthews, and Norbert M. Lord are entitled to seats in the Convention as delegates from the

9th, Resolved, That the delegation from the State of Georgia, of which H. L. Benning is chairman, be admitted to seats in the Convention, with power to cast onehalf of the vote of said State, and that the delegation from said State, of which Col. Gardner is chairman, be also admitted to the Convention, with power to cast onehalf of the vote of said State; and if either of said delegations refuse or neglect to cast the vote as above indicated, that in said case the delegates present in the Convention be authorized to cast the full vote of said Stato.

Mr. Stevens, of Oregon.-I rise, Mr. President, to pre-sylvania, 17; Delaware, 2; Maryland, 5: Virginia, 14; sent the repo.t of a minority of the Committee on cre- North Carolina, 9; Arkansas, ; Missouri, 5; Tennessee, dentials, and I will proceed to read it; 10; Kentucky, 10; Minnesota, 1; California, 4; Oregon, 8-1001.

MINORITY REPORT.

To the President of the Democratic National Convention:

Sir: We, the undersigned, members of the Committee on Credentials, feel constrained to dissent from many of the views and a large portion of the action of the majority of the Committee in respect to the rights of delegates to seats referred to them by the Convention, and to respectfully recommend the adoption of the following resolutions:

1. Resolved, That B. F. Hallett is entitled to a seat in this Convention, as a delegate from the 5th Congression

al district of the State of Massachusetts.

2. Resolved, That Johnson B. Gardy is entitled to a seat in this Convention as a delegate from the Sth Congressional. district of the State of Missouri.

NAYS-Maine, 54; New Hampshire, 4; Vermont, 8}; Massachusetts, 5; Rhode Island, 4; Connecticut, 8; New-York, 85; New-Jersey, 8; Pennsylvania, 10; Maryland, 2; Virginia, 1; North Carolina, 1; Arkansas, i; Missouri, 4; Tennessee, 1; Kentucky, 2; Ohio, 23; Indiana, 18; Illinois, 11; Michigan, 6; Wisconsin, 5; Iowa, 4; Minnesota, 2-150.

Maryland, vote not voted; Tennessee, 1 vote not cast The question then recurred on adopting the majority report. A division being called for, the vote was taken on the first resolution, admitting the original delegates from Mississippi, which was adopted almost unanimously, 250 to 24.

8. Resolved, That James A. Bayard and William G. Whiteley are entited to seats in this Convention as dele-Massachusetts, 5; Rhode Island, 4; Connecticut, 8; gates from the State of Delaware.

4. Resolved, That the delegation headed by R. W. Johnson are entitled to seats in this Convention as delegates from the State of Arkansas.

5. Resolved, That the delegation of which George W. Bryan is chairman are entitled to seats in this Convention from the State of Texas.

6. Resolved, That the delegation of which John Tarleton is chairman are entitled to seats in this convention as delegates from the State of Louisiana.

7. Resolved, That the delegation of which L. P. Walker is chairman are entitled to seats in this Convention as delegates from the State of Alabama.

The vote was then taken on the second resolution, admitting the Soulé (Douglas) Delegates from Louisiana, which resulted-Ays, 153; Nays, 98- as follows: YEAS-Maine, 5; New-Hampshire, 44; Vermont, 4; New-York, 85; New Jersey, 24; Pennsylvania, 10; Maryland, 2; Virginia, 1; North Carolina, 2; Arkansas, }; Missouri, 4; Tennessee, 2; Kentucky, 2; Ohio, 23; Indiana, 13; Illinois, 11; Michigan, 6; Wisconsin, 5; Iowa, 4; Minnesota, 24-158.

NAYS-Maine, 24; New-Hampshire,; Vermont, Massachusetts, 8; Connecticut, 24; New-Jersey, 4; Pennsylvania, 17; Delaware, 2; Maryland, 54; Virginia, 18; North Carolina, 8; Arkansas, ; Missouri, 5; Tennessee, 10; Kentucky, 10; Minnesota, 1; California, 4; Oregon, 8-98.

So the second resolution was adopted.

8. That the delegation of which Henry L. Benning is The question was then taken on the third resolution, adchairman are entitled to seats in this Convention as dele-mitting Col. Hindman and his colleagues (the original dele gates from the State of Georgia.

9. Resolved, That the delegation from the State of Flo ida accredited to the Charleston Convention are invited to take seats in this Convention and cast the vote of the State of Florida.

The Committee presented an elaborately argued report to sustain their resolutions, which was signed by I. I. STEVENS, Oregon, A. R. SPEER, N. J., H. M. NORTH, Penn., JOHN H. BEWLEY, Del.,

E. W. HUBBARD, Va.,
R. R. BRIDGERS, N. C.,
W. H. CARROLL, Tenn.,
GEO. H. MORROW, Ky,
D. S. GREGORY, Cal.

In the points of difference between the majority and minority reports of the Committee

on Credentials, I concur in the conclusions of the minority report in the cases of Georgia, Alabama, Missouri and Massachusetts.

AARON V. HUGHES, New-Hampshire.

gates) with power to cast two votes, and Mr. Hooper and his colleagues (the contestants) with power to cast one vote; and providing that, if either set of delegates refuse to take seats, the other shall be entitled to cast the whole vote of the State, (Arkansas).

A division of the question being called for, the President decided that the resolution was divisible.

The question was taken on the three several propositions, viz.:-1st. The admission of the Hindman delegates, which was adopted, 182 to 69. 2d. The admission of the Hooper delegates, which was adopted, 150 to 1004. 3d. On the giving power to one set to cast the whole vote if the other set withdrew, which was adopted without a division.

A vote was then taken on the fourth resolution of the majority report, admitting the original delegation from, the State of Texas, which was adopted almost unanimously.

A vote was next taken on the fifth resolution, admitting vision.

Bayard and Whiteley from Delaware. Adopted without di

The sixth resolution, giving R. L. Chaffee the seat in the Massachusetts delegation contested by Mr. Hallett, was then adopted-yeas, 138, nays, 1117.

Mr. Stuart, of Michigan, at this point, made motions to reconsider each vote taken, and to lay the same on the ta

Mr. Gittings, of Maryland, presented still an-ble, it being understood that the motions were not to be other report, concluding with the following

resolutions:

Resolved, That so much of the majority report of the Committee on Credentials as relates to Massachusetts, Missouri, Delaware, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas, be adopted.

Resolved, That the delegation of which L. P. Walker is chairman, be, and they are hereby, declared the only regularly authorized representatives of the State of Alabama, and as such are entitled to seats in the National Democratic Convention.

Mr. Stevens demanded the previous question, which was sustained by the Convention, and the main question was ordered, but, without taking the vote, the Convention adjourned.

When the Convention assembled on the 22d, Mr. Gittings withdrew his report, which brought the minority report proper-that of Mr. Stevens, of Oregon--first in order, and the question being put on the substitution of the whole minority report for the report of the majority, the motion was lost, 100 to 150, as follows:

put till votes on all the propositions had been taken.

The seventh resolution, declaring J. O'Fallon entitled to the seat in the Missouri delegation claimed by John B. Gardy, was then adopted-yeas, 188, nays, 112.

The eighth resolution, admitting the contesting delegates from Alabama, was next adopted. Yeas, 148; Nays, 101.

The question then being on the ninth and last resolution of the majority report, admitting both delegations from Georgia, and dividing the vote of the State between them, with the provision that, if either refused to take seats, the remaining delegates cast the vote of the State.

Before the vote was taken, Mr. Seward, of Georgia, presented a communication from Col. Gardner, Chairn.an of the contesting delegates from Georgia, withdrawing from the contest, and the resolution was lost-106 to 145. The original (seceding) delegation from Georgia, headed by H. L. Benning, was subsequently admitted.

The President stated the next question to be upon laying upon the table the motion to reconsider the vote by which the Convention refused to substitute the resolutions reported by the minority of the Committee on Credentials for those reported by the majority of said Com

mittee.

The question being then taken by States, the motion to lay on the table was not agreed to-yeas, 113; Nays, 128 -as follows: YEAS-Maine, 2; New-Hampshire, ; Vermont, 14; YEAS-Maine, 5; New-Hampshire, 8; Verinont, 4;" Massachusetts, 8; Connecticut, 24; New-Jersey, 4; Penn Massachusetts, 5; Rhode Island, 4; Connecticut, 34; New

Jersey, 8; Pennsylvania, 10; Maryland, 2; North Caro- | maintained and supported the Northern Democracy for the lina, 1; Arkansas,; Missouri, 4; Kentucky, 2; Ohio, 23; Indiana, 13; Illinois, 11; Michigan, 6; Wisconsin, 5; Iowa, 4; Minnesota, 2-113.

NAYS-Maine, 24; New-Hampshire, 2; Vermont, ; Massachusetts, 8; Connecticut, 24; New-York, 85; New Jersey, 3; Pennsylvania, 17; Delaware, 2; Maryland, 6; Virginia, 15; North Carolina, 9; Arkansas,; Missouri, 44; Tennessee, 12; Kentucky, 10; Minnesota, 14; California, 4; Oregon, 8-1884.

When New-York was called, her delegates asked time to consult, but finally gave her thirty-five votes against the motion to lay upon the table, which, had it prevailed, would have precluded all further reconsideration of the subject.

The question recurred upon the motion to reconsider the vote rejecting the minority resolutions.

Mr. Cessna, of Pa., moved the previous question, which was sustained, and the question being taken by States, the motion to reconsider was rejected-103 to 149-as follows:

reason that they are willing to attribute to us in the South equality in the Union. The vote to-day has satisfied the majority of the North Carolina delegates that, that being refused by our brethren of the Northern Democracy, North Carolina-Rip Van Winkle, as you may call her-can no longer remain in this Convention. The rights of sovereign States and of gentlemen of the South have been denied by a majority of this body. We cannot act, as we conceive, in view of this wrong. I use the word " wrong " with no intention to reflect upon those gentlemen of the North Carolina delegation who differ with me or with the majority of the delegation. For these reasons, without assigning any more, as I have no idea of inflicting a speech upon this Convention, who are in no state of preparation to receive it, I announce that eight out of ten of the votes of North Carolina ask to retire.

WITHDRAWAL OF TENNESSEE.

Mr. Ewing, of Tennessee.-Mr. President, in behalf of the delegation from Tennessee, I beg leave to address this YEAS-Maine, 2; New-Hampshire, 2; Vermont, 1; Mas- Convention upon this occasion, so important, and, to us, sachusetts, 8; Connecticut, 24; New-Jersey, 4; Pennsyl- so solemn in its consequences. The delegation from Tenvania, 17; Delaware, 2; Maryland, 6; Virginia, 15; North nessee have exhibited, so far as they knew how, every dis Carolina, 9; Arkansas,; Missouri, 44; Tennessee, 10; position to harmonize this Convention, and to bring its Kentucky, 10; Minnesota, 1; California, 4; Oregon, 3-labors to a happy result. They were the first, when the 103. majority platform was not adopted, to seek for some proNAYS-Maine, 5; New-Hampshire, 3; Vermont, 4; Mas- position for compromise-something that would enable us sachusetts, 5; Rhode Island, 4; Connecticut, 34; New- to armonize. They have a candidate who was dear to York, 85; New-Jersey, 24; Pennsylvania, 10; Maryland, them. They cast away his prospect for the sake of har2; North Carolina, 1; Arkansas, ; Missouri, 4; Ten-mony. They have yielded all that they can. They have nessee, 2; Kentucky, 2; Ohio, 23; Indiana, 13; Illinois, endeavored, with all their power, to accomplish the result 11; Michigan, 6; Wisconsin, 5; Iowa, 4; Minnesota, 23- they came here for; but they fear that the result is not to 149. be accomplished in a manner that can render a just and proper account to their constituents. We have consulted together, and, after anxious and long deliberation, without knowing exactly what phase this matter might finally present, we have not adopted any decisive rule for our action; but a large majority of our delegates some twenty to four -have decided that, upon the result now obtained, we shall ask leave of this Convention to retire, that we may We shall take no consult and announce our final action. further part in the deliberations of this Convention, unless our minds should change; and of that I can offer you no reasonable hope.

The several motions to lay on the table the question of reconsidering the votes by which each of the resolutions of the majority had been adopted, were then put and carried in the affirmative, and the several delegates who had been voted in were then admitted to seats.

VIRGINIA WITHDRAWS.

Mr. Russell, of Virginia.-If it be the pleasure of yourself, Mr. President and the Convention, I will now make the brief announcement of which I made mention this morning.

A PORTION OF MARYLAND WITHDRAWS. Mr. Johnson, of Maryland.—Mr. President, I am author ized by my colleagues to report the state of facts in regard

I will detain the Convention but a very brief time. I understand that the action of this Convention upon the various questions arising out of the reports from the Committee on Credentials has become final, complete and irrevocable. And it has become my duty now, by directo a portion of the Maryland delegation. Representing, tion of a large majority of the delegation from Virginia, respectfully to inform this body that it is inconsistent with their convictions of duty to participate longer in its deliberations. (Loud applause in the Convention and in the galleries, with loud cries from the galleries.)

The disorder continued for some minutes, after which Mr. Russell resumed-The delegates from Virginia, who participate in this movement, have come to the conclusion which I have announced, after long, mature and anxious deliberation, and after, in their judgment, having exhausted all honorable efforts to obviate this necessity. In addition to the facts which appear upon your record, I desire the attention of this body long enough only to state that it is ascertained that the delegations to which you, sir, under the order of this Convention, have just directed tickets to be issued-some of them at least and all of them whom we regard as the representatives of the Democracy of their States-will decline to join here in the deliberations of this body. For the rest, the reasons which impel us to take this important step will be rendered to those to whom only we are responsible, the Democracy of the Old Dominion. To you, sir, and to the body over which you preside, I have only to say in addition that we bid you a respectful adieu.

The portion of the delegation from Virginia which retired then left their seats and proceeded out of the Hall, shaking hands with members of various delegations as they passed along.

Mr. Moffatt, of Virginia-made a speech in defense of his course, and that of his colleagues

who remained in the Convention.

WITHDRAWAL OF NORTH CAROLINA.

Mr. Lander, of North Carolina.-Mr. President, painful as the duty is, it is, nevertheless, my duty to announce here, as a representative of the delegates from North CaroUna, that a very large majority of them are compelled to retire permanently from this Convention on account of the unjust action, as we conceive, that has this day been perpetrated upon some of our sovereign States and fellow citizens of the South. We of the South have heretofore

in part, a district in Maryland upon which the first blood of the irrepressible conflict was shed, a district which sent fifteen men in midwinter to the rescue of Philadelphia and New-Jersey, we are obliged now to take a step which dissolves our connection with you, and to bid you a final adieu. We have made all sacrifices for the grand old Democratic party, whose mission it has been to preserve the Constitution and to care for the Republic for more than sixty years, until it now seems as if you were going to substitute a man in the place of principle. (Calls to order.) I desire to be respectful. I desire to say that the action of the majority of the late Convention-a majority created by the operation of a technical unit rule imposed upon the Convention contrary to Democratic precedent and usage-States have been disfranchised, and districts deprived of their rights, until, in our opinion, it is no longer consistent with our honor or our rights, or the rights of our constituents, to remain here. Cherishing deeply and warmly the remembrance of the many gallant deeds you have done for us in times past, hoping that hereafter no occasion may ever occur to weaken this feeling, I now, on behalf of the representatives of Maryland, tell you that in all future time, and in all future contests, our lot is cast with the people of the South. Their God shall be our God, and their country our country. (Applause.)

Mr. Glass, of Virginia, declined any further participation in the proceedings of the Convention, but did not indorse the action of his colleagues in withdrawing.

Mr. Watterson, of Tennessee, declined to withdraw.

CALIFORNIA WITHDRAWS--AN EXCITEMENT. Mr. Smith, of California, said: While I cannot say with the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Jones) that my Democracy dates back to that time of which I have no re collection, yet I can say that it is unspotted as the vault of heaven. California is here with melancholy faceCalifornia is here with a lacerated heart, bleeding and weeping over the downfall and the destruction of the De

mocratic party. (Applause and laughter.) Yes, sir, the destruction of the Democratic party, consummated by assassins now grinning upon this floor. (Loud cries of " order," " order,” “put him out," and great confusion,) DELAWARE WITHDRAWS.

Mr. Saulsbury did not desire to occupy the attention of the Convention but for a moment. The delegates from his State had done all in their power to promote the harmony and unity of this Convention, and it was their purpose to continue to do so. I am, however, instructed by the delegation to announce that they desire to be excused from voting on any further ballots or votes, unless circumstances should alter this determination. It is our desire to be left free to act or not act, their desire being to leave the question open for the consideration of their constituents after their return home.

Mr. Steele, of North Carolina, briefly addressed the Convention, stating that he, for the present, at least, should not retire.

After explanations and debate, the motion "Shall the main question be now put," (to go into nomination of candidates for President and Vice-President) was carried, and the Convention adjourned.

KENTUCKY WITHDRAWS IN PART.

[blocks in formation]

Mr. Clark, of Missouri, announced as the reOn Saturday (234), Mr. Caldwell, of Kentucky, in be-sult of a consultation of a portion of the Mishalf of the delegation from that State, said:

The circumstances in which we (the Kentucky Delegation) are placed are exceedingly embarrassing, and we have not therefore been enabled to come to an entirely harmonious conclusion. The result is, however, that nine

of the delegates of Kentucky remain in the Convention,

(applause.) There are ten delegates who withdraw from

the Convention.

The exact character of their withdrawal is set forth in a single paragraph, with their names appended, which I desire the Secretary to read before I sit down. There are five others-completing the delegation-who desire for the present to suspend their connection with the action of this Convention. I will add here, that there may be no misunderstanding, that I myself am one of those five,

and we have also signed a short paper, which I shall also

ask the Secretary to read to the Convention.

I am requested by those who withdraw from the Convention, and by those who suspend their action for the present with the Convention, to say that it is their wish that their seats in this Convention shall not be filled or Occupied by any others; and that no one shall claim the right to cast their votes. The right of those remaining in the Convention to cast their individual vote, is not by us questioned in any degree. But we enter our protest against any one casting our vote.

I will ask the Secretary to read the papers I have indicated, and also one which a gentleman of our delegation has handed me, which he desires to be read. I ask that the three papers be read.

The first paper read was signed James G. Leach, the writer of which animadverted in rather strong terms upon the action of the Convention, in the matter of the admission and rejection of delegates from certain States. The communication was regarded as disrespectful to the Convention, and, on motion of Mr. Payne, of Ohio, it was returned to the writer. The Secretary then read the other two communications from the Kentucky delegation as follows: To the Hon. Caleb Cushing, President of the National Democratic Convention, assembled in the city of Baltimore:

The Democratic Convention for the State of Kentucky, held in the city of Frankfort, on the 9th day of January, 1860, among others, adopted the following resolution: Resolved, That we pledge the Democracy of Kentucky to an honest and industrious support of the nominee of the Charleston Convention.

Since the adoption of this resolution, and the assembling of this Convention, events have transpired not then contemplated, notwithstanding which we have labored diligently to preserve the harmony and unity of said Convention; but discord and disintegration have prevailed to such an extent that we feel that our efforts cannot accomplish this end.

souri delegation, that two of that delegation had decided to withdraw from the Convention.

Mr. Hill, of N. C., who had refused to retire with his colleagues on the previous day, now announced his intention of withdrawing.

Mr. Cessna, of Pennsylvania, called for the vote upon his resolution to proceed to nominate candidates for President and Vice-President.

MR. CUSHING RESIGNS THE CHAIR.

Mr. Cushing resigned his post as presiding officer, in a brief speech, and left the chair.

Gov. Tod, of Ohio, immediately assumed the chair, and was greeted with enthusiastic and hearty cheers. After order was restored, he said:

As the present presiding officer of this Convention by common consent of my brother Vice-Presidents, with great diffidence I assume the chair. When I announce to you that for thirty-four years I have stood up in that district so long misrepresented by Joshua R. Giddings, with the Democratic banner in my hand (applause), know that I shall receive the good wishes of this Convention, at least, for the discharge of the duties of the chair. If there are no privileged questions intervening, the Secretary will proceed with the call of the States.

MASSACHUSETTS DESIRES A HEARING.

Mr. Butler, of Mass., addressed the chair, and desired to present a protest. Objection was made by Mr. Cavanaugh, of Minnesota, and the States were called on the question of proceeding to a vote for President. When Massachusetts was called, Mr. Butler said: Mr. President, I have the instruction of a majority of the test. I will send it to the Chair to have it read. (Calls delegation from Massachusetts to present a written proto order.) And further, with your leave, I desire to say what I think will be pleasant to this Convention. First, that, while a majority of the delegation from Massachusetts do not purpose further to participate in the doings of this Convention, we desire to part, if we may, to meet you as friends and Democrats again. We desire to part in the same spirit of manly courtesy with which we came together. Therefore, if you will allow me, instead of reading to you a long document, I will state, within parliamentary usage, exactly the reasons why we take the step we do.

Thanking the Convention for their courtesy, allow me to say that though we have protested against the action of this body excluding the delegates, although we are not satisfied with that action

We have not discussed the question, Mr. President, whether the action of the Convention, in excluding certain delegates, could be any reason for withdrawal. We Therefore, without intending to vacate our seats, or to now put our withdrawal before you, upon the simple Join or participate in any other Convention or organiza- ground, among others, that there has been a withdrawal tion in this city, and with the intention of again co-in part of a majority of the States, and further (and that, operating with this Convention, should its unity and perhaps, more personal to myself), upon the ground that harmony be restored by any future event, we now de- I will not sit in a Convention where the African slave

« ПредыдущаяПродолжить »