(Applause.) I am not in favor of breaking up this Gov. | buy better negroes for $50 apiece. (Great laughter.) ernment upon an impracticable issue, upon a mere Now, unquestionably, it is to the interest of Virginia to theory. I believe that this doctrine of protection to break down the African slave-trade when she can sen @lavery in the Territories is a mere theory, a mere ab- her negroes at $2,000. She knows that the African slave straction. (Applause.) Practically, it can be of no con. trade would break up her monopoly, and hence her obe sequence to the South, for the reason that the infant has jection to it. If any of you Northern Democrats-for 1 been strangled before it was born. (Laughter.) You have more faith in you than I have in the Carpet-Knighi have cut
off the supply of slaves ; you have crippled the Democracy of the south-will go home with me to my institution of Slavery in the States by your unjust laws, i plantation in Georgia, but a little way from here, I will and it is mere folly and madness now to ask for protec- show you some darkies that I bought in Maryland, some tion for a nonentity, for a thing which is not there. We that I bought in Virginia, some in Delaware, some in have no slaves to carry to these Territories. We can Florida, some in North Carolina, and I will also shory never make another Slave State with our present supply you the pure African, the noblest Roman of them all of slaves. But if we could, it would not be wise, for the (Great laughter.) Now, Fellow-Democrats, my feeble reason, that if you make another Slave State from our health and failing voice, admonish me to bring the fev new Territories with the present supply of slaves, you remarks I have to make to a close. (Cries of " Go on will be obliged to give up another State, either Maryland, go on.") I am only sorry that I am not in a better con Delaware, or Virginia, to Free Soil upon the North. dition than I am to vindicate before you to-day the Now, I would deal with this question, fellow-Democrats, words of truth, of honesty, and of right, and to shov as a practical one. When I can see no possible practical you the gross inconsistencies of the South in this regard good to result to the country from demanding legislation I came from the First Congressional District of the State upon this theory, I am not prepared to disintegrate and of Georgia. I represent the African Slave-trade inter dismember the great Democratic party of this Union. I ests of that section. (Applause.) I am proud of the believe that the hopes of this country depend upon the position I occupy in that respect. I believe that the maintenance of the great Democratic party North. It African slave-trader is a true missionary, and a true is no trouble for a man to be a saint in Heaven.
Christian (applause), and I have pleaded with my dele When the devil was sick,
gation from Georgia to put this issue squarely to the The devil a monk would be:
Northern Democracy, and say to them, Are you pre The devil got well,
pared to go back to first principles, and take off your But devil a monk was he."
(Great laughter.) unconstitutional restrictions, and leave this question to
be settled by each State? Now do this, fellow-citizens, We, the Democracy of the South, are mere carpet- and you will have peace in the country. But so long as knights. It is no trouble for us to be Democrats. (Ap- your Federal Legislature takes jurisdiction of this ques plause and laughter.) When I look to the Northern tion, so long will there be war, so long will there be illDemocrats, I see them standing up there and breasting blood, so long will there be strife, until this glorious the tide of fanaticism, oppression, wrong, and slander, Union of ours shall be disrupted and go out in blood with which they have to contend. I view in these men and night forever. 1 advocate the repeal of the laws types of the old ancient Romans; I view in them all that prohibiting the African Slave-trade, because I believe it is patriotic and noble; and, for one, I am not willing to to be the true Union movement. I do not believe that cut loose from them. (Great cheering.) I say, then, sections whose interests are so different as the Southern that I will hold on to my Democratic friends of the and Northern States can ever stand the shocks of fanatiNorth to the last day of the week-late in the evening. cism, unless they be equally balanced. I believe by re(Great laughter.) I am not willing to present to them a opening this trade, and giving us negroes to populate the half issue of this sort. I am not willing to disintegrate, Territories, that the equilibrium of the two sections will dismember, and turn them over to the ruthless hands of be maintained. But if the South lies supinely by, and the thieving Black Republicans of the North. I would allows the people of the North to people all the Terriask my friends of the South to come up in a proper tories, until we come to be a hopeless fraction in the spirit, ask our Northern friends to give us all our rights, Government, then that gallant band of Democrats North and take off the ruthless restrictions which cut off the may in vain attempt to stay the torrent that will roll supply of slaves from foreign lands. As a matter of down upon us. It will not be in your power to do it. It right and justice to the South, I would ask the Democracy should be the object of the South now to say to the North: of the North to grant us this thing, and I believe they Let us have all our rights in this matter; let us take off have the patriotism and honesty to do it, because it is these restrictions against the African Slave-trade, and right in itself. I tell you, fellow-Democrats, that the leave it to each State to settle for itself. Then we would African Slave-trader is the true Union man. (Cheers and want no protection, and then I would be willing to let laughter.) I tell you that the Slave-trading of Virginia you have as much Squatter Sovereignty as you wish is more immoral, more unchristian in every possible Give us an equal chance, and I tell you the institution point of view, than that African Slave-trade which goes of Slavery will take care of itself. We will give you all to Africa and brings a heathen and worthless man here, the Squatter Sovereignty that the North can desire, Mr. makes him a useful man, Christianizes him, and sends Douglas, or anybody else, if you will take off the unconhim and his posterity down the stream of time to join in stitutional restrictions on the Slave-trade and let the the blessings of civilization, (Cheers and laughter.) negroes come. Then, gentlemen, we should proceed Now, fellow-Democrats, so far as any public expression harmoniously, go on to prosper and prospering, until of the State of Virginia—the great Slave-trading State the last trump of God should sound; until time was of Virginia-has been given, they are all opposed to the merged in the ocean of eternity. (Applause.) I say, African Slavet-rade.
Fellow-Democrats, that I remained here because I have Dr. Reed of Indiana.-I am from Indiana, and I am in great faith in the Northern Democracy. If I am forced favor of it.
to part with you, it will be with a bleeding heart. I Mr. Gaulden-Now, gentlemen, we are told, upon know not exactly what position I occupy here (laugh high authority, that there is a certain class of men who ter), for the majority of my delegation have voted to strain at a gnat and swallow a camel. Now, Virginia, secede. We came here instructed to vote as a unit which authorizes the buying of Christian men, separat. Whether the minority are bound to go out with the ing them from their wives and children, from all the re- majority is a question which I have not yet fully deter lations and associations amid whom they have lived for mined in my own mind, but at any rate, I told them this years, rolls up her eyes in holy horror when I would go to morning, and I tell them now, I will not go out yet; ! Africa, buy a savage, and introduce him to the blessings intend to stay here; I intend to hold on to the great of civilization and Christianity. (Cheers and laughter.) Democratic Party of the Union so long as I can consiste
Mr. Rynders of N. Y.-You can get one or two re- ently with honor and propriety, for I believe that if we cruits from New-York to join with you.
break up in a row here, and the Democratic Party of The President.-The time of the gentleman has ex- the country is destroyed, this Union falls as certainly as ptred. (Cries of "Go on! Go on!")
the sun rises and sets. I warn you, seceders, if your The President-stated that if it was the unanimous action here to-day should have the effect of dismember. wish of the Convention, the gentleman could proceed. ing and destroying the great Democratic Party of the
Mr. Gaulden.-Now, Fellow-Democrats, the slave- North, that you destroy this Government beyond ali trade in Virginia forms a mighty and pow orful reason question (applause); and the Union falls, and falls for for its opposition to the African slave-trad., and in this ever! Now, I am not a disunionist. I love this Union remark I do not intend any disrespect to my friends for the memories of the past and for the hopes of the from Virginia. Virginia, the Mother of States and of future. (Applause.). The blood of my ancestors was statesmen, the Mother of Presidents, I apprehend may poured out around this city and throughout the South to err as well as other mortals. I am afraid that her error rear aloft the proud banner of our glorious Union. I, as in this regard lies in the promptings of the almighty dol. an humble descendant of theirs, feel bound to maintain lar. It has been my fortune to go into that noble old this Union and the Constitution so long, and no longer State to buy a few darkies, and I have had to pay from than I can do it honorably and justly to myself and my $1,000 to $2,000 a head, when I could go to Africa and I country. But I do not yet despair of the Republic. Epe
Jeff. Davis.
B Donglas.
* Lane.
tertaining, as I do, such profound respect, nay, almost On the 3d of May, and the 10th day of the Veneration for the justice of the Democracy of the North, I will yet stand by you for a time. I will do ali session, Mr. Russell, of Virginia, offered the that in me lies to heal these differences. I trust that the following: result of our deliberations will be the nomination of
Resolood, That when this Convention adjourns to-day such a man as will give peace to the country and suc. cess to the great Democratic National Party of tbe
it adjourn to re-assemble at Baltimore, Md., on Monday Union. (Great applause.)
the 18th day of Jupe, and that it be respectfully recom
mended to the Democratic party of the several States te The Convention having decided to proceed to make provision for supplying all vacancies in their reballot for President, at 4 P.M., Wm. Howard, spective delegations to this Convention when it shall re
assemble. (Applause.) of Tennessee, moved that two-thirds (202) of a full Convention (303) be required to nominate, After the failure of attempts to change the which, after m'ich discussion and confusion, was place of meeting to New-York, Philadelphia, adopted—141 10 112—as follows:
etc., and also to change the time to a later peYeas:-Maloe, 8; Massachusetts, 81; Connecticut, 21; riod, the resolve was adopted-195 to 55-as New-York, 35; New-Jereey, 57; Pennsylvania, 173; Dela- follows: ware, 2; Maryland, 6; Virginia, 15; North Carolina, 10; South Carolina, 1; Missouri, hi; l'ennessee, 11; Ken- Yeas:-Maine, 5; New Hampshire, 5; Vermont, 5; tacky, 11 ; Minnesota, 14; California, 4; Oregon, 8–141. Massachusetts, 10; Rhode Island, 4; Connecticut, 6; New
Nays :-Maine, 5; New Hampshire, 6; Vermont, 6; York, 35; New-Jersey, 2; Pennsylvania, 233; Maryland, Massachusetts, 41; Rhode Island, 4; Connecticut, 81; 5; Virginia, 141; Arkansas, 1; Missouri, 6; Tennessee, New-Jersey, 11 ; Pennsylvania, 91; Maryland, 2; Ar 7; Ohio, 28; Indiana, 13; Illinois, 11 ; Michigan, 6; Wiskansas, 1; Missouri, 41; Tennessee, 1; Kentucky, 1; consin, 3; Iowa 4, Minnesota, 4; California 3–195. Ohio, 23; Indiana, 13; Illinois, 11; Michigan, 6; Wis: Nays:-Maine, 3; Connecticut, 3; New Jersey, 5; consin, 5; Iowa, 4; Minnesota, 21-112.
Pennsylvania, 8; Maryland, 3 ; Virginia, t; North-Caro. Candidates were put in nomination, and the lina, 14, Missouri, 8; fl'ennessee, 5; Kentucky, 2–35. Convention proceeded to ballot, as follows: Gen. Cushing. the President, made a brief
speech, and the Convention adjourned to meet agaiu in Baltimore, on the 18th of June suo. ceeding.
SECEDERS. 1st Ballot 1451 35
The retiring delegates met at St. Andrew's 2.
Hall, and were waited on with manifestations of
42 86 6+ 12
4.,
149 371 414 5 12 6
sympathy by a portion of the Wood Delegation, 6. 149} 877 41 12 6
from New-York, who, however, were not in. 6. 1494 394 41 12
vited or admitted to seats. The seceders or 7
334 41 4 11 6 1
1544 334 404 4 11
ganized by the appointment of Senator James 9
A. Bayard, of Delaware, as Chairman, and, after 10.
1504 393 39 12 51 1} 11.
much animated discussion, adopted the follow1504 393 88 4
6} 12. 150 394 38 4 12 6
ing Platform: 18 1494 394 281 1 12 20
Resoloed, That the Platform adopted by the Demo. 14. 150
cratic party at Cincinnati be affirmed, with the following 150 411 261 12
explanatory Resolutions : 16. 150 42 26 12 201
First, That the Government of a Territory organized 17. 150 42 26 12 207
by an act of Congress, is provisional and temporary; 18. 150 414 26 1 12
and, during its existence, all citizens of the United States 19. 150 411 26 1 12
have an equal right to settle with their property in the 20 150 42 26 12 204
Territory without their rights, either of person or pro21 1504 411 26 12 207
perty, being destroyed or impaired by Congressional or 22 1504 411 26 12 204
Territorial Legislation. 23. 152 41 25 12 197
Second, That it is the duty of the Federal Government, 24. 1513 414 25 11 12 1:*
in all its departments, to protect when necessary the 25. 1514 411 25 11 12 19+
rights of persons and property in the Territories, and 26. 1511 414 25 12 12 9
wherever else its Constitutional authority extends. 27
424 25 12 12 8
Third, That when the settlers in a Territory having 28. 1511 42 25 12; 12 8
an adequate population form a State Constitution in 29 1513 42 25 18 12
pursuance of law, the right of sovereignty commences, 80 1513 25 18 11 bj
and, being consummated by admission into the Union, 81 471 824 3 11 51
they stand on an equal footing with the people of other 1527 471 224 8 11 57
States; and the State thus organized ought to be admite 83. 1524 47; 22; 11 141
ted into the Federal Union, whether its Constitution pro87. 1527 471 221 5 11
hibits or recognizes the institution of Slavery. 85. 152 47] 22 41 12
Fourth, That the Democratic party are in favor of the 86 1511 48 22 41 12
acquisition of the Island of Cuba, on such terms as shall 87
12} 1}
be honorable to ourselves and just to Spain, at the 88. 1511 66 16 57
earliest practicable moment. 89 1517 664 16 51 12:
Fifth, That the enactments of State Legislatures to 40 661 16 51 12}
defeat the faithful execution of the Fugitive Slave Law, 1511 664 16 51 12}
are hostile in character, subversive of the Constitution, 42 1511 664 16
and revolutionary in their effect. 43 1513 653 16
Sixth, That the Democracy of the United States re1513 651 16
cognize it as the imperative duty of this Government to 45
protect the naturalized citizen in all his rights, whether 651 16
at home or in foreign lands, to the same extent as its 47 651 16
native-born citizens. 48
Whereas, one of the greatest necessities of the age, in 49
a Political, Commercial, Postal and Military point of 151 651 16
view, is a speedy communication between the Pacific and B1 151 654 16 4
Atlantic coasts. Therefore, be it
Resoloed, That the Democratic party do hereby pledge 88. The questionpli 651 16
themselves to use every means in their power to secure Nemand for $11511 61 204 2 16 1
the passage of some bill to the extent of the Constitutional 654 16
authority of Congress for the construction of a Pacific 55. The Presi. 151} 651 16
Railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean, B7..
at the earliest practicable mcmaat.
Toucey.
II - F. Pierce.
A A A O Tom Dickinson.
1513 151}
52. me
AAAOA
may call
After talking for four days, the Seceders' Con- business, as they now come up for cosasideration before vention adjourned to meet in Richmond, Vir- yon
Prior to the adjournment of the Cordvention, two princk ginia, on the second Monday in June. Dele- pal subjects of action were before in One, the adoption gates were present from the following States : 1 of the doctrinal resolutions constituting the platform of Alabama, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Louisiana, the Conventior; the other, voting upon the question of
the nomination of a candidate for the Presidency. Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina,
In the course of the discussion on the adoption of a Virginia, Delaware.
platform, the Convention adopted a vote, the effect of which was to amend the report of the majority of the
Committee on Platform by substituting the report of the THE SECEDERS AT RICHMOND.
minority of that Committee; and after he adoption of
that motion, and the substitution of the minority for the According to adjournmentthe Seceding several resolutions constituting that platform, being five
majority report, a division was calle 1 for upon the delegates met at Richmond, Va., on the 11th in number. The 1st, 3d, 4th and 5th of those resolutions June. Delegates were present from Alabama, were adopted by the Convention, and the 2d was rejected. Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, of those resolutions, a motion wae made in each case to
After the vote on the adoption of the 1st, 3d, 4th and 5th South Carolina, Florida, 2d Congressional Dis- reconsider the vote, and to lay that motion of reconsidtrict of Tennessee, and the 7th Electoral District eration upon the table. But neither of those motions to of Virginia. The Hon. John Erwin, of Alabama, reconsider or to lay on the table was put, the putting of
those motions having been prevented by the intervention was chosen President, with several Vice-Presi- of questions of privilege, and the ultimate vote competent dents and Secretaries. The Convention adopted in such case, to wit, on the adoption of the report of the the following resolutions, and on the 12th, at majority as amended by the report of the minority, had
not been acted upon by the Convention. So that at the 12 o'clock, adjourned:
time when the Convention adjourned there remained Resoloed, That as the delegation from States repre. The resolutions constituting the platform, and the ulterior
pending before it these motions, to wit; To reconsidersented in this Convention are assembled upon the basis of the platform recommended by a majority of the States question of adopting the majority as amended by the at Charleston, which we indorse, we deem it unnecessary those only, as the Chair understood the motions before
substitution of the minority report. Those questions, and to take any further action on the subject at the present the Convention, were not acted upon prior to the adjourn. time.
ment. Resoloed, That when this Convention adjourn it adjourn to meet in this city on Thursday, the 21st inst, privilege, a motion was made by Mr. McCook, of Ohio, to
After the disposition of the intervening questions of provided that the President of this Convention it together at an earlier or a later day, if it be deemed proceed to vote for candidates for President and Vice
President. Upon that motion, the Convention instructed necessary.
the Chair (not, as has been erroneously supposed, in the The Convention reassembled on the 21st ; recess of the Convention, the Chair determining for the
Convention, but the Convention instructing the Chair) to but, without doing any business, adjourned to
make no declaration of a nomination except upon a vote the following day, and so continued to meet and equivalent to two-thirds in the Electoral College of the adjourn, awaiting the action of the Convention United States, and upon that balloting, no such vote beBaltimore, till after the nomination of Breck-ing given, that order was, upon the motion of the gentle
man from Virginia (Mr. Russell), laid on the table, for the inridge and Lane; when such of the Delegates purpose of enabling him to propose a motion, which he as had not joined the Seceders in Baltimore, subsequently did, that the Convention adjourn from the adopted the candidates and platform of the city of Charleston to the city of Baltimore, and with &
provision concerning the filling of vacancies embraced in Breckinridge party, and adjourned sine die.
the same resolution, which resolution the Secretary will please read.
The Secretary read the resolution as follows: THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONVEN- adjourn to reassemble at Baltimore, Md., on Monday, the 18th
Resolved, That when this Convention adjourns to-day, it TION AT BALTIMORE.
day of June, and that it be respectfully recommended to the
Democratic party of the several States, to make provision for In accordance with the adjournment at supplying al vacancies in their respective delegates to this
Convention when it shall Charleston, the National Democratic Convention The President.-- The Convention will thus perceive that reassembled at Baltimore, on Monday the 18th the order adopted by it provided, among other things, June, and held their sessions in the Front street party of the several states to make provisions for supo
that it is respectfully recommended to the Democratic theatre.
plying all vacancies in their respectives delegation to this
Convention when it shall reassemble. What is the con. At eleven o'clock, President Cushing, who appeared on struction of that resolution ?-what is the scope of its a yothe platform, but did not take the chair, directed the Se.plication ?-is a question not for the Chair to determine cretary to call the roll of States in order to ascertain if the delegates were present.
or to suggest to the Convention, but for the Conventido
itself to determine. On the calling of the roll, the following States were found to be fully represented : Maine, New Hampshire, for the present assembling of this Convention, there were
However that may be, in the preparatory arrangements Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New-York, New-addressed to the Chair the credentials of members elected, Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Missouri, or purporting to be elected, affirmed and confirmed to Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Min. the original Conventions and accredited to this Conve nesota, California, Oregon.
tion. Connecticut was represented in part, there being some dentials were authentic and complete, presenting to
In three of those cases, or perhaps four, the crge. misunderstanding as to the hour of meeting, which had question of controverting delegates. In four others, to been fixed at 10 o'clock, Two delegates were present from Delaware.
wit—the States of Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana and Delse
warem-there were contesting applications. Upon thcause When the State of South Carolina was called, the Chair applications the Chair was called to determine
whether directed that only those States be called which were it possessed any power to determine prima facie meinn, present at the adjournment of the Convention at Charles bership of this Convention. That question was presented ton, consequently South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, in its most absolute and complete form in the case if Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas and Texas, Mississippi, where there was no contest either througrsh were not called.
irregularity of form or of competing delegations, and begin In consequence of a misapprehension as to the time, the also in the cases of Florida, Texas and Arkansas. President delayed calling the Convention to order till 12 those four States, there being an apparent authentiwa ity o'clock, when he took the chair and said : GENTLEMEN OF THE CONVENTION : Permit me, in the first the naked, abstract question whether he lus Union. I, & per
of commission, the Chair was called uprout ...deterth teine place, to congratulate you upon your being reassembled emptorily and preliminarily, to determine th d to maintaidois here for the discharge of your important duties in the membership of alleged members of this Conrad no longe Tho interests of the Democratic party of the United States ; Chair would gladly have satisfied himself that.alf and mythis and I beg leave, in the second place, to communicate to power, but upon examining the source of ....ublic. Ezek, to the Convention the state of the various branches of its
wit-the rules of the House of Representatives-- he was Mr. Richardson, of Ill., doubted the ancouncement, unable to discern that he had any authority, even and asked that the vote be taken by States, which was prima facie, to scrutinize and canvass credentials, ordered. although they were such as, upon their face, were free Mr. Brodhead, of Pa., stated that Mr. Church was from contest or controversy either of form or of substance, willing to withdraw his call for the previous question. and therefore he deemed it his duty to reserve the deter- The Chair decided that it was too late. mination of that question to be submitted to the Conven- Mr. Saulsbury, of Delaware, moved a recess to 4 P.M. tion. And in due time the Chair will present that ques. Lost: 784 to 1781. tion as one of privilege to this body.
Mr. Howard, of Tennessee.-I hold in my hand a respecto Gentlemen, the Convention is now in order for the ful communication from one of the States of this Union, transaction of business.
Mississippi, not now represented upon this floor, addressed
to the President of this Convention. I desire that it be The Address of the President was delivered read for the information of the Convention. in a clear, loud voice, with much emphasis, and The President.-It can only be done by common consent, was listened to with close attention. The state- as the seconding the demand for the previous question is
now pending. ment of the position in which the business was Cries of " object," "object," from various quarters. left at the time of the adjournment at Charles- The President Objection being made to reading this ton, created an evident sensation, inasmuch as it cominunication, the Secretary will proceed to call the roll indicated that, according to the opinion of the
of States upon the seconding the demand for the previous
question. Chair, the platform question, as well as the re- The question being then taken by States upon secondsolution declaring that a vote equal to two-thirds ing the demand for the previous question, it was not of the full electoral college to be necessary to
agreed to.
YEAS.-Maine, 6; New Hampshire, 5; Vermont, 4); the nomination of a candidate for the Presi- Massachusetts, 4; Connecticut, 31; New-Jersey, 21 ; Penn: dency, were each in a position to be again sylvania, 91; Maryland, 2; Missouri, 21; Tennessee, 8; brought up for the action of the Convention.
Kentucky, 14; Ohio, 23 ; Indiana, 18 , Illinois, 11 ; Michi. gan, 6; Wisconsin, 5; Iowa, 4; Minnesota, 27-1081.
NAYS.--Maine, 2; Vermont, t; Massachusetts, 8t; ADMISSION OF DELEGATES.
Rhode Island, 4; Connecticut, 2-one absent; New-York, Mr. Howard, of Tennessee, offered the following 35; New-Jersey, 47; Pennsylvania, 164; Delaware, 2; resolution :
Maryland, 6; Virginia, 15; North Carolina, 10; Arkansas, Resolved, that the President of this Convention direct 1; Missouri, 64; Tennessee, 8; Kentucky, 101; Minne the Sergeant-at-Arns to issue tickets of admission to the sota, 11 ; California, 4; Oregon, 3-140}. delegates of the Convention as originally constituted and On calling the roll, the New-York delegation asked perorganized at Charleston.
mission to retire for consultation, and during the interim Mr. Cavanaugh, of Minnesota, moved to lay the reso- there was an entire cessation of business. The vote of the lution on the table, and upon that motion called for a State as a unit was finally rendered against the call for the vote by States; but by request withdrew his motion to previous question. permit Mr. Sanford E. Church, of N. Y., to offer the fol- The question was then stated to be upon the amendment lowing, which was read for the information of the Con- to the amendment. vention and created much excitement :
Mr. Gilmor, of Pennsylvania, offered the following Resoloed, That the credentials of all persons claiming amendment to Mr. Church's resolution: seats in this Convention made vacant by the secession Resolved, That the President of the Convention be diof delegates at Charleston be referred to the Committee rected to issue tickets of admission to seats in the Convenon Credentials, and said Committee is hereby instructed, tion, to the delegates from the States of Texas, Florida, as soon as practicable, to examine the same and report Mississippi, and Arkansas, in which States there are no the names of persons entitled to such seats, with the contesting delegations. district-understanding, however, that every person ac- Without taking a vote on Mr. Gilmor's resolution, the cepting a seat in this Convention is bound in honor and Convention, on motion of Mr. Randall, of Pa., took a regood faith to abide by the action of this Convention and cess till 5 P.M. support its nominations.
When the Convention reassembled, the President said: After a running debate on questions of order, amendment moved by Mr. Gilmor, of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Randall, of Pennsylvania, has the floor upon an in which Messrs. Cochrane, of N. Y., Saulsbury, Before proceeding in the debate, the Chair begs leave to of Del., Clark, of Mo., Montgomery, of Pa., state to the Convention that he has had placed in his hands Cavanaugh, of Min., and the Chair participated. tion, from the States of Delaware, Georgia, Alabama, Flo
the credentials of gentlemen claiming seats in the ConvenMr. Church moved his resolution as an amendment to rida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas, includ. that offered by Mr. Howard, and upon that he called for ing in that enumeration the letter presented to the Conthe previous question.
vention, in his place, by Mr. Howard, of Tennessee, in beMessrs. Gilmor and Randall rose to debate the ques- half of the gentlemen claiming seats from the State of tion, but the Chair ruled debate not in order.
Mississippi, and in addition to that, there has been adMr. Avery, of North Carolina.-I call for a division of dressed to the Chair, a communication from Mr. Chaffee, the question, so that the first question shall be upon claiming a seat from the State of Massachusetts. The Chair referring those credentials to the Committee, and the deems it his duty to communicate the fact to the Convensecond question upon the proposition to initiate test- tion that those several documents have been placed in his oaths in the Democratic Convention. [Applause.] bands, to be presented at the proper time to the considera
The Chair could not entertain such a proposition at tion of the Convention. that time, as the previous question had been demanded. Mr. Gilmor, of Pennsylvania.—I have made a small adThe question was-Would the Convention second the dition to the amendment I offered this morning to the demand for the previous question ?
amendment of the gentleman from New-York (Mr. Church), Mr. Russell, of Va.--I ask that this Convention will for the purpose of covering the cases mentioned by the allow me to make a friendly, candid and sincere appeal Chair just now. to the gentleman who made the call for the previous The amendment, as modified, was read as follows: question (Mr. Church, of New-York) to withdraw his Resowed, That the President of the Convention be aucall.
thorized to issue tickets of admission to seats in this conThe President.—The Chair has no authority over that vention, to the delegates from the States of Arkansas, question.
Texas, Florida, and Mississippi, in which States there are Mr. Russell.-I ask the Chair to appeal to the gentle- no contesting delegations, and that in those States, to wit: man to allow fair play in this Convention.
Delaware, Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana, where there Mr. Stuart, of Mich.-I insist that the Chair preserve are contesting delegations, a Committee on Credentials order.
shall be appointed, by the several delegations, to report The President.-The gentleman from Virginia (Mr. upon said States. Russell) is not in order.
After discussing points of order, Mr. Clark, of Missouri, Mr. Russell.-If we are to be constrained to silence, I offered a substitute for Mr. Gilmor's amendment, which beg gentlemen to consider the silence of Virginia as was read for the information of the Convention, as fol somewhat ominous. (Applause and hisses.)
lows: The question was stated to be upon seconding the Strike out the proviso in the amendment of Mr. Church, demand for the previous question. Being taken vioa of New-York, and add the following: Doce,
Resolved, That the citizens of the several States of the The President stated that the noes appeared to have it. | Union have an equal right to settle and remain in the Ter.
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 Perry, 8. C.; James B. Steadman, Ohio; W. H, Carrol property; and that this Convention recognizes the opinion Tenn. ; 8. A. Hall, Ind. ; W. J.'Allen, Ill. ; John M. of the Supreme Court of the United States in the Dred Krum, Mo., Benj. Follet, Mich.; D. 0. Finch, Iows; Scott case, as a true exposition of the Constitution in re- E. H. Smith, Wis. ; H. H. Sibley, Minn.; J. H. Beverly, gard to the rights of the citizens of the several States and i Del. ; Isaac J. Stevens, Oregon ; G. H. Morrow, Ken Territories of the United States, upon all subjects concern- | tucky; D. S. Gregory, Cal. lng which it treats; and that the members of this Conven- A paper was presented from Mr. O'Fallon, of Missouri, tion pledge themselves, and require all others who may be who had acted at Charleston in the place of one of the authorized as delegates to make the same pledge, to sup- regularly appointed delegates from that State, but had port the Democratic candidates, fairly and in good faith, been refused a ticket in Baltimore, asking admission.nominated by this Convention according to the usages of His case was referred to the Committee on Credentials. the tional Democratic Party.
The memorial of the contesting delegates from Arkan. Mr. Randall then took the floor and opposed the amend. sas was also presented, and was handed to the Commit ment of Mr. Church, and favored that of Mr. Gilmor. tee on Credentials. And the Committee took a recess
The amendment of the gentleman from New York imtill 5 P.M., at which time it reassembled, but, the Composes a condition upon the returning members of the mittee on Credentials not being ready to report, the several states that seceded at Charleston. I deny the Convention, without transacting any business, adjourned power of the Convention to impose any such condition. to 10 o'clock the following day, 20th. The right of their constituents is unqualified and The Convention met at the usual hour, on beyond the power of this Convention, to send their representatives to this body without condition and without Wednesday, the 20th, but, in consequence of tho limitation. (Applause and hisses). It is an interference delay of the Committee on Credentials in reportwith the right of the constituents of seven seceding ing, no business was transacted. States to impose any qualification upon their representatives in this body. I deny its equity or its justice. We
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS. 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 Credentials presented their report, or rather re
On Thursday, the 21st, the Committee on limitation or condition. (Applause.) What justice in Imposing upon others the condition that they shall come ports, for there were three; the majority report in here as slaves, with the bands and the iron fetters being presented by Mr. Krum, of Missouri, as about them, with no right to exercise their judgment or follows: their patriotism, except as the majority of this body may choose to indicate? I deny the power or the right. 1st. Resolved, That George H. Gordon, E. Barksdale, The proposition has been put in the least offensive W. F. Barry, H. C. Chambers, Jos. R. Davis, Beverly Mat shape.
thew, Charles Clarke, W. L. Featherston, P. F. Slidell, It is said in the amendment that it is " understood." C. G. Armistead, W. H. Avaunt, and T. J. Hucston, are Understood ! an apology for the broad declaration of a entitled to seats in this Convention as delegates from the naked invasion of the rights of freemen, Not that the State of Mississippi. members of this body thus admitted have denied the 2d. Resolved, That Pierre Soulé, F. Cotterman, R. C. right, but it is understood that they are pledged to do Wickliffe, Michael Ryan, Maunsell 'White, Charles Bienwhat other members are not pledged to do—to conform venala, Gustav Lenroy, J. C. Morse, A. Š. Heron, N. D. to the decision of the majority. Mr. President and gen- Colburn, J. N. T. Richardson and J. L.Walker are entitled tlemen, I invoke you to look at the injustice of every to seats in this Convention as delegates from the State of such qualification—a qualification which no honorable Louisiana. man, except under very peculiar circumstances, could 8d. Resoloed, That R. W. Johnson, T. C. Hindman, J. ever submit to; a qualification which it is known that P. Johnson, Henry Carroll, J. Gould, and John A. Jor. the representatives of these seven seceding States will dan, be entitled to seats as Delegates from the State of never submit to. (Applause and hisses.) But, Mr. Pre- Arkansas, with power to cast troo votes, and that Thomas sident and brethren of the great Democratic family, H. Bradley, M. Hooper, and D. C. Cross be also admitted who are now contending for the success of the Demo to seats as delegates from the same State, with power to cratic cause, I ask you to halt, not simply upon the cast one vote; and, in case either portion of said deleground of right and justice, but of policy. Not a mem- gates shall refuse or neglect to take their said seats and ber of this body but knows that the representatives of to cast their said votes, the other portion of said delethose States will not give any such pledge (applause gates taking seats in this Convention shall be entitled to and hisses); that it is tantamount to a declaration of cast the entire three votes of said State. secession from the body. (Applause and hisses.)
4th. Resoloed, That J. M. Bryan, F. R. Lubbock, F. S. The debate was continued by Messrs. Richardson, of Stockdale, E. Green, H. R. Runnels, Wm. B. Ochiltree, Ill., Cochrane, of N. Y., Montgomery, of Pa., Merrick, M. W. Carey, Wm. H. Parrows, R, Ward, J. F. Crosby, B. of Ill., King, of Mo., and West of Ct., against Mr. Gil Burrows, and V. 1. Manning are entitled to seats from moris' amendment, and by Messrs. Russell, of Va., Texas. Ewing, of Tenn., Loring, of Mass., Hunter, of Mo., 5th. Resoloed, That James A. Bayard and William G. Avery, of N. C., and Atkins, of Tenn., in favor. At last, Whiteley are entitled to seats from the county of New Mr. Atkins moved the previous question, which was sus. Castle, Del. tained, 233 to 181, and the Convention adjourned till 6th. Resoloed, That K. S. Chaffee, who was duly admitTuesday morning.
ted at Charleston as a delegate from the fifth congressOn the reassembling of the Convention, Mr. Church ional district of Massachusetts, is still entitled to said seat asked and obtained unanimous consent to make a pro- in this Convention, and that B. F. Hallett, who has asposition which he thought would produce harmony. `He sumed said seat, is not entitled thereto. said:
7th. Resoloed, That John O'Fallon, who was duly adUpon consultation with the gentleman (Mr. Gilmor;, mitted at Charleston as a delegate from the eighth electowho moved that amendment to my amendment, we ral district of Missouri, is still entitled to said seat in this have agreed, if it meets the approbation of this Conven- Convention, and that Johnson B. Gardy, who has astion, for the purpose of harmonizing the action of this sumed said seat, is not entitled thereto. Convention, to an arrangement alike honorable to both 8th. Resolved, That R. A. Baker, D. C. Humphrey, sides, and which, if carried out, will terminate the con- John Forsyth, Wm. Jewett, I. I. Seibles, S. 6. Posey, troversy as to pending questions. The proposition which L. E. Parsons, Joseph C. Bradley, Thomas B. Cooper, has been made and accepted is simply this: The gentle James Williams, C. H. Brynan, Daniel W. Weakley, man from Pennsylvania (Mr. Gilmor) is to withdraw his L. M. B. Martyr, John W. Howard, W. R. R. Wyatt, B. amendment to my amendment, and then I am to with Hanson, Thos. M. Matthews, and Norbert M. Lord are endraw the latter part of my resolutions, leaving only a titled to seats in the Convention as delegates from the simple resolution of reference to the Committee on Cre- State of Alabama. dentials. (Applause).
9th, Resolved, That the delegation from the State of This proposition was accepted, and the resolution, as Georgia, of which H. L. Benning is chairman, be adthus amended, was adopted without a division. Vacan. mitted to seats in the Convention, with power to cast one cies in the Committee on Credentials were filled, and the half of the vote of said State, and that the delegation committee, as now constituted, consisted of the following from said State, of which Col. Gardner is chairman, be gentlemen :
also admitted to the Convention, with power to cast oneC. D. Jameson, Me.; A. P. Hughes, N, H.; Stephen half of the vote of said State ; and if either of said deloThomas, Vt.; Oliver Stevens, Mass. ; George H. Brown, gations refuse or neglect to cast the vote as above indi R. I. ; sames Gallagher, Conn.; Delos De Wolfe, N. Y.; cated, that in said case the delegates present in the Con. A. R. Spear, N. J.; H. M. Forth, Pa.; W. 8. Gittings, vention be authorized to cast the full vote of said Stato.