davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-03-02

In order to get rid of conventions Mr.. Van
Ness calls upon the masses of both portiea to
unite in the support ola common candidate. No
principles, he argues, prevent this; the Bank is
an obsolete idea Protection IL q seclional not a
party quesion--lnter improvements ditto
Texas annexation has passed and tho War ia
on hand and can't bO helped. Having thus sum-
marily disposed Of all matters of disagreement
on principle he urges all parties to unite on Gen,
TAYLOR, as man who has served his country
well, and one of unexceptionable character and
capacities Of higher ORDER TO be sure he is
a military offcer--hut that is not constitution,
al dsqualfcation--and MORE he quotes the Gen.
eral 10 prove that war "makes his heart sick,
causing him 20 feel like child" To be sure,
too, it is said that the General will make no dec
arntion of principles: but Mr.. Van Ness wants
no declaration will stick to the Consti-
tuition and Government and peope-und that ia
enough in his opinion
Such is a summary of the pamphlet The no.
tons about caucuses were just such as ours were
at the age of 81. We thought then that nobody
had right TO control our vote. Oh 10 free
man, independent &C. &c, &c-who had any
business to tamper with our privilege? Well
the first vote we ever gave was on our own hook;
two other men in this congressional district with-
out our knowledge, voted for our candidate, and
that was all, That candidate was a good man, Ia
majority of the people of Vermont hAye since
said SO by their votes j but after all, our mighty
VOTE independent and honest and well-deserving
as it was, just did no good at all towards advan-
cling our principles or sustaining the rights and
interests of the people. Since then, We have
generally thought it best to give up a little of Our
independence for the sake of securing as much
practical good as was attainable; and that, we
suspect is good common sense after all. Diver
si6ed as are the interests of the people of this
country, it is utterly impossible to elect any man
whose views will precisely tally with those Of a.
ny particular section. II therefore the utmost
attanable good is to be obtained it is necessary
for representatives OF the whole people to assem-
BILE and compare notes and sacrifice minor differ
ences ana agree upon the weghtier. When con-
ventions honestly and faithfully do this, they are
good-they ought to be respected. But we are
not for unconditional submission. Conventions
are to be held to their responsibility if not WISE
ly directed, they are to be denounced and resist
ed.
If ever there was time for the exercise of
,ciSdOm, it is now; if ever there was time when
uncise proceedings are to be rebuked, it will be
in the next Presidential election. But we pray
for wise action, and we expect it.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-03-02
ALETTER TO THE PUBLIC

Upon political parties, caucuses and conventions,
and the next Presidential Election, by CoRNE-
LIUs p. VAN Ness, of New York Washing
ton, d. c., printed at the National Wing Of
flee.
A pamphlet of seven pages, which is entitled
to our notice-lor the position which its able au-
thor long held in Vermont, if for no other rea-
son. Mr.. Van Ness has been in his day one of
the strongest of party men democrat, and yet
during the era Of good feelings" a iavorite of
many OF those who were formerly ranked among
the old Federalists; a supporter of Mr.. Adams,
and yet subsequently and suddenly Jackson
man, and in 1910 Van Buren, man, and loco
foco stump speech-maker in Vermont. He noto
opposes National Conventions, and advocates the
election OF GEN. TAYLOR according to the Ken
tuckian's rule-"by spontaneous combustion"
The purposes OF this pamphlet and Of others
which are to succeed it, are to establish the two
following propositions:
"First, that the people of the United States
ought TO exercise their right OF designating the
person whom they will have TO fill the highest Of
fee in the country; and secondly, that General
ZAcHERY TAYLOR Is the most fit and suitable
person tor their selection the next President"
Mr.. Van Ness first speaks ofthe origin of eau
cusses or conventions. Regarding caucuses as
but another illustration of the old truth that the
fel0 rule the many it is worth remarking that Mr.
Van Ness charges their origin to the Jehersonl-
an republicans of 1904. Washington, John Ad-
ans and Jefferson were elected without caucus
es but in 1904 Burr had lost the confidence OF
the party, and caucus of republican Members
of Congress was hoden-the first ever holden
and nominated George Clinton Of New York for
Vice President. In $685. ~ and 'l6, similar
caucuses nominated the Presidents, who were
elected. In lS20, MIR. Monroe was reelected
without nomination. In 1924 the caucus was
divided between Crawford Jackson, ]. Q. Adj
ans, Clay and Calhoun; Mr.. Crawford was stron-
gest. but the friends Of other candidates protest.
ed against caucus northumberland this was
the last of Congressional caucuses for noniina-
ton. The locofocos called the first national con-
psniion in 1886; and in 1899 the first Whig con-
venton was holden.
Mr.. Van Ness objects that Conventions place
the control of the government in the hands OF
few leading politicians, and that they do not pro-
duce men more worthy thigh station than would
The people if left to themselves. Indeed as
proof of the "complete fallacy of the conven-
ton system" he cites the nomination OF JAMES
X. Polk. A pretty hard hit at the Governors
iaie friends.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-03-02
RECEPTION OF HENRY CLAY
IN PHILADELPHIA.

The Boston Atlas says, L" all accounts agree in
representing the reception of Harry of the
West," at Philadelphia as one of the most en-
thusiastic oulpourings Of popular love and re-
gard ever witnessed in this country. The Wing
and Democratic papers both agree as to the num-
Der and enthusiasm of the people present, and
that the brilliancy of the reception has never
been eclipsed by any former demonstration in
that CITY, The Spirit of the Times Locofo6o,)
says, "To say that 100000 people were in the
streets along the line of the procession would be
moderate calculation" Mr.. Cay's progress
from Baltimore to Philadelphia was one continue
ed triumphal march. The people flocked from
all quarters, by thousands, to get glimpse of
him, and wreaths of flowers were showered upon
him by the fair hands of thousands, who cheered
him with their smiles.
"Mr. Clay is to remain in Philadelphia about a
fortnight. 1t is said that he will visit New York.
Ought he not to be invited to Boston?'
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-03-02
MIR. MARSH's SPEECH.

This admirable speech is given complete, not
outstanding it compels an encroachment upon
the miscellaneous department. We venture to
promise, however, that no reader will fail of be-
ing interested by it. In sentiment noble, in STYLE
clear and pure, and withal as strong as good old
English stuff is capable of being made, it is en-.
titled to rank among the best speeches ever de-
llvered in Congress. There have been many
speeches, indeed, more eloquent &C effective ap-
peals to the passions or feelings of men, but
this is of q different class, and of its class a
model.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-03-02

SLAVERY IN MICHIGAN.-Although Gen Cass
has himself made a large bid for ultra Southern
support in the Baltimore Convention, it seems
that he speaks for himself only, and does not bind
his immediate followers. The following resolu.
ton has just passed the Michigan House by u
vote of FIrTY TWO to Three, viz:
"ReSoired, That whenever the Government of
the United States shall acquire any territory by
conquest, ceselon or purchase, in which Slavery
shall not by law exist at the time of such con-
quest, cession or purchase, it would be repug-
amt to the moral sense of this nation, and vio-
latlon of the clearest duty of Congress, to permit
the institution of Slavery, in any form, to be iu
troduced therein"
- If Gen Casss pro-Slavery logic is thus fiat
Iy repudiated in Michigan, where in the Free
States will it find swallowers
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-03-02
Funeral of Col. Ransom.

The funeral ceremonies over ,the remains Of
the late Col. Ransom of the 9th regiment of U.
S. Infantry, were perforned at Norwich on Tues
day 22d, with all the pomp and circumstance of
war. The corpse was conducted from Hanover,
N. H., to the line under escort of two military
companies from New Hampshire, and received
ny companies from Vermont. An address was
delivered by Rev. James d. Butler, and an Eu-
ogy was pronounced by Adjutannt Gen. Hop
kins, in full uniform. A number of military gen.
temen were in attendance, and large con-
course of people were assembled to witness the
solemn pageant.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-03-02
TO THE DEMOCRATIC WINGS
OF THE UNITED STATES.

The undersigned were appointed by the Dem
ocratic Wing Executive Committee of the City
of Philadelphia, to make known to the Wings of
the United States, that it has been finally resol-
we'd that the great National Convention for nom
mating the Wing candidates for President and
Vice President of the United States, shall be
held in this city on the Seventh day of June
next. 1t had not been forgotten that such was
the decision of the Wing Mass Convention for
ratification, held in Baltimore in 1874, and cacu-
lations had been made by the Wings of this city
on enjoying the promised honor; but aware that
events might occur which, in the.opinion of come
would render it expedient to change TIE determ-
nation thus expressed, we, speaking for the
Wings of Philadelphia, were prepared to yield
up though with great reluctance the honor
which we regarded as right, TO what might be
deemed the requirements Of the party. 1t was,
however, with extraordinary pleasure that the
Wings OF our city learned that the qualification
of their wishes had been deemed consistent with,
and indeed promotive OF, the good OF the great
Wing party of the United States and that the
National Convention for selecting candidates for
the votes of Wings, and of all who are for the
good OF the country, will assemble in the season
Of the year, and in the place, consecrated by the
venerable assemblage of Wings, who in 1776
declared our country an independent nation
and fixed the principles upon which our party is
founded, principles which it is our duty to assert
and to sustain.
While such response as this is due 10 the
distinguished Wings composing the meeting at
Washington, by whom the time and place OF the
National Convention of lS4S were fixed, and
for which favor the thanks Of the Wings of Phil
adelpha hereby respectfully rendered to
them; it is also proper to add that the Wings of
Philadelphia will be prepared 10 extend A TRUE,
FULL, AND HEARTY WELCOME to their brethren
of the CONVENTION FOR NoMINATIoN as well
as to those of the GREAT MASS CONVENTION,
which will of course be held in this city on the
eighth day of June, the day following the sitting
OF The Nominating Convention. In the discharge
of that duty, in order that the at of welcome
may accompany the ioOrd, the Democratic Wing
Executive Committee of the city OF Philadelphia
will share the honors and happiness with the del
egates of other bodies of their Wing coaborers
IN Philadelphia city and districts, one and all of
whom will find pleasure, as they will discharge
a duty il seeking to make the members of BOTH
CONVENTIONS at home in the city of Brolherly
| Love
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-03-02
THE VERMONT COMPANY.

Lieut. Hopkins has furnished the Woodstock
Age with the following copy of statement of
the strength of the Vermont Company, under the
signature of the first Sergeant of the Company:
"Of the SO that were at Fort Adams, 10 arc
dead, 9 have deserted and are transferred. -
So the Company numbered 81 on the first of De-
cember lS47."
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-03-02

O. 1t is thought that Gen, Cass has met the
fate of the ass between two bundles of hay. In
going /or the Wllmot proviso and then against
it, it is said that he will prevent either faction
from supporting him.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-03-02

MARITAL LAW. lieutenant of the 10th reg-
ment, in communication in the Matamoras Flag,
thus tersely sums up the "code martial pa Please
inform your correspondent that the only 'prnci-
pies of law" which are known here are of the
code martial. 1t consists Of but two articles IL
order--you obey"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-03-02
ELECTION MARCH 20, 1s4s.

For Council of CensOrs,
CHARLES X. WILLIAMS,
JOHN. N. POMEROY,
WILLIAM HEBARD,
PETER STARR,
SALMON T.. BUTTON,
DAVID CRAWFORD,
IRA II. ALLEN,
JAMES BELL,
HENRY +. JAMES,
HENRY STOWELL,
JOHN DEWEY,
AUGUSTUS BURT,
KEYES p. COOL.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-03-02

REMEMBER-That every dollar now sunk in
the Mexican war has got to be paid, with two or
three on the top of it, by way of interest money
and that this grinding tax will have to be borne
in great measure by the "bone and muscle" of
the Free States Remember this, Freemen Of
New Hampshire, when you go up to the polls,
and are asked to give your votes for those who
sustain an administration which has "unncc essa-
riy and unconstitutionaly" plunged the country
into this War.-Douer Enquirer
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-03-02

o. Hon. Thomas Bartlett Jr. is the locotoco
delegate 10 the National Convention from this
District; Hon. Geo. c. Cahoon, of the same
place, substitute. Probably either OF these gen.
tlemen would like to succeed Mr.. Peck. Mind
how the delegate acts on the Wilmot proviso.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-03-02

C. The Barnburner division of the locofoco
party in New York has held State Conven-
lion, and appointed delegates to the National
Convention. They are for the Wilmot proyiso.
1t will be remembered that the Old Hunkers
two sets OF delegates asking for seats in the Lo-
cofoco National Convention.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-03-02

The WLMoT PRovIso.-The Loco Focos of
Bucks County Pennsylvania, at their recent Con
vention to nominate candidate for Congress, a.
dopied the following resolution -
RESOLVED, That we regard the Wilmol Provso
as n political measure iraught with mischief, cal
culated TO cndanger and distract the union and
harmony of the confederacy impracticabe in its
objects, unconstitutional in its conception, end
solely to promote sinister political views.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-03-02

Col FREEMoNT.-We have letter from
Washington, for which we have no room today,
which states that the Court Martial found Free
mont guilty of all the charges but mutny, and
sentenced him to be dismissed from the service
The President approved Of the sentence, but re-
United it and ordered Col. Fremont to JOIN his
regiment, but the Colonel threw up his commits
sion and is no longer in the service. The letter
states that he did this by advice of his father-in
law. Col Benton. Tribune.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-03-02

GTS The North Star has heretofore had an
occasional spasm on the matter of the Wilmot
provso, but it is preparing to back out along
with the rest of the locofoco editors. 1t publish
es aud pulls Senator Dicknson's speech.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-03-02

A DEAD SHoT.-The man who was few
days ago bitten by mad dog in Euclid, and who
expects to be mad himself in few days, Is now
in this city taking vengeance on the whole ca
nine race. He has already shot about thirty
dogs under the Mayors proclamation.--[Cleye-
land Plaindeaer.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-03-02

SEE HERE.-The Detroit advertiser of the I'd
inst in speaking Of Gen. Cass's want of honest
principle, relates this fact: "The very resolu-
tons passed on the 'Wilmot Proviso' one year
ago, in the Michigan Legislature, were submit
ted TO him, and the draft noO bears determinations
of character 10 strengthen their effect, in The
Handwriting of Cass himself"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-03-02

O. Mr.. Slingerland the member of Congress
from the Albany District, has written letter to
the Editor of the Tribune, from Washington, in
which he declares that his Congressional Dis
trict will give Mr. Clay 1000 majority, and peril
nenty inquiries of the editor what New York will
do? Mr.. Greeley avoids the question, but an
swe!s that New York will send four delegates to
the National Convention, who will be for Mr..
Clay and when he is nominated the editor thinks
New York will give him majority. We hope
if Mr.. Clay is nominated, that New York will do
what is here hoped for but, at the best, it is on
ly "the evidence of things not SEEN" We were
told in IA that New York would 90 for Mr.. Clay;
but New York, nevertheless, went for Mr.. Polk
The Wing press and people Of that city and State
were then united upon Mr.. Clay. Now, they
are divided. Still, the same note is sounded,
and the same promises held out. The chief hope
that the Wings have in carrying New York, ar-
ses from the division in the ranks of the oppos-
ton. Judging from the speech fJohn Van Bu-
rem at Utica, last week, in which he denounced
MIR. Clay, we are satisfied that, if Mr. Clay should
again be the Wing candidate, that the Hunkers
and Barnburners would unite to defeat him
while if Mr.. Webster, Mr.. Mclean, Gen. Scott,
or even General Taylor, was the candidate, the
feud would be kept up. Will the Tribune give
US its opinion on this point? We want something
more than mass meetings in New York city to
convince us that the State is sure TO 90 for Mr..
Clay.-Boston Alias.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-03-02

o. The census of Wisconsin is just compile
ted. The Territory contains $4,000 people.
The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1848-12-01
No SECTIONAL DIVISIONS.

The election Of G o. Tay or 10 the Prsl.
dency aud Willard Fillmore 90 the Wee Pes
i1ency is The result uf,he Uaiun Of all paris OF
the country n their support. From Vermont
to LOUISIANA the American People sop.
ported y iliounl nomioa ions, and the North
givos the Wbig ticket as strong a support
Gs The Sub, II not stronger. The purely
sectional ticket did not obtain popular
suif,ages enough 10 any State 10 secure
single electoral vote, and 10 he mos, of the
States it runs Ear behind both the others
Happily for the stability and perperulty o.!
our republican institutions, the great una
jorliy Ct the people Of all the States Of the
Conledefscy hold Liberty aud Uniop,
Now and forever, One and Irseparable. =
Cierelda4 Herald.
The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1848-12-01
Large votes and small ones.

We suppose the Jeiiersonian will be IL
curing, to show there is smaller vote IN
this State than has been cas-, tor some time.
Well he's righ, there, and viii probably de-
I'VE a great deal Of consolation from the
act, il he will only, not get too dignliied
on the subject: But We are determined 10
have our count also; fer the plain figures
are before Us.
All of Ire votes polIed tbs time, as Off
chilly Announced, omoun, 10 S,4l9. Tie
Angus, vote sss s3 SIG, making The pres
ent vote 5.427 less than tue August enc.
In lS4l there was poled vote Of s2.5l9.
100 more than recently. So there has
been in fact, as The Je!fersonau or any 9th
or print can prove, smaller vote gwen
GOV, than in lSii or Angus. last. But
shy is Ibis! BECAUSE the Wings have moi
voted not al all. The Whgs have given
a larger rote than they DID on either OF the
former occasions. A larger oUe BY l,l90
.hau their August poll, aud by 329 Than
their le4i Clay vote not great differences
indeed, tut still differences IN favor Of the
Wigs, shelving ira, their rofe has incred'
sed instead Of falling If. So tue decrease
10 the vote. has ben OWING 10 the fact, tia,
the Democrats, many Of them, did not vote
Now, " ha, consolation the ID moc'atc press
can derive Gom such a Infection, We can
not conceive. Sole thousands oil those
ahu have heretofore voted Win the ID mo
Gratis, have 10 the recent election, refused
To vote with Tia, party, on account oil The
odiopRess of ITS men and mea'nrts, aud
consolation is attempted TO he derived i'on
that fact Itself. J. l.. B.
The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1848-12-01
The EJ.trnisfs.

We observe, that the South Carolina Pc.
pefs are ny irg 10 get ~ another crisis
Meetings are held and bring held o, which
resolutions are adopted in regard 10 South.
ern rights. Ii se understand them, they
propose. that Ia the event Of the passage
OF the Wilmot provisc by Congress, the
Southern msn,',efs shall !.fthsilh yacate
their seats. Thisapgcars Us very poof
remedy. But the fac, -, We do not like
the quarter whence this movement comes.
South Carolina has always been putting The
South in false positions and as II has but
one fixed Ides, 1t will continue TO do so, un.
I'll that idea is realized. We mean The eic
vaion Of Mr.. Calhoun to the Presidency.
Now, as that Is very remote event, before
i, happens, Il we follow The lead Of South.
Carolina. we shall have to wade through a
thousand sb,urJities and distractions - one
while laundering through morasses aad at
another scraping the skies. We are not
prepared for any such journey yet. We
believe the election Of 'raJ lor and Fillmore
will exiinguish the fanatics North and
South. Ii our antlcipatlons fail, il will
then be time enough to listen to the Com.
mander5 and QuatIlebams Of South Caro-.
Ina.
Bot apart from all other considerations,
there is a peculiar improperly IN South
Carolina taking any step on this subject at
this time. That State has just recorded
lis vote IN favor Of Northern man, Who,
by the confession OF the Charleston Met.
curry and X. b. Rhet, held Doctrines more
Objectionable than those Of tho WiImot
proviso. This proves that she is no safe
leader for the South--thai her conduct was
Influenced by a narrow and selfish conside.
ration-that her object was TO defeat the
election Of Southern MANIFEST his sue.
cess might postpone the professions Of Mr..
Calhoun Richmond Wig.
John A King, who is elected TO Con.
gress, in New York, by 1900 minority,
aud James G. King, who is elected ia New
Jersey, by 5000, are both sons Of the late
Hon. Rufus King
@tf General Taylor be the indepcn.
dent and honest man the country has taken
him for, he must and will carry Out Demo.
cratic measures. -Bos'. Post.
Which democratic measures Van Bu.
rem denocracy-Cass democracy-free
trade democracy, or protective democfa.
Cyl Every thing imaginable has been
carried out under the gulse of dcmoc.
racy, until at last the party itself has been
"carfiod out " by tho people who were
wearied at being the constant subjrc:s Of
experiment. -NOrfh Anertean.