Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1851-08-29
lTrom the Worcester Palladium !
Statement

Of massachusetts,, at Worcester, .fuguSt goth,
1851.
Justice to myself demands statement Of my own
action as a member of the compromise committee.
1t was my understanding CT the motion n ade by
Gen. Gushing, and am largely confirmed in such
an opinion, that if any report should be made by the
committee, 1t must be unanimous report, and NOT
the report of bare majority. 1t was also my in
tentlon, from the outset that if any report should be
agreed upon, it should be in form, and should be
signed by all the members of the committee. But
the committee, while together, did not proceed far
enough to make 1t necessary to raise at all the ques-
ton OF the manner of submitting a report.
Previous TO the meeting cf the committee, three
OF the gentlemen upon 1t, entire strangers to
me, except by reputation; and with none of them
bad exchanged word upon the subject of the con-
venton. Just before going into the convention, |
was informed, for the first time, that a meeting of
portion of the delegates at the Worcester House
the evening BEFORE Of resolves, intended fot
the consideration of the convention had been read
by MIR. Hallett 1t should also be stated that it had
been previously announced that the City Hall would
be open and lighted that evening, for the accommo-
datlon of such delegates might be in town, and
might choose to assemble there There was an in
form al meeting held there; but did not attend II;
and no proposition, verbal or written, having refer
erence to the organization action of the conven-
ton, as informed was introduced into that
Or even contemplated, had no knowledge of it,
The two branches of the committee met in separ-
ate rooms; AIessrs Halett, Lord and ChiIds in one
room; and Messrs. Butler, Brannng, and myself, in
another room. While together, our wing of the
committee prepared series ofresolves, on national
and on state affairs. | have no copies of any of
them; and cannot therefore speak, with a certainty
becoming the occasion, except of those on state af-
fairs which find in the published report of the pro-
ceedings
We then repaired to the room occupied by the
other branch of the committee W e had been then
absent, should think, nearly two hours from the
convention How long the whole committee re-
NAMED together, am unable TO say; but should
think not much over an hour and half Ofthe res
Olutlons offered for US by Mr. Butler, need say no
more than that those national affairs were pro-
nounced entirely unsatisfactory TO the other side Of
the committee; notwithstanding they went allogeth-
er beyond the ground taken by the state democratic
convention of Ohio, and nearly if not quite up to
that taken by Judge Douglas at the convention in H.
llnols 10 those ON state affairs, do not remember
that any objection was made.
Mr.. Hallett's resolutions were read While he
was reading them, sat by the side of MIR. Butler;
and Mr. Brannlng was nearly upon the opposite side
OF the table, with Mr.. Lord between himself and u.s.
AS the resolutions being read, MIR. Butler no.
ted their number on slip of paper; and although
have no copy OF his ACKNOWLEDGEMENT made no
notes myseIf-(he having borrowed my penci,)
believe he minued down against the numbers, some
word or sign expressive of his and my views of Il
resolutions, so as TO indicate what we objected to,
and what not. have distinct recollection of OBJ
ecting myself to Mr.. Butler to such resolutions as
approved of the compromise measures, as democratic
measures; but especially to the one pledging the
democratic party to all further agitation CT tie
slave questions said to have been settled by the last
congress- | suppose his memorandum will show
that fact if he CHANGED 10 preserve it. When MIR
iallet had finished reading his resolutions Mr.. But
Ter said to him. that his first and sixth resolutions
covered by the first of cur series, substantially;
and do not think that any remark was made 10
show that such was not The fact.
will not undertake TO recite the remarks made
by gentlemen Of the committee; because no report
OF them was made at the time; ard any attempt 10
do might do injustice to them 1t is sufficient to
state that Mr.. Brannlng objected to the resolutions
as body so far they related to the compromise
measures. dNlr Butler stated, in substance, that the
seventh resolution was the most Objectionable one of
the series, and which there was the least chance
of Engagement. The popostln was then ma e to
suspend action NJ the resolutions, and see if the
committee could Eagree upon the other branch of
the report they would be obliged to make, viz: the
delegates 30 the national convention The candi-
dates were finally agreed upon, upon the condition
that the committee could first agree upon The reSolt-
lions.
Mr.. Butler gain took up the resolutions; and re-
lerrng to the seventh, suggested amendment
The conclusion of the resolution, according to my
recollection oft, originally that 'swe 90 for
faithful execution of all the compromise measures,
and against all further agitation Of the questions set
tied by them by the last congress" Mr. Butler pro-
posed to amend it by striking off much of as re-
lated to prohibition of future action by congress-
MIR. Hallet objected in most decided manner, as
did Mr.. Lord also. then asked Mr.. Haett why
he wished the democrats of Massachusetts to go far
Their than the state democratic convention of Ohio
had gone; and why he could not be content with the
Baltimore Platform, and resolution that zee aoould
agree to ACQUIEscE in the execution Of the COM
promise measures. His reply was in decided
manner; and, in substance. that that would not an
swer, as a new order of things had arisen. then
stated that it would be Of no use for the committee
to think Of coming TO an agreement; for as one of
them ,could not consent TO make the fugitive Stare
lasc a test of democracy, nor put any prohibition
upon the action of congress. Messrs. Butler and
Branning said the same; and, without further con-
sultaton, n motion was made, and carried unani
mously, instructing the chairman to inform the con-
vention forthwith, that the committee aoere unable
to agree upon any report And without hearing
Mr.. Hallett's resolutions read more than once and
having never taken into my hands at all the paper
on which they were written, with the other gentle
repaired to the hall; and e-entered the conyen
no other result than the immediate
sundering Of the convention, and probably of the
democratic party also.
While the committee were together, the conduct
of Mr.. Hallett and his associates was firm and in
flexible, but courteous and urbane; aud do not think
that they had any occasion to express themselves
otherwise Of the conduct Of the other wing Of the
rnfnnltaa