The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-06-02
Proceedings OF tho Democratic National
Convention.
FIRST Morning Session.
1

Soon after IL O'clock, the delegates TO the con
venton presented themselves in force within the
building, which had been provided with ample ac'
Communications for the business OF the occasion.
The ball had been fitted up and decorated in the
most appropriate manner, under the direction OF
the Committee OF Arrangements. The decorations
consist OF a large, undulating canopy of striped
bunting, with the American flag displayed at each
| extremity. in beautiful arrangement, the whole
rejecting much credit on the professional tact
and taste OF Messrs. Gibbs 4 Smith. who had il in
charge
The Committee OF Arrangements had made every
preparation Tor the accommodation OF the business
OF the convention together with ample facilities
for the large body of the reporters. representing the
press of almost every State in the Union
Tho delegatcs having taken the seats respectively
assigned them. presented very imposing and dig
nihed exterior. combining the very highest appa
rent qualities ola dolbcratve assembly which il is
to be hoped, tbcscque will abundanty sustain. The
familiar faces Of distinguished Senators and Rep.
rcsonaives were encountered at every glance Of
the eye practised in the political world; whilst
others composing tho assembly contributed to the
general tone Of character which pervadcd the
whole.
At IL O'Clock b. F. HALLErT called tho convon-
ton to order, and then remarked;
GENTLEMKN DKLEaATKs: Elected to the National
Democratic Convention, Icrics of "Down, down,
down, in front,"l it has been assigned to me.
chairman of the National Executive Committee, to
coll this convention to order. Ia il your pleasure
that it come to order? Loud cries Of eyes
ycs."l
Gentlemen, am requested by the Committee
of Arrangements, who have prepared this hall for
u.s. to state that they have prepared the seats upon
The platform to correspond with the number
Of electoral votes to which each State IL entitled.
And with "A view OF enforcing order and harmony,
and to promote efficient operation in tho bust
meas gentlemen will have the kindness to make
selections or designate who shall occupy the plat
form. Members from State Conventions, and those
who arc not delegates, arc also requested to take
seats below.
MIR. Ilaett, MS a matter OF form, then proceeded
to read the call made for tho convention, dated
Washington, January |. 1854. lie then resumed:
In pursuance of this call you arc now assembled
from various States. now propose to suggest to
you that you stand In the positions now occupied
by you--of union OF the Democratic party through
out the Union to preserve and maintain this
Union. tApplause.I II remains for me to call up
you to nominate for President pro tom. Of this
convention.
Romuus NJ. Saunders, Of North Carolina; and this
was carried by acclamation,
Mr.. Saunders then conducted to the chair by
Mr.. Bright
MIR. Kcttlcwcll OF the Committee of Arrange
ments, said that disorder was 40 serious as to en-
b,rrass organization Of meeting; and he made
carn'st Democratic, republican appeal 10 preserve
order trusting that it would find responec in
every Democratic heart.
Governor Floyd, Of Virginia, arose and said that
the confusion which prevailed was inevitable. There
are seats provided for fifteen delegates from Vir.
GINA, and there are hundred now here. II is i'm
possible to dcsignate who Of that number shall he
fifteen, even II wointend to make distinction. We
propose TO retire until some place shall be desig
mated to hold our number. We have objection
to go anywhere, IN the galleries, below, but we
will all go together. [Applausc.
General Ward, of New York. was grutihod thnt
Virginia was represented, not only by fifteen dele
gates, but hundred and fifty.
He entreatcd gentlemen TO remain where they
are. Tho ohicc, Of now assembling is for organi.
cation. Let DO this and then adjourn. ZAP.
plauUc.
General Saunders said
GEsrLEAsS For the honor Of sclcct ting me NJ
chairman of THE convention. with n view TO per
feet organization, ! tender my heartfelt thanka
Coming, do, from every section Of this vns,
Republic, representing the Democracy of this
Union. extending from Maine to the capes Of Flor
ida, md renchng from the shorcs Of Texas to Cal
ilornia Halter myself nothing will here occur to
disturb the harmony, ORDER aud concert Of action
so necessary, important to a succcssful progress
~ the business OF this convention. Applause. |
And that all will unite as one man, and ect an es
omDlc a bC follow cd clacDhere mud ubi,h ~ p,
cessary TO lead to success and victory
Uudcr The Impression that THE course will be
pursued, md that reasonable degree of order
will be observed, md knowing, ne do, any def
cheney in the Chair will be supplied by the intelli-
gencc of THE body am prepared TO receive any
motion necessary for the temporary organization
Of this convention.
member from Ohio here arose and said that
State IL entitled TO twenty three seats but they
have only four. lie was assured that the inconye.
nience would, If possible. Be rcmodicd.
member from North Carolina made a similar
complaint, and received like assurance
Cot Pavett. Of Tennessee, and Mcsers. Barns.
dale Of Mississippi mud Stewart Of Indiana, were
appointed secretaries.
Rev. j. Campbell White Episcopaan Of ,his
city. called upon and delivered an appropriate
prayer.
On motion Of Jacob Thompson, Of Mississippi, n
committee Of on, nom each State was selected by
the elcgatcs TO prcscnt permanent officers of this
convention.
The Stntcs were called IN order, TO select a com
mittoc of one from each State to chose permanent
officers OF the convention. The following are their
names:
Mdine-Wm. &. Allen
Nao Hampshire John u Rcddnr
IumOnf--Jucius u. Peck
Ma,sdchusetf, Caleb Cushing
R.odc Island Ph Allen IT,
Connecticut Gen. Jas ID. Pratt.
N,to York -Indoc Pratt
New Jersey Samuel Wcstcott
Ponnsyipdnia II. u. Wright
Dcidrar,--A. II. Shannon.
Maryland Gen. II. Ely.
Pug,nia Henry A. Wisc.
North Caroline Hobt. u Dick.
Gsugid-IIon J. Sturgs, Hon. J. II Luinpkin.
diaband--ion. J. w. Bridgcs.
Ni,rssppi Hon. J. Thompson.
Lori,siana VIM. II Kendall