Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1852-06-10
JUNE 10, 1852.
The President replied in the negative.
Mr.. Wise renewed the resolution.
The President informed him that il wns L

Mr.. Wise said he had no speech to make.
He, however, regretted very deeply that he
was not able to concur with the distinguished
gentlemen from Louisiana.
The President again reminded the gentle
man that the proposition was not debateable.
There were cries Of "go on" "leave."
"ieave," "go on"
Mr.. Wise proceeded. concur not with
the position of the gentleman from Louisiana,
and much less with the reasons which he as
signs. What is the test ofprinciplesl Prin-
clples Of the different delegations Of the differ
ent States have preceded the nomination for
delegates cf every States. Ii is so. sir, that
if We undertake to establish a platform of
principles that the Democratic party will suf-
fer? God forbidt Applause.
dlsse' from the conclusion that we can
not bebate and cannot conclude on a platform
Of principles. Are they not established and
known here? are they not already cardinal
principles of t5edemocratic party2 And permit
me here to say, there is more likely to be mis-.
chief in not laying down the principles first,
than by adopting your candidate first. Before
the nominations is made differences may be le-
conciled, in order to make the various prefer
ences ofihe delegations conform to the vari.
GUS principles Of the delegations; but on the
contrary. the moment you get our votes, then
away with the principles. | ask, then. is ii
not better at once to declare the platform!-
The men should he made to conform to the
principles. Applause. The faith OF the
Democratic party is established not only in de-
tail. but in the aggregate. Virginia has no
difficulty in establishing and affirming her
faith, and re affirming it 10 the world. She is
proud 10 say it is the faith Of the ancien regi
me; the faith of Madison and Jeferson-the
administrative policy of strict construction and
economy in the public expenditures. Until
know ha: is the standard of faith, and that
the nominee will be conformed to that stand
ard, will never give him my vote.
Governor Floyd remarked: trust it may
be the pleasure OF this Convention to reject the
resolutions core cur heartily with the gen
tleman from Louisiana, Mr. Soule) We came
he not to construct platform. but to nomi-
nate President. TO find a welcome in every
Democratic bosom. even without platform.
We want man " hose life is guarantee that
he is true to Democratic principles.
We should beware how we construct plat
forms which may "nake the word OF God Of
none effect" as did of old the Scribes and Phar
isees. Let US make platform after the candi
date is selected.
The gentleman from Louisiana has shown
that while ill-wll will come from the course
suggested in the resolution, none can occur by
following the old beaten path. l am glad to
avow that my sentiments are those entertained,
generally by the Virginia delegation.
Mr.. Thompson Of Mississippi, after saying
that majority has always controlled the order
of business, and never proclaimed in advance
W hat candidate should or should not do,
moved to lay the resolution upon the table.
Mr.. Soule expressed the hope that the gen.
tleman would withdraw his motion for mo-
meni.
Mr.. Thompson withdrew his motion.
Mr.. J. L Robinson then said, the speeches
having been on one side, he. as delegate from
Indiana, felt that he were TO remain silent,
he should be reckless of duty. That State is
about to unfurl her banner to the breeze. SO
that he who runs may read. [Applause. l.
He was astonished beyond measure to hear an
objection from any quarter, especially from the
South, and from the gentleman from Louis
lana. to laying down platform in the grea,
Democratic National Convention.
In the name Of God five don't lay down a
platform now, when and where will we do It'll
Applause, In Washington some ofthe polit.
icians wished to say nothing about the matter,
and those who opposed an expression Of opin-
ion made it prctext that the Senate and House
of Representatives were not the proper places
for it, but that it should come from the Nation
al Convention. With what face, then, could
they 60 before the people when the democracy
had been charging the wings with the fault OF
not declaring their measures, and yet they
themselves We're disposed to pursue similar
course of conduct IF the democracy shall
nominate candidate without first laying dow n
their princi, les. they would be utterly and ir-
retrievably disgraced, and defeated in the en-.
suing contest, as they deserved TO be.
Mr.. Thompson. of Mississippi, said that
while he opposed the resolution, he did not
wish to be understood as opposing platform
Mr.. Soule again rose. and by permission ol
the Convention. was permitted to speak. He
said it would seem from the remarks Of the
gentleman who last addressed the Convention
at length. that he was opposed at platform
This was not SO. [Applause) We want. he
said platform, but not one composed ofemp-
ty and Insignificant words, but platform plain
to the dulIest intellect. that will remind the
country of the principles on which we have
fought the noblest battes Of the democracy.-
[Applanse.
Why, sir, has not the gentleman from Virgin
Ia, Mr.. Wise.) who, am proud to say, has
my highest respect told you platform was
laid down by the fathers Of our institutions; and
if his position lie true, it will not require con
siderable ingenuity to erect it again. if we are
faithful to the teachings of those who framed
the government, and placed it upon a so.nd
foundation.
There can he no difference between the gen.
tleman from Virginia and myself. We belong,
not to that class OF politicians who, under any
circumstances, shrink from declaration of
principles. We shall be found bold men v hen
the question OF the platform is reached; too
bold, perhaps. am afraid we shall be taunt
ed with delaying Or defeating the erection of a
platform. Some MEMBERSHIP be found rais-
ing it rather too high, 10 the skies. But let US
do away with rhetoric and llc articles of lam
guage. and come to the tangible question be.
fore Us. Aud my question goes to the con-
sciences Of every man in this convention.
Are you prepared, are you ready now to
speak on that all-important question without
prejudice and preconceived opinions. without
something to be obtained. some ambition TO be
Aaiered and purpose to be advanccdl Is this
the moment to decide on the great principle Of
platform on which the next Presidential bat.
tie is to be Fought Ah, sir, we delude our