Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09
democratic National Convention.

The importance of the action OF this body which
assembled in Baltimore on Tuesday the first inst,
and the general interest felt in its proceedings, de-
mand more than passing notice, and we give as
full a synopsis as our space will admit of. The
number of delegates in attendance was very large,
there being more than hundred from Virginia.
The Convention met in the Hall of the Mary
land Institute, at II O'Clock, and was called to or
by Mr.. B. F. Hallet, of Massachusetts,, chairman
of the Democratic National Committee, and the
gentleman who is opposed to slavery In any form
and color, and in favor of freedom and tree-soil
wherever man lives throughout Gods heritage"
Mr. HI. read the call for the meeting OF the Con-
yention, which was made by the Committee OF
which he is Chairman, and then called for the
nomination of a temporary Chairman.
Mr.. Bright, of Indiana, nominated Gen. Romu-
lus M. Saunders, of North Carolina, which nomi-
nation was confirmed by reclamation. Several
Secretaries were appointed, and prayer was then
offered by the Rev. Mr.. White, of the Epscopa
Church.
On motion of Mr. Thompson, of Mississippi, it
was resolved to appoint Committee of one dele
gate from each State represented inthe Convention
to nominate permanent officers; each delegation to
appoint its own member in the Committee. Mr..
H. A. Wise was appointed by the Virginia dele
cation.
After some confusion and discussion on account
of tho ,y,nt of recommendation in tho Hall for the
delegates present, resolution offered by Gen.
Ward, of New York, was adopted, for the appoint
ment of Committee of one from each delegation
to examine and report on the credentials of dele
gates. Mr.. W. c. Flournoy, of Prince Edward,
represented Virginia in this Committee.
A delegate from Georgia stated that there were
two sets of delegates claiming to represent that
State, and they declined naming member of the
above committee, but would appear before it by
representation to discuss their respective claims.
Some discussion followed on proposition to
exclude alternates froLl the platform, and then the
Convention adjourned until O'Clock, P. M.
EVENING SEssIoN-The Committee on Organ
ization nominated the Hon. John w. Davis, of
Indiana, as President, thirty-nine gentlemen for
Vice Presidents, Gone from each State represent
ed } and nine Secretaries Mr.. Yancy, Of Buch-
ingham was the V. P. from Virginia. These nom
nations were unanimously confirmed.
The Committee also recommended the adoption
of the Rules of the House of Representatives in re-
gard to debates, Sc that all votesshould be taken
by States and that the two-thirds rule should gov
en the ballotings for candidates for President and
Vice President of the United States A delegate
from Ohio moved to strike out the part relating to
the two-thirds rule, but the motion voted down
and the rule adopted by an overwhelming majority.
A motion to reconsider was then laid on the table
ayes 274, noes l3-the noes being from New
York 8, from Ohio 10. .
WEDNEsDAY.-Prayer was made by the Rev.
DR.. Plumer, of the Presbyterian church.
Mr.. Burrows, of Arkansas, Submitted resolutions
for the appointment of a committee to report the
resolutions composing the Democratic platform, sc.
Amendments were proposed, and the whole mat
ter was laid on the table for the present.
Mr. Phillips, of Alabama, proposed. preamble
and resolution, declaring acquiescence in the Com
promise measures, and particularly endorsing the
fugitive slave law. Made the order of the day for
Thursday at II O'Clock.
Mr. Charlck, of New York, offered resolution
in favor of the fugitive slave law, which was read
and laid on the table,
Gov. Brown, of Tennessee, then called up the
resolutions offered by Mr.. Burrows, and substi-
tute proposed by Gov. b.. to the effect that COM
mittee be appointed to whom all resolutions refer
ring to the creed of the party be referred without
debate, was adopted.
Mr. Bright, of Indiana, submitted resolutions in
favor of the Compromise, which were read and re-
ferred to the committee to be appointed.
AFTERNOON SEssIoN.-Some excitement occur
red and angry words passed in reference to the diff
fculty of members obtaining admission in the HALL
The Convention then proceeded to appoint the
committee under Gov. Browns resolution. Mr..
S. F. Leake was appointed for Virginia, Mr. Ath-
erton for New Hampshire Mr.. Hallett for Massa-
chusetts, sc.
Mr. Degree, of New York, offered resolution,
stating that the Public Domain should be appor-
toned among actual settlers.-Referre2t to the COM
mittee.
Mr.. Majors, of Miss, offered resolution that
the Convention would not 90 into nomination of
candidates for President and Vice President of the
United States, until the platform of the Democratic
party was laid down. Mes5rs. Majors, Wise Va.
and Robininson of Indiana, advocated the resolu-
ton and Messrs Soule, of La, and Floyd of Va,
opposed it. The vote was taken by States on the
question to lay the resolution the table, and it
1854, nays ia. Virginia voted in
the negative.
The Committee OF Credentials submitteda ma
jority report All the States were represented ex-
cept South Carolina. There were two sets ofdel-
egates from Georgia-the one representing the
State Rights party and the other the Union par
ty-and the Committee recommended that both be
admitted.
The Committee decided in favor Of n. J. Lord,
over Rob't Rantoul, jr, from the second district of
Massachusetts.
In relation to South Carolina, the Committee
reported that paper had been presented to them
to be the proceedings of some fifty per-
sons appointing Gen. Commander delegate, Sc,
but they thought he was not entitled to a seat
Gen. Nye, of n. Y, submitted minority re-
port in favor Of the admission of Mr. Rantoul.
At this point Of the proceedings great confusion
prevailed and the Convention soon adjourned, with
out any further action.
THURsDAY.-The report of the majority of the
Committee on Credentials was adopted-ayes 1874,
nays SO.
Gen Commander asked to be heard on the ques-
ton of his right TO a seat.-Refused.
The Convention then proceeded. without the
formaty of naming candidates, to ballot for candi-
dotos for proe;dapt aud Woo Dras;dont Sovon