The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-06-04

[Applause.l We want, he said platform, but
not one composed ofempty and insignificant words,
but platform plain to the dullest intellect, that
will remind the country Of the principles on which
we have fought the noblest battles OF the Democ-
racY. [APplause,l
Why, sir, has not the gentleman from Virginia,
(Mr. Wise,) who, am proud to say, has my high
est respect, told you platform was laid down by
the fathers OF our nstitutons and if his position be
true, IT will not require considerable ingenuity
to erect II again, il we faithful TO the teachings
OF those who framed the Government and placed
it upon a sound foundation.
There can be no difference between the gentle
man from Virginia and myself. We belong not
TO that class of politicians who, under any circum.
stances, shrink from declaration of PRINCIPLES
We shall be found bold men when the question of
the platform is reached; too bold, perhaps am
afraid We shall be tainted with delaying or defeat
ing the erection Of platform. Some members
VIII be found raising it rather too high to the
skies But let us do away with rhetoric and the
articles OF language, and come to the tangible
question before US And my question goes to the
consciences 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 hattered and
purpose to be advanced? Is this the m Jment to de-
eide on the great principle OF platform on which
the next Presidential battle is to be fought? All
sir, we dende ourselves at least five think we are
IN proper position to erect such platform.
! While different elements are at war; while there
are Varlegaed partisans in the arena; this is not
the moment when We can indulge in wise coun-
sells.
1t has been said, and this seems to be the most
specIous argument, that should erect a platform
before selecting our nominee, because it may be too
late afterwards; and that the nominee will have
your sanction, and will but very little for your
platform.
Has it come to this, that in the great Democratic
| party there Is to be found man bold enough to
present himself for the highest office in the coun
try's gift who will belle your decision1 / cannot
and will not believe it. Ifyou erect your platform
beforehand, where arc the candidates to give their
assent to it? You might be at loss were you to
call them to the table, for it is mystery who shall
be selected.
Alter further remarks, he said he was for having
some respect for the usages of the past 1t had
been the uniform rule for the Democratic Conyen-
ton to lay down the platform after the nomination
of the candidate.
The resolution of Mr.. Nabers was then laid upon
the table by the following vote:
Ysas-Mainc, New Hampshire, Vermont, Mas
sachusetts, Rhode Island Connecticut, New Jer-
sey, Delaware, Maryland, Mississippi, Louisiana.
Michigan, Florida, Iowa, Wisconsin, Tennessee,
and Illinois
Nays-Pennsyvania, Virginia, North Carolina.
Alabama, Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri Arkansas
Texas, and California; Georgia not voting.
The following States were divided: New York.
"a yeas. ii nays; Ohio, II yeas, nays Result
yeas l55, nays 1873 So Naberss resolution wa.
laid upon the table
= MIR. Burke, OF New Hampshire, from the Com.
mlttee on Credentials, made report, saying that
in coming to a conclusion the committee were not
unanimous
The report says that all the States have elected
delegates, with the exception of South Carolina.
Az to the contested seats from Georgia, the COM
mittee recommend tina. the two sets of delegates
unite, and thus cast the vote of the State They
decide that George p Moore is entitled to the seat
for the third district Of Maine, and not S. Dick
inson; and from the second district Of Massach
n j. Lord. and not Robert Rantoul, IT,; from the
fret district of Vermont, Merritt Clark is entitled
10 the seat in the convention.
In relation 10 South Carolina the committee saw
that documents were presented to them showing
the proceedings of fifty citizens of that State, who
sent hither General James Nj. Commander as a
delegate. Laughter As it did not appear that
he did not represent any district of that State the
committee decided that the paper was not such a
document as entitled General Commander to n seat
in the convention.
General Nye, Of New York, asked leave. "A .
member OF the Committee on Credentials, to make
minority report. The report was cent 10 the
chair and read. IL sustained the claims Of Mr..
Rantoul as against the decision Of the majority re-
port, and closed with this resolution:
-Re'oiued, That Robert Rantoul, IT,, be admitted
to seat in this convention to represent the second
Congressional district OF Massachusetts
General Nye spoke to the resolution, and st,,.d
that the report had been made under an bonest
conviction of the rights Of the party He therefore
moved that action upon the reports in the case of
the second district Of Massachusetts, be deferred till
morning.
MIR. Cave Johnson remarked that there was
reason why that portion OF the report referring TO
Tennessee should be recommitted TO the Commit
tee on Elections. Since the convention had besn
in session, telographc dispatches had been re-
ceived putting an entirely different aspect upon
the case. The convention agreed to the rcoommit-
ment
gentleman from Massachusetts, remarked that
the reading OF the report had not been beard, and
be wished that the postponement Of the case of
Messrs. Lord and Rantoul should be had
Another Of the Massachusetts delegation st.ted
ty report with respect TO the passage of eertain
resolution included in IT,
A discussion continued on the matter involved
between the parties. until, upon a question Of or
der, motion TO postpone the further consider,-
lion OF the subject until tomorrow, and to print
ihe report, was submitted by General Nye
Mr.. Borden, Of Indiana, inquired Of the Chair
whether he understood the motion Of the gentle
nan from New York, Mr.. Nye-it was to postpone
md print the report submitted by that gentleman.
rom the minority OF the committee upon the Gre
ientials and election of tho members
The Chair replied that such was the motion
Mr.. b. then said that he hoped the motion
would prevail, and trusted that the convention
would not, at this time. make final decision Of
he matter He said that although the report bad
been read with the unusually loud and clear voice
'f the secretary, yet he was unable, owing TO the
confusion prevailing in the hall at the time. 10
bear scarcely word Of it. In order to do Justice.
ull justice TO the parties. IL did seem to him NO.