The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-06-04

doit' Applause In Washington something has been
said about this matters but those opposed TO the expires
sion Of opinion upon this subject have made the prsence
not the proper places 10 construct platform for either
party but that should be done the National conven.
has e% sss e B ss
here, and says that do not come here to make plat
forms, but 10 nominate candidates.
:, MEMBER Il was the gentleman from Virginia. [Mr.
Mr. ROBINSON Great God. Was that Virginia
[Cheersl Was that the Old Dominion TO which we have
always pointed the standard bearer Of democracy
And she sent delegates to the National Convention to
oppose the construction Of such platforms Mr. Presi
dent we ought moi TO nominate candidates without plat
form. We have never done SO. We want to ask them
what are their principles, il has been habit for
years is our practice now through papers and in
every proper channel 70 hold up to the pubc the
selection OF men without any platform And yet il is
proposed that should do now that very thing Sir,
!hink that should nominate candidates without lay
ing down platform OF principles, should be dis
graced [Cheers.l | believe that should be beaten
in the approaching contest II we had such nominee
The gentleman from Louisiana fears lest agitation should
grow out OF the construction OF platform. Does not
the gentleman know that every one OF the candidates
named has recently been catechised upon the very ques
tion oil Compromise and OF slavery-he only question
likely TO produce agation How is possible, them that
the erection of the platform should create agitation
in this body am for making platform and uniurl-
" Mr.. THOMPSON, Of Mississippi. Will the gentleman
yield the floor for an explanaion While am opposed
70 this resolution. would not have the gentleman to
QelSanu me, lnOSc Win WnOm 0C tn6 Que6tlOn
being opposed TO the erection Of platform On the
contrary, in favor OF it, but do not want to
change our usual policy Of first nominating candi
dates.
Mr.. ROBINSON The gentleman from Virginia mr.
FLoYDl said plainly he could say it that came
here not to make platform but TO nominate President
am OF opinion that il is better to erect our platform
rather than to wait until afterwards and am happy to
know that the State OF Indiana is in favor Of this plan
Mr.. SOULE (by leaye) said | thank the convention
for awarding moment. in order that may avoid the
construction which has been placed upon the argument
presented not only by my humble self but by the disn-
guisbel gentleman who did me the honor 70 tender
the assistance OF his noble heart and OF his noble in
telect. II would seem, MIR. President. from the
observations which have fallen just now from the
ps ne I genne%an n wn9 mas resumed = m ms seat
Applause We want platform; not platform based
upon empty and insignificant words, but platform that
will be plain TO the blunest inellecta platform that will
remind the behodes OF the great principles upon which
we have fought the nohes battles Of democracy. Has
not the gentleman from Virginia. for whom pride my
have platform already made in the principles laid down
by the fathers OF institutions Il his position be true,
il will not require any very considerable ingenuity to
erect again so be that we be faithful to the teachings
that will against erecting it upon unsound
foundation There be mistake about the meaning
Of those who, like the honorable gentleman from yir
gna and myself desire TO delay the erection of this plat
form We do not belong, Mr. President, to that class of
politicians who shrink, under any circumstances from
declaration OF principles. (Applause.] We shall be
found bold when the question comes before US. ! am
afraid, indeed, although taunted with at
tempting delay TO defeat the erection of the PLATFORM
that when the time comes some gentlemen may find that
want to erect il rather too high to the skies.
But, sir let away with all rhetoric, with all articles
OF language and let come 10 the tangible question be-
fore u.s. ask n0w-aDd my question goes 10 the con-
science and the heart OF every member OF s seavsn-
tionare we ready now to speak on that all important
question without prejudice, without preconceived opn
ons' Have objects to be carried outl nothing to
be obtained ambition TO be fosered purposes TO
be advanced Answer me: is this the moment for you
decide on the great principles which are to be the plat
form upon which the next presidential battle is to be
fought Sirs deude ourselves at least, il we do not
want TO delude others, when assume that at this
men are in proper condition to erect such plat
form repeat il, with The different elements that
in this convenion-wth the various interests that
conlendng against each oher-ths is not the moment
in which we can indulge IN wise counsels know but
little OF the human heart if am not correct in saying
that we shall be too much tempted TO the promoting OF
our wlshes-the pTompngs Of our private aspirations,
in every party have Placed wrong estimate upon the
human heart If this be the proper moment for you
erect platform.
II is said, and it seems TO be most specous argument
that should erec, platform before electing
nominee because il will be too late when the nominee
will have sanciion, and will but little for
platform Has it to this that in this great demo-
cratic party there should be solitary person who
would put himself forth as candidate for the highest
office IN the gift OF any people, and that take
it for granted that that will not belle its principles
1t cannot be true. will not believe it, But suppose you
erect platform beforehand how are your candidates
to give their assent 10 that platform Whom will you
call TO your table 10 express opinion by assent or dis
SENT with respect TO The platform We cannot know
whom TO call up to that table. II is dark mystery
who shall be elected here and, therefore, you
erect platform beforehand, il could avail nothing, for
the candidates could not be consulted. They would
have your nomination before you would know whom TO
consult, and thus your platform could restrain
them afterwards thaR could restrain them beforehand
tApplause.l
Besides, sir, notwithstanding progressive tendency
which am ready to avow, am for paying some respect
TO the traditions OF the II has been the invariabe
rule OF the Democratic Convention TO lay down the plat
form after the election OF the nominee over and l,
for one will to continue the course which has
been pursued in times past.
Mr. THOMPSON, OF Mississippi, renewed the motion
TO lay the resolution upon the table.
The delegation from Kentucky called for vote BY
States
The question was then taken by States upon the mo-
and was decided in the afirmalive-syes 1855, noes ILL.,
as follows;
YEAS-Mane, New Ham pshire, Vermont Massaohu.
sets, Rhode Island. Connecticut New York, New Jersey,
Della ware, Maryland Mississippi, Louisiana, Ohio. Ten
nessce, Illinois, Michigan, Florida lowe, and Wisconsin,
I55,
NAYs-Pcnnsyvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Ala.
bama, Kentucky Indiana, Missouri, Arkansas Texas. and
Califomia-1Ii
When the State of Georgia was called, one of the del
egates said that Georgia declined voting another Geor-
eia delegate Immediately said Georgia could not vote
she did not decline voting, but she could not vote
Mr.. BURKE, OF New Hampshire | am directed by
the Committee Credentials to submit 10 the convention
the following report which send to the Chair am also
directed 10 that coming 10 conclusion IN regard 10
contested seats the committee was not unanimous.
The foow wing is the substance OF the report:
1t says that ali the States have elected delegates. with
1 ~