The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1852-03-11

tlemen, who though my juniors in years, are
nevertheless my seniors in intellectual endow-
ments. How il happens that the claims of all
these were overlooked and the honor conferred
upon 80 humble an individual as myself. am at
a loss to conjecture Since, however, the position
has been assigned me, and that too without soli-
citation on my part l take encouragement in the
belief that any lack of mine will be supplied by
your kind forbearance. You will remember gen.
tlemen that We have an important duty to perform.
The proceedings of this Convention are looked
to with intense interest by the Democracy of the
whole country. 1t is true, the people themselves
have relieved us from much of the responsibility
which otherwise would have devolved upon us
mean on the main question. The Democracy
of the State, with singular unanimity, have de-
clared JAMES BUCHANAN to be their first choice
for the Presidency. That voice, so enphaticslly
expressed, may not be disregarded. trust that
it will not be regarded as out Of place for me to
say in this connection, that the choice could not
have fallen on more worthy mana more emi-
nent statesman or disinterested patriot.
viii you pardon, gentlemen, if make re-
mark or Two III reference TO an element which
will enter largely into the approaching Presiden-
ual contest. i allude to the yexed question of
slavery 1t is known to you all, that for the past
few years, this subject. in its various aspects,
has threatened the stability of our Union. In
deed, were we to credit the half of what we read
in the public newspapers, We would be led to
think that the integrity of our glorious confede-
racy has been shaken to its very base The
measures adopted by the last Congress for the
settlement of the various matters growing out of
this perplexing question, it was hoped, by the
true patriot, would be regarded by all as a final
adjustment; but it would seem that there is
disposition in certain quarters to again disturb
the quiet of the country, and deny to the people
that repose so devoutly to be wished for In this
crisis, who is better calculated to pour oil upon
the troubled waters than the man of your choice.
His firm bet conciliatory temperament-his lofty
patriotism, large experience, and transcendent
talents, all conspire to designate him as the man.
But, gentlemen, while these are the YiewsI hon
estiy entertain, let not forget that there are
other distinguished gentlemen, whose names are
prominently before the country, in the same
Convention; and while we should carry sut, in
good faith, the wishes of our constituents, by
expressing our first preference for Mr.. Buchanan
let US not fail to cultivate towards the sthers
the harmony and success of our party and our
principles. Let US remember that we all belong
to one common brotherhood But must not
tresspass. dernit me again to thank you for
your partiality in selecting me as your presi-
ding officer.
Mr.. Hirst then submitted the following pream-
bic and resolution, which were adopted
WHEREAS, The Democratic party of Peansyl-
vanis have caused this Convention to be eonve-
ned, and have imposed upon it the duty, among
other things, of selecting delegates to represent
the Democracy of the State in the National Con-
vention to be held in the city of Baltimore, on
the first Monday of June next, for the purpose
of nominating candidates for the Offices of Pres
ident and Vice President of the United States,
and also of nominating electors to be voted for
at the next ensuing Presidential election.
Therefore, for the purpose of carrying into
effect the object thus specified, and of fully and
fairly aseertaining who is the choice of the De-
mocratic party of Pennsylvania for the chief
magistracy of the Union, be it
Resolred, That the members of this Conren-
tian do now proceed to vote pira for can
didate to be recommended by Pennsylvania to
the National Convention, as the choice Of the
State for the Presidential chair; and that the
candidate who shall receive a majority of all the
votes in Convention shall be declared to be the
candidate of the Democracy of Pennsylvania.
The Convention then proceeded to vote, with
the following result:
For JAMES BUCHANAN. AS,..................-..9
4" LEWIS CAss, ..........................-..3l
ROBERT y. WALKER,.................
&" SAM. HOUSTON, oN,-.-.-.......-.............2 2
One absent, Mr.. Roddy, of Somerset.
Mr.. Searight moved that the nomination of
James Buchanan be unanimously concurred in.
Upon this motion, Mr.. Dougherty called the
yeas and nays, which were-yeas 1O2, nays 80.
Mr.. Hirst then submitted the following reso-
luton:
Resolrsd, That the candidate of Pennsylva-
MIA having been declared in the manner prescri-
bed by the foregoing resolution, the President Of
this Convention do now appoint committee OF
twenty -four, one from each Congressional dis
trict with instructions to report to this Conyen-
tian, subject to its appreciation the names OF
delegates to represent the Democracy of the
State in the National Convention, to be held al
Baltimore ON the first Monday of June next,
and for the purpose of advocating, with earnest
sincerity and zeal. before the delepated mower