Washington sentinel., 1855-03-24
Masbingtnn gentinel.
Kentucky Democratic Convention


The Democrats of Kentucky met in Conven
tion at Frankfort on the 10Th instant, for the
purpose of nominating candidates for the sew.
eral State officers. TWAS the largest and most
enthusiastic convention ever held in the State.
The following are the nominations:
For Gocernor.-Beverly l.. Clarke, Of Simp
son county.
For Lieutenant Gorernor. Beriah Magofin,
of Mercer county.
Attorney General-W. r. Woolley of Fay
cite county.
Auditor.-James A. Grinstead, of Fayette
county.
7ieasurer.-James II. Girrard, of Boyle
county.
Register.-Thomas j. Frazier, of Breathitt
county.
President Of Board Of Internal Improre-
ments.-James M. Nesbitt, of Bath county.
For Superintendent Of Public Instruction.
DR.. j. D. Matthews, of Fayette county.
The question was put by the chair, Shall
these nominations be adopted by the conven.
tion? Whereupon they were unanimously
adopted
The convention was addressed by the Hon.
John c. Breckinridge, of whose speech the
Kentucky Yeoman says:
"Major Breckenridge rose, and for half an
hour entertained tie convention in some beau
tiful and eloquent remarks, in the course Of
which he took occasion to unfold the mysteries
of Know-nothingism, but assured the assem-
blage he had not obtained his information in
regard to their principles within lodge Of the
from source Of undoubted reliability.
"At the close of his remarks he was ap-
plauded with deafening cheers"
The committee on resolutions, through their
chairman, Colonel George A. Caldwell, re-
ported the following preamble and resolu.
tions; which were unanimously and enthusiastic
cally adopted:
Whereas the Democrats of Kentucky have
again assembled in convention to deliberate
upon the condition of public affairs and to pre-
sent to the people Democratic candidates for
State offices, it is eminently proper, on this oc-
casion, that we again reatfirm our principles,
and set forth, boldly and fully, the measures
calculated to develop and carry out those prin-
ciples. Under the wise, expansive, and repub-
Hcan policy of the Democratic party, the area
of civil and religious liberty has been vastly ex
tended, and the Constitution has been preserved,
and the Union has prospered until it attracts
the attention and commands the respect and
admiration of the civilized world. The doc
trines for which the Democratic party have SO
long contended have become the settled policy
in the administration of the federal govern
ment, and the general acquiescence Of the ma
tion attest their wisdom. But recently new
and strange doctrines have arisen-political
theories utterly subversiye of the cardinal prin-
ciples of our government, sustained by sys-
or,
and genius of our Constitution, are being earn
estly pressed upon the public consideration,
and demand at our hands a firm and determ
ined opposition. We have again to assert at
the ballotbox great truths which we supposed
to be fundamental, and to battle against errors
which we believed belonged to another age,
and forever at rest Therefore,
|. Resolred, That We reathrm the doctrines
set forth by the Democratic National Conven-
tions held at Baltimore in lS4S and 1852.
q Rssalrsd, That the Democracy of Ken
tucky still cling with unfaltering devotion to
the great principles of civil and religious lib.
erty which have been transmitted to us from
the fathers Of the republic, and which are as
sociated with so many glorious memories.
2. ReSolred, That perfect equality of political
rights among every class Of citizens is the
great fraternizing principle in republican
government, and the safest bulwark Of free in.
stitutions; and that every effort, whether by
authority of law or by voluntary combination,
to limit that equality in the establishment of
religious tests, is violation of the freedom of
science, and deadly blow aimed at the dearest
and most sacred Of human privileges.
4. Resotred, That we have unshaken conf
dence in the broad, free, and national princi-
pies Of the Democratic party, so long tested,
and now SO completely triumphant; and that
we believe them competent, in their applica.
tion to the exigencies of the times, TO correct
every evil that may threaten the tranquility of
the country, and to preserve alike the liberties
of the people, the perpetuity of the Union, and
the integrity of the government.
5. Resolred, That the Democracy of Ken.
tucky will stand firmly by the rights of the
States, the Federal Constitution of the Union,
and that we will protect and defend them from
all assaults, whether made by enemies from
without, or traitors from within.
G, Resolped, That the National Democrats
in the free States who have stood Grmly by the
rights Of the States, the Constitution, and the
Union, and battled against the Fusionists,
Know-nothingism, Abolitionism, and all other
isms are entitled to our admiration, confidence,
and regard and we assure those who were de.
feated by this unholy combination that none
their defeat.
7. Resolred, That the recent election Of free
soilers and aboltionists to the Congress Of the
United dStates-representatives and senator's
by the party known as the fusionists in which
know-nothingsn is the chief aud controlling
element, whose mischievous doctrines are cal
culated to infict a severe blow upon the South,
and endanger the union Of the States, Justly
excite, our alarm, and should be a warning to
the South, and Of the friends of the Constitu.
tion and the Union everywhere, and cause them
to discountenance the extension Of secret oath
bound political societies.
s. Resolrcd, That it is the duty of every
political party to avow openly, fully, and freely,
the principles and measures upon which they
rely for success, and that all secret political
oath-bound associations, by whatever name
known, are anti.American, and are opposed to
the spirit and genius Of our institutions, and
adverse to the principles Of true democracy !;
that we Internationally recognize the right OF
every man to worship God according to the
bnnaqt convirt;ope of his mind and ,ba d:oto,..