Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-06-05
American National Council.


This body, which is separate and distinct from
the nominating Convention, assembled in New
York on Tuesday and organized. Among those in
attendance are the Hon. J. Morrison Harris, of
Maryland, Mr. Prentice, Of the Louisville journal,
Hon. Mr.. Haven and several members Of Con-
gress.
Delegates were present from Massachusetts,,
New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Kentucky,
Tenness; e. California Illinois, Virginia, Ohio, Mis-
souri,, Arkansas, and Pennsylvania. A
The President, after some preliminary business,
stated that, in accordance with the constitution
and ritual of the Order, the delegates who had
been admitted would receive the password by
which they could be admitted to the Council.
Hon. Humphrey Marshall remarked that he
thought all secrecy had been done away with by
the Council at Philadelphia. He was opposed to
any more passwords, or secrecy Of any kind con-
corning their doings.
The President said that the constitution and rit-
ual required it, and therefore it must be DONE
Gentlemen could move that the password and Sc
crecy could be removed afterwards, if they were
30 disposed.
Eessrs. Daunenhower and Alexander were APP
pointed to impart the talisman to the Members
Mr.. Alexander, from Maryland, took the right side
and Mr.. Dannenhower the left of the hail. and the
delegates called up, one by one, and received
the word with becoming seriousness
When the password had been given, the Hon.
Humphrey Marshall renewed his motion to do
away with passwords and secrecy.
Mr.. Underwood said he had drawn up resolu-
ton to the effect that passwords should not be re-
qured, and that all secrecy should be removed
from that time, concerning the proceedings of the
Council.
Mr.. Alexander, of Maryland, thought the reso-
luton came in at too early stage of the meeting.
he would have it deferred until the contested
seats were settled, and larger number of dele
gates present.
Mr.. Marshall said he did not know how many
contested seats there were, and he could not see
how they would be affected by it. He did know,
however, that they had their candidate in the
field; that they were political party, and expect
ing their candidate to be supported by the people,
he thought it was high time that the secrecy which
had been their mantle during infancy should be
removed If it was their intention now TO 60 back
to secrecy they must take down their flag. He
wanted New York to hear what they were doing,
and what they intended to do. He wanted to know
himself what they intended to do, and he would
have their dongs 60 out to the people upon the
four winds of heaven. They had suffered from
nothing so much as from the impression that they
were working in the dark and keeping their doings
from their fellowcitizens therefore, he was anx-
ious that that delusion should be removed. TWAS
thought by some Americans that they intended to
drop the flag of Fillmore while they intended to
do no such thing. They had raised u, and he
wanted public fight and strong fight under it.
Mr.. Alexander said he agreed with Mr. Marshall
ia the sentiments he had uttered, but no thought
Il was yet too soon to pass such motion. He was
dosirous that all the delegates should be present
and have an opportunity Of expressing their opin-
ions and voting upon IT, He was not only willing
that New York should know what they were do
ing, but he wanted the whole Union to know it.
Mr.. Underwood believed it to be for the best to
set aside the mantle Of secrecy which had protect
ed their infancy, and he believed the house was
prepared to set It aside. Applause. he would
therefore move the adoption of Mr.. Harshalfs
proposition.
Mr. Marshall said he would accept the resolu-
ton Mr.. Underwood had read He wished to go
to the extent Of abolshing all secrecy
Mr. Richardson, Of maryland wished to ask
whether or not II the resolution should pass, any
man could come In and voteS
Mr.. Marshall No more than in Congress.
Mr.. Richardson made the inquiry because he
saw that In Cincinnati they had been knocking
down the doorkeeper in order TO get into the con.
vention. He did not anticipate anything of that
character In this convention but he thought there
were some family matters, such the appointment
of committees Of correspondence, which should be
done In private.
Tho debate was continued up to the hour Of adj
journment !