Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1856-02-29
From tha Daily Journal. Feb. 22d.

the National Convention of the Know Nothing order,
which, whatever may be said here. OF whatever may
be the practice in this particular locality is still
secret political association in its aggregate capacity
The National Council assemb led at Philadelphia in
the beginning of the week, in anticipation OF the
meeting of the nominating Convention. 1t is said
that the question of dispensing with secrecy and
with some parts of the ritual has been before the
Council. with what results we cannot say. Also,
that the admission of the Louisiana delegation was
contested because of their rejection of the nti-Catho
lie test also of the Pennsylvania delegation, who ig
nored the 18th section Both delegations were final
ly admitted If Geographic correspondents are to be
believed bitter feeling manifested, arising out
of these matters. After while things will begin to
leak out and shall see what we shall see. 1t
will take mighty keen maneuvring to prevent q
grand blow up, and it will take more than keen
neuvring to bring the Council or Convention to-
gether on any platform that will satisfy the South.
Everybody feels that Ignoring slavery-refusing to
take stand at the present time, will not do it. Let
US wait for developments.
Below we give what purports to be report of the
proceedings of the fist day, from the Philadelphia
Times of Tuesday, Know Nothing paper, We pre-
sumo it is essentially correct The whole thing as
it stands speak. for itself:
stewards three o'clock the delegates began to gath
er in the hall, and before the meeting had been
ganized the excitement all sides had attained fever
heat. The American delegates and the national
American delegates from Pennsylvania INDUCED IN
the most ardent & denunciatory conduct and CONVEX
sation, and at times it feared that the contest
for supremacy between the two would end in an open
and personal conflict. Those from other States look
ed on the wranglng with amaZement and without
f1oe lIock fho
cause or meaning of the belgerency of the Pennsyl-
vanans, and ventureG to assuage the bitterness
of feeling and stay the discord between the two
In the midst of the noise and confusion the Presl-
dent pro tenn, Mr. Sheets assembled the PLATFORM and
called the Convention TO order.
HereupOn, scene of the utmost confusion pre-
vailed. Mr.. Charles D. Fireman. Vice President of
the National Council, came forward and claimed to
be- the absence of the President, the presiding Of
fcer of the Council. He urged his claims at some
length and commended that the Council had no right
TO select Mr.. Sheets for that petition
Mr. Sheets said he willing to retire if it was
the wish of the Council, (cries of keep where you
are 90 hold on '-' don't give up ''' we'll stand
by you "" noise, turbulence and applause.)
During the whole of this scene of disorder ex-
element personal and partlzan feeling and mlsce.
laneous cries, motion was made to adjourn, which
prevailed with great unanmity and amid shouts of
applause.
In short time afterwards the members from abroad
left the Hall in charge of the Pennsylvania delegates
of both sections, portion of whom INDUCED IN the
most disgraceful scenes.
The members of the National Council from the
Southern States held caucus at Seventh and San,
som streets last evening. Quite large number OF
gentlemen were present. and took part IN the pro-
ceedings, which were OF the most animated and re-
solute character.
The Hon Thomas Hart Clay, (the eldest son of
Henry Cay,) presided the occasion, and COL AL.
| bert Pike acted Secretary.
The object of the caucus being TO decide upon the
movements of the Southern members in the National
Council, duIing its session, quite general express
sion of feeling took place among those present.
After considerable dscussion resolution to stand
| by the Twelfth Section of the National Platform
adopted in June last, at all hazards agreed to
with great unanimity.
40 While a number of those present have expressed
their hostility to the introduction of that section into
The PLATFORM it has been argued on all hands, SO ar
as the South is concerned not 10 elinquish it, be the
! consequences what they may.
From the tone and character of the speeches. con.
versaton and purposes of the Southern delegation
it requires 10 prophet of prophet to fOresee
most intense and exciting debate upon the plopo
sition abrogate the obnoxious section when it shall
| have been presented.
A despatch from Philadelphia says:
| The Northern delegates in caucus decided that the
Twelfth Section must come out If they remain IN
They Will not go into the canvass with pro-savery
platform under any circumstances.
The difficulty in relation to the Pennsylvania dele
cation is thus explained. There two State coun
csMone repudiating the twelfth section in the Ma
tiona platform, the other embracing it, and making
it their chief cornerstone. Both have sent full set
of delegates, and the selection between them by tn
council presents ugly question. The State coun
Gil repudiatng the twelfth section, is the regular an
l legitimate The other was formed by about
dozen seceders from it last summer, mostly fror
Fhadelp hia.
the Philadelphia Inquirer, speaking of the Know
Nothing nominating Convention, which meets o
Friday, says:
The present appearances indicate that Mi]iar
Fillmore and George Law, will be the most prom
: nent candidates for the Presidency The delegate
D for Pennsylvania will probably 90 for Willard Fill
e more.
r The result in New York is stated to US on yer
y reliable authority to be as follows Favorable
), Milard Fillmore, l6; George Law lSj Samu
It Houston, f. Whole number of delegates 80.
f. PHILADELPHIA Feb. 19.-The National America
J. Council re assembled this morning Charles D. Free
>. man, of Philadelphia, Vice President presiding.
~ resolution providing for the admission of reporter
was offered, but laid the table until action sha
t, be had on the question of contested seats Durin
IS the calling of the roll the Louisiana delegation pr
!. scented their credentials for admission, which we
40 objected to because the Roman Catholic test
recognized by the Louisiana Council. warm d
bate ensued on motion to admit the delegates witt
out credentials, which finally prevailed-yeas s.
noes so.
u PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 10, P. M.--The Council hs
a warm debate on the contested seats OF the PennsY
" vania delegation, which terminated in the aGmisssic
of Mr.. Edie and others, ignoring the 18th section
a. the National platform. The vote stood "a to 4
causing bitter feeling among the Southern delegate
20 The Philadelphia Knovv-Nothing convention.
Dvvrr I'll Il