Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-07-29
More Territorial Troubles.

The proceedings of The Minnesota Constitu-
tional Convention exhibit lamentable state of
affairs in that Territory. The object of the Con-
vention is to form Constitution with view to
the admission of the Territory into the Union,
but the Democrats and Republicans immediate
ly fell to squabblng and two Conventions were
organized instead of one. The St. Paul Times
of the 18th inst, a Republican paper, says
"At seven o'clock on Sunday [ ] evening the
Democratic members of the Convention assem-
bled in the Council Chamber at the Capitol in
private caucus-adjo at eleven. AT IL
o'clock the Republicans met in caucus at the
Capitol, organized, and cleared the desks for ac-
ton. Not desiring to take any unfair advantage
of the enemy, they despatched committee of
| five to make Overtures to the democratic COM
mittee at the Fuller House. Arriving there, a
verbal agreement was made that neither should
attempt to organize the convention until twelve
o'clock, NJ. The papers were drafted to that
effect, and signed in good faith by the Republi-
can committee, when the Democratic commit
tee violated their word of honor, and quietly
pooketed the documents. They then drew up
one to suit themselves, making pledge Every
definitely y not to meet until the usual time =
This not satisfying the Republican members,
they remained in session all night.
SAT o quarter before twelve o'clock yester-
day, @. L. Chase, Secretary of the Territory,
took the Speakers desk, and simultaneously
with Mr.. North called the Convention to order.
"Mr. German moved that the Convention adj
ljourn until twelve o'clock to-day, which motion
was put to vote by Mr.. Chase, amid the most
tumultuous confusion, and deafening thunder
storm OF ayes = and 'Noes' he pronounced the
Convention adjourned Meantime a motion had
been put and carried that L. J. Galbraith, (Rep)
be elected Chairman pro tem., and he promptly
took his seat. The Democrats withdrew, in ac-
cordance with the motion to adjourn, and the
remaining members of the Convention proceed
ed with their temporary organization"
The Republicans then proceeded to organize,
electing President &c. The Times says
"The Republican members remained 'on
guard again last night, every member sticking
to his seat with on invincible hrmness worthy
of Old Hickory. This morning they are there,
ready to expose and defeat any trick that vii
lainy can devise. We begin to have new faith
in hdmanity-new hope in the Republican par
ty. 1t no longer lacks back. bone but with the
stamina and vine that the right always needs to
ensure success, its members walk up like men,
and do their whole duty without faltering."
a despatch from St. Paul on Saturday last
says:
The "double-headed" Constitutional Conven-
ton is still in session. The Republicans meet in
the Convention Hail. Mr.. A. D. Balcomb, pre-
siding; and the Democrats in the Council Cham
Der, Mr. Fl. II. Silly presiding.
The Republicans number tifty-nine. All Of
them have presented their credentials, and
been accepted The number of qualified Dem
ocrats to-day is thirty-two, several having been
dlsatfected and returned home. The creden-
tials of the Democratic members have not been
reported upon, aud no permanent organization
has been effected.
The Republican organization has been perma-
neutly organized and appointed Standing Com
mittees and the Committee on the preamble of
the bill of reports have submitted report
Although not yet apparent, it is probable that
each body will continue to insist that it is a
Constitutional Convention, and will form Con-
stitution to be submitted to the people.