The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-03-05
Pennsylvania Democratic State Convention.

HARRIsDuRG, March 4, 1858.
Both houses of the Legislature have adjourned over till
Monday. The Democratic State Convention accordingly
assembled in the chamber Of the House Of Representa-
tves Victor Z. Pveett chosen chairman. The con-
slider alton of the contested seats was postponed
of confusion occurred on proposition to form
committee select permanent officers for the Conven
ton and proposition from the ant Lecomptontes was
nesstived by yeas So nays IS.
JoHs L. Dawson was chosen for permanent President
and mase lengthy speech After referring to the duties
to be performed, and complimenng the administration
of Governor Packer he urged the proprety OF the Con
verton giving some decided expression OF sentiment on
che Kansas question Ho reviewed the affairs connect
ed Herewith, and argued that the Lccompton con-
sttution legally formed, and that It was legal
instr ument II, he said II embodies only the views OF
The minority the fault is with the majority In not attend
ing The constitution ought 10 be ratified by
Congress and Kansas admitted into the Union. The demo-
cratic party would sustain no permanent injury by en-
dorsng the course or the national administration for
the party Of principle and would march steadily on TO
The speech was frequently greeted with loud
x Committee on Resolutions then appointed.
motion directing that all resolutions regarding the
Dol icy Of the party should be referred TO the committee
without debate was adopted
Mr. WRIGHT moved that nomination OF candidates be
made until the resolutions reported and adopted.
Mr.. CASSIDY asked the reason OF this He was oppose
TO the ground that would be violation Of all pre-
cedent
Mr.. WRIGHT pointed to the precedent in the Cincinnati
Convention.
M N.
some who though the Cincinnati platform had been vio
late and the many who thought so wanted the nomma
tons made,
dentcd for State Democratic Convention. Tho indication
OF what the resolutions would be was PLAN The com
fnttee was all side branch OF the party only
represented H. and the other branch had no voice
at all He warned the party TO beware Of what might be
q vital matter.
Mr. Mn1KR objected To such remarks, saying
reflection ON the Chair.
MI Hrors-when the action Of the Democratic Convon-
IA th.t n md
ferences cannot be expressed God help the democracy
He denounced the attempt 70 apply the gag and insisted
on the right Of fair discussion and fair representation
He Denounced the movement attempt 10 gag the
minority OF the Convention. Not single. representative
choke OF a minority report Every democrat who has
regard for the principles Of the party should repudste
this attempt 70 apply the gag, and stand by Old land
marks.
The PRESIDENT disclaimed any design 10 pack
the committee. When he appointed tlr members who
he knew the opinion OF but four or i've Of them
the Kansas question and n the others the commit
tee were OF the same opinion bis appointment Of them
Mr. Hrers-II so, the President is exceedingly for,u
nate for his side.
Mr. sroKrs was glad hear the President dsclaim any
design in framing the committee He thought that he
(he Presidency could not have been party 10 30 gross
and fragrant legislative fraud, the effect of which
% gag the Convention and throw s whole power into the
hands Of thirteen He glad still 70 regard tho
President honorsble man, andyhe would that
n The evil Was NO, corrected the party would be puns
the knife 70 is own throat He was born freeman and
would never die slave He wanted 70 see the agitation
the cardinal principles Of the democratic party 70 ques
Glop Of expediency.
M MccnxosT said the gentleman spoke OF two
branches Of the party. He wished 70 know there
division, and n 80 where comes
from1 There was no attempt 70 gag. When
the committee report, II the resolutions do not
please members might move 70 amend and introduce
resolution 10 approve the Douglas platform. Mr. Buchanan
was right and he would support the policy OF his admin
istration.
Mr. HrGnxs took the same ground and denied that Mr..
Buchanan had violated any principle OF the Cincinnati
platform.
Mr. wnaHrs motion was then agreed 70.
The motion favoring the appointment Of additional nom.
bers on the committee was lost.
Mr.. STOKES moved to increase the committee 70 thirty
three.
Mr.. McCnxoSr favored and Mr.. HuGHss opposed the
motion.
Mr. roKEs said he desired put record the evidence
OF the tyranny under which the minority Of the convention
struggled.
The motion Of Mr.. stokes was then dssgreed TO by
yeas, 20; nays, 102
Adjourned till evening.
On re assembling, the Committee on Resolutions an
bounced they not ready 10 report when the Convcn
ton adjourned until tomorrow morning