The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-08-19
GRAND RATIFICATION MEETING.


Wv AAeh SHsesN, eaSSA WV 80 R'~~e ~ sss<
Young Mems Democratic Club Of ST. Paul.
Tor the ratification Of the Democratic State
nominations, vas an enthusiastic and sue
cessful opening Of the campaign, A large
speaking stand. capable OF accommodating
fly persons had been erected in the centre
Of the square, illuminated with q large
number Of lanterns. while around il blszed
bonfires of tar barrels, boxes, crockery
crates, &C, making it almost Is light as day.
The number Of persons present was estimat.
ID nj from three to five thousand, ard the
utmost enthusiasm prevailed throughout the
entire evening 4 fine band Of music was
in attendance, and at intervals discoursed
inspiring music. Ii the young men Of St.
Paul " keep the ball rolling" with the same
vigor with which they started j, last night,
the battle is won.
At eight o'clock W. W, CoRcoRAS, Esq.
presented Gen. SHIELDS to the audience. who
was received with hearty cheers.
Gen. SHIELDS said that good work had
been done to-day good platform for the
Democracy TO stand upon had been erected
it was no sham there was no deception
in lit did no, say one thing ind mean
another. 1t was not II platform for the North
against the South nor the South agains, the
North, but platform that the grand old dem
ocratic party could stand upon without in
consistency. 1t was not only for Minncso.
Ia but the whole country. II was Union
platform. II did not mean Northern
against Southern States. II did not de-
nounce the institutions OF half the States in
Union. II did not daily with disunion in
one section and denonnce il in another. 1t
did no, hesitate to denounc. the higher law
men OF the North or the slave trading dis.
uDonists OF the South. II had TO soft
words for dsunion North or South The
Democratc.parly was the only party that
had ever taken up heresy, and taken il by
the neck and strangled 1t.
The Democratic party was in favor OF
the Homestead Bill, and Southern man,
ANDREW JOHNSON, OF Tennessee, was one Of
its ablcst advocates.
Gen. SHIELDS defended himself from the
charge of the Republicans that he lodged
vote on the bill. lie stated that be was
sick at the time but did leave his sea, until
the Hon Mr.. CH.sSur, Of South Carolina.
a strong opponent, had agreed 10 pair of
with him. The General did not believe
there was niger 10 south Carolina.
mean enough TO make the charge against
Mr.. CmEsNur that had been made against
him.
lie spoke in terms OF high commcnda
ton OF the financial policy Of the party, a.
laid down in the platform. No more debt
10 be incurred, and no more bonds 10 be is.
sued, but 10 make good those already out
lie would not have US trumpet TO the world
our poverty, but would insist upon the rail.
road companies going on with their roajs.
The Republicans bad run down the credit
OF the state, and now turn aud repudia,e
the debt. A State that would repudia,e
debt Of $1,000 600 never ought to belong
to this coniederacy.
lie severely criticized the Republican
platform, 10 the great amusement Of the au-
dicncs, and at the Close OF bis remarks was
greeted with much applause.
Hon. Go. l.. BEoEgR, the nominee for
Governor, was then introduced 10 the audi
once and received prolonged cheers.
lie 4aid the Democracy had spread It's
principles before the people, and that be
fully endorsed the platform. lie stated that
be was born in Northern State and should
never prove false 10 the traditions Of his ear.
Iy years, but conceded the right Of every
State, North or south. ~ legisla,e for them
selves. lie characterized that part a The !
platform relating 10 State policy a. clear. !
plain, and dstinct-which was no, % pet /
INTO debt any further bat TO pay, or hy to |
pay tina. already contracted Honest men
will always try TO pay their debts, and God /
helping us, IRE will Never le, i, be sad /
that this State incurred the stain Of rcpudi. /
alton. The remarks Of Mr.. BycKxn were Z
received Nth much appreciation, and tie
above brief sketch dos not do justice 10
their beauty and appropriateness. I
Hon. CHsIsTorHyR GRaHAx. candidate fJr
Congress, was tben introduced 10 the audi.
enee by ". spRi9o HALL, Esq.
lie had the utmost CONFIDENCE that when
the State was thoroughly csnvasse'l, thu -
.u, would prove tina, the people sustained
The principbs Of the Democratic platform
The principles were unchangesbIe. They