The Van Buren press., 1860-05-04
BY Telegraph to the St. Loxis Republican,,
Charleston Convention.
CHARLESTON, April 9


The National Convention re assembled
his morning The Committee on perma-
nent Organization reported in favor Of Caleb
Gushing for President. aud one Vice Presi-
lent and Secretary for each State in the
Union. Those of New York are Erastus
Corning and j. Edward Coop w. d.
Bowie and d. L. Low. Maryland Thos.
Cunning ham and F. Vansant, Pennsyl-
vania.
A dispatch from Washington was shown
around the hall from a member of the Cab
met, declaring that the reports Of dissen-
sion in the Cabinet, growing out of |
Walkers testimony. are entirely destitute
of foundation, and that the Cabinet were
never more entirely harmonious.
The Committee on Rerpapept Organize
ton also reported an additional fule to.wit
That in any State. in which it has not been
provided or directed by its State Conven-
tion how its vote may be given, the Con-
vention will recognize the right Of each del
egste to cast his individual vote.
Mr.. Wright, of Pa, made strong ap-
peal for harmony. If harmony did not
prevail here. the nomination to be made
would not be worth the paper on which it
was recorded when brought before the peo.
pie. He was in favor Of the rule that every
delegate should be permitted to cast his vote
in accordance with his convictions. and with
those Of his constituents. Pennsylvania
had never voted as q unit except when their
sentiment was unanimous. lie closed by
demanding the previous question. and the
vote was taken on that part of the report
relating to presiding officers. and it was
adopted unanimously.
Mr.. Flournoy then returned thanks, coun-
selling moderation and harmony We are
all marching under one flag The Democ-
cratic party have but one hag-the flag of
our country. He denounced sectionalism,
and hoped no more illusions would be made
to such divisions.
Hon. CALEB CUSHING was then introduc-
ed to the Convention and made most elo-
quent and patriotic speech.
GENTLEMEN OF THE CoNvErIoN re-
spcctfully tender to YOU my most earnest
expressions of profound gratitude for
the high honor you have this day done me
in appointing me over your deliberations
1t is, however, a responsible duty imposed
much more than high honor conferred
In discharging that duty in the direction of
business, and of debate, and in the prcser-
walton of order, it shall be my constant en-
dcavor faithfully and impartially, to Off
ciate as your minister, and most humbly
reflect your will. In a great delibcrative
assembly like this, it is not in tho presid-
ing officer in whom the strength resides 1t
is not in his strength. but yours-your in
telligence, your sense of honor. your sense
Of order, your instinct Of self-respcct. l
rely. gentlemen. confidently upon you, not
E.. h.
mentary dispatch Of the business Of this
Convention.
Gentlemen, you have come here from the
green hills Of the Eastern States from the
rich States OF the South, from the fertile
States of the mighty basin Of the Mississippi
and from golden shores Of the distant Oregon
and California. You have como hithcr in
the exercise of the highest functions of n
free people, to participate and aid in the
election of the future rulers of the Repub-
lie. You do this as the representative of
tho democratic party-of that great party
of the Union whose proud mission it is to
maintain the public liberties, to reconcile
popular freedom with constitutional order,
to maintain the sacred reserved rights OF
the Southern Statcs-( loud and long con-
tinued applause ito stand, in a word, the
popular sentinels of the outposts of the
Constitution. ICrics of "that's the talk, -
and loud cheering.l
Ours, gentlemen, is the motto inscribed
on that scroll in the hands Of the monu.
mental statue of the great statesman of
South Carolina 4" Truth, Justice and the
Constitution" Opposed to us are those
who labor to overthrow the Constitution
under the false and insidious prctence of
supporting it, those who are aiming to pro-
duce in this country permanent sectional
conspiracy. a traitorous sectional conspiracy
of one-half Of the States of the Union
against the other half, those who, impelled
by the stupid and half insane spirit Of fac
tion and fanaticism, would hurry our land
on to revolution and civil war, those damn
ed enemies of the Constitution.
1t is the part, the high and noble part of
the Democracy of the Union to Withstand
to strike down and conquer aye, that is
our part and we will do it in the name of
our dear country, and with the help of God
we will do it. Loud and enthusiastic
cheers.l Aye. we will do it; for. gentle
men, we will not distrust ourselves we
will not despair Of the geniuAtof our coun-
| try, and will continue to repose in tho un-
doubted faith, in the good Providence of
Almighty God. Loud cheers.
Upon the conclusion Of his address about
half an hour was spent in settling the Vice
Presidents and arranging THO Secretaries,
and also preparing Tor fortaal and cner-
getic enforcement of parliamentary rules in
the future proceedings Of the Convention.
A warm debate then sprung up on the
rule reported by tho Committee on Organi-
cation. in which Messrs Richardson,
McCook, Cessna. of Pa, Barry, Of Miss. +.
Josiah Randall and many others took part
Several of the Southern Delegates oppo-
sed the rule.
Mr.. Randall also opposed it, declaring
that certain refractory members in the dele.
cation proposed to violate and misrepresent
their constituents in voting for Douglas,
whose nomination, in his opinion, would
lead to certain defeat. He thcn went into
review of the action of the proceeding Dem
ocratic CONVENTION on this subject.
Mr. Richardson rose TO reply, and asked
Mr.. Randall VINO made him an expounder
Of Democratic principles and presidents.
How long had the gentleman been in the
Democratic ranks?
This caused cries Of order. and great cx
citement.
Several persons rose to points of order
The Chairman decided that Mr.. Richard
son was entitled to the Aoor, and than
u = l.