The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1860-03-13

FOR REPORTER OF SUPREME COUhIi
BENJAMIN HARRISON, of Marion.
FOR CLERK OF SUPREME COURT,
JOHN P. JONES, of Lagrange.
FOR SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION,
MILES j. FLETCHER, of Putnam.
The National Constitution al Union
Convention.
The gentlemen whose names are appended
to the following plan of a Constitutional
Union party, have proposed a National Con-
vention in the manner and at the place set
forth below Their Address we have not
space to copy in full, as it is quite lengthy,
but give the essential portions of their Call.
After abiding to the dangerous Slavery agi-
tation and the consequent sectionalism il
engenders North and South; to the section
al character of the Republican and Demo
cratic parties; TO the dangers with which
the Union is threatened by the pickering,
heart-burning, d;scord, and violence now so
rife throughout the country-the Address
states that at a meeting recently assembled
in Washington, a Central Executive Com
mittee" was appointed, charged with the gen.
eral direction of the Constitutional Q MON
Party" and with the preparation of an Adj
dress to the people of the United States.
This Address is the result of the Committee s
deliberations. t
They think that, as parties are now con-
stituted, little less than million of voters
will be driven from active participation in
the coming election, unless Constitutional
Union candidate is put forward. If such a
candidate should be nominated, they think
that thousands of old line Wings, Ameri-
cans, old fashioned Democrats, and even
many national individuals who have been
induced to side with the two prominent
parties, would rally % to a conservative field
to fight new battle for the canse of the
Constitution and the restoration of lost
harmony"
With an appeal to all friends of the exist
ing Union, and the remark that there is
no danger impending over the republic
which human passions have not created, and
which huT1an wisdom may not prevent :"
they present their conclusions as follows:
We have pointed out the chief source of
the present agitation, and think we have
sufficiently shown that neither of the two
parties who are now seeking to obtain the
control of the government can be safely en-
trusted with the management of public af-
fairs. The only way to rescue the country
from their hands is to organize a party
whose cardinal principles shall be -
To remove the subject of slavery from
the arena of party politics, and leave it to
the independent control of the States in
which it exists, and to the unbiased action
of the judiciary.
To remove all obstacles from the due and
faithful execution of the provisions for the
rendition of fugitive slaves.
To cultivate and expand the resources of
the country by such protection to every
useful pursuit and interest as is compatible
with the general welfare and equitable to
ALL
To maintain peace, rs far as possible and
honorable relations to all nations.
To guard and enforce the supremacy of
the laws by an impartial and strict admin
istration of the powers granted by the Con-
stitution.
To respect the right and reverence the
Union of the States as the vital source of
present peace and prosperity, and the surest
guarantee of future power and happiness.
To teach reconciliation, fraternity and
for5earance, as the great national charities
by which the Union is to be preserved, as
fountain of perennial blessings to the people.
Let these principles be taken to the hearts
of those who pledge themselves to the sup
port of the party, and let them actuate their
private life as well rs their public duty.
To promote this movement, measures
should be adopted with as little delay as
possible, such as will afford an opportunity
TO the party to exert controlling influence
on the approaching election, and to select
candidates upon whom its vote may be eff
fectually concentrated.
To this end we propose that a convention
be Immediately held in each State, which
shall assume the duty of embodying the
whole conservative strength of each in such
form as shall make it most effective.
That each of these conventions shall make
a nomination Of two candidates for the Presi-
dency (omitting to nominate Vice Presi-
dent), to be selected from those most emi-
nent and approved in public esteem, one of
which candidates, at least, shall be citizen
of some other State than that in which be is
nominated.
That these two candidates from each State
shall be submitted to the consideration of n
general convention, to be assembled mt
Philadelphia, at a time that shall be desig-a
mated by the National Executive Committee,
which general convention shall be empOw-
cred to select from the whole number of the
nominees submitted to it candidate for
President and Vice President, as the can
didates of the Constitutional Union party.
That this general convention shall consist
of a representation from each State, COM
posed of the same number Of members as
its representation in the two houses of Con-
gress.
That this representation of each State be
chosen either by the State convention itself,
or in such other manner as such Conven-
ton, in view of the shortness of the time
Tor the proceeding, may appoint.
A convention constituted in accordance
with this plan, would be satisfactory to all
parts of the country, and altogether compe-
tent to the duty of n discreet and jndicions
selection of candidates. The people who