Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1860-08-03
mn DEMocRAcY IN corNcIL

field. A slight curiosity on our part led to
count Of the house, which resulted in cs-
tablishing the fact that l2l good and loyal
Democrats according to the Douglas dicton-
ary) had come up to participate in this coun-
Gil as to how they could most efTectually re-
tain the control Of tho Democratic party in
the State, and secure the benefit of Uncle
Sans Government patronage This number
was afterwards augmented by nearly tho same
number Of Republicans and anti-Douglas
Democrats, so that during some portions Of
the day the Convention probably numbered
between 200 and 800.
The Convention was organized by the cleo
ton Of Hon. Paul Dillingham; for President,
with Vice President from each County, OK
copt Addison and CaledoDia which were not
represented. +. NJ. Smallcy of Burlington
and John Wyman of st. Adams were elected
Secretaries. A committee equal to the num-
her Of State Senators was appointed By each
County to nominate candidates for State Of
fcers, two Electors at large, and State Com
miitee also a Committee of five was appoint
ed by the Chair to report resolutions express
siye of the sentiments of the Convention
After thus eifecting permanent organza-
ton, the chairman Mr.. DiIlinghom-took
occasion to congratulate his brother Demo-
Gratis on the prospects before them, announ-
cling himself firmly as ever attached to the
principles Of the Democratic party assuring
them that he was not ashamed TO stand alone
even, if need be, in their defence. He was
gratifed to find himself called upon to pre-
side over respectable a body Of men-men
whom he was sure were able to give "a reason
for the faith that was in them Reserving to
himself the privilege of further remarks in the
b. II. Smalley of st. Adams was called upon
to address the Convention
Mr.. Smallcy said that for thrty-six years
he had met with the Democracy in their State
Conventions, but that his principal labor had
been to go to the polls and vote the Demo-
cratic ticket. He camo up to this Convention
expecting that there would be a controversy,
but now learned that those who were seeking
to split the party into factions had abstaned
from attending this meeting, prefcrring to
meet by themselves and consummate their
work at another time aud place. lie had
nothing to hope OF fear from tho present I'M
happy contest, but his chief interest was to
place some man at the head of the government
who would see to it that its affairs were well
administered. For four years he had heard
the cry for the overthrow of the gov
eminent unless this or that policy was adopt
ed, but not until now had he feared any dan
ger There had long been a set Of men at the
North who proclaimed themselves in favor OF
the dissolution OF the Union; but there now
arose a band Of men in the South. whose
whole object was to rule or ruin, and who
sought to bring the whole country in subjec-
ton to their dictaton, and unless they could
accomplish their objects, were determided on
the overthrow Of the government to which we
all owed so much. The only question with
him was whether therewas patriotism enough
left in the Democratic party to prevent the
Vaccinations of these cut-throats and pirates.
Northern Democrats had yielded to the South
share Of the Territories, but they were not
satisfied with that, they must have the whole.
All he claimed to give all sections an
equal chance in the Territories, and leave the
inhabitants to settle all questions in contro-
rersy for themselves. The principle Of non
Intervention was first introduced by the South
and on that Mr.. Pierce secured his election
in 1882 and Mr.. Buchanan in 1856. But now
this was too shallow to suit their extreme no.
tions, and they must have more they would
be satisfied with nothing short of slave code
for the Territories. lie thought they had al
ready given them enough, and the South must
not expect the Democracy of the North to
yield anything more, even though split in
the party should be the result, For having
defended the rights OF the South, the Demo
cratic party had sacrificed its power through
out the entire North, and he thought it about
time for Northern Democrats TO look TO their
own safety. The time was coming when both
the disunionists of the South and the aboi-
tionists Of the North would have to appeal to
the Democratic party to preserve the country
from utter ruin, and for this purpose il was
Of the utmost Importance that the party should
at least preserve its organization in Vermont
for whatever might be the result at the pres.
ent time, it would find work to be done in
the future
Hon. Stephen Thomas was then called out.
He had enlisted in the Democratic army, and
was bound to fight its battles whatever il. fate
might've. lie hoped 10 be able, as had been
remarked by the chairman, to give reason
for the faith that was in him. lie then pro-
eoedod to give account Of his stewardship
as delegate from Vermont to the National
Democratic Convention. On his way 10
Charleston, every indication pointed towards
the nomination Of a certain person for the
Presidency yeimopt decided to cast her
vote a. unit, and that that vote should be