Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-05-02
DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION

DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
This body assembled at Charleston, S. 6.
on Monday, April the 23rd, at noon, TO
the purpose of selecting candidates for Presi
dent and Vice President The Convention
consists of 303 members, of whom 1S3 ar,
from the eighteen free States, and 120 from
the fifteen slave States. Two-thirds of the
whole number are required for choice
consequently the successful candidate must
| receive 2O2 votes. The Convention was
organized at noon by making F. B. Flour
ney, OF Arkansas, temporary chairman, and
after the appointment of committees on or
ganization, and on credentials, the conven-
tion adjourned until Tuesday morning, at 10
O'Clock, when it reassembled and the proper
committee reported the name of Hon. Caleb
Gushing as permanent President, and one
Vice President and Secretary from each State.
After short speech by the President it was
agreed that a majority of State delegation
cannot compel the minority to vote with them
as unit, unless so instructed by the conven-
ton that appointed them; and Also it was
decided that the Platform shall be adopted
mittee on platform, consisting of one from
each State, was then announced. On Wed
nesday, the Committee on Credentials report
ed against the Wood delegation from New
York and the Illinois Lecomptonites, and con-
firming the Soft and Douglass men in their
seats. A rather spicy discussion sprung up
on the rule reported by the Committee on Or
ID.
Pennsylvania, took an active part, and was re-
proved by Mr.. Richardson, who referred to the
fact of Mr.. Randall having but lately come into
the party, and that his antecedents entitled his
opinions on Democracy to but little consider.
alton. He did not desire, after life service
in the cause, to be reproved by the recruits of
yesterday. During Thursday much excitement
prevailed IN regard to the platform. On Fri
day, no less than three platforms were reported.
The majority report afirms, in guarded lam
guage, the new Southern dogma, which al
lows any single STAKEHOLDER to convert at plea
sure any Territory into a Slave Territory
The minority report-backed by all the Free
States except California and Oregon-tres to
satisfy the South with the Cincinnati Platform,
the Dred Scott Decision, and loud call for the
acquisition of Cuba Mr.. Butler, of Massa-
made third report, being the Gin
cinnati platform, with resolution for the pro.
ection OF all citizens, whether native or natu-
allied. A warm debate and much confusion
ensued. On Saturday the excitement increas-
ed, and amidst scene of the widest confu- |
sion, the platforms were all referred back to
The committee without instructions. All sorts |
Of propositions and motions to adjourn were
made. A hundred persons were addressing
hc Chair at once, all shouting at the top of |
heir voices. The President said that if this |
contest and uproar continued, he would feel |
bound, in duty to himself and the Convention, |
% leave the Chair, as it was physically impos-
'ible for him to take part in such Struggle !
md clamor. Finally, at 10 O'Clock at night, |
he Convention adjourned till Monday MORN
ng On Monday the proposition of Mr. But
er was rejected. The President having deci- |
led that recommendation by State Con-
7ention was equivalent to an instruction to its |
delegation, an appeal was taken and carried. |
This will give Douglas couple votes more
han he would have got otherwise. There is
10 telling yet who will be nominated.