The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1860-05-02
FIFTH DAYS PROCEEDINGS.
CHARLESTON April 81.

CHAhLEsION "A prll ~.
The Convention met at 10 o'clock
An announcement was made at 1880 that
the Committee on Platform would not be
ready to report for an hour, and tenn
porary recess or promenade was taken for
that time
After the recess, printed copies of the
majority platform report were scattered
over the Convention. One of the minor
ity reports was signed B. F. Butler, in
behalf of The minoris which merely re-
al1irms the Cincinnati platform, declaring
Democratic principles Interchangeable in
their nature when applied to the same SUBJ
jecs matter, and only adds in addition to
the Cincinnati platform, a resolution re-
commencing the protection of al citizens
of the United States, whether native or
naturaiized. The principal minority re-
port, however, is signed by Maine, New
Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Con.
necticnt, New Jersey. Ohio, Indiana, Illi-
nois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Min
nesota, New York and Pennsylvania.
The points are as follows: First, affirm
ing the Cincinnati platform. Second, that
all rights Of property are judicial in char
acter, and the Democracy pledge them,
selves to the decisions of the Supreme
Court on the subject. Third, ample pro-
tectien to the citizens native or natural
lied, at home or abroad. Fourth, pledges
Governments aid 20 the Pacific Railroad.
Fifth, favors the acquisition of Cuba on
terms honorable to ourselves and just to
| Spain. Sixth, that in ali States resistance
to the fugitive slave law is revolutionary
and subversive of the Constitution.
The majority report is in substance as
! follows:
Reso7red, That the platform adopted
at Cincinnati be affirmed, with the follow
ing additional resolutions:
That the National Democracy of the
U. S. hold these cardinal principles on
the subject of slavery in the Territories:
First That Congress has no power
to abolish slavery in the Territories.
Second That the Territorial legisla-
ture has no power 10 abolish slavery in
the Territories, nor prohibit the introduce
tion Of slavery therein, nor any power to
destroy by any legislation whatever.
Resolred, That it is the duty of the
Federal Government to protect, when ne
cessary, the rights of persons or property
on the high SEAS in the Territories, or
wherever its constitutional jurisdiction
extends.
At11b O'Clock A. NJ, the Convention
re-assembled. The majority report was
read by Mr.. Avery.
The two minority reports were pre-
sented by Mr.. Butler of Mass, and Mr..
Payne of Ohio.
Mr.. Payne offered his platform as a
substitute for the whole, and the Massa-
chusetts delegates proposed another set.
All the reports having been presented.
Mr.. Avery addressed the Convention,
claiming that he represented seventeen
Democratic States of the Union.
Mr.. Payne, of Ohio, addressed the
Convention in behalf of the minority re.
port. +
Mr.. Payne's concluding appeal to the
South was very powerful, and was listen
ened to with great attention. He urged
them not to destroy the Democratic par.
ty for mere abstraction.
/ AFTERNOON SESSION.
, The Convention reassembed at O'Clock
P. NJ. Mr.. Bayard of Delaware, present
, ed another series of resolutions
Gov. King, of Mo-. addressed the Con
1
J tion, Delegates came here instructed tt
, do the the best that could be done for tht
: Democric party. The majority report ha'
, the sting of death in it.
, Mr.. Pugh of Ohio, then took the foo
5 to reply to Yaucey, at half past seven.-
q His Mr.. Pugh's remarks were of th'
most scathing character, such as wer'
l never before heard in Charleston on tina
side of the subject-bold, fearless and pow
, erful.S He continued for an hour, ant
gave way for recess for on hour.