The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-05-04
The Charleston Convention.

Our record of the doings of this convocation
OF the harmonious Democracy, embraced the
three first days proceedings. We have propos-
ell to give full details Of the Convention. and Of
the incidents Of interest connected Herewith,
but we find this impossible for the want of
space. We are obliged to give only the mate
rial facts. The most extensive excitement has
prevailed, and the dissensions Of the conyen-
ton finally resulted in bolt on Monday of
seven or eight Southern States, with prospect
that the delegates from other Southern states
would follow. On Thursday, Friday, and Sat-
urday excited discussion tack place on va
rious propositions relating to platforms accom-
panied at times with great excitement and Bit
terncss of expression on the part Of the North
ern and Southern delegates. The Committee
on Platforms made majority and minority
reports ON Friday. which after heated discus
sion were recommitted. and ON Saturday, two
reports, majority and minority report were
made. The Committee were instructed to re-
port the Bayard Platform, and ats o'clock
p. NJ. on Saturday, the majority reported
through Mr.. Avery ofN. c., the following:
Rssoirsi, That the platform adopted by the
Democratic party at Cincinnati be affirmed,
with the following explanatory resolutions:
LIST, That the government ola territory Is
provisional and temporary, and during its ex-
istence all citizens ofthe United States have an
equal right to settle with their property in the
territory without their rights either of persons
or property being destroyed or injured by con-
gressional or territorial legislation.
81, That II Is the duty ofthe Federal Govern
rights Of persons and property to the terrific
ries and wherever else its constitutional author
ity extends.
ID, That when the settlers in Territory,
having an adequate population form State
constitution, the right Of sovereignty common
ces, and being consummated by their admission
into the Union, they stand on an equal footing
with people Of other States and State thus or
gsniIed ought TO be admitted into the Union
whether its constitution prohibits or recognizes
the institution Of slavery.
Rssolrsd, That the Democratic party are in
favor OF the acquisition Of Cuba on such terms
Spain, at the earliest practicable moment.
Resoired, That the enactmcnts of State Leg
islaturcs to defeat the faithful execution Of the
fugitive slave law are hostile I'm character suh
Sersive OF tho Constitution, Evolutionary in
effect
Rssolrsd, That the Democracy Of the United
States recognize Il IS the imperative duty of
this Government to protect the naturali,ed
citizen In all his rights, whether at home or In
foreign lands, to the same extent as its native
born citizens.
Whereas, One ofthe greatest necessities Of
the age in q political, commercial, postal and
military point Of view, h speedy cgDmunica-
ton between the Pacific and Atlantic coasts
therefore be Il resolved that the National Dem
ocratie party do hereby pledge themselves to
use every means Gin their power to secure the
passage Of some bill, 20 the extent Of their con-
stitutional authority by Congress, for the con-
strnction ofa Psci6c Railroad from the Miss
issippi River to the Paei6c Ocean. ct the earli-
est psAsticsble moment.
The minority also reported - follows;
Received, That We, the Democracy OF the
Union, In Convention assembled, hereby do
clare our Affirmation Of The resolutions unani-