Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-08-29

LETTER OF PATRICK KERR.

No little interest having been manifested to
see the letter of Patrick Kerr, Esq, who was
butchered by the Democratic Congressional
Conference at Brookvile on the Sth inst, we
publish it entire, as we find it in the columns
of the Clarion Democrat:
ST. CHARLES FURNACE, Aug. IL, 1860.
Coz. ALEXANDER AS there are many in
quiries and considerable talk about the reas-
on of my withdrawal from the Brookv;ile Con-
yention, after having received a majority OF
the votes therein, l think it butsdue to my
friends and the public generally TO make a
orief statement TO set the matter right before
the people. At the call Of the counties, when
the convention was organized three delegates
responded from each of the eight counties,
except Mexican county. There were but two
delegates in attendance from that county
The first thing in order was to settle how Nc
kean county should vote. After hearing va
rious propositions and full interchange of o.
pinion it was unanimously decided that Nc
kean should be allowed three votes, each of
her delegates casting vote and half. II
was so entered on the minutes, and the rule
was fair and just alike to all the candidates.
candidates were then put in nomination, and
the convention proceeded to ballot. NY name
was presented by Clarion county. On The first
ballot L had three votes from Clarion county.
three from Forest county, who were instruct
ed for me, and three from Elk who had no in
structions-maklng nine votes in all. The
next highest candidate had four votes. After
the first ballot the Forest county delegates did
not adhere faithfully TO their Instructions. al
though one, and some times two of them did
occasionally afterwards vote for me. The bal
iotIngs continued through Wednesday evening
without any result, and on Thursday morning
Mr. jerks withdrew his name as candidate.
Thereafter the Jefferson county delegates cast
their votes for me. Shortly after, 1 think it
I'LL L
from Clarion county, three from Elk, three
from Jefferson, two from Forest, and one and
half from McKean-making 129 votes for me
to liz for all others, clear majority of one.
AT this point there was some cavil about the
hall votes, some delegates insisting that they
ought not to be counted, but either way was
entitled fairly to the nomination. Counting
the half votes, in accordance with the rule of
the convention. as unanimously settled at the
outset, had l29 votes to III for all Others
Rejecting the half votes, had IL to 1l--either
way clear majority of one, and emitting me
by every rule of right and party usage to be
declared the nominee. Notwithstanding these
facts, a delegate from Clearfeld moved that no
one should be declared nominated by the chair
man, until he had received l3 full votes. and
this resolution carried against the protest Of
the Clarion county delegates-thus introdu-
cing new rule, contrary to all right and usage.
for my especial case. 1 am satisfied that some
uoieS"tcs uiu hot understand tDe Op)ect, or
the force and effect of the resolution, or it
would not have been allowed to pass
Now, Mr.. Editor, it strikes me, as / think it
would strike any impartial mind, that such
resolution, at such time, was unjust and out
of order. First, it conflicted with the rule
and understanding of the convention, up to
that time, in allowing the half votes, which had
always been counted and announced by the
secondly the resolution came
100 late, as | was in point of fact and by the
rules of the convention, already nominated by
I clear majority of one, before the resolution
vas offered. A resolution of that kind could
oniy apply tn the future, it could not affect
previous ballot, or operate to deprive me OF
TO which was undeniablv entitled
Convinced then that it was an unworthy arti-
ice to operate especially against me, | no lon
ger desired that my name should remain be-
ore the convention, and accordingly instruct
ID one of my delegates to withdraw my name
rom the list of candidates, but he not COM
'lying with the request, ? went personally be-
ore the convention and withdrew my name, in
! few plain words, not perhaps sufficiently
courteous and complimentary, cut they were
he words OF plain man who is in the habit
" using language to convey thoughts, not to
conceal them.
l wish it distinctly understood that I exon
rate a majority of the convention from all
blame in the matter, as l am well satisfied that
majority were favorable 20 my nomination.
also cheerfuly exonerate James K. Kerr,
esq, who was afterwards declared the nominee
# the convention, as he was not present and
lad part in the transaction. Had be been
resent, am free 10 say that his sense of hon.
II would not nave permitted him TO participate
n so transparent an artifice, or to accept NOM
nation secured in so questionable manner.
Yours, respectfully, PATRICK KERR.