Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1860-05-03
THE CHARLIE sToN CONVENTION.

The assembled democracy at Charleston,
have passed an exciting week, ending with
Saturday last, without arriving at any definite
result Their time has been taken up, with
the everlasting "nigger." The Slavery ques.
tion, which has been "Settled so many times,
has evoked the direst discord and intense ex-
citement amongst those who are the readcst
and loudest to deprecate agitation.
The Committee on Platform made three diff
ferent reports. Early on Saturday, after sew
eral days of wrangling and discussion, the
Bayard resolutions were presented by Mr..
BIGLER, who supported them in q speech, in
which he pleaded for eonciation, but pleaded
in vain. The resolutions affirmed the Cncin,
natl Platform, rejected the doctrine of squat
ter sovereignty, and left the question of slave
property to be settled by the Supreme Court
After an angry contest, the resolutions were
recommitted to the Committee by one maiori-
ty-Ayes 1872 Nays Isl. The entire New
York vote was cast in the negative. The mi
nority vote was regarded as the first test of
DOUGLAS strength in the Convention. The
Georgia delegation had minority of Douglas
men, who demonstrated against decision that
the vote of that State must be cast as a unit,
and it is asserted that DOUGLAS lost two votes
by this mauGuvre. The platforms having been
recommitted the Convention took recess at
5 l-2 =. NJ The Platform Committee re-
turned with two reports. The majority report
was presented by Mr.. AVERY of North Caro-
lima. 1t sets out with an affirmation of the
Cincinnati platform, subject to certain expla
natory resolutions, which declare that all citi-
zens have right to settle in the Territories,
without their rights, either of person or
property, being destroyed or injured by Con.
gressional or Territorial legislation = that it
is the duty of the Federal Government to
protect these rights aad that the State SOW
ereignty begins only with the formation of
State Constitution. The remainder of the
majority platform goes for Cuba, the enforce
mcnt of the Fugitive Slave law, and Pacific
Railroad. The minority report Of the Com
mittee presented by Mr.. SAMUELs, of Iowa,
also reafirms the general principles of the
Cincinnati Platform but meets the question
of the Territories by declaring that " inasmuch
as differences of opinion exist" the Democratic
Party will abide by the decision of the Su-
preme Court over the institution of Slavery
within the Territories" The acquisition of
Cuba and the construction of a Pacific Rail.
road are planks of this report, similar in all
respects to those laid down by the majority
Mr.. SAMUELs made a powerful appeal to South
ern members to adopt the report of the mi
norty. He expected the South not to persist
in an abstraction which would drive one-half
the Northern Democrats into the army of the
Black Republicans" and it appears that he
was heard by the ire-eating party with re-
spectful attention. Mr. BUTLER, of Massachu-
sctts, presented third report, which proposed
the adoption of the Cincinnati Platform, with
out explanations or addenda. A violent dis
cussion followed tae reception Of the reports,
in the midst of which motion prevailed to
adjourn until Monday morning.
Further reports from the Convention bring
US Monday proceedings. The minority report
was adopted by ayes l65, nays 1873; upon the
announcement of this result, the delegates
from Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida,
Texas, and South Carolina with a portion of
the Arkansas delegation withdrew, protesting
against the action of the majority.
1t is supposed the seceders will nominate
ticket, consisting of DAVIS and EVERETT.
The absence from the Convention of the
seceders probably ensures the nomination of
DOUGLAS.