Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-07-25

National Dem mOcratlc convention Whlch was 10
assemble at Charleston. Our Delegates met
at Charleston, and the National Convention,
by re affirming the Cincinnati platform and
explaining the views of the National Democ-
racy upon the vexed question OF slavery in the
Territories, simply endorsed the platform
which, when adopted by our State convention,
gave SO much pleasure to the Pennsylvania
Democracy. Mr.. President, the right spirit
did not pervade the Charleston Convention.
Bitter partizans were there. They seemed de-
termined TO prevent the nomination OF one,
who had decided majority OF the delegates.
Had these men remained in convention they
could have accomplished that end, because
the nominee of the party could not then have
secured a two-third vote. They seeded. The
Convention then adjourned to meet at Balti-
more. The Pennsylvania Delegation again
met with the Convention. Another secession
takes place, our delegates retaining their seats.
After few ballots, Stephen a. Douglas was
declared the nominee, and that nomination
was made unanimous by the National CCnyen-
! ton. Mr. Douglas alone should receive the
support of those who desire to preserve the
| Democratic organization intact. He received
| all the votes necessary under any cifcumstau-
ces to entitle him to our support.
1t was once the rule for the Democratic
| members of Congress to make the Presiden
| tial nominations. That was changed aud the
| power delegate to National Convention Sc
/ lected according to the rule sof the party.
A majority made the nominations. When
Martin Van Buren candidate for nom
nation he had majority of delegates in con-
! yention. Some of those who were instructed
| TO use all honorable means TO secure Van Bu
ren's nomination, struck hands with the mi
nority, and through an unholy and corrupt
coalition, compassed his defeat, by agreeing
! to the othIrd rule. 1t was partisan spirit
which accomplished this end. 1t caused the
defeat of the Democratic nominee and gave
1txy1,
which for years was proved a fostering sore on
the Democratic body. Is partisan spirit again
| to triumph Because the administration
! and its hackers are hostile to the nominee,
must inglorioas defeat sully eur banner? If
! the maintainance of democratic principles is
! not to be the object OF our party organization,
| but spirit of man worship or mere express
sion of personal preference or particular dis
/ likes is to invade and take possession of the
! Democratic party, then, for one, | say, the
sooner the party is disbanded and new one,
governed by correct political principles, or
| ganized, the better.
MI President, my first vote was cast in this
county. 1t was democratic. have since
stood by the Democratic organization. Recog
nizing the soundness of the democratic doc
trneu uprinciples not men-I have ever sup
| ported the regular nominee of the party. l
shall do so still. In the last Presidential con-
test, for months labored by day and night to
1
SO, whilst hostile to the nominee, because |
thought there might still be some Federal
blood coursing through his veins and be-
| lieved him one of his friends once remark
ed, so cold that icicles hung around his heart
in the midst of August. And l will now sup
| port Judge Douglas, against my first colce,
| because he has fairly received the nom-
ination-because when the Administration
overstepped the bounds and established
| new test in the party, be manfuly resisted
| it--because in his own State, when the adj
ministration and Republican party combined
! sought his political downfall, he came out
| more than conqueror. If personal hostility to
Judge Douglas is sufficient reason to cause Sc
cession and bring about defeat of the party,
| let it come and let the Responsibility rest
where it should. The support of any but
| Douglas electoral ticket will demoraIize the
party and produce its dissolution.
| 1 admit tha: when a convention is packed,
| or fraudulent and corrupt means are used TO
| defeat the popular will, the members of par
ty not bound to support the nominees.
But such cannot be urged against Douglases
nomination, or given as reason tor secession.
l know it was said by some Southern Demo-
Gratis that the Democratic party must pledge
| itself to the passage of a Slave code by Con-
| gress and the failure TO do SO was given as
the ground for their disafection. Whilst [
| wish our platform had been more explicit in
| regard to this question, | can never agree to
support the view taken by the extreme South
| ern Democrats. At the call of the party, |
/ shall be ready to controvert the Republican
| position. that Congress has the right to pro-
| hibit Slavery in the Territories--to maintain
the doctrine that has been promulgated by our
! late State convention, and which since the
! CasS-N ichoSon letter has been the Dem ocratic
| doctrine: but, sir, i shall never stultfy my
| self so much, as, in opposition to the views
expressed in 1856, to defend the converse of
/ . 4l,otI
| has right to legislate for the protection Of
slavery in the Territories, and thus counte
nance untenable position any support
| ed by our opponents.
Speeches, on the part of the Breckinridge
wing, were made by W. A. Wallace, l. Test,
and r. j. Wallace, Esquires, but we have not
the room to give abstract of them.
After the meeting had adjourned, the Doug
lasi;es organized separately and formed club
oftheir own. On Saturday evening they again
met. and elected the following permanent Off
GERS 81. j. Grams, President; John Hilburn,
| WI. Hemphill, Vice Presidents; James L.
Morgan, Rec. Sec'y Walter Barrett, Corresp..
Secretary; David McGaughy, Treasurer; Maj.
John B. Hisey, Michael Hegarty, Committee
on Finance; VIM. Behan, z. C. Puryiance,
d. Connolly, Com. of Correspondence. We
understand the club about calling Doug
| las Ratification Meeting, to be held at Cur
| wensville, on Saturday the 4th of August
| Thus it will be seen that things are growing
! interesting with the Democracy of Clearfeld !;
nor are they likely to improve until both
wings get good dressing at the hands of
sshonest old Abe.''
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