The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-08-16
TIE HARTFORD CONVENTION
THE PROTOTYPE
or InE
Cnn vent ion
Hold a, Alfred. August 7. 1891.

Forty-scvcn years ago there assembled in
Hartford, in the old State Of Connecticut, an
assembly Of men whose names have gone
down to postcri,y coupled with load OF in
fanny. The country was then in desperate
struggle with foreign foe whose gigantic
power was the wonder Of the world. IL was
not n struggle for national existence, but one
for recognition Of rights belonging to all ma
tions. and to maintain positions taken by
the Government in regard to maritime rights
which were deemed essential to the national
prosperity, and which could not be given up
without national disgrace and dishonor-
Previous to the holding Of that Convention
measures had been adopted by the Admins
tra,ion then in power, which were deemed
necessary in the effective carrying on oil the
war, which bore hard ON the industrial
pursuits Of the people. These measures
vero non.intercoursc laws, embargoes, and
others passed for like objects. They were
hard measures, but the patriotism OF the peo-
ME justified them, and they were submitted
10. no, In all cases cheerfully, but in general
rs tho necessary. though severe means, to
carry on the war so as to obtain an honora'
bio peace. These measures were denounced
nv some rs unconstitutional Us "tyran-
meal" without sufficient excuse, and the
arm of Government Vas paralyzed, and that
Of the enemy strengthened by species OF
fault.Gnding with the expenditures necessary
70 prosecute the war. and because the Gov
ernmeo, would not compounds with the
public enemy by submitting to his demands
AT this time, when the Republic had hardly
strengthened into manhood, before the old war
debt vas paid, when the Government was
straininp ITS utmost nerve to defend itsell
from the assaults Of q powerful foe, this
assembly, tho representatives of the disSa'is-
fed men who had by their complaints embar-
rassed the Government with their faul.-fnd-
mss and propositions for an isnoble surren-
der Of all fhc questions involved in the war,
and for compromises. the HARTFORD CoSvKs-
TON was held. Without questioning the
sincerity Of the motives OF some OF the men
who composed that Convention, or without
doubling their patriotism, history has pro-
nounccd its Judgment on it and them, and
tha. Judgment is, that it was most unwise'
unpatriotic, deserving only to be remem-
bsred as n beacon-light to warn Others in fu-
ture times against repetition Of one OF like
character and objects. The men who CON-
posed ii lost the respect and confidence oil
THAR lellow-men, and even those who sym
ratified with them were not free from the
faint of suspicion Of being disloyal to thu
Government. The intervening years have
been fruitful in public events, parties hav'
arisen and fallen, but tho correctness OF tn
public judgment on the dOings OF that con
yention. has been moro than affirmed. Saei
was in brief, the HARTFORD CONVENTION.
Last " odncsday there was held at ALFRED
in this county. Convention Of which tn
Hartford was its prototype. The doing
Of ii have found publicity through tho col
umns Of the public press, and its declaration
embodied in resolutions. are before the world
challenging enquiry and animadvesiOn.-
There is in them, IL not the expression o
absolute treason, (thOss Of the Iiartior,
Convention were no, amenable To this) spir
4, Of E,ult-6ndipg, Of false assumptions o
history and political acts Of eensure upO'
tho Government, OF suggestions Of PROPOSE
tiOns to dishouOr the nation, which are i
keeping with the example set by the har'
ford Convention. As WAS the casewish son
Of the principles Of that convention some
the sentiments Of tho Alfred gathering a
undeniablc. Nobody will dispute them. ;
also, US the men Of tho Hartford Convention