Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-09-18
UNION LEGISLATIVE CONVENTION


pointed committee to draft resolutions ex-
pressive of the sentiments of the Union Con-
vention, which assembled at Ridgway on rho
5th Sept. Messrs, Cowles and Allen of Nc
Kean, Clark and Bowling of Jefferson, Powell
and Tambini of Elk, and Kerns of Clearfield.
The Convention then adjourned TO meet on
the 9th when, on reassem bling the committee
through their chairman presented the follow
ing resolutions, which were unanimously a
dopted:
WHEREAS crisis has arisen in the affairs of
our Nation when in the opinion of this con-
vention all party predictions should be sac
ridced upon the altar of our common country
therefore be it resolved by this convention.
1st. ssrhat the present civil war has been
forced upon the country by the disunionsts OF
the Southern States, now in arms against the
constitutional government; that in this Ma
tional emergency this war is not waged
on the part of the government in any spirit
of oppression, or tor any purpose OF con-
quest subjugatiou or for the purpose of
verthrowng or interfering with the establish
ed institutions of those States, but to defend
and maintain the supremacy of the constitu-
tiOn and to preserve the Union, with all the
dignity, equality and rights of the several
States unimpared, and that as soon as these
objects are accomplished the war ought to
cease.
I'd. That, in the language of the patriot Jo-
in their hands, there is nothing to compro-
mise but the honor of the country and the in
terity of the government, and none but those
prepared to fill towards graves will submit TO
such humiliation this.
Sd. That, believing the federal administra-
tion sincerely in earnest, in their efforts 10
SUPPRESS the rebellion now threatening the exis-
tence of the government, we do not believe it
loyal or patriotic to wrangle over the action of
leaders; but when the rebellion is sup
pressed it will be time for US to severely critic
else the action of those who have administer
ed our government, TO reward them II they
have proved worthy and punish them if they
have abused the high powers committed TO
their keeping.
4th. That without discussing the several
acts of the President, which the Enemies of
the Government allege are despotic assumptions
of power, we assert that it is the first duty of
those charged with the administration of af-
fairs, to see that the Republic receives no de-
triment and that individual cases of tempor-
ary injustice are to be counted nothing in
comparison with the salvation of the institu-
tions of our fathers.
9th. That the brave volunteers who have
rushed to their country's defence in this hour
of peril, are entitled to, and will receive the
gratitude of every lpver of his country and
that the noble response of the Wild cat dis
trict to the call OF the President, by sending
ihore tHah ner pfoPortloh vi hei naIuy sohs
to the battle field, is the best assurance we
can give that we entertain no sympathy with
treason and of our readiness to support the
strongest measures adopted to crush this infa-
m GUS rebellion.
9th. That the gentleman this day placed in
nomination for representatives j. 3. McEnally
Esq, and Col. A. i. Wilcox, are entirely wor-
thy OF the confidence of all true union men
and we hereby pledge them our hearty support.
9TH. That the proceedings of this convention
be published in all papers in the district friend
ly to the cause.
On motion, il was resolved, that the next
Union Convention be held in Ridgway on the
ID Tuesday of September 1862.
On motion. the thanks the convention were
rendered to the officers of this convention.
The chairman responded with soul string
speech.
The convention then adjourned Sine Die