The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-09-13
The Peoples Union Convention and
Candidates.


IN Candidates. s.-. ,.-,...
The Peoples Union Convention, consist
ing of delegates from the most populous
counties of the various sections of the State,
met on the 9th inst. at the Athepeum, in this
city-the proceedings Of which will be found
fully reported elsewhere. The movement
which led to this Convention was without
prior organization and the large repre-
sentation had, springing as it did from the
spontaneous action of the people, furnishes
the fullest desirable evidence that partyism
is dead among the masses, and that pa
triotism rules supreme in its stead. This
sentiment; dominant everywhere, now, out
side the little clidues Of the old political par
ties, will gather new strength to the Union
movement, with each succeeding day, until
the people shall crown it with victory.
The platform adopted by the Convention
is live one, and suited exactly to the de-
mands Of patriotism, and the temper of the
times. 1t interprets unequivocally the spi-
rit that should animate every true Ameri.
can heart, and the only policy that can re-
unite and preserve the nation. That it
was penned by the hand of the old Demo-
crat, DANIEL s. DICKINSON, of New York,
will detract nothing from its merit with any
one. The patriotic course OF the veteran
politician, in surrendering all political an.
tipathies for the sake of his country, and the
support of those in whose charge the people
have committed its destinies, rendered the
adoption by the Convention of his senti.
ments, clothed in his language, an act of
graceful and merited courtesy.
The candidates nominated are such as
will commend themselves to the warm con.
sideration and support of the people, on
their own merits. They are fairly enough
divided among the old political parties
with an advantage, perhaps, to the Repub.
lican side-the Governor, Attorney Gene.
raj, and State Treasurer, being taken from
the Republican party, and the Lieut:nant
Governor and Secretary of State from the
old Democracy. i.
For Governor, the Convention nominated
WILLIAM H. sDIKE, of Rice county,
Major of the First Minnesota Regiment.
The distinguished part taken by Major
dixie in the formation of the First Regi-
ment, under the call of the President for
volunteers his generous conduct displayed
towards the soldiers under his command ;
his gallantry on the field, as well as his
humanity in camp; bis sterling qualities as
a man, and bis full competency for the po-
sition; pointed him out to the Convention
as one peculiarly fit to be made the stand
ard-bearer OF the movement organized sole
ly for the defence and maintenance of the
Union. We had thought to give an &C.
count of Major D1KE's career and services
from our own pen; but the following, from
the Press, of the 10Th of August last, is so
just to our nominee, that we adopt Mr..
MARsHALL's language in lieu of our own
From the st. Paul Press of Aug. 2sth.
MAJ. w. H. DIKE.-We understand that Mai.
Dixie, of the First Minnesota Regiment, leaves
st, Paul this morning, after hurried visit to
Farbault, for the purpose of joining the regi.
ment on the Potomac. In making this an.
nouncement, we correct the erroneous state.
ment of his resignation. He has visited the
State for few days on urgent business, but
now hastens to resume his command.
While all accounts of the Minnesota regi.
ment, whether in camp or on the field, have
attested the fidelity, GOODNESS and bravery Of
Major Dixie, yet there are some further partic-
ulars of the man, and his valuable services to
the regiment, to which we desire to refer. His
energy and efficiency as a man of business,
concurring with his individual liberality, were
of immense service in the organization of the
regiment, as every one familiar with events at
Fort Smelling will attest. We are not sur.
prised to hear that since the battle at Manas.
sas the wounded of the Minnesota regiment
have received constant proofs of his warm.
hearted sympathy. He would be sure to make
the cause of every sufferer his own.
Major Dixie is native of Vermont, Rutland
County, we believe, and has warrant for bis
patriotic zeal in distinguished Revolutionary
ancestry; but his career of successful bust.
ness was at Crown Point, in Essex County,
New York. In the vicinity of Ticonderoga, he
was a member of firm, Hammonds & Co..
which, during period of fifteen years by ship.
ments of the iron and lumber Of Northern New
York, amassed considerable fortune. In 1851
Dixie tran sferred his capital to Faribault, Min.
nesota, where he and his partners are largely
engaged in business. As proprietors of a -four.
ing mill, Dixie & Co. are now shipping 100 bar.
rels of Rice County -four daily and directly to
New York city, 1t was from extensive and lu.