Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-05-19
-sfsrsnee 70 .hs pemocratio .par.yy. Nc: Riehard


casion For the State of Illinois / can especially
say this-I am satisfied that when we again as
semble here in future Congress, the extreme
abolition party Will not have members enough on
this floor 10 make roll call. agree in what
has been smd about the country and its good. We
are to preserve the Constitution as { is, and TO
restore the Union it Ii is MT to be tam
pered with or impaired by any mere political party
protest against and denounce anything OF that |
kind. Though we have different views on GER |
tain subjects still our first and main purpose is to
preserve the Constitution. We have plenty Of |
power within the limits of the Constitution to |
prosecute this war; and in its entire preservation
l, for one, am ready to help
Mr. Menzies Of Kentucky discussed the war
question, and its causes and effects. he was for
unity of action to defeat and overthrow those
who had caused aud were maintaining this rebel |
lion. He said, am ready for this purpose to 4
unite upon some basis of action against the reb
els. 1t is my first and earnest desire to overthrow
everywhere those who have been and are striving
to change our frame of government. L want to
unite with every man who is for putting down
this rebellion. i am for meeting the traitors of
the South, and the other enemies of my country
known as abolitionists. \ l am for ignoring all
party distinctions
the object of this meeting is to organize plan of
action to meet and defeat certain propositions be-
fore Congress. am in favor Of the admnistra-
ton of the Constitution according to its spirit
am opposed to those who are opposed to it.
whether they come from the North or the South,
whether they are in arms against the Government
or not. i am opposed to many of the schemes
that have been advanced in this House | am
opposed to the general confscation measure,
whether by legislative enactment or any other
process. am in favor of the maintenance Of
the supremacy of this Government at any cost.
i am opposed to the determination to interfere
with our military officers, weakening and paralyz-
ing their efforts in putting down this rebellion.
am opposed to an interference with the local in
situations of any State where they are protected
by the Constitution ! would punish the leaders
of this rebellion far as any gentleman, per-
haps. III 1t is necessary to enact any law to
bring about such punishment am ready to sup
port it. / am not willing to stand upon any plat
form which has YET been put forth to the country.
/ agree that the supremacy of the Constitution
and the maintenance of the Government is our
first and highest and hottest duty. If this meet
ing was for the purpose of reforming the old
Democratic party, | would not be here. am a
supporter of the policy of the President of the
United States. OF course, do not commit my
self to his every act. i am opposed to those who
! denOunce Abraham Lincoln. A truly conserya-
| tive party cannot denounce him. believe his is
wise policy. am willing to commit myself to
a unity with any man in sustaining the Constitu-
| ton and this Government / am opposed TO Mr..
Arnold, to make freedom national and slavery
sectional. l am opposed to the adoption of any
agitating measure, from which can result no good
or practical utility at this time believe the
general confscation and general emancipation
measures both unwise now and impolitic.
Mr.. Cravens, of Indiana-This is certainly an
extraordinary meeting, in some respects. do
notremember Of ever having attended any meet
ing of this kind. We see here gentlemen repre-
senting different parties, and yet all united on
one great basis for action. We have been mott
fed that it is not for party purpose, and we see
here men who voted for Mr.. Breckenridge, and
Mr.. Bell, and Mr. Lincoln We have met here
as conservative men, for the whole country s
good, and to direct the force of public attention,
consideration, and opinion. We are TO rise above
party, to the hight and dignity of full grown
statesmen, to meet the requirements and neces-
sites of these times. / am opposed TO the agita-
ton Of subjects preiudica to the interests OF this
Union. 1 am opposed to the agitation of the
question of slavery, as tending to destroy this
Government. | am for just such policy as will
satisfy those Southern men now in arms against
the Government that they mistaken and must
renquish their hopes The Western people,
whose interests are divided, must look to their
pecunary interests, and to all their interests-to
those interests involved in maintenance OF the
Mr.. Kellogg, of Illinois, am happy and
thankful to see so many gentlemen here, and
sure there would lave been many more pres
ent had they only known the true object of the
meeting. Party has fallen below our copsdera-
ton in the effort TO successfully combat this
mighty storm. / am not prepared now, for one,
to take the preliminary steps for party organi-
zation. Sir, we have higher mission. We
should meet together, we should consult together,
We should act together to secure the benefit of a
wise and stateSmanlike policy. What desire is
this: TO have some concert of action to meet
those measures that are injurious, and as inju-
riously thrown before Congress. II we only act
together, can break down and overthrow all
those wild, mad schemes, which go to make the
life of party excitement in the same ratio as they
injuriousy affect the life of our once peaceful
country. | am for union of all conservative
men. Ny position is just this: l am for putting
down this devilish rebellion, but in restoring the
Constitution and the Union am for respecting
and securing the rights of States and individuals
When that result is accomplished am satisfied
He had heard that the utras proposed to make
the Lovejoy bill paiatabe. he thought we had
better vote to lay the bill the table while il
was in its present obnoxious state.
Mr.. Cox, OF 0hio-Ihat motion has been made
and voted down
Mr. Mallory (Ky.) read resolution proposing
to defeat the Loyejoy bill as unconstitutional anc
ruinous. "a
Mr.. Sheffield-The Secretary (Mr. Cox ha:
the floor for Monday to make motion to dispose
of the bill
Mr. Cox-After Mr. Fisher shall have made
his speech / will be entitled to the floor, to move
to postpone till next December.
Mr.. Fisher (Del.) III intend to move its inde6
mite postponement ,-..,
Mr.. NOEL MOI favored another meeting.
The motion to appoints committee OF one from
each State to draft resolutions expressive OF the
object of the meeting, was adopted.
The following is the committee: Messrs. Crit
tenden, of Kentucky; Hall. of Missouri; Sheffield
of Rhode Island; Cris6eld. of Maryland; Allen
of Ohio Richardson, of Illinois; Cravens, OF In
diana; Brown, of Virginia; johnson, of Pennsyl
vania; Ward, of New York; Fisher, of Delaware
MAYNARD, of Tennessee, and Steele, of New Jer
sew. .le .-.e
Mr.. Sheffield moved that the Chairman of thi:
meeting be the Chairman of the committee, anC
desired the Secretary to put the motion.
IL was put and carried.
1t was moved that when the meeting adjourn j
adjourn TO meet on Tuesday evening, at eigh
o'clock. ~ ,s..
After some conversation il was carried that tn,
committee have power to enlarge itself by adding
to its numbers. The names of Messrs. Wickliff'
and Kellogg were added TO the committee
The substance of the resolutions reported b,
the committee appointed at this caucus were pub
lished in the Sentinel of Tuesday morning. Th'
following from the New York Tribune of Mon
day shows the way the movement strikes tn
radicals:
sIn point of numbers. the Democracy recon
shutting caucus of Saturday was respectable, be
tween forty and fifty members of the House, ant
several Senators, Messrs. Powell and Saulsbur.
among them, being present The tone Of th