Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-01-13
Democratic State Convention.
FIRST DAY.


The Convention, assembled in Metropolitan
Hall, yesterday, January sth, was called to order
at 1O14 o'clock by Colonel Nathan B. Palmer.
Chairman of the Central Committee. Colonel
Palmer said:
FELLOW DEMOCRATS: In accordance with the
uniform usage Of the Democratic party of In
diana, you have been called to meet in Conven-
ton on this Sth January of glorious memory, on
this anniversary day of the great and brilliant vic
tory of New Orleans. and of that great and pat
riotic man General jackson and the brave sol
diers under his command-a day ever kept in
grateful remembrance by every patriotic heart,
more especially by the Democracy throughout
the land. There has been some diversity of opin-
ion among the Democracy as TO the proper time
of holding the Convention in the present peculiar
condition of the country; but as the matter of
holding the Convention on this or another day is
only matter of expediency, not involving any
principles, it not be doubted but the spirit of
harmony which is called for on the occasion, and
which il is hoped will characterize the action of
the Convention through all its deliberations will
overcome and allay all feelings and scruples
which may have been entertained in this regard
1t will be the province of the Convention to
determine its scope of action-whether il shall
perform all that is usual on such occasions or
postpone portion to another time.
/ desire to make few brief remarks before
the Convention organizes. The Democratic party
claim to be conservative party-a loyal party
devoted to the Constitution and the Union as it
has been handed down from our fathers. We are
not for Union without Constitution. No, a
Union without Constitution is impossible-rend
the Constitution, trample under foot its most
sacred provisions and guarantees-in word de
stroy the sacred instrument and the Union is no
more. But the Democratic party is for the Con
l.I.-- -
for the maintenance Of this the Democracy is
ready to devote itself in counsel and in battle.
And has il not given sufficient earnest of this
spirit in the legious of patriotic Democrats which
have gone 70 the war and are now on the battle
field battling for their country and the Constitu-
ton? But the Democracy can not perure itself
by any sanction to acts subversive Of that Con
stitution which il has in its heart to sustain
and preserve.
In view of these sentiments and integrity of
the Democratic party, pray that no act of this
Convention may even seem to give sanction or
countenance 10 acts destructive of the Constitu
ton under any pretext whatever
1t will now be in order for the Convention to
proceed to its organization.
Mr. Harrington, of Jefferson moved that the
Hon. Joseph w. Chapman, of the same county,
be chosen temporary Chairman. Carried
Mr.. Chapman, on taking the Chair, said that
he had neither any remarks or any suggestions
to make, save that it was time now for the Con-
vention to proceed to business, and the first thing
in order, after the appointment of n temporary
Secretary, would be the election of permanent
officers
On motion, Jos. j. Bingham, of Marion, was
chosen temporary Secretary.
Grafton E. Cookery, of Vigo, nominated Hon.
Thomas A. Hendricks for permanent President
Of the Convention.
Hon John G. Davis, of Parke, and r. L.
WalpoIe, of Marion, were also put in nomina-
ton.
After some debate as to whether Committee
of one from each Congressional District should
be appointed to select permanent officers, or
whether the Convention should directly select
them
Mr.. Davis. thanking the friends who had put
him in nomination. withdrew his name
Jonathan Liston. of Marion. withdrew the
name Of R. L. walpoIe.
Whereupon, the Convention. on motion of Hon
Joseph Z. Mcdonald. Of Marion. by aeclamaton
called upon Mr. Hendricks to preside
The Chairman appointed Hon. Joseph E. Me-
Donald, and Hon. John Petit, to conduct the
President elect to the chair.
Being introduced by Mr.. Petit. Nr. Hendricks
spoke as follows:
GExTLExES: thank you for the honor con
ferrei in calling upon me to preside over your de
lberati0ns.
IL j. pursuant to the usages Of our party thai
this Cons eBton OF delegates, sent up from all por
tons Of the State Is now in session. A custom
innocent in itse and found TO be useful ought no
TO be hastily Abandoned, nor without cause, al
zny time, and especially when the exigencies oil
the times demand It's observance.
IL has been the pleasure and viii OF the Democ
racy Of this State, IN times past that chosen dele
gates should sit in council. ON each revolving
Eighth Of January, TO deliberate upon all natter
material or important 20 the party organization
OF toucl.ing the public veal. To maintain thai
custom raise my voice, and give my vote thi:
day. lam not prone TO attach importance or sane
tity particular days. except far religion
has prescribed. yet TO me 1t seems meetand prope
that the day made memorable by the patriotism
and heroism of great leader, Andrew Jack
son. and his gallant army, should not be forgotten
now that our country is in her greatest peril. bu
that it should be observed by his political chidre
in sentiments Of fidelity % his principles, aud i
deeds of devotion 70 our country.