The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1863-06-24
and the Constitution as they were ordain-
ed by the founders of the Republic.

led by the founders of the Republic.
13. That whenever it becomes practlca
BILE to obtain Convention OF aller three
fourths of the States, such body should
be convened for the purpose OF proposing
such amendments to the Federal Consti-
tuition as experience has proved to be ne
cessary to maintain that instrument IN the
spirit and meaning intended by Its foun-
ders, and to provide against future con-
vulsions and wars.
IA. That we will earnestly support eve
ry constitutional measure tending to pre-
serve the union of the States. No men
have greater interest in it's preservation
| than we have; none desire it more, there
are none who will make greater sacrifices
or endure more than we will to accomplish
that end. We are, as we ever have been,
the devoted friends of the Constitution and
the Union, and we have no sympathy with
the enemies Of either.
Is. That the arrest, Imprisonment, pre-
tended t:ial, and actual Punishment of
Clement L. Vallandigham, citizen of the
State of Ohio, not belonging to the land
or naval forces of the United States, nor
to the militia in actual service, by alleged
military authority, for no other pretended
crime than that of uttering words of legit
innate criticism upon the conduct of the
Administration in power, and of appeal
ling to the ballot box 70. a change of poll
10y (said arrest and military trial taking
place where the courts Of law are open
and unobstructed, and Tor no act done
within the sphere uf active military ope-
rations in carrying on the war)-we re-
gard as palpabls violation of the follow
! ing provisions of the Constitution of the
United States:
/ 1. stCongress shall make no law : =
abridging the freedom of speech or of the
press, or the right of the people peaceably
/ to assemble, and to petition the Govern
.lnent for redress of grievances.
2. "The right Of the people to be Sc
cure in their persons, houses, papers and
effects against unreasonable searches and
seizures, shall not be violated, and no
warrant shall issue but upon probable
cause, supported by oath or affirmation,
and particularly describing the place to
be searched aud the persons or things to
be seized.
8. mo person shall be held to answer
for capital or otherwise infamous crime,
unless in presentment or Indictment OF
a Grand Jury, except in cases sarlslng In
the land or naval forces, or in the militia
when in actual service in time of war or
public danger.
f. sIn all criminal prosecutions, the
/ accused shall enjoy the right to speedy
/ and public trial by an impartial jury of
/ the State and district wherein the crime
shall have been committed, which district
shall have been previously ascertained by
law. ;"
And we furthermore denounce said ar
rest, trial and banishment as a direct in
suit offered to the sovereignty of the peo-
pie of Ohio, by whose organic law It's de-
clared that "no person shall bo transported
out of the State for any ofcnse committed
within the same
16. That Clement L., Vallandigham was
/ at the time. of his arrest prominent can
didate for nomination by the Democratic
party of Ohio for the office of Governor
| d the State, that the Democratic party
was fully competent to decide whether he
was fit man for that nomination, and that
the attempt to deprive them of that right
by his arrest and banishment, was an un-
merited imputation upon their intelligence
| aud loyalty, as well as violation of the
| Constitution.
] IL. That VIC respectfully, butmost earn
estly, calliupon the President of the Uni
! ted States to restore Clement L. Vallan-
| digham to his home in Ohio and that a
committee of one from each Congressional
District of the State, to be selected by the
| presiding officer of this Convention, is
hereby appointed to present this applica-
/ ton to the! President. s.s
18. That the thanks of this Convention
are hereby rendered to Horatio Seymour,
Governor of the State of New York, for
his noble letter in relation to the arrest
of Mr. Vallandigham; and the President
of this Convention is hereby directed to
communicate copy of this resolution to
hGoyernor Seymour.
10. That the establishment of military
government over the loyal States, where
war does not exist, to supersede the civil
authorities and suppress the freedom of
speech and of the press, and to interfere
with the elective franchise, is not only
subversive Of the Constitution and the
sovereignty Of the States, but the actual
inauguration of revolution.
30, That it is the sworn duty of the
Governor Of the State to protect her citi-
zens in the enjoyment and exercise of all
their constitutional rights; and we have
beheld with deep humiliation and regret,
not only the failure of David Tod, Gov
ernor, of Ohio, to perform that duty, but
what is still worse, his actiue participations
| in the violation of those rights.
81. That We denounce as traitors to the
country the Abolition Jacobins who are
seeking TO bring about civil war in the
loyal States, with the view, of turning, if
possible, the bayonets of the army against
| the breasts of the fathers, brothers and
friends of the soldiers, and subjecting
those States TO q military surveillance and
dominion. sss ..s
%. That we denounce, as ibelers of the
Democratic partyyand enemies of their
country. the men who are engaged in rep >