The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-04-03
The Kentucky Union Convention.
The convention lust held at Louisyi]

The convention just held at Louisville
for the nomination of State officers and a
reaffirmation of Kentucky loyalty, should,
so far as it's acts are evidence, set at rest
all speculations as to the determination of
Kentuckians to stand by the Government
and sustain it in prosecuting the war
against rebellion. twas largely composed
of the most wealthy and influential men of
the State; those who have a vital interest
in the war, who have suffered much for
their loyalty, and may possibly, in the
chances and mischances Of war, be called
upon to testify bynow sacrifices their devo-
ton to the Union Of their fathers. The
character Of the nominees is at once an
assurance Of the loyalty OF the representa-
tive men Of the State. and Of a detarmn-
alton on their part not to allow the soph-
istrics Of State Rights leaders, or a mere
administrative policy, to swerve them from
the line of patriotic duty. The nominee
for Governor, Hon. JOSHUA f. BELL, IS an
unconditional Union man, and has been
from the commencement OF the present
war. His course in the State Senate has
been as clearly and satisfactorily on tie
side Of the Union as that of any man Ia
Kentucky. His voice has never given an
uncertain sound, and his vote has never
been withheld upon any question where
the relations Of the State to the Fedora.
Government have been involved.
Col. RICHARD JACOB, OF Oldham County,
the nominee for Lieutenant Governor, a
son-in-law of Tom BENTON, is Colonel OF
the Sth Kentucky Cavalry. He has de
fined his position by his acts, and if any
thing more were needed, his remarks to the
Convention, OF which We take a synopsis
from The correspondence Of the TI4eE, is
abundantly sufficient
lie said he was no asprant for any position
at the hands OF the Convention, bat was con-
tent to reInain in the field to fight for the Con-
stitution and noble Union. He had promised
| to stay with his regiment, and he thought he
could do more there than on the stump. He
proceeded to define his position, that tie Con-
ventlOn might understand exactly where he
stood. lie startc out as 4 breckenridge Dem
ocrat, but when he found the leaders Of that
party conspiring and trying to divide the poo-
pie, he took Il position against them.
In regard TO the Presidents proclamation he
| was opposed to it; but like every true patriot
he was opposed to q division Of this great
| country, and he would always be opposed to it,
| for God had made it one. At the ballot-boX
they could put down MIR. Lincoln's proclama-
| ton and with the sword they would put down
| the rebellion. He was for leaving to the Un-
born millions, who were to come after them,
| the settlement of this question. kentucky
would maintain the Union come what might.
Not less emphatic in his condemnation
of the rebellion and devotion to the Union
is Colonel HARLAN, who, like Col. JACOB,
is soldier. What patriot would not trust
q man who gives utterance to such senti-
ments as these?
''He believed the American people had The
power to crush out the rebel army. lie BEG
ged Of the people of Kentucky not to turn the
cold shoulder on the gallant boys in the field.
Cries of "Neyer!D Let nothing be done to
discourage them, or encourage them 10 desert.
The war; he believed, would yet close with sue
| cess to our arms and honor to the country
Applause. lie was unwilling to stop the war
| until he was satisfied that JEFF. Davis could
whip them Some want peace How could
they get it now, except by q division Of the
country? and he asked, is chat peace? Itwould
be mean and coWardly to hand down to Our pos
terity this quarrel, that we ought to fight cut
for ourselves. [Chcers
1T would hot be his province TO prosecute
persons guilty OF treason against the United
States, but he would now give notice that dur
ing the campaign, next August, it would be
his duty. and he would arragn every man and
party before the grand jury OF the people. who
In the slightest degree were tinctured with
treason. Prolonged cheering. This duty he
would discharge fearlessly.
The other names-JAME3 II. GARRARD
for State Treasurer, Thomas S. PAGE for
Public Auditor JOHN A. DAWSON for Reg
lister Of Land Office, and David SrEvEN-
SON for Superintendent OF Public Instruc-
tion-are understood to be equally une-
quivOcal in their loyalty, There is 10
butternut smell on their garments, nor
were the proceedings tinctured with it.