Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1863-03-25
THE CONTENTION OF 1863.

TIL CONVENTION OF 1863.
On the 18th of February, 1868. another
Convention was held in Hartford, called
the Democratic State Convention Of Con-
necticut. In some respects the circum-
stances surrounding the two conventions
were similar. Both were called by par
ties opposed to the prosecution ofthe war,
and both claimed that the General Gov
eminent was usurping powers which did
not belong to IL. But here The similarity
ends. Although it is maniiestly the duty
Of every patriotic man to stand by his
country in time OF war, yet compared
with the present rebellion. the wsr Of
1872, was but child's play. Our existence
as q nation. was hen in no danger, and
the questions involved in the controversy,
although important in themselves, did
not affect our vitality.
But how stands the matter now The
vampires who, almost from the time of
holding the old Hartford Convention,
have been sucking the life-blood of the
Nation, on being compelled by the peo-
pie TO ~relinquish their hold, have at
tempted by armed force to re-possess
themselves of the power they had 50 long
held. In short, our country is now en-
gagged in a war in which its existence and
the perpetuity of cur institutions as be-
queathed to Us, are involved. 1t is un-
necessary to recapitulate the circumstan-
ces which have led 10 the present state of
affairs, for they are known to all reading
men.
1t might be supposed that the late
Hartford Convention, called by Democrats,
who claim to be lineal descendants Of the
war party of 1912. had met in Hartford,
in order that the contrast between the
actions of the two Conventions should be
more apparent. But instead Of this, the
only difference between the two is, that
the last was more reasonable, more vim
dictive, and more bitter towards the Ad-
ministration, han was the first one
That of 1914, according to the report of
q Federal officer who was sent there to
prevent any outbreak, confined itself 10
Z" complaints and remonstrances." That
of 1868 calls the present war a ''monstrous
fallacy." calls upon the different States
to resist the operations of the laws of
Congress, and urges Democrats TO cease
standing upon the defensive and assume
the offensive. We give one prominent
resolution from each Of the Conven-
tons:
RESOLUTION If tie ~Rqss- Re.ol4f.oe If tie, Sate
yoEd GonrsHfioa' Of Jan GoaseHfien q February
RsxoI5ed. That it be and 9Th. That the militia
il hereby. recommended OF Connecticut are the
to the Legislatures OF the natural guardians Of the
several States represent liberties or hs- people,
ed in this Convention. 10 subject 70 the control OF
adept all SUCH measures the Chief Executive ON
as may be necessary efec- Ger, acting under and by
tually TO protect the citi- authority of the laws Of
-ens Of said States from the state; and any and
the effect Of ali acts which ell acts Il the Congress Of
haSs peen or mag lie P2s- the United States ylo!2-
United States, which shall the State, in relation
contain provisions suaiec- thereto, should receive
ing me mtitia CT other the exeeretion " 4 peo-
QUEENS q iorel6ie dIafls. .le justly Jealous Of their
transcription or I'm prison- i~loerties- who knog their
Hsnts not authoI1sed ~ rights. and Knowing,
the Constitution @! the T. dare maintain"
pited States"
If the above were not indicated by
the date, We challenge any one who
does not recollect the precise phra-
seology 10 distinguish them. ! prom
inent Democrat Of this place, one
whose historical and political knowledge
cannot be questioned, endorsed the resolu-
ton of the old Convention, simply be-
bause he supposed it 10 be one OF the res
plutiops Of 1868. Only think of that-a