The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-08-28
THE WEEKLY PIONEER AND DEMOCRAT

to deliberate, he moved that recess be
taken until quarter-past P. M. The mo-
ton was adOpted-yeas 46, nays 44-and
the Convention declared in recess.
EVENING SESSION.
The President called the Convention to
order at quarter past seven.
PLATFORM.
Mr.. LA DUE, from the Committee on
Resolutions, submitted the following:
Resolved, That the Democracy of Minnesota,
by their representatives in convention assem-
bled, with renewed confidence in democratic
principles, do hereby declare the following to
be the platform upon which they stand, and
upon which they invite all conservative citi-
zens and patriots to place themselves
1. That in the prosecution of the present
war to put down the rebellion, the administra-
tors of our Government are bound by the SOL
emn pledge of Congress made at the COM
mencement of the war: That this war is not
waged on their part in any spirit of oppression,
| or for any purpose OF conquest or subugation,
or purpose of OverthrOwing or interfering with
the rights and established institutions of these
States, but to defend and maintain the suprem-
acy OF the Constitution and preSerN e the Union,
with all the dignity, equality and rights of the
several States unimpaired, and as soon as these
objects are accomplished the war ought to
cease a...
2. That we hail with unqualified JOY every
symptom of returning loyalty that is mani
Tested by the citizens of the Southern States
and will afford every encouragement in our
power to induce them to abandon their rebel
lious attitude and return to their allegiance,
and when any State is willing to resume its
constitutional rights in the Union it should be
accepted without condition or restriction, and
will then be entitled to the enjoyment of all
the rights OF any other State of the Union
That in this emergency we will Danish all feel
ing of mere passion or resentment, and recol-
lect only our duty to the whole country.
3. That we look to the loyal and faithful pop
ulation of the South when the the war is ended
to resume the administration of their State
Governments. and we look to the Supreme
Court to settle definitely and finally the consti-
tutional rights of communities and individuals
as effected by the events Of the war.
4. That the people of Minnesota view with
alarm and regret. the manifest disposition Of
the commander of the Department of the
Northwest, to regard the war with the Sioux
Indians as at an end, and we respectfully but
earnestly call upon the President to vigorously
prosecute the war against them, until the en-
tire race of murderOus savages are either cap
tured and punished or eXterminated.
5. That, without endorsing the sentiments or
tary power in loyal States for alleged political
offences, we repudiate the idea that the Presi
dent or any one under him, without due pro-
cess of law, has the right to order the ar
rest and Imprisonment of any citizen OF loyal
State and we denOunce the exercise of such
power as unconstitutional, arbitrary and DIES.
potic and suOyersive OF the fundamental prin-
ciples of a republican form Of government and
the liberties of our country
g. That it is the duty OF every citizen to obey
the laws, and that however unconstitutional
and oppressive and unjust the same may ap-
pear, he must submit thereto, until such laws
are repealed, or declared null and void by the
proper tribunal.
Z. That we tender our army, and especially
the members of our Minnesota regiments, our
heartfelt thanks for their patriotic devotion to
their country, and we also tender our sympa-
thy to the survivors of the gallant dead, who
have offered up their lives a sacrifice for their
country, and won for themselves the evcrlast-
ing gratitude of the nation.
Col. D. A. ROBERTSON, one of the men,
bers of the Committee, moved to amend
the report by striking out the Third Reso-
luton, and inserting the following:
ReSolced, That we look to the army and navy
Of the Union to regain and retain every inch of
national territory without any compromise with
rebels in arms that we look to the loyal and
faithful people Of the South, when the rebellion
shall be terminated by military force, to resume
the administration of their State governments
and we look to the Supreme Court to settle
definitely and finally the constitutional rights
OF communities and Individuals as affected by
the events OF the war; and on this broad and
comprehensive basis of agreement among all
good citizens, and in common with the loyal
masses OF the American people, we propose to
" move upon the enemy's works until we force
an unconditional surrender"
Mr.. LA DUE said it was due to the Con-
vention and to the Committee that he
should make an explanation. The Com
mittee differed so much in opinion that if
each insisted on his own views there was
no possibility of agreeing on a report.
The report does MT come up to what
portion desired, and on the other hand
there was not quite abolitionism enough
in it to suit others. 44 t.-
Col. ROBERTSON nterrupting)-I tell
the gentleman he says what is not true.
Cries of "order,' "order," ... ....
Mr.. LA DUE continuing)-Bu the
Committee came to an understanding that
they would compromise and adopt the re-
port as submitted, with an understanding
that any gentleman might amend if he
saw tit in the Convention. All we ask is,
that the Convention act on that report.
He hoped the mover of the substitute
would withdraw his motion, and introduce
it after a vote had been taken on the re-
port, if he saw fit.
Mr.. SMITH, of Dakota, said the parlia :
mentary practice was that if report was
made and read it was accepted, no objec-
ton being made. The committee agreed
that there should be no minority report,
but that each member might move to
amend when the report was before the
convention. He favored the amendment
offered by Col. ROBERTSON. y t.r.
Mr.. LA DUE then moved the following
substitute to Col. RoBERTsoN's resolution !:
Resolved, That while the Nation, without dis
tinction of party, at the call of the President
for aid to restore the Contitution and the Union,
rushed to arms regardless of blood and treas
ure in so holy cause, we are now convinced
that every step taken by the Administration
and its supporters in Congress- under pretense
Of preserving the Union and putting down the
rebellion, has been move in disguise for the
overthrow of slavery and the destruction OF
the State Governments.
Mr.. LA DUE said the resolution of Col.
ROBERTSON commits the Democratic PARTY