Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-06-24
Mr.. Lincoln and the N. Y. Democracy.
IMPORTANT CORRESPONDENTS.
Expression of the President on the Ha-
beas Corpus and Military Arrests.

LETTER OF THE COMMITTEE AND RESOLUTIONS.
ALBANY, May 10, 1863.
To his Ercellency the President of the Unitec
States:
The undersigned, officers of a public meet
ing held at the city of Albany on the 18th day
OF May instant, herewith transmit to your ex
ceIlency copy of tire resolutions adopted al
said meeting and respectfully request your
earnest consideration OF them. They deem il
proper on their personal responsibility 10 state
that the meeting was one of the most respect
able as 10 the numbers and character, and one
of the most earnest in the support OF the
Union, ever held in this city.
Yours, with great regard,
ERAsTus CORNING President.
ELI Perry, Vice President.
PETER GANEsvooRT, Vice President.
PETER AoSTEATH, Vice President.
SAMUEL. w. GIBBS. Vice President
joins NIBLAcK, Vice President.
II. W. MCCLELLAN, Vice President.
LEHuFL " RODGERS Vice President.
WM. SEYMOUR. Vice President.
JEREMIAH OsBURS. Vice President.
WA- S. PADDOCK, Vice President.
j. b. SANDERS. Vice President.
EDWARD MULCAHY, Vice President
ID. Y. y. RADCLIFFE, Vice President.
WM. A. RICE, Secretary.
EDWARD NEwcoNB, Secretary.
r. W. PECKHAM. Jr., Secretary.
NJ. A. NOLAN, Secretary.
JOHN Il. NEssEL, Secretary.
G. w. WEEKS, Secretary.
Resolutions adopted at the meeting held in 4lba-
ny. ". T., on the 10Th day Of May, 1868.
Resoiped, That the Democrats of New York
point to their uniform course of action during
the two years of civil war through which we
have passed, to the alacrity which they have
evinced in filing the ranks OF the army. to
their contribution and sacrifices, as the evi
dence of their patriotism and devotion to the
cause OF our imperiIled country. Never in
the history of civil wars has government
been sustained with such am pie resources of
means and men as the people have voluntarily
placed in the hands of this adm inistration
Resolred, That, as Democrats, We are deter
mined TO maintain this patriotic attitude and
despite Of adverse and disheartening circum-
stances, TO devote all our energies to sustain
the cause ofthe Union, TO secure peace through
victory, and TO bring back the restoration of
all the States under the safeguards of the Con-
stitutiou.
Res0ired, That while we will not consent to
be nisapprehended upon these points; we are
determined not TO be misunderstood in regard
10 others not less essential. We demand that
the administration shall be true to the Con-
rights of the States and the liberties of the
citizen; shall every where, outside of the lines
OF necessary military occupation and the
scenes of insnrrection, exert all its po ers to
maintain the supremacy of the civil over mil
itary law.
ResoiUed, That, in view of these principles,
We denounce The recent assumption OF a mill
tsry commander To seize and try a citizen of
Ohio, Clement l.. Valiandi CHAM, for 40 other
reason than words addressed TO a public meet
ing, IN criticism OF the course of the admins
lratlon, and in condemnation OF the military
orders OF that General.
ReSOtUed, That this assumption of power by
military tribunal if successfully asserted,
not only abrogates the right of the people to
assemble and discuss the affairs OF govern |
meni, the liberty of speech and of the press,
The right of trial by jury, the law of evidence,
and the privilege ofhabeas corpus, but il strikes
a fatal blow at the supremacy of law, and the |
authority of the State and federal constitutions |
Resoirel That the Constitution of the Uni |
leu States-the supreme law of the land--has I
denned the crime of treason against the Uni
led States to consist .sonly in levyng war "a |
galnst them, or adhering TO their enemies, Civ |
ing them aid and comfort 20 aud has provided /
'hat ''Do person shall be convicted of treason,
unless on the testimony of two witnesses to |
'he SAME overt act OF confession In open /
court" And it further provides that s.no per- |
son shall be held to answer for capital or |
Otherwise Infamous crime, unless on a pre- |
srntment or Indictment of grand jury, ex-
crpt ID cases arising in the land and naval for /
ces, or in the militia. when in actual service |
IN time of war or public danger - and further, |
That lin all Grim inal prosecutions, The accused |
snail enjoy the right of speedy and public |
'flal BY an impartial jury of the State and dis |
trict wherein the crime was committed
Resofred, That these safeguards of the rights |
.! Tue citizen against the pretensions OF arbi |
raFy power were intended more especially for |
ns protection in times OF civil commotion. |
They were secured substantially to the Eng
iish people, after years of protracted civil war,
and were adopted into our Constitution at the |
close OF the revolution. They have stood the |
test OF seventy six years of trial, under our
republican system under circumstances which
snow that. while they constitute the founda-
lion OF all free government, they the ele-
ments of the enduring stability of the republic.
.Rssolred, That. in adopting the language OF
Daniel Webster We declare, st is the ancient
4hd undoubted prerogative of this people to |
canvass public measures and tie merits of pub
nc men," 1t is 'shome- bred right, fire.
SIDE privilege. 1t had been enjoyed in every /
mouse, cottage, and cabin in the nation. Ii IS
SS undoubted as the right of breathing the air
VI waking on the earth. Belonging to pr-
,"ie life as right. 1T belongs TO public lite as
uu'y ,and 1T is the last duty which those whose
representatives. We are shall find us to abandon.
aiming at all times to be courteous and tenn
PIRATE IN It's use, except when the right itself
u questioned, We shall place ourselves on the
1'eme boundary of our own right and bid de-
"'uce TO any arm that would move rs from
our ground. This high constitutional privi-
iege We shall defend and exercise in all places |
-lu lime of peace. in time of war. and AFT all