Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1863-09-03


to consideration the course to be adopted by
them, the following call was unanimously
agreed upon. W. c. ALLEN, Pres't.
CHAs. D. ROBINSON, Sec'y.
Call for Mass Convention OF the Loyal
Democracy.
The Convention which assembled at Mad
ison on the 5th inst, in the name of the Dem
ocracy of Wisconsin, has put forth ticket
and Platform embracing the Ryan Address"
as the political creed of the Democratic
party.
The undersigned citizens from various parts
Of the State, as members of that political Or
ganization, have observed this proceeding
with the greatest anxiety and regret We
have no comment to make upon the ticket
but it is utterly impossible for war democrats
to acquiesce in the pernicious doctrines, the
vindctive jealousies, and languid patriotism
displayed by this platform, or to approve of
its profound silence ON the duties and neces-
sites of the hour
At time when the Government of the
United States is struggling for its very exis-
tence amidst blood and carnage, we observe
this Convention promulgating voluminous
and inflammatory creed, which contains no
response to the unspeakable interests which
this immense rebellion threatens with instant
ruin. The flourish Of patriotism which at
tends some of these phrases can miSlead no
one, while all the grander questions OF the
times give way to bitter denunciations Of the
Government, too well calculated to weaken
public confidence, and to infuse distrust if
not characterization. The cnunciatiOns of
the "Ryan Address," now proposed to be
permanently made a party text book, were
strenuously opposed at first, and fell like a
fre-brand into our ranks, being rcpudiated
by leading Democrats in every portion of the
State. 1t is still considered hostile to the
harmony and concentration of our political
strength, and has lost US the sympathy and
support of nearly all the soldiers of our ar
mics; indeed, as long as its rank dsloyalties
are insisted upon as an article of faith, the
defeat and humiliation of the party are
certain.
We cannot sanction the heresies contained
in this platform, nor are we willing that the
glorious party of Jefferson and Jackson-that
party to whose guidance the destinies of our
country have so often been safely confded,
should pass into the control Of this arrogant
and disloyal faction.
nd al tho J,,+io 4
true position Of the Loyal Democracy seem
plain and clear, and that is to take action at
once, to organize a real and sound Democrat
ic party, which shall be unfinching in princi-
pie, loyal in practice, true and free in speech,
and devoted to the Government howsoever
and by whomsoever administered, against all
foes, open or concealed, at home or abroad,
in the North or in the South
1t cannot be denied that loyal assemblage
have the right to place their convictions and
resolutions before the public, and submit
their reasons for declining course of politi-
cal cooperation with apostates from the his
torical principles of our party
We, the undersigned, therefore assume the
responsibility of calling upon the Loyal De
| mocracy of Wisconsin, who are opposed to
the copperhead platform, and who coincide
| in the views we have expressed, who are in
favor of the resolute prosecution Of the war
to crush out this wicked conspiracy against
our common liberties, who are in favor of IN
conditionally supporting the Government in
its efforts and credit, in upholding its laws
and replenishing its armies until the suprem-
acy of the Constitution shall be re-estab-
lished over every State and upon every spot
of our domain, to meet in a mass conven-
ton to be held Il" the city Of yanesva2e, at u
o'clock, H. on the 17th day Of September, 1868
for the purpose of mutual consultation, and
to decide upon such steps as shall appear
conducive to the interests of the Loyal De-
mocracy and the welfare of the country
1t would be in vain to add stronger reasons
to induce all who love the cause of theil
country, or appreciate its danger, to come
] from every part of the State to this inter
change of patriotic sentiments. We there
fore extend cordial and urgent invitation
to loyal citizens, Of whatever political views
to join with US in this assemblage Let the
meeting be an expression of the youth, the
strength and manhood of this gallant State
WILLIAM G. ALLEN. Walworth County.
! II. s. WINSoR, do
L. G. WHEELER, do