The Portland daily press., 1863-04-17
Northern Copperheadism Kissed down in a
Slave State Convention.

A friend has sent us copy Of the Cincin-
natl Gazette, containing full, detailed and
accurate account of the great Union State
Convention in Kentucky, that assembled in
l. ouisville, in March. The Convention was
very large,-ninety-four out OF the one hun
bred and ten counties of the State being rep
resented. The resolutions, adopted without
a single dissenting voice, were of the most
Internationally loyal character. They say
that "the present causeless and wicked rebel
lion should be crushed by the whole power Of
the Federal Government, and the National au-
thority restored over all the reyolted States"
and pledge the whole resources of the State,
if necessary, to accomplish these objects.
They also set forth the "insults and injuries
which the people of Kentucky have suffered
at the hands of the so-called Southern Con-
federacy," and denounce those "who refuse TO
support their state and fellow-citizens against
such unprovoked wrongs and cruelties, or
profess TO sympathize with such enemies" as
"false TO their allegiance to friends, neighbors,
State and Nation"
The object of this article, however, is not
So inuCu W sHON tht VI thO SNh'Nh-
ton as exhibited in its resolutions, as to do so
by setting forth the treatment WEIGH it meted
out to a Northern copperhead-or one sup
posed TO be copperhead at any rate-who
was introduced to the convention by ex-Gov.
Wickliffe 1t is well known that Mr.. Wick
life in Congress has claimed to be a strong
Union man, but his Unionism has been coup
led with SO many conditions that he has prov
ed dead weight upon, rather than an advan-
tage to the Union cause of his State. He
has fraternized with the copperheads, and in
several of his speeches in Indiana and else
where, he has denounced the war in unmeas-
ured terms unless the President would give
pledges that in its progress the pet institution
of negro slavery should be left untouched.
With him it has been Slavery and Union, one
and inseparable. To his mind the Union has
presented no advantages, no blessings, no
boon for posterity that could compensate for
the overthrow of negro despotism in the midst
OF his people. The action and spirit of the
convention under notice clearly reveal the es-
timation placed upon such Unionism by the
true Union men of Kentucky.
Gov. WicklifIe was in Louisville at the time
( the Convention was held, and by sufierance he
announced the presence of Hon. James A.
Cravens, member of Congress from Indiana,
whom he had known long and well, and with
whom he had been intimately associated at
Washington. He simply asked the Conven-
ton that his friend, for whose loyalty he would
vouch, might be permitted 10 stand with him
on the floor of the hall. The following is
what followed, as given in the Gazette by
an eye aud ear witness:
Motions were made that Gov. Wickliffe and
, Mr.. Cravens take seals by the President of the
Convention, which were adopted. Mr.. Crav-
ems was not present just then, but he soon af-
ter entered the hall, and his appearance was
the occasion of great aud enthusiastic cheer
ing. Calls were made for Mr.. Cravens from
all parts OF the hall, aud he presently mounted
desk where he could be seen by every mem
Der Of the Convention.
Mr.. Cravens, on being introduced, said he
felt deeply interested in the proceedings of
this Convention. The eyes of Indiana were
watching them closely. He desired to see
that harmony and true patriotism pervade
their deliberations, that will strike terror TO
the hearts OF the enemies of the Republic.
lCbeersl There were many present who had
heretofore belonged to the Democratic and
the Wing parties; many who do not now agree
with the course Government has taken in put
ting down the Whisperings were
heard: Hes Butternut, no Union man,
etc. but all are in favor Of preserving the
Union. Indiana was looking on with intense
interest at their action to-day, for much, very
much depended upon IT, He was Democrat,
and he would tell them that the war could not
have lasted twenty-iour hours without their
aid and assistance. tCries of mo politics"
from one or two voices) Abraham Lincoln
could not have organized the army without
the assistance of the Democratic party. The
Democratic party lie believed, was the only
party that could save the country, and yet
they were denounced and branded as traitors.
The excitement which was apparent all over
the hall began TO show itself, and cries were
heard on all hands, Comprehend" Butter
NUT" put him out" and other expressions of
a like character. Mr.. Cravens attempted TO
proceed, when the confusion and excitement
became intense. Members were holding up
their hats calling @order." Others appealing to
the Chair to interfere aud prevent Mr.. Cravens
from proceeding. One gentlemen mounted
the railing and insisted that this was a Union
meeting, aud that no Butternut should be al
lowed to speak. His remarks were vocif,r-
ously cheered. Another delegate appealed to
the good sense of the Convention. They
were Kentuckians. They had invited Mr..
Cravens to address them, and he hoped for the
honor OF their State and their love of free
speech, that they would hear him. Several
voices cried out, you're Copperhead. too"
Some one remarked that it was evident the
Convention was divided in sentiment, and he
hoped the gentleman to whom the opposition
had been made, would see the propriety of de-
sisting from speaking any more. Another
delegate appealed to the Chair, insisting that
no Copperhead should be allowed to speak.
They did not come here to listen 10 treasona-
able speeches.
Some one moved an adjournment for an
hour, so that the hall might be cleared. and
on reassembing none but delegates should be
admitted. The Chair thought the Conven-
ton might be safely left in his hands. The
gentleman has seen the danger that surrounds
us, and he trusted to his good sense not to
alude 10 party again.
I'VE don't want to hear him." "He is
copperhead aud traitor" and put him out"
came from a hundred mouths.
The Chair again urged that If the gentle
man was allowed TO proceed he would avoid
questions that would create ill-ieeling aud he
appealed TO the Convention to allow him to
proceed. His loyalty had been vouched for
by Governor Wcklfie.
Colonel Whitaker, of the Sixth Kentucky,
said they had come to transact business, and
not to hear Butternut speeches. Ii they want
to preach up such doctrines let them 90 to
Indiana Let them stay on the other side of
the river. Ii they don't, we will put them
there.
Some other gentleman said ifMr. Cravens