Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1864-05-05
nEM.Itas Of MR. DAVENPORT,

lutiops Of the gentleman from Ashtabula
from several considerations, as being just
and proper--being right both politically and
morally, and required by every sense OF
Justice to ourselves, to the nation, and to
the world s... -. ....
Events for the few last years have demon
strated to the satisfaction OF every reason
able mind that American Slavery must. per-
ish. Every turn of the political wheel,
every additional military change, only tends
to give increased force, and accelerated
speed to the Inevitable result, and he that
attempts to check or hinder this foregone
conclusion OF the great majority OF the
American people will find himself as a
branch torn from the great tree OF liberty,
to withsr and die after the storm has passed.
There has not, in my opinion, anything
occurred to hasten this result, SO much, as
the action Of the Dcmoclatic party IN the
State of Ohio. If the downfall of Slavery
be a blessing to the nation and to the world,
that party is entitled to its full share OF
credit for bringing about so desirable re-
suit IF, on the other hand, it should prove
to be a blight and q curse, the same Demo
cratic party in Ohio will have to bear its
full share of obloquy and reproach.
l have said, sir, that the action OF the
Democratic party in Ohio has tended to the
downfall of Slavery. Let me prove my as
sertion. The facts shall submit will not
be controverted-they are ar should be
read and known of all men," Some fifteen
years ago. more or less, the Democratic par
ty Of Ohio began the work Of the destruc-
ten Of Slavery in earnest. ln one OF their
State Conventions they passed resolution
against the further extension OF slavery.
and looking to it's final eradication" 1t
should 70 no further,--in time it should be
rooted out. This, at that time, was Simon
pure Democracy. 49,,
This was followed by the repeal of the
'Black Laws" by Democratic Legislature
opening the State of Ohio to the recep-
lion of the free blacks. Generous, liberal,
free, Christian Democratic party Oh, how
good they we're then Abolition votes were
then considered quite as good as any.
Still keeping the fires of freedom burn,
ing in their breasts-a long succession OF
power and place looming up before them
to make their Abolitionism still more trans
parent, and to bind that element more closely
to them, as finishing touch, an aLti-slav-
cry man must be made Senator in Congress;
and Salmon p. Chase, then as now, the
! friend of Freedom, was selected and elected
to that high and responsible position by the
Democratic party.
Mr.. Speaker, there has been but little of
the doings of the Democratic party that has
met my approval net having at any time
acted with them but, sir, must say that
if there is any one act that stands out IN
bold relief to the credit of that party, and
| for which they deserve the gratitude OF the
country, it is the placing Mr.. Chase with his
eminent abilities, so conspicuousy. before
the American people. Thanks to them for
that act
Having succeeded thus far in its anti
slavery schemes, the Democratic party had
but one other object to achieve-one other
end to gain, which, when attained, would
place it on the adamantine rock of Aboll-
tionism. Becoming strong as they proclaim
| ed free principles, and always anxious Tor
the retention of the power and control OF
the State--for each and every otflce,, no
matter how high or low-the party conclud-
ed to call State Convention, to remodel
| the OLD, or frame a Ne1o Constitution. The
call was made. The people responded,
giving that party majority in the Conven-
ton large enough for controlling purposes
The result was, our present Constitution
every line and every word of which is either
their work or met their approval. and for
which they are responsible. And l do not
hesitate to say that the very first section OF
the first article of that instrument is az
strong Abolitionism as I have found else
where. ...... ....... ........ D.. ....
Thus. Mr.. Speaker, the Constitution Of
the State; the laws OF the land, which must
be. made in conformity TO 1t; the Courts
which must decide according to it, and the
people, who must act in pursuance OF 1t.
are all, and were all, delivered over, bound
hand and foot, by the Democratic party, to
Abolitionism. .h ,.r,
In all these proceedings the Democtatit
party we're the actors-the promoters aHd
efficient agents. IF, therefore, the repea
of the "Black Laws" was wrong, the Dem
ocrats perpetrated the wrong; il the cleo
ton of Mr. Chase to the United States
Senate was an error, by them it was com
mitted if the Constitution of Ohio errs II
making all men free and independent they
so decreed it'll am rejoiced, sir, that 81
many Of the wise, patriotic and humane o.
the old Democrats ars found in the Unior
ranks where they properly belong.
am not of those, Mr. Speaker, WHIT
voted to call the late Convention neithe
am | of those who voted to adopt the Con
stitution that Convention formed. l mus
confess sir that it opened with too muci
Abolitionism fer me at that time. 1t look
/; ed too much like bringing on conflict be
tween the State of Ohio and other States
3 or the General Government. But, sir, i
was adopted and as well as Others wa
com pletely bound by the Democratic Con
, stitution to the support Of Liberty an
independence" to every man, no matter o
what color OF country.
From the foregoing facts it is evident tina
the Democratic party of Ohio put Abol
tionism on its first firm foundation. Moth
ing that the old Liberty party ever did, ha
half of the potency that the acts OF tn
Democratic party accomplished And nov
Mr.. Speaker, can any one believe that tn
party now calling themselves Democrat
are Democrats? To what old principle d
=, they adhere? Does merely calling then
selves Democrats make them such Whel
are the great lights of the party, th'
formerly led them to victory? Are the
not all on the side of the Union? The su
:. stance 10 gone-2the Shadows left the pnl
metal is extracted-the dross remains TT
Constitution continues as the Democra
leftit. That Constitution forbids African
voting or holding office. Who is disturbil