Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1864-09-21

ecutlS6 oN'tAS'N-
held in independence Square, IN Phliadei-
phia, on Saturday evening, September 10th,
70 ratifv the National Union nominations
The immense assemblage was addressed by
Hon. Simon Cameron, Hon. John cessna
and a number Of others. In the PhliaGel-
phia Press Of Monday, September l2th,
1864, we find the following report Of
HON. JOHN OESSNA's SPEECH.
Mr.. PRESIDENT AND FELLOW CITIZENS:
Since the polls were closed on the first Tues
day OF November, 1860, l have very rarely
appeared before my fellow citizens as po-
htIcai speaker Nor do l expect % change
that habit tonight, because, uithough TINS
is to a great extent political meeting, yet
in what little l shall say to my felleW-clti-
zens, no matter what others may say on the
subject | do not WIS., TO be understood as
making a strictlv political address. 30 iar,
However, as what | have 70 say here tonight
may partake Of political character, shall
ask the indulgence of tho e who may hear
he. TO believe HE when | say that It Will
no degree vary III principal from the pollti-
cal addresses which L have delivered within
the last four years, or at any former TIME
| am fully sensible. however, Of the fact that
L
citizens with whom | have never heretofore
politically acted in harmony. My position
10 appearing before you, SO lar as relates to
nv personal feelings, and so TAR S relates to
the attachments OF friends, is one OF some
what painful character; yet hold that these
are times when no man is justified IN yield
ing to the selfish considerations of political
position or personal feeling. 1t Is but naJu-
raj TO desire the good opinion OF all our tel
low-cilizens. and TO regret when We are COM
peed 10 differ with those with whom We
have long acted but, as have already sad
there are duties deyoiyiug upon us which
are OF far more weight and influence than
the mere considerations OF personal comfort,
and it is the influence of those duties upon
nv mind. upon my conscience, and upon my
Judgment which has brough me here to-
night. Applause Although there are
many ia? nful considerations IN connection
with my appearance here tonight, there
are those OF different nature. In the hTSt
place. those men and those political journal
lists with whom | formerly acted, and who,
Il they notice our proceedings tonight, Will
doubtless most rudeiy and extensively de
agGUCe ne are those who, Or the last four
years have UeeH he .OUdest, most eloquent,
Eai RIOS. peTs steut IN advocacy OF the right
CT f-ee speech and the enumeration OF lndI-
yldual opinion. In the next place. these
men and these papers who viii perhaps de
uJuEce me "a a renegade and traitor for
what | may say TO you, may be improved
thereby. for | know that have not, and be-
leye you have not, heard manyof them say
anything about the reDegades' traitors
thatlive in another part OF the country. Ap-
pause. Ii, when they get their hands IN,
they should tire OF abusing and denouncing
ne and Others who have been Democrats all
our lives, but who have been unable 20 Swal-
low the platform lately erected at Chicago,
and will turn their attet tlon for short time
10 jeff Davis and his fellow rebels, | think
We will have accom- p!I>hed something IN the
interest Of our common cause. Ana II any
one OF them. whether he be public speak
er or public writer, should Hoe bold enough
or patriotic enough TO speak out against the
enemies Of our country. l think that Bar
mum will be able to make aturtune by trans
porting him around the country as a KIND OF
cros!ty. Laughter and applause.
Now. my tcioW-citizens, have SAID that
what little | may say to you tonight will not
differ ia its political character from anything
/ have ever said before the people OF my ma
tive State am not here tonight as the
partisan of any man, or the advocate OF any
party. | am here in no such capacity. L
have tor Two, three, or four years past earn
esty desired to stand by the Democratic
party, and while it was possible, have done
50 TO the best OF my Judgment aud ability
l am not here to deuounce that party nor
any OF my friends who differ with me on the
present issue, but ! am here because be-
Leve that the best men of that party, ani
iAe Lest men OF all parties, are called upon
10y the condition OF our country. by the eX-
igencleS Of the times. ard the probability OF
the overthrow Of civil and religious liberty
II this land and throughout all the nations
Of the earth TO rise above party and to stand
by the country. the countIy's cause, and The
country flag. Cheers. have always been
taught 10 believe 1t 10 be part OF the creed
Q! the great party to which | have always
oeen proud 10 belong to stand by the u Mon
- stand by the Constitution, and TO uphoid
mat Hag. But at the National Convention
Of that party held at Charleston, there were
men who came there determined TO divide
ana distract the party They came there,
and with the aid of men in the Pennsylva-
Iia delegation, and in many other Northern
UeegatlonS they succeeded too well IN their
iIei@r!ous purposes. If the election OF A.
Nsham Lincoln, in 1860. was national
saauity, | charge it home that they are the
sseh who did it. We stood there patiently
~ NJ Gays and for weeks Went to Baltimore.
.s.ey followed us some of them, and some
,.tIien :. Then went to Richmond, where they es-
@olShed their own platform. We came
.yHe and those of US, although in major
y y IN our Own party, who stood by the reg
"a Ia national nominees, were ridIculed, abu-
.ea,deDounced, insulted, and driven into the
ranks of the Democratic party. This
"'efely BEGAN 50 ua would not follow the heck