The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-08-30
The Chicago Contention.

CHICAGO, Aug -.
At noon the National Democratic Conven-
ton was called to order by August Belmont,
chairman of the National Committee. In the
course OF his remarks he said:
In your hands rests, under the ruling of an
allwise providence, the future of the republic.
Four years of misrule by sectional, fanati-
cal aud corrupt party, have brought our coun-
try to the very verge OF ruin. The past and
present are sufficient warning of the dsas-
trous consequences which would befall If Lin
coins reelection should be made possible by
our want of patriotism and unity. The iney-
liable results Of such a calamity must be the
utter disirtegration of our whole political aud
oclal system, amid bloodshed and anarchy,
with the great problems OF liberty, progress,
and self goyernmaut, jepordzed for genera
lions TO come. We must bring at the altar of
our country the sacrifice of our prejudices,
opinions and convictions, however dear and
long cherished they may be, from the moment
that they threaten the harmony and unity of
acton, so indispensable to our success. We
are here, not as war democrats nor as peace
democrats, but as citizens of this great fepub-
lie, which we viii strive and labor To the last to
bring back to its former greatness aud pros
perity. Let pure and disiBterested patriotism,
tempered by moderation and forbearaBce, pre-
side over our deliberations, aud under the
blessing of the Almighty the sacred cause of
Union, Constitution and Laws must prevail
over fanaticism and treason.
Hon. WIN. Bigler of Penn, was chosen TEN.
porary chairman and made brief address.
expressing his confidence ia the wise deiber-
atoms of the convention, and the success of its
nominees.
Rev. DIR. Garrison OF Chicago, offered
prayer for the speedy return OF peace and the
permanent happiness of the country.
L. o. Perrin, q. NJ. Towers aud Moses
Strong, were appointed temporary secretaries.
The list of delegates was called by States.
As each chairman presented the credentials of
his delegation, he was welcomed by loud APP
plause.
Mr.. Tilden of New York, moved that one
delegate be appointed by each delegation to
report resolutions for the consideration of the
convention, and that all resolutions be referred
to said committee without debate. Carried
Mr.. Cox OF Ohio, moved that the committee
on organization be instructed to report rules
Tor the government OF the convention, and
that In the meantime the rules OF the last con-
yention be adopted. Caraied.
Mr.. Powell of Kentucky, stated that the
contesting delegates from that State were
agreed and harmonious as regards his con-
vention, and moved that member from each
delegation be appointed on the committee on
resolutions, they to have but one vote. Car
ried.
Mr.. Olds, of Ohio, moved that the commit
tee on resolutions be inrtructed to report VIVA.
action, If any, is necessary for this convention
to take in regard to the late military order OF
Gen. HeiBtzelman. prohibiting the people of
the North West from purchasing arms and
ammunition. Referred.
The following resolution was offered hy
Gov. Hunt, of New York, and referred to the
committee on resolutions:
Resolved-That in the future as in the past,
We will adhere with answering tldelity to the
Union and Constitution, and insist on main
tanning our national unity as the only solid
foundation for our strength, security and hap
piness as people, and as framework OF
government conducive to the welfare and
prosperity of all the States. both Northern and
Southern. Aud with view of terminating
the pending conflict and restore the blessings
of peace, We are in favor OF an armistice aud
earnest and honorable efforts to adjust terms
of settlement on the basis of the Constitution
OF the United States. And for a final solution
of all differences, We would recommend a con-
yention of States TO review the Constitution
and adopt such amendments and notifications
as may seem necessary 10 more fully ensure
to each State the enjoyment of all its rights
and constitutional control of its domestic con-
Germs, according to the intent and purpose of
the Federal compact.
The convention adjourned until 10 o'clock
tomorrow forenoon.
IL p. M.-The streets and squares about
the principal hotels were filed with immense
Ihrongs all the evening and at this hour clubs
are marching, bands playing and large meet
ings being held at several points.