Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1864-08-24
Congressional Convention o
the 10Th District.

The delegates chosen 10 the 10th Con-
gressionaI District Convention, met at
Webb's Hall, in Warren, on Wednesday,
the l7lh inst, to nominate a Union can
didate to be supported at the ensuing
October election.
The Convention peing called &c order
it was organized by the election OF the
following officers and committees:
Paesident-T. j. McLain.
VICE PREsIDENTs-C. n. Allen, Ashta-
bnla; DR.. II. Manning. Mahoning.
SEcRELARIEs-Wm RiteZel. Trumbull;
H. X. w. Hall, Portage; NJ. c. Garfield.
Geauga.
COMMITTEE On REsoLUTIoNs-F. u Sery-
ice, Mahoning. J. Il. Ensign, AshtaLuia;
NJ. c. Garfield, Geauga; r \. Gillette
Portage: J. G. Butter, Trumbnli.
A committee on credentials was then
appointed, and the name of General J.
A. Garfield announced as II candidate
A committee was appointed to invite
General Garfield to address the meeting
in. the afternoon. Committee consisted
of Messrs Williamson, of Trumbull, Wells
of Mahoning, and Garfield of Geauga-
The Convention then adjourned
~ERS SESSION.
On assembling in the afternoon, the
report of the Committee on Credentials
was received.
After the report of the Committee on
Credentials, Gen. Garfield was called to
the platform, aad spoke as follows;
sAEEcH oK GIN. GATFIELD-
! GENTLEMEN OF THE 18th DISTRICT scarce
ly know what is expected OF me on tins
! occasion, as this Is the first time that l
have ever been invited to appear before a
| Convention under such circumstances. l
desire, however, that q perfect under
standing should exist between myself
and nv constituents. l think know
myself we'll enough to say that ! should
do dishonor to yon and myself, II | were
willing that you should be deceived in
regard to my opinions. l am grateful to
YOU for the confidence you have extend
ed to me, and | desire that nothing but
mutual confidence should exist hereafter.
have been informed that minors oil a
false character have recently been clrcu-
lated in regard to my position IN refer
ence to the Wade and Davis Protest. 1t
has been said that l am a party to that
protest. To this l have to say that did
not know such Il protest was 10 be issued.
Whoever afirms the contrary, has taisl-
fed. When | saw it, | expressed my re-
greet, as I do now, that that protest was
issued. But yet. though | think the
protest illtimed, I do not approve of the
| disposition of the disposition OF some men
to throttle the authors of it. 1t Is hard
ly advisable to kill our own friends, as
we have need of them.
1t has also peer said that am opposed,
or have been opposed, to the nominations
of the Baltimore Convention. To this l
have TO say that l did exceedingly regret
calling the National Convention at so ear
ly a date. There are many reasons for
this opinion, which il Is not necessary
for me TO urge. We might have waited
until the results of the military campaign
had become more apparent, or until the
action of the Democratic party at Chica-
90 had been determined. Abraham Lin
coin was not my first choice. l made no
f~actious opposition, however, 10 his nom
ination at Baltimore. l thought that a
delay would insure greater consolidation
in the ranks of the Union men. Since
that nomination, | have found no other
vay to act thar to 60 for that nominee.
| Our duty is to rally all the elements of
strength about that nomination, and 10
frown upon all distractions and dissen-
sions.
Our chief duty is to rally around the
War. to sustain our armies in the field
until they shall carry it TO a triumphant
close. But while this duty exists, let me
repeat that it is not wise to exercise from
our ranks any Union men. ] occupy two
positions before you to-day. Ny first pc
sition is that Of a public officer. In that
position, l hold u 10 be my privilege,
under the Constitution, and as a man, to
criticize II acts of the President of the
United States. | cannot go to Congress,
as your representative, with my liberty
restricted IN this respect. If 1 go 10 COa-
oress, I must 90 as free man. tCneers. !
copnot 90 otherwise, and when you are
unwilling to grant me my freedom of
opinion 10 the highest degree, l have no
longer a desire 10 represent you
What | have said, l have said with the
fullest convictions of the truthfulness OF
he position.
In conclusion, if any one doubts my
LOYALTY after three years of service in the
army and in Congress, l can do nothing
additional to establish it now. l leave
this question with you, and will cheerful
Iy abide whatever results you may
choose.
After the address of General Gargeld,
Judge Garfield, Of Chardon, read the fol
lowing
RESOLUTIONS
Relieving as we do. that the form of
Government bequeated to us by our Faith
ers, predicated upon the God-givin equal
ity of the race by birth and manhood. is
the best ever devised for the successful
development of the powers, energies and
resources of a people, and the diffusion,
groth and establishment of individual in
telliigence, virtue and happiness; and, be-
l~leiving that to US, in the providence of
eIGod, is committed the great trust of de-
Tending that Government against COM
bined assaults Of enemies at home and
abroad, and transmitting TO the genera
tions that shall succeed US, the golden
institutions OF Republican freedom, puri-
fed by the fiery ordeal through which we
are now passing; and, believing that no
other way can this paramount obligation
be discharged. save by upholding the
hands of the Government and freely and
u~ngrudgingly contributing men aud
money to the fullest extent needed for
the ~effectual suppression OF the unholy
rebellion against which we are now con-
tending; therefore.
Resolved, That the legally constituted
authorities of the nation, involved, with
out any fault of theirs, in a desperate
struggle for the nations life and honor,
and the perpetuation of free institutions,
are entitled to the undivided support of
all loyal men, without distinction ofparty
or of creed.
Resolved, That our Government is Of