The Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1863-1886, 1864-09-08
Platform OF tho Chicago Convention.

The Democratic National Conveh-
tion mot in Chicago on Monday last,
tho 29th Of August, Elk Gov. Bigler, of
Pennsylvania was chosen temporary
Chairman. Speeches were made, res
olutions offered and committees ap-
pointed during the first days session.
On Tuesday, Gov. Seymour Of New
York, was chosen permanent President
of the Convention. The following
resolutions-the Platform-was adopt
cd, with but four dissenting votes.
ReSOlUed, That in the future as in
the past, we will adhere with unswerv-
ing fidelity to the Union under the
Constitution, as the only solid founda
ton for our strength security and hap
Ipincss as Q people, as frame work to
government equally conductive to the
welfare and prosperity of all the
States both Northern and Southern.
Resolved, That this Convention does
explicitly declare as the American peo-
pie, that, after four years of failure to
restore the Union by the experiment
Of war, during which, under the pre-
tense of military necessity or war
power other than the Constitution, the
Constitution itself has been disregard
ed in every point, and public liberty
and private right alike trodden down,
and the material prosperity Of the
country essentially impaired, justice,
humanity, liberty, and the public wei
fare demand that an immediate effort
be made for the cessation of hostilities,
with a view to an ultimate convention
of all the States, or other peaceablo
means, to the end that at the earliest
possible moment, peace may be restored
on the basis of the Federal Uuion of the
States.
ReSOIred, That the direct interference
of the military authorities of the
United States in the recent elections
held in Kentuekey, Maryland, Mis-
souri, and Delaware was n shameful
violation of the Constitution. The
repetition of such acts in tho approach
ing election will be held as revolu-
tionary, and be resisted with all the
means and power under our control.
Resolved, That the aim and object Of
the Democratic party is to preserve
the Federal Union and the right ol
tho States unimpared, and they hereby
declare that they consider the admin,
istrative usurpation of extraordinary
and dangerous powers not granted by
the Constitution. The subverson o.
the civil by military law in the States
not in insurection, the arbitrary mil
1 itary arrest, Imprisonment, trial anC
!, sentence ofAmerican citizens in States
Y whore the civil law exists in full force
| the suppression of the freedom o
: speech and of the press; the denial o
tho right of asylum; the open ant
avowed disregard OF State rights; tn,
employment of unusual test oaths, anC
the interference with and denial of tn
right of the people to bear arms, a
+ calculated to prevent restoration o
, the Union and porpetuation of a gov
ornment deriving its Just powers from
, the consent of the governed.
n Resolved, That the shameful disre
~ gard of the Administrator Of its dut,
4 in respect to our fellow citizens VIII
, now, and long have been, prisoners Q
- war in u suffering condition, deserve
Il the sevcrcst reprobation on the scor
10 alike of public and common humanity
4 Resolved, That the sympathy of tn
!. Democratic party is heartily an
# earnestly extended to the soldiers c
. y our army who are and have been O.
y the field under the flag of our country
y and in tho event ofour attaining pow
:; er, will receive all care, protection, re
"a gard and kindness that tho brave so
y diers Of the republic have so nobl
y earned.
~ Con. George B. Mcclellan wa
il nominated for tho Presidency on tn
10 10 first ballot.
y, The Convention was one Of th
i largest ever assembled in the country
v and Judging from tho tenor OF tho dis
: patches was very noisy.
N Geo. III. Pondleton, of Ohio, wa
,f nominated for tho Vice Presidency.
The following resolutions were III
u animously adopted
:, y Resolved, That this Convention sha
=. not be dissolved by its adjournment 1
ia tho close of its business but shall n
- main organized subject to the cal
y. a. any limo and place that the ExccutiS
N National Committee shall designate.
nc ReSOlrcd, That the Democracy Of IL
NJ country be requested to meet in I'll
w different States and hold mass ratifici
III tion meetings on the 18th of Septen
mr. Der, the anniversary ofthc adoption
n. tho Federal Constitution.
or The convention adjourned on We
%. ncsday, subject to the call of the N
tional Committee,
IT, OFFICIAL WAR BULLETIN.
WASHINGTON, Sept. l.
To MTjOr General Din.