Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1864-08-30
CHICAGO CONVENTION.

OH4CAGOj aug. -.
AT Y o'clock, noon, yesterday the Ma
tional Convention was called to order by
Hon. A. Belmont, chairman of the Nation
al Democratic Convention, who spoke as
follows;
Gentlemen of the Convention, we are as
sembled here to-day as the National Dem
OcraL!c Committee under the call of the
Democratic National Convention, for the
purpose Of nominating candidates for
President and Vice President. This
task at all times a most difficult
and arduous ons, has by the sad
events of our civil war have assumed an
Importance and responsibility of the most
fearful nature. Never since the formation
of our Government has there been an as
semblage where the proceedings of which
were fraught with more momentous and
vital results than those which must flow
from your actions here towards you. The
gentlemen are desirous, at this moment,
with the anxious fears and doubts, not only
of millions of American citizens, but
also of every lover of civil
liberty throughout the world
In your hands rests, under an ever wise
Providence, the future of this republic
-Four years of misrule, by sectional, fan
atical and corrupt party, has brought our
country to the verge ofruin. The past AMI
present are sufficient guarantees for the dis
astrOus consequences which would befall US
if Mr.. Lincoln's reelection should be made
possible by our wanto of patriotism and unity.
The inevitable results Of such q calami-
ty, must be the utter disintegration of our
whole political and social system,
amid blOOdshed and anarchy, with the
great problem of liberal progress and self
government jeapordized for generations
to come. An abused people have at last
| awakened to the convection thata change
of policy and administration can alone
stay our downward course, and they will
rush to support your candidate. provided
you will offer to their suffrages a tried pa
| triot who has proved his devotion to the
Union and Constitution, and provide you
a pledge in him and ourselves, to maintain
their hallOwed Importance by every effort
and sacrifice in our power. Let US at the
very outset of our proceedings bear in
mind that the dissensions of the last Ma
tional Convention were one of the princi-
pie causes which gave the reins oi
the Government into the hands OIL
cur oppetents. Let Us not fall
into the same fatal error. We must bring
to the altar of our country the sacrifice o.
our pl ejudices opinions and convictions
however clear and long cherished they may
be, from the moment they maintain har
mony of action so necessary to our success
We are here, not az War Democrats nor al
Peace Democrats, but as citizens Of thr
great Republic which we vii
strive and labor to the last t,
bring back to its former greatness anC
without one single star taken from the bril-
liant constellation that once encircled it
youthful brow. Let pure and disinterestet
patriotism, tempered by moderation an
forbearanee, preside over our proceeding
and, under the blessings of the Almighty
the sacred cause Of Union, the Constitution
and the Laws must prevail over tanaticisI
and treason. Mr.. Belmont was enthusias
tically applauded during the delivery {
his address.
Hon. VIM. Bigler, of Pennsylvania, wa
chosen Temporary Chairman of the Cor
vention, and upon taking the Chair, mad
brief address, expressing his confidenc
in the wise deliberation in the Convention
and the success of the nominee.
In conclusion he introduced the Rev. D
Clarkson, of Chicago, who offered up
prayer for q speedy return of peace an
permanent happiness Of the country