Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1864-09-16


pending elsewhere. A circular letter was sent |
to the other New England states calling them
TO meet in Convention "to devise means of Sc
curity and defence which may be consistent
with the preservation of their resources from to-
tai ruin, and adapted to their local situation and
mutual relations and habits, and not repuguant
to their obligations members of the Union.
Connecticut sent seven delegates, and Rhode
Island four. Two delegates came from cOun
ties in New Hampshire and one from V Vermont.
The Convention sat for twenty days with closed
doors. The democratic party hOwled after the
most approved fashion, and much alarm was
felt at Washington. The egovernment sent Ma,
Jessup of Kentucky TO Hartford with a regiment
of troops TO prevent any outbreak. But that
officer, who appears TO have been true man
every way, found no occupation. After the
most careful investigation he reported to hissuF
periors that there was no reason to apprehend
any reasonable action on the part of the con-
vention. All it did was TO complain, remOn-
strate and address the people, and recommend
to the legislatures Of the states for which 1t
spoke the adoption of measures for self-defence.
1t also recommended several amendments to the
federal constitution. The discussion of the
questions treated by the convention was arrest
ed by the conclusion of a treaty ofpeace at
Ghent soon after its adjournment. Congress
however, which was then in session, disposed of
some of those questions in satisfactory man.
ner think that l am correct in saying that
the Hartford convention appointed committee
to proceed to Washington and lay their action
before the President but that the announcement
ofpeace was made before they had reached their
destination. The treaty of peace was concluded
at Ghent Dec. 25, 1914, while the convention
was in session, and the news of that event
reached this country with little delay.
SO much for the Hartford convention. Hany
one wishes more complete view of its action
he can consult the new American Cyclopedia.
The writer of the account there given concludes
with the following statement at is now, how
ever, almost universally conceded that the Hart
| ford convention was guiltless of any designs
which could Justly be considered reasonable ="
Certain it is that in that convention we're some
of the best men to be found in the nation. But
they fell under the popular odium, and were
bapished from public life. Very probably there
are few if any even now who would Justify the
Hartford convention, even though it be admit
ted to have taken no REASONABLE action. But it
| i'll becomes the party that made SO loud an out
cry against it to do anything now that is at all
| of the same nature. And what has the Chica
| 90 convention done? Let us remember that it
| was national convention. called to put in nom
| ination president and vice-president of the
United States Was that body of men author
lied to speak for any of the states of the Unionl
| Not at all Yet it threatens open resistance to
the federal authority on the part of four states
in case a certain contingency arises. This is in
finitely worse than anything the Hartford con-
vention did or thought of doing The threat is
revolutionary and treasoable.
The Chicago convention pledged itself and
the supporters of its nominees to peace policy
and that just at time when the leaders of the
rebellion declare their determination to have no
peace except on basis of separation. The con-
vention shows willingness to purchase peace
at the expense of the Union of the States. But
to suppose a man TO expect peace and Union
now, unless it be a peace wrought out by ouI
armies, is to suppose him destitute of sense
And the Chicago platform is an appeal to the
bIiudest, maddest partizan infatuation.
The Chicago convention did not adjourn sine
die, but may be called together again. 1t has
been said with no little show of reason, that
this is revolutionary action. Besides this, the
j, spirit Of violence exhibited by the members o
the convention in their language respecting th'
administration deserves the strongest condem
nation. The Hartford convention recommended
amendments to the federal constitution
, The Chicago convention talks Of cessation o
hostilities" with view to convention of states
when everybody knows that in this way onl]
separation can be effected. They would yiel'
| all that the rebels could ask. Surely this con
vention is far more dangerous to the Union thai
r that of Hartford ever was. A comparison o
4 the two shows the latter to have been vastly
t more innocent than the former At any rate on
3 can be excused for thinking of the two in con
, nexion. The history Of the two shows hOv
3 ready political party is to do things which j
!. has found fault with others for doing, or wors
things. ..---.-
a The people generally frowned upon the Hart
y | ford Convention 1t is hoped they viii frOwl
upon that of Chicago for its violence, for it
. false and reckless charges against the lawful
constituted authorities of the land, for its treas
enable threats of resistance, and for its will
| ippness to throw overheard all that our brav
soldiers have achieved by their devotion an
valor in the field Since 18l4no parallel to th
i Hartford convention has had being. But Fl
ty years isperhaps not too short period
produce rival. B.
3 SORGHUM CONVENTION.