American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-02-08
An Explanation wanted.

ly in speaking of a certain individual,
said that at the outbreak of the rebellion,
said person was one of that class of poll
ticians who endeavored to frighten the
Administrations into preserving the peace.
Well, at convention held at Harris
burg, in February, 1861, which has since
been characterized by our opponents as
Peace Convention" as Convention to
coerce the incoming Administration into
anti-coercion," &C., a gentleman about the
height figure, aspect, carriage and style of
conversation of the present editor OF the
Ltize =, was on the floor, and took part in
the proceedings, aud on inquiry it was
ascertained that he went be the name of
Thomas Robinson, and answered, or came
when he was so called, and that he was a
Representative in the Assembly from the
western part of the State, probably But
ler We suppose he must be credited
with frightening Mr.. Lincoln but of the
city that evening, cloaked and hated so
that the greatness of the wearer was con-
cealed As none but Delegates, or those
claiming to be SUCH were admitted into
the Convention, how did Mr.. Robinson
sneak into it? We merely ask for infor-
nation"
The above is from the Herald of last
week, and brings to mind, some things
that had almost passed from ourreeollection
The only wander to us is, thatany Demo-
cratic editor should ever wish to refer to
the political history of 1861 IF there
is any such thing as a party committing
"the objectionable SIM" certainly the
Democratic party of '6l, committed it
Just at the time when loyal men, forget
ting all that had passed, should have rush
ed together as brothers, in defence of the
national flag, just at the time when treas
on had unmasked itself; after having ma
tured its defensive Notifications under the
protecting folds of Drmocratc Admin
istraton! In the winter of '61, the De-
mocracy of Ohio, had in State Conven-
ton, resolved that the incoming Admin
istration would have to conquer $50, 900
Democrats in Ohio, before going south
to "coerce their southern brethren p
The Democracy of New York done like
wise. Their friends in Pennsylvania felt
anctious to keep pace with their brethren
east and west, and therefore determined
to meet in state convention in Harrisburg
on the 22d of Feb. Again the thought
recurs, how can the Democrat who still
professes attachment for the Union, refer
to that humiliating day in our national
history "a day which saw Jas. Buchan-
an, under the coersive influence of men,
high in his administration, refuse to al
low the soldiers of the Republic to parti-
cipate in celebrating that day so dear to
every true American the day that gave
to the world the father of our liberty =
The day, too, that witnessed the Presi-
dent elect, Mr.. Lincoln, under the pru-
dent advise of Gen Scott, take his leave
of the Capital of our own State, in the
darkness of the evening, to avoid the
ielonious assault that was mcditated upon
him by Democrats, on his way to Wash
iugton What Democrat that is not dead
to every speak OF political honor, can refer
without a blush, to the 22d of Feb 1861?
But to answer the interogatary of the
! Herad. The Democrats of Butler coun-
ty selected for delegates to said conven-
tion, three gentlemen who had proved by
| their successful resistance of the charm
ing countenances, the speaking eyes of
many fair damsel, through mGny re-
curing leap year, that their predictions
in favor of Union were not strong enough,
at least to disqualify them from being
trusted in such g convention as was soon
to assemble at the State capitol The
gentlemen arrived in due time, and regis
tered themselves at good Democratic ho-
tells When, however, they wished to
have rooms assigned them, two of them
were shown quarters in another building
some distance from the hotel. Although
many were the summer suns that had pass
ed over their heads, their native modesty
and virtue had suffered but little in their
contact with the outer world and there
fore. when on looking around in their new
quarters, they imagined they saw quite 4
surplus Of lady servants, they at opce be-
came uneasy, whether for their reputa-
ton or character we are unable to report.
They bad subsequently called at the hotel
where wewere stopping, and made known
their unhappy situation to some of our
Butler county friends. Soon after, on
coming in we were informed of their ner.
vousness. Itatonce enlisted our sympathy
and, after having consulted with our col.
league, Mr.. G., we at once set out ia
search OF them--extended a share of
our room and lodging, and made them