The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1866-06-19
Pa TUESDAY JUNE 49, 1866

hands, sent up shout after shout and cheer
after cheer for the gallant Gen. Geary
The speaker went Oh to show that the
million and half of voting soldiers of
the loyal States held the balance of power
and that when they combined they could
choose their own servants and accomplish
their own ends. Those who had not been
truly and heartily with the government,
and against the enemies of the country.in
the late rebellion should never be elevated
to office by their votes. Applause He
then alluded to several other matters as
regarded the interests of the soldiers, but
concluded by remarking that these sub
jects would receive proper attention a.
the hands of the committee on resolutions.
After urging upon the Convention the
necessity and Importance of preserving
order and decorum in its deliberations, the
speaker announced the Convention ready
for business.
General Coils then renewed his motion
pledging the members to stand by the
action of the Convention.
Nj. .Rauch, of BerGs, opposed the motion
simply because he did not believe that
the soldiers, as honorable men, did not
need to be bound BY pledge. He uu
dertook to explain the vote of the Reading
delegation, before alluded to,but the chair
ruled him out Of order.
General Coils resolution was then
adopted by very large majority.
The Convention then adjourned to meet
at half past four o'clock.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The Convention met at half-past four
o'clock, General Owen in the chair.
A delegation from Clearfeld county,
and a delegation from Westmoreland
county, presented credentials, and were
admitted to seats.
On motion, the privileges of the floor
were accorded to Gen T. e. Rose, for
merly Colonel of the 77th Pennsylvania
Regiment, and Gen. James S. Brisbin, Of
the Regular army.
On motion of Gen. Pearson, Col. Jas
s. Given, of Philadelphia, was invited to
address the Convention, but declined on
account of illness and want of preparation.
Col. Keatley, District Attorney of Blair
county, was invited to address the Con-
ventiou, and responded in a vigorous and
forcible speech. He was particularly Sc
we're on scheming politicians, and thought
that the soldier vote of the North was
equal to the task of placing or displacing
politicians at their will. He was also in
favor of making treason odious by hang
ing traitors, and thought that such men
as Robert f. Lee, instead of being par
doned, should be hanged. He gave the
British a severe rub as he went along,
and asserted that there was not wounded
man within the sound of his voice who
had not received his wound by British
weapons, shipped in British vessels, and
welded by American traitors. Those
hopeful individuals, who had predicted
time and again, that the rebels would
never be conquered, also received side
wipe from the speaker. General Grapt
"fought it out on that line, ;" the rebellion
went down, and with it the Copperhead
party went down Among those who
sunk With the Copperhead party, was one
Hester CIymer, who had since been
dragged to the surface and pitted against
that brave aud gallant soldier, Genera
John w. Geary. The same fate awaited
him which overlook the rebels 10 arms.
The ''boys in blue" had buried the "boys
in gray" and they would bury Hester
Clymer in the same ignominious grave.
He indicated to the soldiers what tLer
true policy was, and face,iously remarked
that the "true policy" was not "my pol
ICY" He was in favor of letting the Fe-
mans take Canada 'for u.s." and driving
the French out of Mexico. His. speech
was full of happy hits and eloquent
touches, and was frequently interrupted
with hearty applause
Capt. A. NJ. Story, of Philadelphia, an
officer of the Pennsylvania Reserves, was
next called upon to address the Conven-
ton. He sketched in brief the objects
which the Convention had in view, chief
of which was to show to the country that
they were in favor of the election Of Gen.
U. S. Grant, and Gov. A G. Curtin for
President and Vice President in 1868,
and that they were determined to elect
Gen. John w. Geary Governor of the Old
keystone State, in October next, by So
900 majority. This speech was loudly
applauded.
E. W. Spangler, from York county,
offered resolution that the name of the
soldiers organization 10 the State be known
by the common name, adopted at Wash
ingtou, the SOLDIERS aud Sailors Union. .
Col Given, of Philadelphia. moved to
amend by styling the organizations "The
Boys in Blue" as the most appropriate
and significant title. The phrase "Boys
in Blue" comprehended all soldiers in the