American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1866-06-13

Gen. James S. Brisbin, of the Regular
Army, by invitation, proceeded to address
the Convention. He urged that the pres
ent was the time for organizing, for if it
was postponed any longer, it would be too
late. The grass had hardly shown itself
on the fields where some of the greatest
battles of the war had been fought, be-
fore the services of the soldiers had been
forgotten by the authorities at Washing
ton, The General continued his remarks
for soma time, which were we'll received
On motion, Col VIM. Diehl, of Pitts
burgh, Major Nathaniel Patterson, of
Birmingham, and John Murphy, of Phil
adelphia, veterans of the war of 1872,
were invited to take seats on the platform.
Major General James s. Negley was
introduced to the Convention, by the
President, as the ranking officer of the
State, and delivered few remarks but
declined to make speech.
On motion, Captains Carey, Roarer, and
Major Roberts were appointed Commit
tee to wait upon the Committee on Res
olutions and ascertain when they would
report.
The Convention then adjourned until
eight o'clock.
| EVENING SESSION.
The Convention re-assembled at eight
o'clock, when Cen Fisher, chairman,
read the following report of the Commit
tee on Resolutions, which was adopted as
whole amidst great applause:
WHEREAS, We the representatives of
the Soldiers and Sailors of Pennsylvania,
assembled in convention, in obedience to
call recognized and formally acted upon
| throughout the Commonwealth, having
in remembrance the sufferings and trials
endured by the soldiers and sailors of the
Union in their successful struggle against
the gigantic rebellion, and being deter
mined to perpetuate the great principles
established by our arms and sanctified by
the blood of our fellow comrades, do re-
solve
/. That we return to the Omnipotent
Ruler of the universe our sincere and
| heartfelt thanks for the crowning vic
tory vouchsafed tn our efforts against re.
bellion which had for its object the de-
struction of our great Republic.
2. That the tender care exercised by
the Government and the people for the
remains Of our martyred heroes, and for
their widows and orphans, commands our
warmest gratitude.
3. That it is contrary to public policy
and subversive OF the great principles,
won by patriotic blood, to permit any to
hold Offices Of honor or profit under the
general Government who by word or deed
embarrassed the Union armies, or cast
odium on the cause for which they fought.
4. That the soldiers of Pennsylvania
should organize in their respective coun-
ties to take care that the triumph of our
army be not fruitless, and the just results
of our great endeavors remain ungathered
by concessions of any of the material
points at issue in the struggle to the de-
feated party, or by yielding advantages
fairly won; and we propose the following
platform as the basis of organization:
5. That such treatment should be ac-
corded to the defeated foe as the most
chivalric magnanimity requires, but with
out yielding principle comprising the
right, or above all deserting an ally.
6. That such and SO many guarantees
shall be demanded from the South, and
incorporated in the National Constitution
as are necessary to prevent recurring Of
rebellion, secure justice and freedom to
all men Of all classes, conditions and col
ors, and guard the national faith from
violation.
Z. That rebels ought not to be precip-
itated into power before such guarantees
have been obtained, and that accordingly
Congress, to which rightfull pertains all
questions of reconstruction, is to be cor
daily sustained in their demand for such
guarantees.
| s. That with the beginning of the wal
this nation took a new departure, and
henceforth her constitution is to be read
in the interest of liberty, justice and Sc
curity, according to the lights of its pre-
amble and the immortal Declaration oi
Independence, under the teachings of it.
authors and compatriots. Too long al
ready has it been interpreted in the in
terest of slavery and caste.
o. That Msjor-Gen'l John w. Geary
} having given just evidence of his deyo
tion to the Union during the great rebel
! lion by volunteering in its defense ans
serving faithfully during the war, wher
many like Heister Clymer who now claim