Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1866-06-20
THE SOLDIERS CONVENTION.

| THE SOLDIERS CONVENTION.
The Soldiers and Sailors Convention a
| Pittsburg, on June 5th, 1866, passed the
| following resolutions amidst shouts of ap-
probation
WHEREAS, We, the representatives of the
soldiers and sailors of Pennsylvania assem-
recognized and formally acted upon through
out the Commonwealth, having in remem-
| brance the sufierings and trials endured in
the successful struggle against gigantic re-
| belllon, and being determined to perpetuate
the great principles established by our arms
and sanctifed by the blood of our comrades,
do resolve
First. That we return to the Omnipotent
Ruler of the Universe our sincere and
heartfelt thanks for the crowuing victory
vouchsated to our efforts against rebellion
| which had for its object the destruction of
our great Republic.
Second. That the tender care exercised
by our Government and people for the re-
mains of our martyred heroes, for their
widows and orphans, commands our warm
est gratitude.
Third That it is contrary to public pol
icy, and subversive of the great principles
won by our patriotic blood, to permit any
men 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.
Fourth. That the soldiers of Pennsylva-
MIA should organize In their respective
counties, to take care that the triumph Of
the army be not fruitless, and the results of
our first endeavors remain ungathered by
concessions of auy material points in
issue in our struggle to the defeated party,
or by yielding advantages fairly won and
we propose the following platform as ba-
SIS of organization
Fifth. That such treatment should be ac-
corded to the defeated foe as the most chiv-
alric magnanimity requires; but without
yieljinga principle compromising the rights,
or, above all. .deserting an ally.
,Strth. That such and SO many guaran-
tees shall be demanded from the South and
Incorporated In the National Constitution as
are necessary to prevent the recurrence of
the rebellion; to secure justice and freedom
to all men, of all classes, conditions and col
ors, and guard the national faith from vio
lation
iSeuenth. That the rebels ought not TO be
precipitated into power before such guaran-
tees have been obtained, and that accord
ly Congress, to which rightfullv pertain all
questions of reconstruction, is to be cordial
ly sustained in their demand for such guar
antees.
Eighth. That with the beginning of the
war this nation took new departure, and
thencetorth her Constitution is to be read
In the interest of liberty, justice and secu-
rity, according to the spirit Of its preamble
and the immortal Declaration of Independ-
ence, under the teachings of its authors
and compatriots. Too long already has 1t
been interpreted in the interest of slavery
and caste.
Ninth That Maj. Gen. John w. Geary
having given just evidence of his devotion
to the Union during the great rebellion by
volunteering in its defence. and serving
faithfully during the war, when many like
Hester Clymer, who now claims to be equal
ly patriotic, were rendering aid and comfort
to the rebels, and he now being before the
people of Pennsylvania as candidate for
the Office of Governor, we, his fellow sol
diers, in that time of trial. pledge to him
our hearty support, and ask the same
for him from all those who acknowledge
to its saviours,
Tenth That the soldiers of Pennsylva-
MIA recognize no warmer or truer friend than
Governor Andrew Gregg Curtin. His name
is our watchword his fame our hope, and
his merit our glory. The answering love
of the soldiers friend will be reciprocated
by their unfaltering devotion.
EleUenth.. That we appeal hopefully to
Congress for speedy decision Oh the ques-
tion of equalization of bounties to soldiers.
I1Celtth. That believing treason is crime,
and that traitors should be punished, we
demand that the leading traitors should be
convicted and executed as an example to
traitors for all time to come.
Thirteenth. That this convention is able
to express its sentiments upon the whole
matter of the issues and candidates in few
words, which may answer for our banner
inscriptions the coming campaign. God
grant Geary victory!
Fourteenth. That the legislation whereby
Congress attempted to defend and protect
our allies, the loyal men of the South,
against the deadly hatred of the common
enemies, to make good for race freedom
proffered as the price of aid and awarded
as the due of loyalty, deserves our unquali-
fed approval
Fifteenth That we require Congress so to
legislate as TO protect American industry py
high protective tariff.
Col. Bayne, of Allegheny, offered reso'
luton, as follows:
Resolued, That the loyal majority IN Con-
gress deserves our gallant gratitude; that
radical vices require radical remedies; and
that the nation should take NO step back
ward in her march to the grand destiny that
surely awaits the unfaltering and persistent
adherence to the cause of equal freedom.
M. Bertrand, veteran under Napoleon
T., celebrated his golden wedding at New
L last Wook II L.