Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1866-09-12
THE PHILADELPHIA CONVENTION,

Louisiana, was the temporary Chairman.
Hon. James Speed. of Kentucky, late e. s.
Attorney General, was chosen as permanent
President. A large number Of Vice-Presi-
dents and Secretaries We're also appointed
The entire proceedings were harmonious,
and the enthusiasm that prevailed was un-
precedented.
Besides the Southern delegates, large
numbers from every northern State were in
the city, and a convention of Northern T.
nionists was also organized, of which Gov.
Curtin was chosen temporary Chairman A
Vice President from each of the States in
attendance, and seven Secretaries were also
chosen. Gen Burnside then offered res
olution that the gentlemen selected as tenn
porary officers, should constitute the officers
OF the permanent organization which was
unanimously adopted.
On Tuesday evening general Mass meet
ing was held at the Union League House,
on Broad Street, which has not been equal
ed by any demonstration in this country.
The visit of LAFAYETTE, forty-two years
ago, was the only event claimed to bear any
likeness to it. In fact, it is the judgment
OF those who participated in the massive
gatherings Of 1910 and 1914, that this was
unquestiOnably,i in point of numbers and en-
thusiasm, the mightiest popular demonstra-
ton ever witnessed in the United States.
As the various city delegations approached
Broad street, carrying torches, and ever and
anon sending up rockets and burning blue
lights, ETC., they presented grand specta-
Gle, which seemed at one time to extend
over the whole city. Speeches were deliv-
cred from four stands, the most important
speakers being Gen. B. F. Butler, General
Schenk, Senator Wilson and Senator Chan
der.
On Thursday, the Southern Convention
adopted an address and resolutions, in which
the members of that body declare that Mr..
johnson policy is responsible for our pres
ent troubles, and testify that the encour-
agement given the rebels has placed the
lives and fortunes of Southern Union men
in the hands of men who have fearfully
abused their power. Congress is earnestly
sustained and asked 10 give further protec
ton to the loyalists in the Southern States.
The following are the resolutions as read
and unanimously adopted:
l. ReSolUed That the loyal people of the
South cordially unite with the loyal people
OF the North in thanksg giving to the Al
mighty God, through whose aid rebellion
unparalleled for its causeIessness, Its cruelty
and its crimnality, has been overruled TO
the vindication Of the Supremacy of the
Federal Constitution over every State and
Territory of the Republic
, ReSOtred, That We demand now, as we
have demanded at all times, since the cessa-
ton of hostilities, the restoration of the
States in which we live to their old relations
with the Union, on the simplest and fewest
conditions consistent with the security of
the nation and with the protection of our
lives, property and political rights, now in
jeopardy from the unquenched enmity OF
rebels lately In arms.
g. ResOiced, That the unhappy policy
pursued 10y Andrew johnson, President Of
the United States, is in its effects upon the
loyal people of the South unjust, oppressive
and intolerable, and accordingly, however
ardently we desire to see our respective
States once more represented in the Con-
gress of the United States, we would deplore
their restoration on the inadequate condi-
tions prescribed by the President, as tend
ing not TO abate but to magnify the sorrows
and perils Of our condition.
f. ReSOlred That with bride in the pa
triotiSm of the Congress, with gratitude for
the fearless and persistent support they
have given to the cause of loyalty, and their
efforts to restore all the States to their for
mer condition as States in the American u
MON, we will stand by the positions taken
by them. and use all means consistent with
peaceful and lawful course, to secure the
ratification of the amendments to the Con-
stitution of the United States, as proposed
by the Congress at its recent session, and
regret that the Congress in its wisdom did
not provide by law for the greater security
of the loyal people in the States not yet ad-
mitted to representation.
5. Resolced, That the political power of
the Government of the United States in the
administration of public affairs is, by its
Constitution, confined to the popular law
making department of the Government.
6. Resolred, That the political status of
the States lately in rebellion to the United
States Government, and the rights of the
people of the United States, are political
questions, and are therefore clearly within
the control of Congress, to the exclusion OF
the independent action of any and every
other department of the Government.
I. ResOIred, That there is no right, po-
litical, legal or constitutional, in any State
to secede or withdraw from the Union that
they may by wicked and unauthorized revo-
luton and force sever the relations which
they have sustained to the Union, and when
they do so and assume the attitude of pub
| lie enemies at war with the United States,
they subject themselves to all the rules and