Cleveland daily leader. [volume] ([Cleveland, Ohio]) 1865-1873, 1866-08-16
Philadelphia COnventIon-The Start.


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inside.
Philadelphia COnventIOn-The Start
The first days proceedings of the Phil.
adelphia Convention offer nothing that i:
likely to strike the public mind with the
importance Of this remarkable congrega-
ton, nor to encourage the friends of " my
policy as to the success of their scheme
for reinstating traitors in all the honor:
and e~moluments of the government. The
exhibition opened with the contemplate
and most ~disgraceful farce of walking the
delegations of Massachusetts and South
Carolina, with arms locked, into the as
semblage-a piece of moekery which our
dispatches inform US brought the smile OF
ridicule to the lips of a large portion
of the members of the Conven-
ton, and which should have crimsoned
with the blush of shame the cheeks
of every mar who possessed
the smallest sense of national hon
or and self respect. The author of this
pitiful display was no other than A. W.
Randall, an officer in the Cabinet of An
drew Johnson-a man who as Governor of
Wisconsin was wont to inspire her gallant
sons by d~enouncing these same South Car
DINA traitors, and who welcoming home
the war-worn veterans after the accom-
plishment of their work, could tell them
in glowing words of the glorious duty
they had done, and promise them at least
the reward of eternal honor in the mem
ory of their countrymen. What a recreant
is this man,
sEWhose treason like e deadly blight,
Comes oV'r the councils of the brave,
To blast them in their hour of might"
The address of General Dix, upon his
election as temporary President, is tame
and insipid, its dull platitudes and stereo-
typed Johnsonisms showing evident want
of careful preparation. 1t contains no
single new idea that can be regarded as
an addition TO the platform of the company
with which he has associated himself, and
it will fall still-born upon the popular ear.
The Convention, however, gained one
triumph in inducing Vallandigham to
quietly withdraw from its deliberations
not that his influence is thus lost, at least
so far as his friends in treason, North and
South, are concerned, but the very black
mark that his active participation would
have made upon the record is obviated.
Val, however, remains upon the scene,
and in connection with the Woods, Mar
bic, and others Of q similar ilk, his coun-
sci will be felt, and doubtless his voice
heard also before he shall turn his back
upon the city of "Brotherly Love-"
1t does not appear now that the sitting
of the Convention will be as long as was
originally expected, unless the demands
of the Southerners for an opportunity to
give full expression, to their views should
be complied with. But few public ques-
tons will come up for discussion, and
these are probably already prepared, the
sentiment csnvassed, the result known, and
no time will consequently be lost in debate.
The sentiments of the Convention, it is
understood, will take the shape of a pro-
nunciamento to the nation, and it is sug-
gested that this shall be short, so as to De
sure Of being generally read I
So far, therefore, as we can judge from
the indications of the opening proceed
ings of this delectable conglomeraticn, it
Is a gigantic and most ridiculous failure.
The Demands of Napoleon Rejected.
Advices from London of the I4th an
nounce that the demand of Napoleon up
on Prussia that the frontier of France
should be extended to the Rhine, had been
formally rejected by the Prussian Govern
ment. This is undoubtedly not different
from what the Emperor of the French had
looked for and expected when he made
his demand, and it is a safe assumption
that he has well decided upon his course.
What that course shall be can hardly be |
doubted by those familiar with Napoleon's
character. Rarely taking a step before |
considered in advance all its conse-
and possibilities, he takes his posi-
lions earnestly and with determined Dur
pose, bringing all the weight and power of
and her great influence with Europe
into the contest. In the present uncture he
has peculiar reasons for seeking to enforce
his desire, which is undoubtedly also the
wish ofthe great mass ofthe French people. |
for an Increase of French territory. The re-
suits of the war between Prussia and Aus
tria, if the issue be permitted to terminate
in favor of the former, which would iney-
ltably be the case unless a new rupture
involving France, should bring Austria |
again into the field, from which she has
practically withdrawn, must be a large &C.
of strength, both in population
and territory, to Prussia, giving her in
creased weight in the politics of Europe.
md destroying the old balance of power.
To maintain the present equilibrium Ma
'oleOn undoubtedly feels to be an imper-
tive duty, and with a c~ommendable am
maintain the dignity and power
If his nation it cannot be doubted that he
viii, if necessary to accomplish this end,
lraw the sword against Prussia. |,
In such q contest, we believe that
would be found a unit, and Aus +,
ria, with this fresh and powerful ally, )
center the fight with new spirit and re- ,
nvigorsted purpose. Against such a
Mon Prussia could hardly hope to be I'll /,
successful, and she will take a +,
arrible hazard in entering the contest .
the war once thoroughly begun, and )
ny advantage gained by her opponents, :
Is to be questioned whether Nspoleo =.
could be satisfied with securing onlv =
That he now demands, but would reach
for still further acquisition as indem- "
the losses of war. i
At all events, it seems evident that the n
0ntest of arms in Europe is not vet at il
n end, and the signs point to the posi- Il
iiity of = CONFUSION that may involve 81
Il the great powers, and result in verv e,
ssential changes of the present map of is
be continent. G,
Among the delegates from Arkau3as TO Il