Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1866-03-16

that as primary to such action is the right
Of Congress to investigate for itself the con-
dition Of the legislation Of these States to in
quire respecting their loyalty and to pre-
scribe the terms OF restoration and that to
deny this necessary constitutional power is
to DENY and imperil one of tho dearest rights
| belonging to our representative form of gov
ernment. and that we cordially approve of
| the action Of the Union Representatives in
Congress from Pennsylvania on this subject
Sixth. Resolved, That no man who has
! voluntarily engaged in the late rebellion or
| has held efhse under the rebel organization,
should be allowed to sit in the Congress of
! the Union and that the law known as the
test oath should not be repealed but should
be enforced against all claiming seats in Con-
gress.
Seventh. Resolved, That the national faith
is sacredly pledged TO the payment of the
national debt incurred in the war to save the
country and to suppress rebellion, and that
the people will not suffer this faith to be
violated or impaired, but all debts incurred
to support the rebellion were unlawful, void
and of no Obligation and shall never be as
sumed by the United States nor shall any
State be permitted to pay any evidences of
so vile and wicked engagements.
Mr. Cessna of Bedford, moved to adopt
/ the resolutions as a whole.
Mr. kirkpatrick of Allegheny objected
| and hoped the resolutions would be conSid-
cred singly.
Mr.. Nc Cit1re though that with the excep-
| tion of perhaps one or two ofthe resolutions
they wouldbe adopted unanimously and in
order to save time he moved to amend BY
passing those to which there was no appa-
rent objection and proceed to the consdera-
ton of the fourth and last resolution relative
to President johnson and the appointment
of a State Central Committee.
A spirited debate ensued when Col. Nc
Clure' amendment was disagreed to and the
amendment of Mr.. kirkpatrick was adop
ted
The Convention then proceeded to con
sider the resolutions singly and upon the
reading of the fourth, relative to President
johnson.
DIR. Cmrigan, Of Allegheny, moved to
amend by substituting that relying on the
well tried loyalty and devotion of Andrew
johnson to the cause of the Union in the
dark days of treason and rebellion remem-
bering the patriotic conduct services and suf
ferings which in time past endeared his
name to the Uniou party and now reposing
full trust in his ability patriotism and integ-
rity. we express the hope that the policy of
his administration viii be SO shaped and
conducted as to save the nation from the
perils which still surround it,
Mr.. Brown moved to amend the amend
ment by striking there from all after the
words Union party.
After considerable debate Nh. Nc Cure
moved to postpone the resolution and its
amendments indefinitely, as he best means
ofascertaining the sense Of the Convention
on that subject. A point Of order was rails
ed when the President declared the motion
of Mr. Me Clure out forder. The question
recurring on the amendment offered BY Mr.
Brown, yhe previous question was called and
was not sustained
After some further discussion, Messrs
Carrigan and Brown both withdrew their
amendments, and the original resolution as
reported by the committee being again before
the Convention the previous question was
called and sustained and the resolution was
agreed to yeas l09, nays q.
The remainder of the resolutions were then
adopted as reported by the committee.
The Convention then proceeded to ballot
for candidate for Governor, which resulted
as follows:
John w. Geary, ..............,..........Sl
w. w. Ketchum, ..........................30
j. X. MOrehead, .................,.........19
Harry White, ............................
General Geary having received a majority
OF all the votes cast was declared duly nomi-
mated and the nomination was made unani-
nous.
A resolution was then offered by Mr..
Cochran Of York, and unanimously adopted,
commenting the candidates of the Conven-
ton to the warm and hearty support of the
Republicans of the State
A committee of three was then appointed
to wait upon Gen Geary and the gentlemen
who were candidates before the Convention,
and invite them to address the Convention
During the absence of this committee, the
Convention was addressed by the Hon. Mr.
Marshall of Allegheny, and others.
When the committee returned the party
was received by the Convention with the ut
most enthusiasm.
General Geary having been conducted to
the Speaker chair, addressed the delegates
IN acknowledgment of the high honor con-
terred on him by their unanimous preference
de did not come before them vain enough to
think that there was any personal superiority
IN himself over any OF the other candidates
named in connection with this nomination,
but he did believe he was selected because
he represented an element of strength in
each community which had contributed to
the salvation Of the government during the
hot blasts of war for the last five years, and
which would continue to contribute to the
maintenance of the national authority invio-
late while freedom had home in the United
States and the name Of God was worshipped
in this country.
This, said General Geary was not the
time to enter on an elaborate discussion of
the issues involved iu the campaign about
to be inaugUrated but this is the proper
| moment, said he TO pledge full and ex-
pheit solemn acquiescence in the principles
| enumerated IN the resolutions adopted by this
Convention every word every sentiment,
every truth uttered in these resolutions, re-
t1ected his feelings and agreed with his con-
ylctlons and are most worthy Of his approval
de gloried to bear aloft a standard upon
which was inscribed doctrines SO sacred and
principles so vital to the national life, and
as he had battled beneath the flag of his
country to maintain the national honor, SO
would he go forth to do fight beneath this
banner for the glory and integrity of the
Keystone State."
Gen. Geary reiterated his thanks, and af-
ter paying a noble tribute to the great Union
| party OF the State pledged himself again to
support the principles OF the platform upon
| which ne was placed. At the conclusion of
his speech the members of the Convention
and the spectators in the gallery and in the
rotunda, greeted him with shouts Of enthu-
slasm which shook the old building to its