New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1867-06-05
THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION.

THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION.
TIE DEMOCRATIC CAUsUs - ASSEMBLING OF THE
CONvENIIoN-TIIE HON. WILLIAM A. WHEELER
CHOSEN observation-disclosures OF PARTIsANsHIP
rRoH THE DEMoCRATs-TTE STATE CANALS
IN rEbKsRArH TO rHE TRIBUNE
ALBANY June 4, 1867.
The caucus of the Democratic members of the
constitutional Convention was held at the Delevan
House this morning at % o'clock About % persons
-rere present Samuel J. Tden presided, with James
Uardcnburgh Secretary Mr.. Cassidy read a letter
from Judge Amasa ]. Parker, advising not to
mako any nominations for officers Of the Convention
Mr. James Brooks deprecated the action of the Repub
can caucus, in making party nominations, especially
in choosing a stenOgrapher Mr.. Tilden made
come explanations with regard to Mi Underh the Re
nubcan nominee for that position, indorsng the ability
and fairness with which he had always conducted his re-
orts The caucus then adjourned without further ac
ZION having informally agreed to scatter their votes for
president of the Convention and to be guided by crcum
stapces as TO the other officers.
The Constitutional Convention met in the Assembly
Chamber at precisely O'Clock this morning. Gen.
barlow Secretary Of State, called TO order, and intro
Auced the Rev. DE- Sprague Of Albany, who offered
an impressive and appropriate prayer. The members
we're then sworn in in groups of six or eight nearly all
who were elected being present
Iyevions to the ballot for President Mr. James Brooks
rose and as had been suggested IN the Democratic eau
ems repeated the remarks in regard to the republican
aus Win lie tbSngR that the Convention should in no
sper be partisan and asserted that the minority OF the
He expressed fear that the rights OF the minority
might suffer The ballot Tor Pre sho sho"e9
their leaders very literally Inc bon VIM;
have included some of his political opponents The Hon
III c. Murphy of Kings received votes aud the remain
ducted TO the Chair by the Hon. Ira Harris, and H. &
Murphy and delivered his opening speech IN luI GEAR
Voice and with very Impressive manner. He made his
morning and by common consent PROMISES ~
preside with ability and Judgment lie thahkSu Tue III
venton for the honor bestowed upon him. THIS was inc
fifth body that had met for similar purpose III inc ms
tory of our State. To rc-mOld the Organic law OF our
Commonwealth empire within itseli ~ Iae as ~ ~
name. was task demanding their inquest Wlsuoill;
wise just and economic regulation OF inc nhhSes o
the State an Improved system OF lulcdIA ' tn1 49,,
regulation Of canals and such action rs should SECURE
the highest good OF al within the Teach o. our sS oS
hood. a grand work and must be Their task lap,
Tor rev must rise above the low ground PARTISAN
shin to the higher level Of patriotism. They must bring
eTnment iApplausel New-York must preserve her an
Cient supremacy among her sister states Her e.zS
ship will be highest prOudes boast Again thanking
the Convention he entreaed their help III dlschMsME
The Hon Ira Harris introduced resolution appointing
Major Luther Caldwell of Chemung, Secretary which was
carried BY similar action Col Samuel c. Pierce of
Rochese or was appointcd Sergeant with Major
Kemper as Assistant and T. f. Underhl, SienogrnpheI
TO the Convention. In Justice to the latter gentleman
who was made the subject OF some debate this morning
a. should stated that his ability as shOr writer
and his fairness in reporting at all times, were unqnes
toned His reputation here places him at the heau O
his profession. - ,
The usual resolutions adopted for appointment OF
commite rules OF order, and provdlng Tor opeihs
the Convention with prayer Ex-senator Harrss resoIu
ton creating committee Of two from each Judicial ms
trct TO report the best practical mode OF proceeding ~
in regard TO the Constitution Will develop the line OF
the Conventions work. which must necessarily proceed
The remarks made by Mr. Greeley, under resolution
introduced by him. gave rise To quite animated as
cusson Mr. Greeley said that he should act upon inns
and many other questions, independently OF parry: ahu
with single eve 10 the best interests the people Of this
State. 1t was true that nc had gone 70 Ile icPuDG
last night. He had done so because ne regarded
it as incumbent upon the Repubhcan lorI Ign h ~
been accustomed to hear Democrats say hat the Wsto
to have nothing 10 do with IT, He had heard them say
next Fall oppose any Constitution that the CONVENTION
could make. 1t was, therefore. conviction OF dnll
those IInon whom the responsibility Of the Convention
was laid Mr.. Tden replied at some length 10 MI Gree
beers of the Convention had 10 DO their duty II
that capacity. The gentleman from WcStchester (Mr
S Sss" ne e"O knew Of some provisions that
were TO DE insisted upon which they Sosld mo- mo-
cOnsccnfiousy adopt. lie expressed the fullcst conn
dence in the integrity and patriotism Of his political o
pOneus If he had not such confidence, were better
for them to jOurn tomorrow. lie was WILING To as
sumo that the majority did not intend 10 Introduce Wha
they (the minority could not countenance Many CUES
Mr.. Greeleys resolution went over under tie rue VIZ
two accompanying amendments One Is that Of jude
FOlger, the effect that the lateral canals be credo
with the amounts contributed by them 10 the Ellc ~
other was offered by Israel T. Hatch nquirng as 10 W
when II will be paid taxing for an average ihe rSuo
the last seven years The Convention ueh TOOK TUGS
until o'clock. ,,,.
this morning, though The fOor OF the House vas We
filled up. The Convention caused no great eAe,f I'm
in the city, although Albany Is very anxious lna'
should not adjourn 80 saratoga ana thereby e1py ~
hotels one dnhg y & in ~ ,,,nncr 3o1 h, Win
The opening Of the windows makes the ailnosIief
endurablc finerlOOking body OF men tan those Una
compose the Convention has seldom assembled FOR an!
purpose