The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1868-03-13
"Reminiscences of the Convention.

Harrisburg, was attended by more
long time. The Hall Of the House of
Representatives, in which it was held
was crowded to repletion, and hundreds
were unable to gain admission. The
Convention was composed mainly of
young men, but among them were
found also such able and well-known
leaders OF the party as Ancona, late
member of Congress from Berks, CASH
dy Of Philadelphia, Hon. Gaylord
Church late of the Supreme Court, Daw-
son, also an ex-member Of Congress ;
Judge Findlay, John A. Gamble, Sena-
tor Hopkinsof Buckshot War memory,
and the gallant General Sweitzer of AL
legheny.
The detention of the trains prevented
ihe Convention from proceeding to busi-
ness as early on the day rs was desirable,
but when they got to work, they con-
tinued faithfully. The address of Mr..
Wallace was followed by the temporary
organization, by the election of Mr..
Randall, who also briefly addressed
the Convention and upon permanent
organization, Mr.. Hopkins made an ell
olueut speech. The business proceeded
rapidly.
TN meeting in the evening and find
ing the committee on resolutions not
ready to report, the different delegations
proceeded to announce the district cleo
tors, and the names of the Delegates to
the National Convention, to meet at
New York, July 4th. There was then
recess. AT nine In the evening, Presi-
dent Hopkins called the Convention to
order. The report not being yet ready,
Deise Of Clinton county was called on
for speech and was followed by Gen.
M'Candless of Philadeldhia. While he
was speaking, the committee came in
and reported series of resolutions
which were unanimously adopted.
1t was then moved to proceed to the
nomination of a candidate for Auditor
General. a number Of names were
before the Convention. After the Sec
ond ballot, the contest narrowed down
to the names Of Charles E, Boyle of
Fayette, and A. d. Markley of Mont
gomery. The contest was close and ex-
citing, and the members showed their
interest by the diligence with which
they kept tally. The result was in ia
vor Of Mr.. Boyle, and one of Mr.. Mark
ley's friends, we believe, at once moved
to make II unanimous which was done
amidst the widest enthusiasm of the
members and audience.
Mr.. Boyle is young man, being only
about 50 years of age; but he has been
member of the Legislature, was last
year the presiding officer of the Demo-
cratic State Convention is very able
lawyer, and q most genial and unassu-
ming gentleman. In person he is rath-
era smaller man than General Ent, the
nominee for Surveyor-General. Mr..
Boyle is exceedingly popular among
his acquaintances, and the congratula-
tions showered upon him were very
sincere; for be it underst ood that these
nominations are made to win.
A motion was then made to proceed
to the nomination for Surveyor General.
Although the nominations had been
closed, by the consent of the Conven-
ton, Mr.. Turner Of Luzerne offered the
name OF General Wellington II. Ent,
OF Columbia county. After the first
ballot number Of names were with.
drawn, when the accomplished General
Sweitzer of Pittsburg, who had himself
been named but who positively de-
clined addressed the Convention in a
most telling speech, recounting General
Ent's service. in the field, and remark
ing in conclusion: at is a short name
gentlemen, and the General is a small
man, but tell you never saw hig-
ger man In a fight"
on the next ballot the General got
more votes than all the other candi-
datescombined, and being triumphantly
nominated; on motion il was mado
unan imous. Delegates Ms well as spec
tators rising to their feet and respond
Ing with one tremendous faye; :" and
some throwing up their hats In the ex-
uberance Of their qualification. 1t was
. scene to gladden. the heart, and sure
harbinger OF a splendid canvass and
glorious victory. II was some minutes
before the Convention could resume
work, the delegates shaking hands with
each other and their friends; many
persons crowding eagerly around the
Columbia county delegation, inquirlng
for General Ent, and We're greatly sur
prised to learn that he was at home with
no thought OF the honor and position ac-
corded him.
The Convention then proceeded to
ballot for four delegates at large tv the
National Convention. On the first bal
lot Judge Woodward, Governor Big
Ter, Judge Asa Packer, and Hon. Isaacc
Il. Hester were chosen. Judge Wood
ward received the highest number Of
votes, a fattering endorsement, due !
doubtless to his last great speech on i'm
peachment. The truth is, in that speech, |
the Judge struck the keynote of the
question, and the great POI ular heart
responded simultaneously to the touch
OF the master.
II was nearly one O'Clock at night,
when the Convention, having 80 happi.
ly finished its labors; with the best
feeling and In the highest hopes, with
thanks TO the officers, and cordial good
yiah IN. nth aI