The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1868-05-20
ILLINOIS,
THE SOLDIERS AND SAILORS CONVENTION.

THE SOLDIERS AND SAILORS CONVENTION
CHICAGO, May 19.-The soldiers and sailors
who have once saved the republic by the bal
lot, and who are now determined to preserve
what they won by the use of the ballot, hold
their Convention to-day. Delegates are here
from all sections of the country and old COM
rades are cordially greeting each other. 4 Some
are manned and others have never recovered
from the cruel treatment which they received
in rebel PRISONS but all are inspirited by their
heart-love for the old flag and for the great
General who led to victory. Of course in
triguing politicians are endeavorng to enlist
them in the support of the numerous candi-
dates for the Vice Presidency but the 'boys in
blue" don't see it. They go in for the Union
Grant, and the other nominations that will
win.
The men who carried the muskets and used
the sabres are also here ready for duty under
Gen. Grant again. Turner Hall in which the
Convention will meet, has been appropriately
decorated with evergreens and with patriotic
notices dear to every loyal defender of the
flag A good portrait of Gen. Grant is in front
of the gallery and the platform is festooned
with the stars and stripes. The seats are d.
vided into sections each one bearing the name
of the State whose delegation is to occupy it.
Second Dispdtch.-The familiar sound of the
assembly called the delegations together at
their different headquarters soon after break
fast, and several of them adopted patriotic
resolutions, after selecting their officers. The
Illinois delegation passed unanimously a reso-
those Republican Senators who voted to &C
quit Andrew johnson.
The delegations formed in the City Hall
square ard precisely at ELEVEN o'clock the
word march was given. There were bands,
banners, badges and many national flags, but
the glory OF the display was the array OF men
who had risked their lives that the Republic
might live.
Veterans are not partial to long marches,
and the column moved by the most direct route
from the City Hall to Turner Hail. up North
Clark street, magnificent American ensign
waving as a directing flag
The Massachusetts delegation wore scarlet
badges bearing the name of the State and
marched by tours, receiving much applause as
they passed along
On entering the hall, "OId Abe" the Wis
consin War Eagle, was brought on the plat
FORM where he gaZed about defiantly as if he
felt Inspired by the sight of so many old COM
rades.
As the New England delegations entered
they struck up orally Round the Flag Boys,
which was sung with Will Not over half the
delegates could find room in the hall.
Third Dispatch.-The Soldiers and Sailors
Convention formed in procession, about 5000
in number. this morning and marched to Tur-
ner Hall, where the Convention is held. The
Wisconsin Eagle, "Old Abe" was carried II
front OF the procession
The States of Rhode Island, New York
massachusetts,, Tennessee, New Hampshire
delaware, Connecticut, New Jersey, Loulsl
ana, georgia. California, Vermont, Kentucky
West Virginia, Ohio, Arkansas Mississippi
Maine, Nebraska, Missouri, Dakotah, Alabams
and Limos were represented by large delega
tons.
At noon the Convention was called to order
by Major w. S. Morse, Chairman of the Exec
utive Committee Rev. John Fellows of Wis
consn opened the session with prayer.
Gov. Fairchild was chosen Temporary Chair.
man. On being introduced, Gov. Fairch;ld
was received with enthusiastic applause. He
said:
Gentlemen of the Convention I'm behalf O
the State of Wisconsin, whose soldiers you
have honored to-day in the selection of mysel
as temporary Chairman, thank you. L shall
receive it as an honor to the State and to tn
soldiers of Wisconsin. 1 do not take it as per
sonal. l am very glad indeed, my friends, t
meet SO many old soldiers of the Union army
was glad last night at little meeting OF
few delegates, to know why we came here.
understood that we came here representa-
nearly million loyal hearts. (Great applause
We came here to muster in for three years O