The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-09-04

at the courthouse. Previous to and dur
ing the assembling of the delegates. TN
Second Regiment National Band, of Phila
delphia, played various airs.
AT about one o'clock Colonel Duncan
called the Convention to order, and Rev
DR.. Platt addressed the Throne of Grace II
a prayer for concord and peace, and free
dom from sectional iealousies, throughou,
the land.
Col. Blanton Duncan called the Conyen-
ton to order, and, after brief speech. in.
PRODUCED Levi S. Chatfield, of New York,
as temporary chairman. On taking the
chair, Mr.. Chatfeld thanked the Conyen-
ton, concluding his remarks by declaring
| that he was Democrat born one--and
would always be one; and if he was the
last remaining man here, he would wrap
the old flag around him and lay him down
to die therein. [Cheers.]
Mr.. Spaulding, of New York, presented
q sealed letter from Charles O'Conor.
Three rousing cheers were given and re-
peated for O'Oonor.l 1t was handed to the
chairman, and read to the Convention.
We make the following extract from the
letter, which is quite lengthy:
ASIDE then from party sentiment. my
views of the public interest and existing
public necessities COMPEL me to repudiatc
the baltimore nomination of Mr.. Greeley.
Whenever speaking or writing on the
subject, have formally condemned it and
declared my readiness to support Demo-
cratic candidate. This circumstance has
led to a supposal in some quarters that
had aspirations to office, and it has been
suggested that my name might be offered
to your acceptance as n candidate. The
object of this letter is to avoid misappre.
hension on those points. If compelled to
decide between Grant and Greeley as
candidate for President the Democratic
electors must rely very much upon mere
conjecture. hose inclning to the latter as
their choice of evils suggest that the miti-
CATION OF oppression at the South would
result from his success. There may, how
ever, be equal ground to hope for that good
may result in either issue of this rivalry. |
Once his second term shall have been secur- |
ed General Grants only motive for inAict.
ing misery on that portion Of his country
men will cease, and an effort to secure a
third term or establish dictatorship cam
not reasonably be apprehended, and conse-
quently comparison of probabilities offers
us merely blank on the one hand or four
years of indefinable activity on the other.
That wise people whose usages have gen
orally followed, has occasion to pass through
: transitory period somewhat similar TO
hat affecting Southern interests in their ac-
ion at that time, We could find safe prece-
tents Tor a course Of politics which would
reinstate them in their property:
out II there be one among the master spirits
'f the age, who, even if inclined, could not
adopt that policy, it is Mr.. Greeley. The
success Of General Grant might involve no
important consequences, but that of Mr..
areeley would consecrate the practices re-
erred to, which, in my opinion, are abso-
utely incompatible with the permanence of
'epublican institutions. In saying this tits not
Intended simply to pronounce for anti-pro.
ectionist ideas. That question is left I'M
ouched. If the support of home industry
ganst foreign competition is regarded as
ound policy, it can be effected, as far as
leedful, by much simpler and less expen-
i've and far less demoralizing processes
han our overgrown customs establishment.
true policy is rational regeneration; it is
ar more comprehensive than mere free
rade-its aim is TO break the sceptre of
rading politicians and 1remancpate the
masses from the filthy governmental inter-
ention now practiced in carrying on its
fairs.
The existing Indebtedness of the country
houfd indeed be held sacred, and to the
ast cent faithfully redeemed; but the pow
r OF borrowing money on public credit,
ither by paper issues or otherwise, should
e absolutely annulled. Neither the Fed
raj government or any other down to the
malest civil division Of a state should pos
ess such power. 1t is inconsistent with
ne perpetuty of free Republican institu-
ons, it is the very life-blood Of aristo-
ratio rule, for it letters labor as the bond
lave OF capital. In modern times,it furnish
s limitation indispensable to war.-with-
ut 1T that most shocking of all national
aamites would be impossible.
Such comprehensive advances in ciyiliza-
ION, as here suggested, may be as yet inn
racticable in the old world if so, the fact
My proves that ours is a high and holy
Mission of first making them, separated
y wide ocean from any powerful ma
on, mighty in numbers and intelligence.
ur people, and through their deep and
bidlng interest in their country's well
ire, no external enemy dare assa us.
indeed, 1t is manifest to impartial reason
lat the adoption of efficient curbs upon
llicial power is alone needed to render
us great continent the abode of peace
nd of human happiness on scale of
rnagnificence. Even if dclen-
We wars be necessary evils, the power of
orrowing money should not be conceded
n that account. 1t might be admitted
lat they cannot be carried on without
asst OUTLAWS; but money is not more
pcpSSar,y N IN mon ~ T7I' --0'-~ |
MIR. O'Conor's letter was referred to the
ommittee on platform.
The committee on permanent organiza-
ON reported, recommending James Lyons,
! Virginia, for permanent president, and
lr. Richards, of Illinois, for first vice-pres-
lent; also one vice-president from each
tate represented. H..
Mr.. Bayard, of New Jersey, moved that
'lsnton Duncan be first vce-president,
'hich was adopted.
MIR. Lyons, when conducted to the chair.
.diculed the Greeley party as the dolly
arden party"
A committee on resolutions was appoint
A motion to add labor delegate from
ew York to the resolutions committee
aused great confusion, The chairman re-
lsed to entertain any motion, and the
invention thereupon adjourned until nine
clock tomorrow. {