Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-07-13
GAG-LAV IN THE GREELEY CON
TENTTON

GAG-LAW IN THE GREELEY CON
VENTION.
The convention at Baltimore which
nominated Mr.. Greeley, allowed no OPP
portunity for interference with the DEGREES
of the managers. Those who did not like
the programme were obliged to stihe their
resentment in silence or speak only under
the threatened application of the gag
There were many democrats who were
not prepared to surrender unconditional
ly to the Greeleyites both platform and
candidates, but they were treated more
like interlopers and enemies than like del
egates and democrats entitled to be heard.
Mr.. Bayard of Delaware, did succeed in
getting in by persistent struggling pro-
test against the adoption of the platform,
but it was only after the leaders had been
shamed into submission and feared the
damaging effect of the continued applica-
ton Of the gag. The platform reported by
the committee on resolutions was the same
Adopted at Cincinnati. To prevent any
votes: bslng raised against il, the chairman
of th6 eQrnmittee was instnacted to report
it, nloy a. adoption, and On that motion
an evious q,,estien. This Or course
wonM prsclpse 40 debate. ssyo voice
could b heart Ia opposition If the gag
were adhered to. But there was some
spirit left in the democracy. In the re-
port of the convention we find the follow
ing:
Senator Bayard of Delaware--I rise to
question of order. Has the previous ques-
Law OF . democratic convention, without notice
to the deIegates7 cloud cries of "No," and
cheers and hisses.
The President-The Chair overrules the
point OF order. The pending question is not
detachable, but the Chair deems it proper to
state that the Convention has adopted, by
unanimous vote, as the rules to govern its
proceedings, the rules of the House of Rep
resentatiyes. The motion for the previous
question 10 in order under one OF those rules.
which are essential to the transaction of bn-
siness in large bodies of men.
Senator Bayard of Delaware-I ask that
the Chairman withdraw his call for the pre-
vious question for the period of at least ten
minutes, that the minority may be heard.
(Cries of "No," and much confusion.)
The President-The appeal is made by the
gentleman from Delaware 10 the Chairman of
the Committee on Resolutions and not TO any
body else.
Mr.. Bailey OF Pennsylvania-I second the
appeal in behalf of the delegation from Penn
svlvapia (Crias If ssouastinp
Mr.. Burr-I would concede what the gen.
tleman asks with the greatest pleasure, but
am under instructions from the committee
and cannot yield the point, and must insist
upon the motion make.
Senator Bayard-I wish TO appeal TO the
sense of manhood of the democratic party
and appeal to their seli-respect Are YOU
deaf to the voice of reasonr Confusion.
The President-The gentleman from Della.
ware will come to order.
Hon. G. Salisbury of Delaware saw this
Is unfair. 1t is unjust to the de-
of this country.
The President-The question is, Win the
House sustain the previous question? (Cres
II .Yes" and NO"
A deiegate--Call the roll of States.
The President-The Secretary will call the
roll.
SO the call was proceeded with and the
gag was established by vote Of the con-
vention, limiting debate to one hour and
absolutely cutting off all amendments.
Mr.. Bayard was allowed ten minutes in
which to speak. which he improved in
making strong protes. against the adop-
tien@o the Cincinnati platform. Every
democrat in the land will respect the de-
votion which he displayed to his party.
and the courage with which he plead and
protested against the outrage upon it. In
his remarks he said:
Now, gentlemen, ask you in all fairness.
shall this great organization, dignifivd by wears
and dignified by sacrifices for the sake OF pa,ri
otto feeling, not be allowed to have an indie
pendent expression of its own honest senti-
meni. {Applause) and cries Of "Yes." What,
then, can be said in favor of the fact that cut
and dried we shall, without crossing or dot
ting an /, vote down our throats without masti-
cation or digestion the action of other men who
have not been called into sur counsels, howev-
er much they may desire to ae. with US in refer
ence to the common object2 (Cries of mo
noT') 1t may be proper for me TO state that
Of the minority of the committee who voted
against the adoption OF the resolutions Twas
one. ! am glad for the sake of nv own con-
science, that was one of the minority who
opposed the adoption of the Cincinnati plat
form. platform containing many things that
re respect and adhere 10, but much that we
lesire to modify and correct. But | think il
,ecoming the dignity Of this grand national