Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1872-07-24
THE BALTIMORE CONVENTION,

LII OhhilluOAeii WIN hN 11VNs
The Convention assembled at Ford s
Theatre, on Tuesday, July 9th, which
was handsomely decorated for the oc-
casion with banners, on which were
inscribed the coats of arms Of the sew.
eral States. AT ten minutes before II
o'clock, the Convention was called to
order by August Belmont, Chairman
fthc National Democratic ommittee,
who said:
MR.. BELMoNT's SPEECH.
Gentlemen of the Conuention-It is
again my privilege to welcome the
delegates of the National Democratic
Convention, who have met in order to
present to the American people the
candidates for President and Vice
President, for whom they solicit the
suffrages of the Democratic and Con-
servative voters of this great republic,
At our last National Convention, on
the 4th of July, 1868, predicted'tbat
the election of General Grant would
result in the gradual usnrpation of all
the functions of the government by the
executive and by Congress, to bo en-.
forced by the tayonets of a military des-
potism. The vast majority of the peo-
Pile of the United States have with grief
and sorrow seen the correctness of the
prediction, and they look forward with
fear and apprehension to the dangers
which are threatening us, if by the re.
election of General Grant, the policy
thus far pursued by the Radical party
will be continued.
The thinking men of both parties
have become alive to the fact that we
are now living under military des.
posism, overriding the civil authority
in many States of the Union. That,
by the enactment of arbitrary and un.
constitutional laws through deprav.
ed majority in Congress, the right Of
these States are infringed and tram
Piled upon, and that Cesarism and cen.
tralization are undermining the very
foundations Of our Federal system, and
are sweeping away the Constitutional
bulwarks erected by the wisdom Of
the fathers of the republic. These
abuses have become so glaring that
the wisest and best men OF the Repub.
lican party have severed themselves
from the Radical wing, which is try.
ing to fasten upon the country anoth-
or four years reign of corruption
usurpation and despotism, and what
over individual opinions we may en-
tertain as to the choice of q candidate
whom they have selected in opposition
to General Grant, there cannot be any
doubt of the patriotic impulse which
dictated their action, nor can any faull
be found with the platform of princi
pie upon which they have placed theil
candidate. The resolutions of thC
Cincinnati Convention arc what the
country require, and they must com
mand the hearty support OF every pat
riot throughout the vast extent OF oul
land. In the struggle which is before
us, we must look TO principles and no
to men, and trust no predictions oi
prcjudices will deter us from doing oul
duty to the American people. Genera
Grant has been a good and faithful
soldier during the war. His stubborn
indomitable courage has helped t
crown the Union arms with victory
and the American people have reward
cd his services with the most unbound
cd generosity.
am willing TO coDcede that his in
tentions on taking the Presidential
chair were good and patriotic, but b,
has most signally failed in the discharg,
of the high trust imposed upon hin
by the confidence of grateful people
Ho is at this moment tho personifca
tion of the misrule that is expressing
US, and his reelection is fraught will
tho most deplorable consequences 70
the welfare of the Republic, and on
dangers the liberties of the people.
On tho other hand, Mr.. Greeley ha
been heretofore bitter opponent o
the Democratic party, and violent at
tacks against myself, individually
which have from time to time appeare,
in his journal, certainly do not entitl,
him to any sympathy or preference a
my hands; but Mr.. Greeley represent
the national and constitutional princi
Piles Of the Cincinnati platform, and b,
his admirable and manly letter Of &C
ccptanco he has shown that he is full,
alive TO their spirit, and that if electcv
he means to carry them out honestl.
and faithfully.
Should you, therefore, in your wis
dom, decide to pronounce in favor Q
the Cincinnati candidates, ! shall, 70
one, most cheerfully bury all past dil
ferences, and vote and labor for thei
election with tho same zeal and energ
with which / have supported hereto
fore, and mean ever to support, th
candidates of the Democratic party
The American people look with greo
solicitude TO your deliberations. III
for you to devise means by which
free them from the OWLS under whic
they are suffering; but in order
attain that end are called upon to max
every sacrifice of personal and part
preierance.
However much you might desire I
fight the coming battle for our right
and liberties under one of the truste
leaders Of the Democratic party, it wi
become your duty to discard all col
siderations of party tradition if ii
selection of good and wise man ou
side OF our ranks offers better chanc,
Of success. You must remember thl
you are here not only as Democrat
but as citizens Of our country, and thi
no sacrifice can be too great whic
she demands at your hands. An
now, before propose to your acce
}, tance the temporary Chairman Of th
s Convention, permit me to detain yc
one moment longer by q few words
an entirely personal character.
With my present action terminal
my official functions as CHAIRMAN
the National Democratic Committc
!, an Office which, by the confidence
nv constituents and the courtesy