Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-07-10
BALTIMORE CON.
VENTiON.
Speech of August Bel.
mont.

Baltimore, Md, O. Tie Contention vas
called to order at 10 A. NJ.
Mr. Belmont, Chairman of the Democratic
National Committee, said -
The resolutions of the Cincinnati conven-
tioI are What the country require and must
command the hearty support OF every patriot
throughout the vast extent OF orr land in the
struggle which is before ps. We must look
to principles and not men, and trust tina. no
personal prejudice or predictions will deter
US from doing our duty to the American peo-
pie. Gen. Grant has been n good and faith
tul soldier during our civil war. His stub
born and indomtable courage has helped to
crown the mon arms with victory. and the
American people have rewarded his services
with the most unbounded generosity. / am
willing to concede that his intentions on tax
ing the Presidential chair were good and
patriotic, but he most sadly failed in the dis
charge of the high trust imposed upon him
by the confidence of a greatiul people. He
j. AT Ibis moment the very personifcation Of
the m.srule which is expressing US. His Sc.
lection ia traught with the most depiorabie
consequences for the eifsre of the republic,
and endangers the liberty of the people. On
the other hand, Mr.. Greeley has been hereto
fore bitter opponent Of the democratic par
'
diridually, which have from time to time ap-
pcared in his journal, certainly do not entitle
hin 70 any sympathy or preference at my
/ hands. But Mr.. Greeley represents the ma.
tiunal and constitutional principles of the
Cincinnati platform. and by his admirable
and manly letter OF acceptance he has shown
that he is FULLY alive to their spirit, aud if
elected lie meats to carry them dtlt honestly
and faithfully. Should you, therefore, in
year wisdom, decide TO pronounce in favor OF
the tiucinnati candidates, | shall for one
most cheertai!y carry all past differences and
vote and labor for their election, with the
same zeal and energy which have supported
| heretofore ard 1lean ever 10 support the
candidates CT he democratic party. The
American people look WIKI deep solicitude at
YOUR deliberations II is for yon to devise
means by which 10 free them from the evils
under hich they are suffering; but in order
TO obtain that end you are called upon 10
make every sacrifice of personal and party
preference, however much you might desire
TO tsht tie coming fight for our rights and
!ibptUes under the trusted leadership Of the
democratic party. it will become Your duty
10 eiscagi all consideration of party tradi-
;i0n. if the selection Of good and wise mar
outside of the ranks offer better chances Q.
success. \ ou must remember that you are
8: yonr common country. aad tina, no sacri.
fee can be too great which she demands at
teur han.i> and now before | propose
70 you acceptance III temporary chairman
Of he conrt NIXON, permit be to detain you
lew moments longer 10y few words Q! an en-
'iessy pcrs9aSi Character With nv present
~ N trtuIna., ny Sidli4. functions as the
chairman Of the National Democratic Com
mit,ee. an office which by tie confidence OF
nay colleagues | have heli for twelve con-
secutive wears. During all that time have
striven with honest zeal and with all the en-
ergy and capacity which God has given me,
to ae faithful with the party and the country,
and TO render myself worthy OF the great
trust cOnfided to NE, while was grieved and
dt eply mortified u see CT various times nv
motives and actions misconstTued by several
democratic papers, and some even descended
to the fabrication CT the most absurd false
hoods concerning my social and political con-
duct. | have had the proud and consolng
satisfaction that my colleagues on the Nation
al Committee. and all those who know me-
did justice Ia the integrity and purity of my
intentions, in al the trying situations in
which my official position has placed me-
Let me tell you gentlemen, there is not one
among you, who bears 4 warmer and truer
affection tor cur party and our country than
this great republic, Your native land, as YOU
DO the mother VINO gave you birth; hut TO
me she is the cherished bride and choice of
my youth, the faithful and living companion
of my manhood, and now that ! enter upon
the sere and yellow leaf of life, | cling TO
Atr with all the manifold blessings received
st her hands.
retire from TIE position which have held
| TO take my position in the rank ard file Of
the great party whose national, constitutional
and conservative principles have claimed my
answering ilegiance for the last 80 years,
aui so long as the Almighty will spare my
| lie will never talter in my love and ieyo-
ton to our party and our country. l have
'he honor to propose to you as your tempo
iAry chairman, distinguished and venerable
citizen OF Virginia, grandson Of the patriot
and statesman, Thomas Jefferson. II is an
suspicious omen that a scion of the author OF
the Declaration of independence is to inaug-
urate the struggle of the democracy Tor
freedom and equality COR every American
citizen, and against Oppression an tyranny 10
az fair land
Mr.. Be.moVts remarks were freqUt ntly
interrupted by n derate applause. The
mention of Greeley's name was received with
loud ,monstrslions Of approval, so also were
the speakers personal references to himself
II the conclusion he said II have he honor
to propose the name OF Hon. Thomas Jefter-
son Ran,lolph of Virginia, a. your temporary
/ chairman.
Mr.. Jeii.rson Randolph took his seat amid
/ cheers. MIR. Randolph said:
Il am aware that the very great honor
conferred en- me by this body, is not due 20
any personal merit Of my own, hut token OF
respect 20 the state from which came, and a
recognition of other circumstances possibly