Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1872-06-14
PhiIadel pIaia COnventiOn-Openin of
the Convention

at noon, in the Academy of Music. The
day outside was overcast with stormy
clouds, and for time there were appre-
tensions OF a tempest, but beyond brisk
winds and light rain, the day proved
pleasant enough. Within the Academy
the scene was very grand, The four tiers
of galleries were crowded with spectators,
on the floor aud stage were delegates, lead
ing Citizens, and a small army of reporters
and over all, from amidst Overhanging
banners, StreamerS, evergreen, arches,
hanging flowers and wIeaths, fell flood of
gas light from hundreds of jets. Two
bands of music alternately beguiled the
time with national airs, until a salvO of
artillery without announced the hour fixed
for the opening Ofthe convention.
The convention was called to order, at
1920 z. NJ, by eX-GOveinOr Clatlin, of
Massachusetts, who said:
Gentlemen of the Convention: Elected
according 10 the usage Of the republican
party III conventions held i'll every State,
you have assembled for the purpose of
placing in nomination candidates for the
TWO highest offices in tie gift Of the Ameri-
can people. You represent party found
ed on the broadest principles Of freedom,
justice and humanity, and whose achieve
mentS have been the wonder and admira-
ton of the civilized world. The promises
' L
form have been faithfully fulfilled i'll the
guaranty by the nation Of equal rights to
all, in the reduction OF tue public eXpendi-
lures and the public debt, in the decrease
of the pubic burdens, in the Improvements
OF the public credit, i'll the establishment of
the public faith that no act of reputation
shall ever stain the statute book, and in
securing peace and order throughout the
entire republic.
" i
your fidelity to those principles and purpo-
ses which have brought such beneticent
results to the nation. We will not fear
that the people will desert those who have
been faithful in their high trusts for other
men and other organizations, although
they may adopt our principles and promise
to adhere TO our policy. Let us go forward
with confident faith that our cause will
triumph, Notwithstanding unexpected de-
Elections, over all combinations, however
skillfully planned, because in its continued
success are Centered the best interests and
highest hopes Of the country"
In conclusion, he called upon Rev. Alex.
Reed, Of Philadelphia, who delivered q
prayer, asking the Divine blessings on the
nation and this assemblage of representa-
tive eS.
AT the conclusion of the prayer, Mr..
Clatlin said - Gentlemen of the COnven-
ton : L have the pleasure, by instructions
Of the National Committee to present you
Hon. Morton M. McMichael, of Philadel-
phia, as temporary Chairman"
ADDRESS OF HON. MORTON M'MICHAEL.
Mr.. McMichael, on taking the Chair,
said :
'Gentlemen of the Convention: thank
you for the privilege to preside, even for
the short period l shall enjoy that honor,
over such an assemblage as this. l am the
more gratifed because, as delegate from
Pennsylvania and a resident OF Philadel-
phia, it gives me an occasion to welcome
you to our State and city, to say to you all
how glad We are to have you among us,
how careful we Shall endeavOr to promote
your comfort while you remain with us,
how dcsirous that when you leave us you
will leave with such impressions as will in
duce you frequently to return. Applause.
Under any circumstances the presence OF
so many distinguished men gathered from
all parts of this mighty land, which grows
and stretches so rapidly that in these re-
curing quadrennial cOnvOcatiOnS new
States, new Territories, and, in this case,
happily for the cause Of humanity and pro-
greSS, new race, new at least in tne pos
session of political rights and civil fInc-
tions, and soon to be endowed with all the
attributes Of equality, are represented
TApplause.1 Under any circumstances
your presence would be to us a source of
satisfaction, and it is especially so in view
of the purpose which has brought you
hither.
E'The malcOntents who recently met at
Cincinnati We're without constituency,
the democrats who are soon to meet at
Baltimore will be without principle. The
former having no motive in common but
personal disappointment, attempted atusion
of the repeating elements, which has re-
suited in an explosion. The latter, de-
graded from the high estate they once Oc-
cupied, propose an abandonment OF their
identity, which means death. Unlike the
first, you are the authentic opponents OF
great national organization, based upon
principle firm as the marble, founded as
the rock and as broad and general as the
air.. Unlike the last, your object is to pre-
serve, not to destroy; and, gentlemen, diff
fering from both these in character and
aims, you will differ no less in the nature
of your deliberations. On the subject
which has most perpleXed and must con-
tinue to perpleX their councils, ill yours,
rather let ME say in ours, there will be
absolute harmony. With us the selection
OF a presidential candidate is a fore
gone conclusion. Long and tumultuOus
cheers In that regard the people have
decided for us in advance, and we have
only to put their will into proper shape by
formally nominating Ulysses 5. Grant.
ICheers.1 And with the blessing Of God
we shall not only make that nomination
without demur, without debate, without
dissent, but we shall make it under such
auspices as will ensure its complete and
abundant ratification at the pOlls.-
[Cheers.
when the name of Grant was mentioned
as that which would carry with it the full
strength of the people of the country dele
gates rose en- H30Sse, with cheers and waving
of hats and clapping of hands. AS the
chairman took his seat the academy rang
with cheers for Grant
The following were appointed temporary
secretaries John W. Newlin, of New Jer
sey, John +. Hulburd, of West Virginia,
and Hiram Potter, Jr., of Florida.
APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES.
The chairman ordered call of the roll
of the States for the nomination of the
committee on credentials. The committee
having been announced the roll OF States
was then called for the nomination Of a
committee on permanent organization.
The chair stated that rooms had been
provided for committees in adjoining halls,
and suggested that those already appointed
retire at once for consultation.
A delegate from Kansas moved to defer
the appointment of committee on resOlu-
tiOns until after permanent organization.
Lost.
Mr. Popham, of West Virginia, moved
that committees on resolutions and rules
both be named on call of States. Carried.
The roll was called and the committee was