Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1872-09-12
THE LOUISVILLE CONVENTION.


the 3rd instant The Convention was called
to order by Col. Duncan, and after prayer
for concord and peace, and freedom from Sec
tional jealousies throughout the land, the
chairman addressed the body, saying, in sub
stance, that they had been derisively charac-
terized as boilers, mercenaries, &c., by those
who have sought an alliance with the Radical
party. The present movement in which he
and his friends were engaged, was prompted
by high and noble motives. It was done to
vindcate the truth, and to protest against Of
fered reward for political treason to one who
had occupied life time in the bitterest ami
madversion against those whose support he
now sought. Wewant no hydra-headed plat
form, which can be construed according to the
wishes of the reader, for we have clear and
undoubted theories, which have but one inter-
probation whether expounded in the North or
in the South. It is laborious work to at
tempt the reorganization of party and to
create its necessary machinery, and for the
past two M hs every thought of his brain,
and every -ergy of his mind and body, had
been directed to the accomplishment of that
object; and now, weary as he was in mind
and body, there was an absolute sensation of
relief that he could terminate his selfimposed
duties and abdcate his functions as chairman.
At the close of the speech, Col. Duncan in
troduced Levi S. Chatfeld, Of New York, as
temporary Chairman. Upon taking the chair,
Mr.. Chatfeld delivered brief address, in
which he said he had learned his political
creed in the school of Jackson, Madison and
Jefferson, and he had never seen the time
when he desired to abandon it for any heresy.
AS long as the Democratic party was true to
its principles, the people Of the United States
were true to the party. 1t lost its power when
their tendency to centralization got control.
He had no doubt that if the party had not
been sold out at Baltimore it would have
surely triumphed in the approaching contest.
He denied that their delegates had any right
to transfer him or his hearers to the Republi-
can party or Greeley, and they had assembled
to see if they could correct that transaction.
He was Democrat and would always be one,
and if he was the last remaining man there
he would wrap the old flag around him and
lay himself down to die therein.
Mr.. spaulding, of New York, then presented
sealed letter from Charles O'Conor. 1t was
handed to the Chairman and read. The let
ter is very lengthy, sympathising with the
movement and reiterating the doctrines which
have characterized the party since its in
auguration. The letter was referred to the
committee on platform.
A committee on credentials was appointed,
and a committee on permanent organization,
to consist of one from each State, was ordered.
To this twenty-four States responded.
A recess was taken to halfpast 4, and when
the Convention reassembled, permanent Or
ganization was effected by selecting James
Lyons, of Virginia, as permanent chairman,
with one Vice-President from each State rep
resented. MIR. Lyons, when conducted to the
chair, ridiculed the Greeley party as the
"Dolly Warden" party. A committee on res
olutions was appointed, and the Convention
adjourned until next day.
On the second day of the proceedings the
committee on resolutions reported the follow
ing platform, based upon the doctrines set
forth in O'Conor's letter:
"WHEREAs the frequent recurrence to first
principles, and eternal vigilance against abuses
are the wisest provisions for liberty, which is
the source of progress, and fidelity to our con-
stitutional system is the only protection for
either therefore
Resolued, That the original basis Of our
whole political structure is the consent in eve
ry part thereof Of the people of each State vol
UNFAIRLY created, their State and States volun-
tarily formed union, and each State provided
by its written constitution for everything, as
State should do for the protection of life, lib
erty, and property within, and each State
jointly with others, provide federal union
for interstate relations.
Resolued, That all governmental powers,
whether State or Federal, are trust powers,
coming from the people of each State, and
that they are limited to the written letter of
the Constitution and the laws passed in pur-
suance of it; which powers must be exercised
in the utmost good faith, the Constitution it.
self providing in what manner they may be
altered or amended.
Resolred, That the interest of labor and
capital should not be permitted to conflict,
but should be harmonized by judicious legis-
lation, and while such conflicts continue, Ia
Dor, which is the parent of wealth, is entitled
to paramount consideration.
Resolved, That we proclaim to the world
that principle is to be preferred to power; that
the Democratic party is held together by CO.
hesion to the time-honored principles which
they will never surrender in exchange for all
the offices which presidents can confer. The
pangs of the minorities are doubtless excrucia-
ting, but we welcome eternal minority under
the banner inscribed with our principles rath-
er than an almighty and everlasting majority
purchased by their abandonment.
Resolved, That, having been betrayed at
Baltimore into false creed and false leader
ship by the Convention there held, we repudi-
ate both, and appeal to the people to approve
our platform and to rally to the polls and sup
port the true platform and candidates who
embody it."
O'Conor was then nominated for President
by acclamation, and John Quincy Adams for
Vice-P President.
O'Conor, upon being notified Of his nomi-
nation, replied by telegraph that he could not
accept, in consequence of which the Louisiana
delegation withdrew in disgust, and the Con-
vention adjourned without nominating any
one in O'Conor's stead. It is also understood
that A da,na rofi,saa the nomination or de-