davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-08-19
1872.

Buckeye Faith Still Strong in General
Cass, But Pierce Carries on the Honors.
The Democracy of Ohio were represented
in the Democratic National Convention
which met in Baltimore in June, 1852, by
strong delegation.
The State was represented on the Commit
tee on Credentials by Allen G. Thurman; on
Organization, by William Kennon: George
w. Manypenny on Resolutions. Judge Thur
man was Conspicuous in the debates of the
convention. Hon. John W. Davis, of In
diana. was the presiding officer. aOn the third
day the balloting commenced On the first
ballot Ohio gave Cass l6; Douglas, 2; Hous-
ton, 2: W. o. Butler, q The State did not
change its vote materially for several ballot
fngs. About the twentieth ballot Ohio's vote
fell off some from Cass and increased that OF
Douglas and Houston. On the thirtieth ball
lot Fourth day. she voted follows: Cass, Z;
Douglas, 8; Butler, l; Houston, 6. On the
thirty-fourth ballot, and Just before Virginia
sprung the name of Franklin Pierce, Ohio
had voted Is for Cass; for Douglas; 1 for
Houston; for Butler. The "Butler fellow"
remained solid from first to last.
PIERCE WAS NOMINATED
By acclamation. and coming before the peo-
pie without the impulse of formal wishes
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-08-19

nominated, and the Fusion-Know-Nothing
organization of Ohio had a victory unpar-
alleled in the history Of the state. The DEM
ocrats did not elect Congressman in the
state The strongest Democratic district IN
the state weakened, and Ohio Democrats had
no representation in the Congress that as
seInbled on the first Monday of December
One OF the Democratic papers in the State,
the Cleveland Plain Dealer, appreciating the
humor and surprise of the situation, broke
out:
"HooRAYI HooRAYI
''The Democrats Have Carried Every District
In Ohio save Twenty-One."
And then, turning a small rooster upside
down, printed the following lines:
''On thee, old cock, on thee no more,
Shall break the day dawn fresh and fairs
No purple twilight around thee pour,
Its softness through the dusky lair;
Bet on thy back in dust shalllie
The emil bIem of a cause forlorn.
Thy feet pointing to the sky,
Until the Presidential mornw
It was thirty years after this election be-
fore the Democratic chandeliers were able TO
crow over the election of a Democratic Presi-
dent who really secured the seat And when
that year did come, what immense chickens
were displayed in the various Democratic
papers of the State and Unioni A collection
of them would be of interest to any historical
society.
The Democrats in November In many
counties of the State organized counter secret
societies called the know Something's" and
in few months the 'Know-Nothing ngs'' in
Ohio were broken up. and political factor
were scarcely known in the campaigns that
followed SO far, at least, as Ohio was con-
cerned.
Sheperd F. Norris, the Democratic nomines
for Judge in 1854 was beaten II, ,424 votes!
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-08-19

Marietta, was elected to serve from the 4th of
March, 1901, to the 4th OF March, 1903.
On April 80, 1902 an act was passed by Con-
gress authorizing the call of a convention to
form constitution. This movement did not
meet an altogether cordial support from lead
ing men, although events show that it was
favored by majority of the people. As late
as 1901 convention at Marietta formally de-
clared that sin our opinion it would be highly
impolitic and very injurious to the inhab-
itants of this territory to enter into State
Government at this time" Thomas Worth
ington, afterward Governor of the State,
wrote to friend: "I am by no means an ad-
vocate for a State Government IL we can, by
any means, have tolerable harmony under
the present Judge Woodbridge, Appointment
leader. Put on record the opinion that
scarcely a citizen of this county would wish
to come into State Government But
even this opposition, with much more that
might be cited, did not prevail. The dele
gates to
oHIo's FIRST CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
Were elected on October II, 1902, and the body
assembled at Chillicothe on November 1st.
By the Goth q constitution was made and
signed by the thirty-four members of the
convention.
A proposition was made to submit the con-
stitutfon to vote of the people. but was lost
by vote of q to 7. Those who voted in favor
of the submission were four of the delegates
from Washington, two from Jefferson and
one from Hamilton County.
The convention adjourned on November
18th, and copies were forwarded to Congress
On January 7, 1so3 a committee was appointed
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-08-19

an extended tour of the States, and was
everywhere most cordially received. Tho
voice and temper of the people in that time
can be understood when we listen TO ex-
pressions like the following from SO strong
and stern q partisan as General Andrew
Jackson, who, in writing to Mr.. Monroe.
said:
"Now is the time to exterminate that mon
ster called party spirit. By selecting flor
Cabinet oficersl characters most conspicuous
for their probity, virtue. capacity and fair
ness, without regard to party, you will 60 far
which. on former occasions, threw many
obstacles in the way of government"
1t was during this "era of good feeling" that
Mississippi and Illinois were admitted to the
Union, while authority was given Alabama to
form State Constitution and Government.
Mr.. Monroe was again elected in 1870, receiv-
ing 2S1 ELECTORAL votes to 1 given by new
Hampshire to John Quincy Adams. In the
election of 1924
FOUR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
son, John Quincy Adams, VIM. h. Crawford
and Henry Clay. No one of them received
majority, and the election was thrown into
the House of Representatives. Mr.. Adams
was the choice of that body, although
General Jackson was clearly the choice of the
people. having received the largest popular
vote. Ohio on this occasion broke loose from
her Democratic moorings and gave the six
teen votes to which she was now entitled to
Henry Clay.
General Jackson was once more the nom
inee of the Democratic party in 1928, and was
triumphantly elected. receiving 17s votes to
but SO cast for Mr.. Adams. his election was
regarded as a grand triumph for Democratic
principles, and vindication of the right of
the people to choose their own rulers by the
decision of the popular vote, and outside of
Congressional influences. ohio's vote was on
the right side this time, being cast for the
hero of New Orleans.
President Jackson was reelected in 1882,
receiving 2l9 Electoral votes to 49 for Henry
Clay. Ohio gave 2l votes for Jackson.
The Democrats again carried the country in
1886, electing Martin Van Buren, by 10 votes
against 7S for General Harrison. But Ohio
on this occasion cast her vote for Harrison,
rs was natural, perhaps. under the circuun-
stances. One of her Territorial fficials and a
strong personal favorite with her people.
where most of his life was spent, it was not
unexpected that he should carry the State.
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-08-19

young Democrats of Ohio to meet at Column
bus to take measures to secure the adoption
OF the new constitution. The names signed
to this call are as follows, several of whom
have acquired national fame: Geo. Z. Pugh,
John A. Corwin, Jas. Haddock Smith, Z. NJ.
Shelby, John S. Harrison, w. W. Cones, A n.
Peirce, Jas. George, q. W. McCook, s. +. Nor
ris, II. S. Knapp, Il. G. Role, John Cradle
baugh, John c. Groom, F. NJ Ellis. W. r.
Rankin, G. w. Houck, John q. Breslin. Chas.
W. Blair, Granville Penn. W. F. Mosgrove, P.
]. McGroarty, j. C. Dougherty, Thomas Nor
ris, John NJ. Gilman, G.. w. Stokes, W. II.
Gile, c. L. Vallandigham, Henry Beard, NJ. c.
Whiteley, A. Moss, E. B. Fell. G. II. Pendle-
ton, Geo. Spence and Others.
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-08-19

John Jones, James Pritchard, Matthias Cor
win, D. Abbott, David Purviance, Thomas
Iiams, James Dunlap, John Hamm.
A Congressional caucus was again held
by the Democrats in 1916, and James Monroe
was named as the Presidential candidate. This
result was not reached without opposition.
The feeling against Virginia had grown
more intense, and made itself apparent in
the caucus vote, William n. Crawford, of
Georgia, receiving "a against the e5 given
Monroe The latter received ohio's Electoral
vote.
The opening of Monroe's Administration in
1917 was marked by that remarkable
ERA OF GOOD FEELING,
As It has come to be described in the polit-
ical literature of the country. Party differ
ences subsidized, and political serenity VISA
the order of the day." The President made
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-08-19
1851.
A New Constitution Submitted for Ap-

New Constitution Submitted for APP
proval Rejection.
The new constitution was submitted to the
electors of Ohio for approval or rejection on
the 18th of June, 1851, and was approved by a
majority of l5,096 votes. On the 9th OF August,
that year, the Democracy met at Columbus
to nominate a ticket and as several of the Of
fees to be filled had hitherto, under the old
constitution, been chosen by the General As
sembly the change brought out many cam
didates, and the result was a great gathering
at the Capital. Edison B. Olds, of Pickaway,
was made permanent Chairman of the con-
vention, and business was soon commenced.
Reuben Wood, of Cuyahoga, was nominated
for Governor by acclamation. In his speech
he declared he would endeavor to carry out
the provisions OF the new constitution which
had SO recently been indorsed by the people.
In this speech occurred this sentences: "If
every Democrat will do his duty on the sec
ond Tuesday of October. then on the next
day the still small voice Will go forth on the
wires that shall carry 10y and gladness to
every Democratic heart from enlightened
Hamilton to the farthest corner of
BENIGHTED OLD AsHTABULA."
The words "benighted AshtabuIa" are even
yet frequently repeated. The contest for
Lieutensnt-Governor was between Vallandig-
ham and Medill. The former received 93
votes ana the latter Los. Inls was the nrSt
time Vallandigham had been a candidate be-
fore q State Convention, although he had
been elected to the Legislature from Column
biana County. The Supreme Judges nomi-
mated on the first ballot were Thomas W.
BARLEY, of RichIand; John A. Corwin, of
Champaign; W. B. Caldwell, of Hamilton;
Rufus P. Ranney, of TrumbuIl. Judge Thur
man was the fifth Judge, nominated on the
second ballot Among the men balloted for
at this convention for Supreme Judge was
Edwin NJ. Stanton, afterward Secretary of
War.
William Duane Morgan, of CoIumbiana
County, was nominated for Auditor of State:
the contest for Secretary of State was between
William Trevitt and Charles B. Flood. Four
ballots were necessary to settle the result, the
last ballot standing: Trevitt, I37; Flood, Ill.
John B. Breslin, who had been Speaker of the
House OF Representatives in lS4S-'49, was nom-
mated for Treasurer of State. The brilliant
George E. Pugh, of Hamilton, was selected as
Attorney-General; and James B. Stedman, of
Lucas, George W. Manypenny, of Muskingum,
ana Alexander p. Miller. of Butler, were NOM
mated for Board of Public Works. These
nominees then-or a majority of them-were
regarded as being the "kids" of the party. 1t
was, however. 9 ticket composed of live men,
and the people approved it by electingit.
To show to the young men of the present
generation who were the
kids"
OF the party in 1851, we give below the names
of q numb of young Democrats who in May,
1851. issaed @ call for . convention Of the
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-08-19

Clay carrying the State by a larger majority
in November. There was good deal of
SPICE IN THIS CA MPAIGN,
And perusal of the Wing journals of that
day show that they hated Governor Tod.
The significant inquiry of "Who is James X.
Polk?" was answered by the Democracy in
November by pointing toward the White
House, "He's thar! He's thari" Poke0erry
bushes were carried in the professions, and
Polk, Dallas and the tariff of 1872 carried the
Keystone State against Clay. One of the
songs of the day closed with the chorus:
"Hurrah hurrah! ! the people are rising,
To beat Henry Clay and Frelinghuysen."
The Democracy of Ohio were highly elated
over the defeat of Clay, and at the turning of
the tables on the Wings.
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-08-19
1854.
DemOcraCy I

Democracy the Recipient of a Surprise
Party, With the Know-Nothings as
Guests.
The year 1854 brought surprise party" to
the Democracy of Ohio. A secret political
organization, known by the outside name of
the "Know-Nothings," which held its meet
ings in nnfrequented places, which had grips,
passwords. signals, suddenly came into
being The qualifications for membership
were opposition to Catholics or foreigners
holding Office and American nativity. The
secrecy of the order and its novelty attracted
to it in many counties in Ohio large num-
bers of young men, and the result was
that the Democratic ticket, the Anti
know-Nothing one, was showed under.
The Wings generally had Joined the
order or supported the ticket that the
order, through Its secret IaachiDsry. had
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-08-19
1888.
Democracy Captures the State From Dan
to Beersheba.

Democracy Captures the State From Dan
to Beersheba.
There was a spirited fight for nominations
at this convention. George E. Pugh declined
a reelection as Attorney-Genersl. The can
didates for nomination for Governor were
William Medill, of Fairfield, and George w.
Manypenny. of Muskingum, and Joseph ].
Mcdowell, of Highland. The vote was as fol-
lows: MediI, 17l15; Manypenny, 14S1z; Nc
Dowell, Ia The whole Democratic ticket was
elected.
This was the last year that the Wings. as an
organization, put in nomination a ticket.
Their candidate was Nelson Barrere, %
Highland, while the Abolitionists placed in
nomination Samuel Lewis. Barrere received
5,S57 votes, Lewis 6O,S46. and Medill l47.663.
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-08-19
the whole" concludes Senator Ewing. "well
satisfied with his explanation" This
FEELING AGAINST GovEPNoR ct crAIH

the WHOLE" concludes Senator Ewing. swell
with his explanation" This
FEELING AGAINST GOVERNOR st. cLAIR
Was made very manifest on the assembling
of the convention. Before proceeding to the
of any business, a request came
from the Governor that he might address
them in his official capacity as Chief Magis-
trate of the Territory. The request was op-
posed by number of the memb bers, and a
very warm debate ensued. The result was
that a motion was made and carried by a ma
iority of five "that Arthur st. Clair,
sen., Esq, be permitted to address the
convention on those points which he
deems of Importance" The wording
of the resolution clearly shows that the con-
vention denied the right of the Governor of
or influence over their action.
ABSENCE OF PARTY SPIRIT
Within the present limits of Ohio in those
early days has been so well described by
Judge Jacob Burnet. a member of the first
Council. and one of the strong men of his
day, that a quotation of his exact words will
be pertinent and timely. He said:
'When the proposition was made in 1880 for
change of Government. party spirit was un-
known in the Territory. The election of the
elder Adams had just met with general appro-
baton, aud resolutions had been passed at
popular meetings to sustain his Administra-
tion against the encroachments of the French
Government, which then threatened the
peace of the nation. The troop of cavalry In
Cincinnati. commanded by Captain FindIay,
in which the writer of this note had the
honor of being q private, presented q fatter-
ing address to the President, rendering their
should see proper to call them out. Similar
offers were made from different parts of the
Western country, and, In fact, there
seemed to be but one sentiment pervading
the minds of the people. Only four individ-
uals in Cincinnati and its vicinity are now
remembered who then advocated the election
of Mr.. jefferson against Mr.. Adams-these
were Major David Zeigler, William Henry
Harrison, William Mcmillan and John
Smith,"
"The exciting contest which agitated the
States during that election" continues Judge
Burnet, "was not felt in the Territory.
Unfortunately, the political calm which pre-
vaded the Territory prior to the second session
of the General Assembly was of short dura-
tion. Very soon after the plan was formed
to establish State Government, the efforts
and influence of the party advocating the
measure succeeded in producing a high de-
gree of excitement. The attention of the
people was directed to the rights and privi-
leges enjoyed by the citizens of the States,
which were put in contrast with the restric-
teons and disabilities imposed on the inhab-
itants of the Territory. The discrepancy was
palpable, but no serious injury had resulted
from it. Nevertheless the people became
convinced that their rights were unneces-
sarily withheld for the benefit of few favor
ties of the General Government, although
there was not the least foundation in truth
for this assertion"
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-08-19
1S4O.

Bill Allen and Tom Corwin, the Wagner
Boy.
On the 5th day of May, 1S4O. the Democratic
National Convention assem- bled at Baltimore,
Md. The delegates from this State to that
convention were James ]. Faran, William
Burke, James Giddipgs, Samuel Medary. T. S.
Bates, W. B. Morris. W. Patterson, Peter
kaufman, John Hastings, John b. Weller,
William Dean, S. A Barker. A. Patterson, c.
j. McNulty, Daniel McCook, Alexander Dun
can and WtIliara h Baldwin. We believe
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-08-19

by the Senate to inquire whether any, and
If any, what legislative measures may be
necessary for admitting the State of Ohio
into the Union. and extending to that State
the laws of the United States" The commit
tee soon reported "That the constitution and
State Government were republican, and con-
formed to the requirements of the ordinance
District Court within the State to carry
into effect the laws of the United States" A
bill to carry out the suggestion passed the
Senate on February 7th, and the House on
February 18th, and was approved by the
President on February 10. 1903, and Ohio took
her place among the States OF the Union.
The new constitution under which the State
pegan its work was
REMARKABLY DEMoCRATIG
The right of suffrage was conferred on al
were above twenty-one years of age, no prop
erty qualification being demanded as had
been the case before. The members of the
House of Representatives were to number
not less than seventy-two nor more than
seventy-six, and were to be elected annually.
The Senate was to consist. in number. not
less than one-third nor more than one-half
of the members in the lower House, and
were to be elected once in two years. The
Governor. elected for two years, by vote of
the people, could not hold office more than
six years out of eight. He could grant re-
prieyes and pardons, convene the Legislature
and I'LL vacancies in State offices when the
Legislature was not in session; but beyond
this he possessed little power.
The reason why the Governor was thus
shorn of power has been told by the elder
Ewing. who had it from the lips of one of the
chief makers of the constitution. The Sem
ator's explanation is worth quoting here, as
it not only lightens one point of history, but
shows that men in those days were actu-
ated by near the same motives as control
those of to-day. 81 knew little OF Governor
<Worthington," wrote Mr.. Ewing in 1870.
personally. while in public life. He was
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-08-19
1857.

Results Which Led the Plain Dealer 70
Shout Glory, Glory to the Bob-Tailsd
Mare.
The State Convention for 1857 was held at
Columbus on the 9TH of August The year
previous having been one of Democratic ma
tionaI victory there was an unusually large
convention. The Hon. A. P. Edgerton. of De-
fiance County, now one of the Civil Service
Commissioners of the United States. was
temporary Chairman, and DR.. E. B. Olds,
fayette for alleged treason" was permAnent
President.
The candidates named before the eonven-
tion for Governor were General ]. ]. Nc
Dowell. of Highland; Hon. Henry B. Payne.
of Cuyahoga, and Judge Rufus P. Ranney,
then of Trumbuu County. although the lat
ter gentleman was not an active candidate.
There was only one ballot, as follows: Nc
Dowell, 81; Payne, lS7; Ranney. SO.
Apropos here, Judge Ranney and Mr..
Payne are both residents now of Cleveland.
and the Democrats of that city are Justly
proud of their ability and Democracy. Some
was boasting that the Republican party had
known ieweler, and dyed-in-the-wool DEM
ocrat, heard the remark. and, bringing his
fist down on a French-plate glass case. broke
out with the remark, Snow, by =, there are
two men in Cleveland referring TO Mr.. Payne
and Judge Ranneyl who know more than the
whole id Republican party"
Although Mr.. Payne had served IN the Ohio
Senate one term. he had never before bean
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-08-19

the great Governor of New York. sought to
use this feeling to his own political
advantage. He was openly nominated
for the Presidency by the Legislature of
New York. An address was issued by his
friends August II, 1872, which became known
as the Clintonian platform, while his follow
ers were called Clintonian Democrats. In
this address was discovered the first protest
against the nomination of Presidential can
didates by Congressional caucuses. Madison
was nominated for second term in Con-
gressional caucus held at Washington in
May, 1872. In September ofthe same year q
new departure was taken, and
A CONVENTION HELD
In New York City, in which eleven States
were represented and in which Clinton was
named for the Presidency. This was the first
National Convention of partisan character
ever held in the United States. Madison was
elected, receiving the eight votes Ohio was
then allowed to cast. Her Electors were;
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-08-19
1R5E-

4 Convention Held in Columbus De-
nounces Know-Nothingism in the Strong
est Terms.
On the sth of January the Democracy as
sembled in State Convention at Columbus,
The Hon. Henry & Payne. of Cuyahoga
County, was the permanent Chairman OF the
Convention. and made an enthusiastic
speech.
The resolutions of the convention readopted
the Baltimore platform of 1852, indorsed the
Pierce Administration. and denounced
Know-Nothfngism in most positive and de-
cided terms. There was some objection 10
the denomination of Governor Medill, but it
did not amount to much. The first ballot for
the nomination was: VIM. Medill, III; Samuel
Medary, 60; d. P. Leadbetter, u. The remain
der of the ticket was as follows: Lieutenant
Governor, James Myers, Lucas; Auditor, ,Wm-
ID. Morgan, Columbiana; Treasurer, John g.
Breslin, Seneca; Superior Judges. VIM. Ken
non, of Belmont Qong term); R. B. Warden.
of Hamilton short terml; Board of Pubic
Works, James b. Steedman, of Lucas: Secre-
tary of State, VIM. Trevitt of Franklin: At
torney General, George A McCook, of Je1fer-
son.
THE BITTER EXPERIENCE
The defeat of the party in 1854 impelled the
convention to pass the following resolution:
Resolved. That the names and examples OF
Jefferson and Jackson are tower of strength
whenever temporary reverses occur to the
Democratic party, and, as in 179s and 1924. our
motto for future victory shall be Forward"
forgetting those things which are behind,
and pressing forward to those things which
are before.
George E. Pugh declined reelection this
year as Attorney-GeneraI.
SALMON P. CHASE
Was the Fusion candidate for Governor, and
was elected by l5,751 plurality over MediII.
but q, ,276 votes cast for Allen Trimble, the
Know-Nothing or american" candidate. left
him in a minority in the popular vote The
Democratic gain over 1854 was about &. 900.