AT LOS ANGELES
JK
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION,
HELD AT
CHICAGO, MAY 16, 17 AND 18, 1860.
At 12 o'clock on Wednesday, the 16th day of May, I860,
the delegations from various states of the Confederacy,
appointed in pursuance of a call issued by the Republican
National Committee, assembled in the Wigwam, at Chicago.
HON. EDWIN D. MORGAN, of New York, Chairman of the
Republican National Committee, called the Convention to
order. He said :
On the twenty-second of December last, the Republican
National Committee, at a meeting convened for the purpose
in the city of New York, issued a call for a National Conven-
tion, which I will now read :
" A National Republican Convention will meet at Chicago,
on Wednesday, the 16th day of May next, at twelve o'clock,
noon, for the nomination of candidates to be supported for
President and Vice-President at the next election.
" The Republican electors of the several states, the members
of the People's Party of Pennsylvania and of the Opposition
Party of New Jersey, and all others who are willing to co-
operate with them in support of the candidates which shall
there be nominated, and who are opposed to the policy of the
present administration, to federal corruption and usurpation, to
the extension of slavery into the territories, to the new and
dangerous political doctrine that the constitution of its own
force carries slavery into all the Territories of the United
States, to the opening of the African slave trade, to any ine-
quality of rights among citizens ; and who are in favor of the
immediate admission of Kansas into the Union, under the
constitution recently adopted by its people, of restoring the
federal administration to a system of rigid economy and to
the principles of Washington and Jefferson, of maintaining
inviolate the rights of the states and defending the soil of
every state and territory from lawless invasion, and of pre-
serving the integrity of this Union and the supremacy of the
constitution and laws passed in pursuance thereof against the
conspiracy of the leaders of a sectional party, to resist the
majority principle as established in this government even at
the expense of its existence, are invited to send from each
state two delegates from every congressional district, and four
delegates at large, to the Convention."
EDWIN D. MORGAN, New York, Chairman.
JOSEPH BARTLETT, MAINE.
GEORGE G. FOGG, New Hampshire.
LAWRENCE BKAINARD, Vermont.
JOHN Z. GOODRICH, Massachusetts,
GIDEON WELLES, Connecticut.
THOMAS WILLIAMS, Pennsylvania.
GEORGE HARRIS, Maryland.
ALFRED CALDWELL, Virginia.
THOMAS SPOONER, Ohio.
CASSIUS M. CLAY, Kentucky.
JAMES SHERMAN, New Jersey.
CORNELIUS COLE, California.
JAMES RITCHEY, Indiana.
NORMAN B. JDDD, Illinois.
ZACHARIAH CHANDLER, Michigan.
JOHN H. TWEEDY, Wisconsin.
ALEXANDER RAMSEY, Minnesota.
ANDREW J. STEVENS, Iowa.
ASA S. JONES, Missouri.
MARTIN F. CON WAY, Kansas.
LEWIS CLEPIIANE, District of Columbia.
WILLIAM M. CHACE, Rhode Island.
O. P. SCHOOLFIELD, Tennessee.
E. D. WILLIAMS, Delaware.
In compliance therewith, the people have sent representa-
tives here to deliberate upon measures for carrying into effect
the objects of the call.
Usage has made it my duty to take the preliminary step
toward organizing the Convention a Convention upon the
proceedings of which, permit me to say, the most momentous
results are depending. No body of men of equal number was
ever clothed with greater responsibility than those now within
the hearing of my voice. You do not need me to tell you,
gentlemen, what this responsibility is. While one portion of
the adherents of the National administration are endeavoring
to insert a slave code into the party platform, another portion
exhibits its readiness to accomplish the same result through
the action of the Supreme Court of the United States [ap-
plause] ; willing by indirection to do that which, if done
directly, would bring a blush even to the cheek of modern
Democracy. [Cheers and laughter.]
While these and other stupendous wrongs, absolutely
shocking to the moral sentiment of the country, are to be
fastened upon the people by the party in power, if its leaders
are able to bring the factious elements that compose it into
any degree of unanimity, there seems left no ray of hope
except in the good sense of this Convention. [Great ap-
plause.]
Let me then invoke you to act in a spirit of harmony, that
by the dignity, the wisdom and the patriotism displayed here
you may be enabled to enlist the hearts of the people, and to
30228O
strengthen them in the faith that yours is the constitutional
party of the country, and the only constitutional party ; that
you are actuated by principle, and that you will be guided
by the light and by the example of the fathers of the republic.
[Renewed cheers].
Fortunately you are not required to enunciate new and
untried principles of government. This has been well and
wisely done by the statesmen of the revolution. [Applause.]
Stand where they stood, avowing and maintaining the like
objects and doctrines ; then will the end sought be accom-
plished ; the constitution and the Union be preserved; and
the government be administered by patriots and statesmen.
For temporary President, I now nominate Hon. DAVID
WILMOT, of Pennsylvania. [Great and prolonged applause.]
The nomination was acceded to by the unanimous voice of
the Convention, and the Chairman appointed Hon. WM. L.
MARSHALL, of Maryland, and Hon. C. F. CLEVELAND, of
Connecticut, to conduct the temporary President to the
Chair.
The appearance of Mr. WILMOT was made the opportunity
for loud and prolonged manifestations of applause.
In introducing the temporary President to the Convention
Gov. CLEVELAND said :
GENTLEMEN OF THE CONVENTION: I have now the high
honor of introducing to the Convention a gentleman whose
name is known to every lover of liberty throughout this land,
the Hon. DAVID WILMOT, of Pennsylvania a man who dares
to do the right, regardless of consequences. With such men
for our leaders and spokesmen, there is no such word as fail.
[Loud cheers.]
On taking the Chair, Mr. WILMOT said :
I have no words in which properly to express my sense of
honor and the undeserved one, I think it is of being called
upon to preside temporarily over the deliberations of this
Convention. I shall not attempt a task which I feel inade-
quate to perform. Be sure, gentlemen, that I am not insensi-
ble to this high and undeserved honor. I shall carry the
recollection of it, and of your manifestation of partiality,
with me until the day of my death. It is not necessary for
me, gentlemen, delegates, to remind you of the importance
of the occasion that has called this assemblage together ; nor
of the high duties which devolve upon you. A great sectional
and aristocratic party, or interest, has for years dominated
with a high hand over the political affairs of this country.
That interest has wrested, and is now wresting, all the great
powers of this government to the one object of the extension
and nationalization of slavery. It is our purpose, gentlemen,
it is the mission of the Republican party and the basis of its
organization, to resist this policy of a sectional interest. It
is our mission to restore this government to its original policy,
and place it again in that rank upon which our fathers
organized and brought it into existence. It is our purpose
and our policy to resist these new constitutional dogmas that
slavery exists by virtue of the constitution wherever the
banner of this Union floats. It is our purpose to restore the
constitution to its original meaning ; to give to it its true in-
terpretation ; to read that instrument as our fathers read it,
[Applause ] That instrument was not ordained and estab-
lished for the purpose of intrenching slavery within the limits
of this country ; it was not ordained and established for the
purpose of giving high guarantees and securities to that
institution. Our fathers regarded slavery as a blot upon this
country. They went down into their graves with the earnest
hope and confident belief that but a few more years and that
blot would be extinguished from our land. [Much applause.]
This was the faith in which they died. [Applause.] Had
the proposition been presented to them in the early conflicts
of the revolution, or outside of that grand movement, that
they were called upon to endure the hazards, trials and sacri-
fices of that long and perilous contest for the purpose of
establishing on this continent a great slave empire, not on-3 of
them would have drawn his sword in such a cause. [Great
applause] No, citizens ! This republic was established for
the purpose of securing the guarantees of liberty, of justice
and of righteousness to the people and to their posterity. That
was the great object with which the revolution was fought,
these were the purposes for which the union and constitution
were formed. Slavery is sectional. Liberty national. [Im-
mense applause.] Fellow citizens: need I remind this intelli-
gent and vast audience need I call to mind to the intelligent
gentlemen who represent the various states represented upon
this floor manifestations of lawless violence, of tyranny such
as the world never saw in a civilized and Christian land that
is manifested by this spirit of slavery. Whose rights are
secure where slavery has the power to trample them under
foot? Who to-day is not more free to utter his opinions
within the empire of Kussia, or under the shadow of the
despotism of Austria than he is within the limits of the slave
states of this Republic? Will their tyranny be confined to
those states when they have the power to enforce it upon us?
[Voices " No ! never ! "] We owe the liberty which we
to-day enjoy in the free states, to the absence of slavery.
And, fellow citizens, shall we, in building up this great empire
of ours, in fulfilling that high and sacred trust imposed upon
us by our fathers shall we support this blighting, this
demoralizing institution throughout the vast extent of our
borders? [Voices, loudly "No!"] Or shall we preserve
this land as a free land to our posterity forever? These are
the principles for which the Republican party is struggling.
Fellow citizens, the safety of our liberty, the security of all
we hold valuable, demands that we should take possession of
this government and administer it upon those broad constitu-
tional doctrines that were recognized for the first sixty years
of the existence of our government that were recognized by
Washington, by Jefferson, by Adams, by Madison, by Monroe,
by Adams the younger, by Jackson, by Van Buren, even
down to the time of Polk, when this new dogma was started
that the constitution was established to guarantee to slavery
perpetual existence and unlimited empire. Invoking, fellow
citizens, a spirit of patriotism and harmony, and trusting that
that spirit will guide us to a fortunate result in our delibera-
tions, I will now enter upon the discharge of the duties which
have been assigned to me. [Great applause.]
Hon. THOMAS SPOONER, of Ohio, moved that Frederick
Hassaurek, of Ohio, Theodore M. Pomeroy, of New York, and
Henry T. Blow, of Missouri, be elected temporary Secretaries.
The motion was carried unanimously.
The PRESIDENT then introduced the Eev. Z. H. HUMPHREY,
Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, of Chicago, who
addressed the Throne of Grace in the following prayer :
Oh, Lord God! Thou art great and greatly to be praised.
We come before Thy Throne to worship and also to learn
Thy will. We invoke Thy presence and Thy blessing, as we
gather beneath this roof to-day. We praise Thee for what
Thou art, and for what Thou hast done for us. Verily, " our
lines have fallen to us in pleasant places, and we have a good-
ly heritage." Thou hast strengthened the bars of our gates,
and placed our children within them. Thou hast made peace
in our borders, and filled us with the finest of the wheat.
Thou hast not dealt so by any nation. As for Thy judgments
we have not known them ; and yet we confess that we have
deserved to suffer for we have sinned against Thee. We
entreat Thy forgiveness for all our transgressions, and Thy
protection from all consequences of sin. We pray for our
common country. We ask that Thou wilt deliver us from all
the evil to which we are exposed, and that Thou wilt make
us to shake off and put away all those evils which we are too
apt to cherish. Wilt Thou bless our rulers, and teach them
to govern in the fear of God, and in the love of man. Wilt
Thou deliver us from corruption, from oppression and from
selfish ambition. Show us Thy way of rescuing the oppressed
from the house of bondage, and of making this country truly
and consistently free. We crave Thy blessing upon this Con-
vention, and pray that Thou wilt enable all those who are
8
here gathered to act, amid the excitements of the hour, as
feeling their responsibility to their fellow men, and as know-
ing that they will one day stand before Thee. Wilt Thou
bless us in all that we do ? Wilt Thou rule amid all the con-
flicts of opinion and the strifes of parties ; and may the issue
be for Thy glory, and for our good. May there be no strife,
but that of brethren loving, while yet in opinion disagreeing.
Let not the ploughshare of division be permanently driven
through our fair land. May we live as a Christian country ;
and though we put not our trust in princes, may we be that
happy land whose God is the Lord, which we ask through
Jesus Christ, our Saviour: Amen!
Mr. NORMAN B. JUDD, of Illinois, moved that a committee,
consisting of one delegate from each state and territory repre_
sented in the Convention, or selected by the delegates thereof,
who should report officers to the Convention for its perma-
nent organization.
The motion was carried.
Mr. JUDD moved that the roll of both states be now called
for the purpose of selecting the committee.
The motion was carried.
The states were then called, and the committee constituted
as follows :
Maine, Leonard Andrews.
Vermont, Hugh L. Henry.
New Hampshire, Aaron H. Cragin.
Massachusetts, Linus B. Comins.
Connecticut, Arthur B. Calef.
Rhode Island, Simon H. Greene.
New York, Henry H. Van Dyck.
New Jersey, Ephraim Marsh.
Pennsylvania T. J. Coffey.
Delaware, Joshua T. Heald.
Maryland, James Jeffries.
Virginia, Edward M. Norton.
Ohio, V. B. Horton.
Indiana, P. A. Hackleman.
Illinois, William Eoss.
Michigan, Walter W. Murphy.
Wisconsin, John P. McGregor.
Iowa, James F. Wilson.
Minnesota, Simeon Smith.
Missouri, Allen Hammer.
Kansas, A. C. Wilder.
California, Samuel Bell.
Oregon, Frank Johnson.
Kentucky, Allen A. Burton.
Texas, M. T. E. Chandler.
Nebraska- O. H. Irish.
District Columbia, George B. Hall.
A delegate from Kentucky suggested that the names of all
the states of the Union be called.
The PRESIDENT then proceeded to call Tennessee, Arkan-
sas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina
and North Carolina.
No responses were made to the calls.
Hon. JACOB BENTON, of New Hampshire, moved that a
committee, consisting of one delegate from each state and ter-
ritory represented in the Convention, be selected by the dele-
gates thereof, to act on the credentials of delegates, rules and
appointments, and that they be instructed to make a report
of the number, name and post office address of each delegate,
together with rules for the government of the Convention.
A delegate from Indiana suggested that the motion of Mr.
BENTON be divided that two committees be appointed, one
on CREDENTIALS, and the other on the ORDER OF BUSINESS.
Mr. SPOONER, of Ohio : If I understand, it is intended that
we should have two committees, or it was so suggested by
10
the Executive Committee, and we had acted in accordance
with that suggestion. I would suggest that there be simply
a Committee on Credentials.
Mr. BENTON accepted the amendment proposed by the de-
legate from Indiana, and the PRESIDENT called the will of
the states, and the committee was constituted as follows:
Maine, Rensselaer Cram.
New Hampshire, Jacob Benton.
Vermont, Edward C. Redington.
Massachusetts, Timothy Davis.
Connecticut, E. K. Foster.
Rhode Island, Benedict Lapham.
New York, Palmer V. Kellogg.
New Jersey, Moses M. Webb.
Pennsylvania, J. N. Purviance.
Delaware, Lewis Thompson.
Maryland, William E. Cole.
Virginia, Jacob Hornbrook.
Kentucky Charles Pendley.
Ohio, Samuel Stoksley.
Indiana, John R. Cravens.
Illinois, Stephen T Logan.
Michigan, Frank Quinn.
Wisconsin, H. L. Rann.
Iowa, C. F. Clarkson.
Minnesota, John McCusick.
Missouri, James G. Grardenhire.
Kansas, William A. Phillips.
Nebraska, John R. Meredeth.
California, Charles Watrous.
Oregon, Joel Burlingame.
Texas, D. Henderson.
District Columbia, James A. White.
11
Mr. NOBLE, of Iowa, moved that a committee, consisting of
one delegate from each state and territory, represented in the
Convention, be selected by the delegates thereof, to prepare
the ORDER OF BUSINESS for the Convention.
The motion was carried.
On calling the roll of the states by the PRESIDENT, the fol-
lowing gentlemen were constituted such committee :
Maine, Job n L. Stevens.
New Hampshire, B. F. Martin.
Vermont, Edward D. Mason.
Massachusetts, Samuel Hooper.
Connecticut, George H. Noble.
Rhode Island Nath. B. Durfee.
Neiv York, A. B. James.
New Jersey, H. N. Congar.
Pennsylvania, William D. Kelly.
Delaware, John C. Clarke.
Maryland, William P. Ewing.
Virginia, John G. Jenks.
Ohio, R. M. Corwine.
Kentucky Louis M. Dembitz.
Indiana, Walter March.
Michigan, Austin Blair.
Illinois, Thomas A. Marshall.
Wisconsin, Elisha Morrow.
Minnesota, S. P. Jones.
Iowa, Reuben Noble.
Missouri, Thomas G Fletcher.
California, J. C. Hinckley.
Oregon, Eli Thayer.
Kansas, A. G. Proctor.
Nebraska, Samuel H. Elbert.
District Columbia, Joseph Gerhard.
Texas, G. Moyers
12
A delegate from Pennsylvania moved that the rules of the
House of Representatives be adopted for the government of
the Convention until otherwise ordered.
The motion was carried.
Hon. EPHRAIM MARSH, of New Jersey, moved that the
Secretary call the names of the respective States in the order
in which they are called in the Congress of the United States,
and that as they were called the delegates from each State
present their credentials.
Mr. CARTER, of Ohio: I supposed that we had just consti-
tuted a Committee on Credentials, and my purpose for voting
for that committee was to get rid of all the labor of doing
their work. Now it is proposed to take the labor out of their
hands and do it here in the Convention. Having voted it
once to be done by the committee I do not want it brought
back here, and I shall vote against any such proceeding. I
move to lay the motion on the table.
Mr. MARSH : I withdraw the resolution.
Mr. GREELEY, of Oregon : I would like to move a substi-
tute to that resolution. In place of it I move that the roll
of the States be now called over, and as each is called the
chairman of that delegation present the credentials of that
delegation, and if any question arises as to the credentials, or
right of any to sit here, let it be referred to the Committee
on Credentials.
Mr. CARTER : I move an amendment. I move to amend
the proposition of the gentleman from Oregon, or New York*
(Mr. Greeley,) I am not sure which [Laughter], that instead
of each delegation presenting their credentials here, they pre-
sent them to the Committee on Credentials.
Mr. GREELET : I accept the amendment of the gentleman
from Maryland, or Rhode Island, I am not particular which.
[Laughter and applause.]
13
The motion of Mr. Greeley was then carried.
Mr. CARTER inquired if the gentleman from Oregon. (Mr.
Greeley) adopted his amendment.
Mr. GREELEY replied that he had.
A gentleman from Pennsylvania inquired who the chairman
of the Committee on Credentials was.
THE PRESIDENT stated that the committee would be an-
nounced soon.
Mr. GREELEY : Now I trust that the Convention sees the
propriety of the course I suggested, of producing the creden-
tials at once, here, and referring disputed questions to the
Committee on Credentials.
Mr. EVARTS, of New York : Upon this Committee of Cre-
dentials each state and territory has a member ; why should
not, then, each state and territory commit its credentials to
its member of that committee, to be presented to it ?
[VOICES : That's the way.]
Mr. EVARTS : I move accordingly, that the credentials of
each delegation be handed to its member of the Committee
on Credentials, to be presented to that body.
A DELEGATE OF OHIO: A resolution has already passed
requiring that the credentials be committed to the chairman
of the Committee on Credentials, and I rose to suggest that
what is done by an agent is done by the party, and without
this motion at all they can pass them through their com-
mittee man to the chairman of the committee.
The PRESIDENT: Is the gentleman from New York satis-
fied that his resolution is covered by the one passed ?
Mr. EVARTS : Undoubtedly, if it is understood that no call
of the states is necessary.
14
The PRESIDENT : No call is necessary under any resolution
yet passed.
The PRESIDENT announced the reception of the following
invitation :
CHICAGO, May 16, I860.
To the President of the Republican Convention :
The Board of Trade of this city hereby invite the delegates
to your Convention, and other visitors to our city, to a short
excursion on Lake Michigan ; the excursion to leave the dock.
at Bush Street bridge, near the Richmond House, at five
o'clock this afternoon.
Signed, J. S. RAMSEY,
Chairman of the Committee.
Hon. AARON GTOODRICH, of Minnesota : I have been re-
quested, in behalf of the Board of Trade of this city, to elicit,
so far as may be by a mere remark and not a speech, what
shall be the sentiment of this Convention touching that pro-
position from the Board of Trade. When I cast my eye
about this vast tabernacle, that has been reared by the skill,
the taste and the munificence of the ladies and gentlemen of
Chicago, and which has been tendered to the great Republi-
can cause without money and without price [great applause],
I apprehend that every delegate in this Convention will
respond aye to the invitation. I have nothing more to say.
[Great applause.]
Mr. DUDLEY, of New Jersey : I move, Sir, that there be a
committee of five appointed to inform the Board of Trade
that we accept the invitation for five o'clock, and that the
committee be appointed by the Chair.
A DELEGATE FROM IOWA : I move you that it be embraced
in that resolution that the thanks of this Convention be ten-
dered to the Board of Trade for their very liberal offer.
Amendment accepted, and resolution as amended adopted.
15
[Three cheers for the ladies of Chicago were called for and
heartily responded to.]
Mr. GREELEY : Have we provided for the Committee on
Platform ?
The PRESIDENT : We have not.
Mr. GREELEY : Then I move we have a call of the states
for the purpose of appointing a Committee on Platform.
The PRESIDENT : Will that be in order until after the per-
manent organization ?
Mr. CARTER, of Ohio : I move the appointment of a com-
mittee of one from each state by the respective delegations from
the several states, to report resolutions and a platform, and
that the committee be made up in the ordinary manner by
calling the roll of the states.
The PRESIDENT : The gentleman from Oregon has already
moved that.
Mr. GREELEY : I withdraw mine.
Mr. B. OYLER, of Indiana: I move to lay the motion on
the table, until after the permanent organization.
Gov. REEDER, of Pennsylvania : Will the Chair inform the
Convention what motion is before it ?
The PRESIDENT stated the motion of Mr. Carter.
Gov. REEDER: I rise to oppose the motion. It is the busi-
ness of this Convention now to perfect its organization. You
have appointed a Committee on Credentials, on the Order of
Business, and on Permanent Organization, and because we
are not organized it seems to me improper.
A VOICE (on the opposite side of the house) : Speak
louder we cannot hear you.
16
Gov. REEDER: All I have to say is not worth talking to
those at the other end of the platform. I merely desire to
say, that I think this motion, at this time, is out of place. It
will be time enough to provide for a platform and resolutions
when we shall have organized this Convention, and we are
appointing committees now simply because we are not orga-
nized. This matter of a platform and resolutions is not a
preliminary affair. It is not at all necessary to our organiza-
tion, and therefore it is upon the same footing with the
nomination of a candidate, and should wait until the perma-
nent and perfect organization of the Convention before it
should be entered upon.
Mr. CARTER : I made that motion with the view of putting
the Convention at work; whether the resolution is passed
to-day or to-morrow, it will be passed by the same body of
men, and with the view to the declaration of their senti-
ments. It is a laborious work, and ought to be performed
while the Convention is in its vigor. The Chairman cannot
fail to have remarked the indisposition to labor, when within
fifteen minutes after getting together, a pleasure excursion
is voted here. I hope it will be a pleasant one, but I think
before we take it, we had better designate those who will
enter upon the performances of the sphere of labor in this
Convention, and we can do it as well now as at any time.
Mr. ELI THAYER, of Oregon : I am opposed to the amend-
ment which has been offered by the gentleman from Penn-
sylvania. I do not consider that the mere appointment of
this committee is at all inconsistent with the preliminary
business of this Convention. It is not proposed and it is not
expected that this committee will report to-day. It is im-
portant, as the gentleman who preceded me has said, that
this committee should have ample time to consider what
shall be the platform of the Republican party in the coming
campaign. This, sir, is the great burden of the work of this
Convention, and I hope there will be no time lost in appoint-
17
ing this committee, and that they themselves will lose no
time in the labor that is entrusted to their hands. I am,
therefore, opposed to this amendment, which proposes delay.
The states and territories are ready to name the man who
shall constitute for each a member of this committee. The
State of Oregon is ready now. [Cries of " Question."]
Mr. HAZARD, of Rhode Island : The gentlemen who advo-
cated the postponement are right in theory, but it is obvious
that the practical operations of this Convention would be
retarded by a postponement. I hope, therefore, the motion to
postpone will be withdrawn.
Gov. REEDER: The gentleman says we are right. If we
are right why should we be voted down ? It seems to me
that when gentlemen concede that we are right, there is
generally nothing remaining to do but to carry out the right.
We are transgressing the right here, and for the purpose of
what? For the purpose of convenience, and because it can
make no difference. It may make no difference now, but the
time may come, and will come, when it will make a difference,
and then this action will be cited as a precedent. I am opposed
to making bad precedents. I believe that the only way to
pursue is to do it right and in order. If you appoint a com-
mittee, what is to prevent that committee from reporting to
this Convention before you have made a permanent organiza-
tion "? And if they do so report, what is to prevent a ma-
jority of this Convention passing upon the resolutions and
platform before you are organized ? Do the gentlemen desire
to see that ? Do they desire to establish a precedent such as
that, which may be used at some great crisis in the future
for purposes of evil ? It is admitted that we are right, and
it seems to me that there the question ends.
Mr. CARTER: The gentleman from Pennsylvania is begging
a little more than I am willing to grant. I do not feel that
the first movement is right. There is no such concession in
3
18
this quarter of the hall. [Loud cries of " Question," which
interrupting the speaker, lie took his seat.]
The motion of Mr. Oyler, of Indiana, to layover the motion
to appoint a Committee on Platform and Resolutions until
after the permanent organization of the Convention, was then
put to vote and lost.
Hon. J. T. HOGEBOOM, of New York : I move to amend
the motion to appoint a Committee on Platform and Resolu-
tions, by adding, " that the committee report as soon as con-
venient after the permanent organization of the Convention."
Mr. CARTER: I accept the amendment.
Mr. OYLER: We have already appointed a Committee on
Credentials, and for what? To know authoritatively and
legally who have a right to a seat upon this floor. Now, sir,
we are going on to provide for the most important thing that
this Convention will do, except the designation of the man
who shall bear our standard. I shall not attempt to say that
there is one man on this floor not legally entitled to his seat ;
but we have no evidence of the fact. It is true, we have
entered upon this floor, and have arranged ourselves at the
different points which we designated by the names of the
states, and the fair presumption is, that the men who fill
these seats are honestly entitled to them ; but that is no
proof of the fact, and I undertake to say that this proceeding
is against all precedent, and a bad precedent to be set by a
Republican Convention. Why this haste ? We will "work
in haste and repent at leisure." What harm can be done by
deferring this until after the Committee on Permanent Organ-
ization report, and the Convention organizes itself as a Repub-
lican National Convention ? We are not that yet. I hope
the delegates will consider that they will stop. Let us be
organized before we do, or undertake to do, the most impor-
tant work we have met to accomplish.
19
Mr. GrREELEY : If there is any question here as to the right
of any delegation on this floor, I am willing that this matter
should not be urged. But if there is none, then let us have
this committee appointed. It will take thirty-six hours for
the committee to prepare their report, and the committee
should be appointed now so they can have full opportunity.
If there is any question as to the right of any delegates, we
will waive it.
Grov. BOUTWELL, of Massachusetts : The first thing for us
is to be right. We are assembled not for deliberation, but for
organization. Let us organize and then deliberate ; and until
we have perfected our organization, it will be a dangerous
precedent to set up here, with reference to a new party that
is organized for the government of this country, through a
generation, to establish a precedent which, when contestants
come here from the Pacific and the South, will lead to diffi-
, culties on the floor. We have time enough. Better devote
it to the organization of this convention rather than to an
excursion; thankful as we are for the hospitality of the city,
we have a greater duty to perform to this country. I move
to lay this (Mr. Carter's) resolution on the table.
The motion of Gov. Boutwell to lay on the table was
carried. [Loud cheers.]
Mr. SWEETZER, of Massachusetts: I move that when this
convention adjourn, it adjourn to meet at 3 o'clock this after-
noon. The reason why I move this is, that it seems to me
desirable that we should sometime proceed with the business
of the convention. If we are going to take up the time in
excursions on the lake, I do not know when we will have
time for business. I am willing to change the time, if any-
body can tell us that we can return from the excursion in
time for a meeting of business this evening.
Mr. BEN. EGGLESTON, of Ohio : I move to amend by
making the time 10 o'clock to-morrow morning. Now, Mr.
20
President, I am very well satisfied that the motion just voted
down, in reference to the resolution, will make the convention
one day longer, and we delegates from Ohio, some of us, are
running out of funds. [Laughter.] It will take a day or two
longer. It takes an hour and a half to seat the delegates,
and to seat outsiders from two to four hours. [Laughter.] I
want it understood that I came here to work, and am not
going on the lake; nor is any delegate who came here to
work. But I am willing to amend my motion by making
it 5 o'clock if desired.
Hon. A. B. JAMES, of New York : If we had appointed
the Committee on Platform and Resolutions, then we could
have with safety adjourned until to-morrow morning ; but we
have voted that down. We want to make a permanent
organization in order that the committee may be appointed,
so that it may have the resolutions ready to present to us to-
morrow morning.
Mr. JUDD, of Illinios : It seems to me, sir, if you undertake
to assemble this Convention at three o'clock, the business for
which the Committee on Credentials and the Committee on
Permanent Organization have been appointed will not be
accomplished.
A DELEGATE from Minnesota: Make it four, five or six.
Mr. JUDD : My reason for making the suggestion is, I be-
lieve every man here wants his dinner, and they are scattered
over the entire city of Chicago, and if they are hungry, as I
think they are, before they can get their dinners and meet at
the committee room the time will have expired, and the duties
will not be performed by the committees unless some gentle-
man has in his pocket a programme to be followed without
consulting anybody in regard to what is to be done by the
committee. I say, sir, you must give them time if you expect
them to act understandingly ; and there is no time now,
21
between two and three o'clock, to accomplish the purposes
for which these committees have been appointed.
Mr. GOODRICH, of Minnesota: I would ask the gentleman
to name the hour of seven this evening.
Mr. JUDD : I accept the amendment.
Hon.W. D. KELLEY, of Pennsylvania : This hall is engaged
for to-night, as I observe by a notice in the city papers this
morning, for an exhibition of the Zouave drill.
Mr. JUDD: I beg leave to say that this hall is under the
control of this Convention whenever they want it, day or
night. [Applause.]
Mr. EGGLESTOX : I accept the amendment to meet at 7
o'clock this evening.
Mr. KELLEY, of Pennsylvania: There is a large portion of
this Convention who cannot be got out to a night session.
The number is too large to get together for a deliberative Con-
vention at night. I am opposed to a night session, and I
hope the proposition for it will be voted down. I am in
favor of 9 o'clock to-morrow morning.
Mr. JAMES, of New York : If any gentleman who voted for
the resolution that was last passed against appointing a Com-
mittee on Resolutions will move to reconsider that vote, there
will be no difficulty in making an adjournment until to-mor-
row morning, unless the motion to reconsider is voted down.
We will lose less time by this course. I cannot make the
motion as I voted against laying on the table.
A DELEGATE: I move to take the resolution from the table.
The PRESIDENT : I understand the motion to be to recon-
eider the vote by which the resolution to appoint a Committee
on Platform was laid upon the table.
22
A DELEGATE FROM MICHIGAN : I rise to make that motion.
I move that the motion to lay on the table be reconsidered,
and the appointment of the Committee on Resolutions be
now taken from the table.
Mr. OYLER, from Indiana [Amid cries of " Question ! "
" Question ! "] : I rise to a point of order. The point I make
is this : Is a motion to reconsider the last resolution passed
while there is a motion pending for our adjournment that has
not been withdrawn.
Mr. CARTER, of Ohio : I rise to make an inquiry, if it is in
order, whether it is in order to reconsider the vote of this
Convention when there is a Lake Excursion pending. [Laugh-
ter.]
The PRESIDENT : It is the opinion of the Chair that the
motion to reconsider is not in order, for this reason : That
there was pending before this Convention at the time a reso-
lution to adjourn until 7 o'clock this evening, and to that
there was an amendment that the hour be fixed at 9 o'clock
to-morrow morning.
A VOICE : That motion is now withdrawn.
The CHAIR: Then the other is in order.
A DELEGATE : I renew the motion.
The CHAIR : The question is, shall the vote to lay on the
table be reconsidered.
Mr. PRESTON KING, of New York : I am satisfied that one
of the difficulties in the progress of our business is this excur-
sion on the lake ; a very pleasant one, and for which I feel,
and I have no doubt the entire Convention feels indebted to
the hospitality and generosity of the citizens of Chicago.
But our object here is business, and not pleasure. I trust,
therefore, that we may make an adjournment which will con-
23
form to the convenience of all. If we have old gentlemen
here, or others, who, from any cause, do not desire to have an
evening session, let us adjourn to meet again at 5 o'clock, and
we can, between that time and dark, perform the acts neces-
sary to a complete organization, and thus save at least a day's
time of the Convention. If we adjourn until to-morrow we
lose certainly an entire day. There is no doubt of that.
This Committee on Platform and Resolutions ought to have
this evening to sit ; and while I did not regard it as material
whether that committee was appointed before or after organi-
zation, I am willing to concede that it is more regular and
more in accordance with the parliamentary usage that we should
take the course that was suggested here. Let us now act
with a spirit of conciliation and unanimity if we can. I
think if we adjourn to 5 o'clock we may get together
and then organize and appoint our committees and be prepared
to-morrow morning to go to work. That will make it, of
course, impossible or inconvenient to go on this excursion,
but that we must defer. I move we adjourn to 5 o'clock.
Mr. W. E. COALE, of Maryland : I hope members of this
Convention will not stultify themselves by first accepting the
invitation so kindly tendered to us and then immediately
declining it.
Mr. KING : lam going to move that the proposition in
relation to this excursion be referred to our Business Com-
mittee, between whom and the Board of Trade an arrange-
ment can be made convenient for both sides.
The PRESIDENT : The gentleman from New York will please
understand there is still pending a motion to take from the
table the resolution heretofore laid upon the table.
Mr. KING: If that is insisted upon we must take the voice
of the Convention upon it. My object in making this motion
was to see if we could not come to some understanding or
reach some conclusion with unanimity. [Cries of " Question,"
" Question."]
24
The PRESIDENT: The question is, shall the resolution laid
upon the table respecting the platform be now taken from
the table ?
Gov. REEDER : Does it not require a two-third vote under
the rules of the House of Representatives to do that?
The PRESIDENT: I think not.
Mr. SWEETZER, of Massachusetts : I moved to adjourn until
5 o'clock; somebody else moved to amend, and adjourn until
9 or 10 o'clock to-morrow morning. My original motion has
never been withdrawn.
The CHAIR : I understood it to have been.
Mr. SWEETZER : The gentleman withdrew his motion. I
still ask to have my motion put.
The CHAIR : The question is, shall this Convention when
it adjourns, adjourn to meet at 5 o'clock this afternoon; and
the amendment is to 9 o'clock to-morrow morning.
Gov. CLEVELAND, of Connecticut: I am sure, gentlemen,
that you are all disposed to act as you look, as gentlemen. I
desire to say to you that we have a very polite and gentle-
manly communication from the Board of Trade, and we have
by a vote, accepted it. Now, I agree with my friend from
New York [Mr. King] that we had better not do it, but to
get out of it arid treat them fairly, we have only to make a
motion to reconsider, and then we can dispose of it in such a
manner as the Convention shall see fit, and in such a manner
as is consistent with the gentlemanly character of those who
made the invitation. In passing a motion to accept it, and
then voting to adjourn till 5 o'clock, we seem to throw con-
tempt upon their very civil invitation. If the gentleman
will wi.hdraw his motion for the purpose of making a motion
to reconsider, I will make that motion, and then we can get
out of the trouble.
25
Mr. SWEETZER: I withdraw the motion only for that pur-
pose.
The PRESIDENT: The difficulty is here : If you withdraw
your motion touching the hour of adjournment then comes
before the Convention, as I understand it, the motion to take
from the table the resolution concerning the platform. The
motion before the Convention is that we adjourn, when we
do adjourn, until to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock.
Motion to adjourn was put and lost. [Applause.]
The PRESIDENT : Now the proposition before the Conven-
tion is that when this Convention adjourns, it adjourns to
meet at 5 o'clock this afternoon.
Hon. JOSHUA R. GIDDINGS, of Ohio, appeared on the platform
amid loud cheers. He said: I rise for the purpose of moving a re-
consideration of the vote accepting the invitation received from
the Board of Trade to meet there at 5 o'clock for a pleasure
excursion I ( J o this, sir, from a sincere conviction that every
gentleman who has come here, has come impressed with the
solemnity of the business before us. Knowing that we are
here to perform high and solemn duties to our country and
ourselves, and in justice to our own position and the cause in
which we are employed, we should be zealously engaged in
the business before us ; and here I will take leave to say we
have had a precedent recently set before us, far south of this,
which should caution us about spending our time here to the
wearying of the public mind in witnessing our discussions.
If we can close up our business to-morrow by two or three
o'clock, it will tell upon the community with a moral force
that is incalculable. [Loud and prolonged applause.] Now,
Mr. Chairman, I will lobor from this time until three o'clock
to-morrow in order to attain the object of a final adjournment
at that time. [Renewed cheering.] Then, sir, I am willing
to accept the kind invitation of the Board of Trade here, and
enjoy the pleasure of going upon the proposed excursion-
26
For the purpose of reconsidering this vote, and then referring
it to a committee that they shall make the arrangements
with the Board of Trade, so that at our adjournment we will
meet them and accept cordially the invitation and take this
excursion, I now move that we reconsider the vote by which
that motion was carried, accepting the pleasure excursion.
The motion of Mr. Giddings to reconsider was then put to
vote and carried.
Mr. LOWRY, of Pennsylvania : I move you, sir, that a com-
mittee of one from each State be appointed by the Chair to
confer with the Board of Trade.
VOICES : Make it a committee of five.
Mr. LOWRY: I will modify my resolution and make it a
committee of five.
Mr. HOPKINS, of Massachusetts: We have already a com-
mittee of five appointed upon the order of business, and I sug-
gest that this matter of the invitation of the Board of Trade,
of Chicago, can be referred to it. I will make the motion
that that reference be had.
A delegate from Vermont : I hope that the committee will
at once notify the Board of Trade, as they are already
making their preparations for the excursion.
Motion of Mr. Lowry to appoint a committee of five to
confer was adopted.
The CHAIR then appointed the following gentlemen to act
as such committee :
Morrow B. Lowry, Of Pennsylvania.
Aaron Goodrich, Of Minnesota.
Joshua R. Giddings, Of Ohio.
F. P. Blair, Of Maryland.
C. F. Cleveland, Of Connecticut.
27
The Convention then, on motion, adjourned until 5 o'clock,
P. M.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The Convention was called to order at 5:15, P. M., by the
temporary President.
THE INVITATION.
Mr. LOWRT, of Pennsylvania: In behalf of the committee
appointed to confer with the Board of Trade, I would ask
leave to make a report. The committee have called upon our
friends, the Board of Trade, who invited us to the excursion.
They extended to us an invitation and we accepted it. They
left immediately and prepared themselves to carry out the ar-
rangement that they had proposed for our enjoyment. They
have a perfect fleet down there now in readiness. Before I
could get there before I could find the committee and the
parties who have invited us, they had their fleet ready to
carry us and large enough to carry us all. They say that if
we are so pressed with business we can hold the Convention
on the decks of their vessels, if we desire it and we can, so
they say, have their cabins for rooms to caucus in. They are
very much disposed to press us and will wait one hour, that
will make it six o'clock. We can have ample time to do here
this afternoon all that is necessary and then go on the excursion.
Now, inasmuch as the people of Chicago extend to us this
invitation, I hope it will be unanimously accepted for 6
o'clock.
Mr. CARTER, of Ohio : I rise to a question of order. There
is one question already before the house.
Mr. GOODRICH, of Minnesota: Say "as soon thereafter as
possible." We may, perhaps, have to wait fifteen or twenty
minutes thereafter. I hope that we shall go on and perfect
our organization, and I believe that can be done within the
28
time named. I hope the Convention will get ready at once
to take the excursion.
Mr. HAZARD, of Rhode Island : The proposition now made
as I understand it, differs only from that of the morning in
this: it is now said that it will not interfere with the pro-
gress of the meeting that we may go on and complete our
business just as well as not, and take this excursion. [Cries
of "Never mind," and much confusion.] But it does not
meet the case. I suppose that we are here on important
business. We are here, believing as was said this morning
[much confusion], believing that the government is pressed
on both sides, one half of the Democratic party threatening
us with annihilation and the other [amid loud cries of
"Question," the remainder of the sentence was lost.] Sup-
pose you were standing by the sick bed. [Cries of " Ques-
tion," and great confusion, amid which the speaker took his
seat.]
The question to adjourn to 6 o'clock being submitted, was
lost amid much applause.
The PRESIDENT announced that the reports of the commit-
tees were in order, and asked for the report of the Committee
on Permanent Organization. [Cries of " Good."]
Mr. HINCKLEY, of California : I ask if it is not in accord-
ance with usage that the Committee on Credentials be called,
so that we may know who are members of the Convention.
The PRESIDENT : I do not know that there is any special
order in which committees should report.
Mr. KELLEY, of Pennsylvania : I move that the report of
the Committee on Credentials be called, so that we may know
who are members of the Convention.
The motion of Mr. Kelley was carried.
Mr. COMINS, of Massachusetts stated, that the Committee
29
on Permanent Organization had agreed upon a report, and
that its Chairman would be present very soon to present the
report to the Convention.
The PRESIDENT called for the report of the Committee on
Credentials, if the Chairman was present.
Judge TRACY, of California : I understand that the Com-
mittee on the Order of Business are ready to report in part;
and inasmuch as no other committee seems to be ready to
report, I propose that the Chair call for the report of that
committee.
The PRESIDENT : I think that if the Committee on Perma-
nent Organization is ready to report, it would be best to
receive that.
Judge TRACY: Certainly, if they are in a state of crystalli-
zation. [Laughter.]
The PRESIDENT: I understand that they are ready. Mr.
Horton, of the Committee on Permanent Organization, makes
a report in part that they havu agreed upon Mr. Ashmun, of
Massachusetts.
A VOICE : George ?
The PRESIDENT : Hon. George Ashmun [a voice, " Good
boy" Laughter], of Massachusetts, for President of the
Convention. [Prolonged cheers.]
The report in reference to the selection of Permanent Pre-
sident was unanimously adopted.
A VOICE : Nary a " no." [Laughter.]
The Temporary President appointed Hon. Preston King,
of New York, and Carl Schurz, of Wisconsin, to wait upon
and conduct the President to the chair. The appearance of
Mr. Schurz was the signal for loud cheers.
The President was conducted to the chair amid enthusi-
30
astic applause. When this had subsided he addressed the
Convention.
SPEECH OF HON. GEORGE ASHMUN.
Gentlemen of the Convention Republicans, Americans :
My first duty is to express to you the deep sense which I feel
of this distinguished mark of your confidence. In the spirit
in which it has been offered I accept it, sensible of the diffi-
culties which surround the position, but cheered and sus-
tained by the faith that the same generosity that has brought
me here will carry me through the discharge of the duties.
I will not shrink from this position, at the same time the
post of danger as well as the post of honor. [Applause.]
Gentlemen, we have come here to-day at the call of our
countrymen from widely separated homes, to fulfill a great
and important duty. No ordinary call has brought us to-
gether. Nothing but a momentous question would have
called this vast multitude here to-day nothing but a deep
sense of the danger into which our government is fast running
could have rallied the people thus in this city to-day, for the
purpose of rescuing the government from the deep degrada-
tio'n into which it has fallen. [Loud applause.] We have
come here at the call of our country, for the purpose of pre-
paring for the most solemn duty that freemen have to per-
form. We are here in the ordinary capacity as delegates of
the people, to prepare for the formation and carrying on of a
new administration, and with the help of the people we will
do it. [Applause.] No mere controversy about miserable
abstractions has brought us here to-day ; we have not come
here on any idle question. The sacrifice which most of us
have made in the extended journey, and in the time devoted
to it, could only have been made upon some solemn call; and
the stern look which I see, the solemn look which I see on
every face, and the earnest behavior which has been mani-
fested in all the preliminary discussions, shows full well that
we all have a true and deep sense of the solemn obligation
which is resting upon us. Gentlemen, it does not belong to
31
me to make an extended address ; it is for me rather to assist
in the details of the business that belong to the Convention.
But allow me to say that I think we have a right here to-day,
in the name of the American people, to say that we impeach
the administration of our General Government of the highest
crimes which can be committed against a constitutional govern-
ment, against a free people, against humanity. [Prolonged
cheers.] The catalogue of its crimes it is not for me to
recite. It is written upon every page of the history of the
present administration, and I care not how many paper pro-
tests the President may send into the House of Representa-
tives [Laughter and applause], we, here, the grand inquest of
the nation, will find out for him and his confederates, not
merely punishment terrible and sure, but a remedy which
shall be satisfactory. [Prolonged cheers.] Gentlemen, before
proceeding to the business of the Convention, allow me to
congratulate you and the people upon the striking feature
which, I think, must have been noticed by everybody who
has mixed in the preliminary discussions of the people who
have gathered in this beautiful city. It is that brotherly
kindness, and cordial and generous emulation, which has
marked every conversation and every discussion, showing a
desire for nothing else but their country's good. Earnest,
warm and generous preferences are expressed, ardent hopes
and fond purposes are declared, but not within the three
days I have spent among you all, have I heard one unkind
word, uttered by one man towards another. I hail it as an
augury of success, and if, during the proceedings of this Con-
vention, you will unite to perpetuate that feeling, and allow
it to pervade all your proceedings, I declare to you, that I
think it is the surest and brightest promise of our success,
whoever may be the standard bearer in the contest that is
pending. [Applause.] In that spirit, gentlemen, let us now
proceed to the business to the great work, which the Ameri-
can people have given into our hands to do. [Applause.]
32
THE OFFICERS OF THE CONVENTION.
Mr. MARSH, of New Jersey : The Committee on Permanent
Organization having reported in part, desires to complete its
report.
The committee appointed to recommend officers for the
permanent organization of this Convention, have attended to
that duty, and report that the officers shall consist of a Pre-
sident, twenty-seven Vice-Presidents and twenty-six Secre-
taries; and the following gentlemen are recommended to fill
the offices respectively named :
VICE-PRESIDENTS.
Maine, Samuel F. Hersey
New Hampshire, William Haile.
Vermont, William Hebord.
Massachusetts, Ensign H. Kellogg.
Rhode Island, Rowland G. Hazard.
Connecticut, Chauncey F. Cleveland.
New York, William Curtis Noyes.
New Jersey, Edward Y. Rogers.
Pennsylvania, Thaddeus Stevens.
Delaware John C. Clark.
Maryland, William L. Marshall.
Virginia, Richard Crawford.
Ohio, George D. Burgess.
Indiana, John Beard.
Illinois, David Davis.
Michigan, Thomas W. Ferry.
Wisconsin, Hans Crocker.
Iowa, H. P. Scholte.
Minnesota, Aaron Goodrich.
Missouri, Henry T. Blow.
Kentucky, William D. Gallagher.
Texas, William T. Chandler.
California, A. A. Sargent.
Oicgon Joel Burlingame.
District of Columbia, George Harrington.
Kansas, NYilliam W. Ross.
Nebraska, A. S. Paddock.
33
SECRETARIES.
Maine, Charles A. Wing.
New Hampshire, Nathaniel Hubbard.
Vermont, John W. Stewart.
Mauachtuett*, Charles O. Rogers.
Rhode Island, Rowland R. Hazard.
Connecticut, H. H. Starkweather.
New York, George William Curtis.
New Jersey, Edward Brettle.
Pennsylvania, J. Bowman Bell.
Delaware, Benjamin C. Hopkins.
Maryland, William E. Coale.
Virginia, A. W. Campbell.
Ohio, H. G. Beebe.
Indiana, D. D. Pratt.
Illinois, 0. L. Davis.
Michigan, William S. Stoughton.
Wisconsin, L. F. Frisbie.
Iowa, Wm. B. Allison.
Minnesota, D. A. Secombe.
Missouri, J. K. Kidd.
Kentucky, Stephen J. Hawes.
Texas, D unbar Henderson.
California, D. J. Staples.
Oregon, Eli Thayer.
Kansas, John A. Martin.
Nehmska, H. P. Hitchcock.
On motion of Mr. STOXE, of Iowa, the -report of the Com-
mittee on Permanent Organization was adopted.
Hon. F. P. TRACY, of California, moved that a committee,
consisting of one delegate from each state and territory repre-
sented in the Convention, be selected by the delegates there-
of, to report resolutions and platform.
Mr. CARTER, of Ohio, moved to amend, by requiring that
5
3t
all resolutions submitted to the Convention be referred to the
proposed committee without debate.
Judge TRACY accepted the amendment.
Mr. JUDD, of Illinois : I ask the gentleman to suspend for
one moment while I make a presentation to the President of
the Convention. I am directed, Mr. President, on behalf of
one of the working mechanic Republicans of Chicago, to pre-
sent to you, sir, this emblem of your authority. [Exhibiting
a beautifully wrought oak gavel, finished and ornamented
with ivory and silver.] It is not, sir, the. wood and the ivory
and the silver
Mr. HINCKLEY, of California: [Interrupting.] I rise to a
point of order. ["Sit down;" "Go on with the presenta-
tion," and great confusion.] The Committee on Order of
Business has not yet reported ; when that committee reports
perhaps the Convention will find the adoption or rejection of
that report will settle the controversy in reference to the ap-
pointment of the Committee on Platform and Resolutions.
The CHAIR: The chair holds that that is not a point of
order. [Applause.] It may be a ground for the rejection of
the proposition of the gentleman from California (Judge
Tracy).
Mr. JUDD : I would not, sir, have attempted to have made
this presentation, if I had not supposed that I had the unani-
mous consent at this time of the Convention. [Applause and
cries of " Go on," " Go on."] I was saying to you, sir, that
it was not the wood or the ivory, or the silver, of which that
little instrument is composed, that renders it valuable.- It
has, like the Republican party, a history. It is a piece of oak
taken from Commodore Perry's flag ship the Lawrence.
[Applause.] It is not from its size that its power is to be
felt. It is like the Republican rule, strong but not noisy.
[Great enthusiasm.] It is not, that the Republicans require
35
a noisy and violent government, or that they require riotously
to put down the sham Democracy; but they require and
intend to apply to them, and to all those persons who seek
disunion, and keep up a cry about destroying our govern-
ment, the little force necessary to control and restrain them,
like the little force which will be necessary for you, Mr. Pre-
sident, to use in presiding over the deliberations of this
Convention. [Great cheers.] There is a motto, too, adopted
by that mechanic, which should be a motto for every Repub-
lican in this Convention the motto borne upon the flag of
the Lawrence "Don't give up the ship." [Great applause.]
Mr. President, in presenting this to you, in addition to the
motto furnished by the mechanic who manufactured this, as
an evidence of his warmth and zeal in the Republican cause,
I would recommend to this Convention to believe that the
person who will be nominated here, can, when the election is
over in November, send a dispatch to Washington in the
language of the gallant Perry: ' ; We have met the enemy,
and they are ours." [Terrific cheering.] Voices, "Name,
name." Mr. President, in the beginning I should have
named Mr. C. G. Thomas, of Chicago. [Hearty applause.]
The PRESIDENT: In behalf of the Convention, I accept
from the hands of the gentleman from Illinois the present
made by the Chicago mechanic; and I have only to say to-
day that all the auguries are that we shall meet the enemy
and they shall be ours. [ Loud cheers. ]
Mr. DEMBITZ, of Kentucky, announced that the Committee
on Rules and Order of Business, had matured a partial report,
defining the manner in which votes should be taken in the
Convention. He moved that that report be now taken up.
The PRESIDENT announced that the question on the ap-
pointment of a Committee on Resolutions and Platform was
pending.
Mr. DEMBITZ moved that the question on the appointment
36
of a Committee on Platform and Resolutions be postponed
until the report of the Committee on Rules and Order of
Business had been received.
The motion of Mr. Dembitz was lost.
The PRESIDENT : The question is now on the appointment
of a Committee on Resolutions and Platform, to whom to re-
fer, without debate, all resolutions or propositions.
Gov. REEDER : Mr. President
VOICES: "Name."
The PRESIDENT : Gov. Reeder, of Pennsylvania. [Prolong-
ed cheers. ]
Gov. REEDER : I understand the resolution before the Con-
vention to be that a committee of one from each state be ap-
pointed for the purpose of drafting a Platform and Resolutions.
Am I right?
The PRESIDENT: You are, substantially.
Gov. REEDER : Then I move to amend so that it may in-
clude the territories.
Judge TRACT : That is the language of the motion.
The motion to appoint a Committee on Platform and Reso-
lutions was then carried.
The PRESIDENT suggested to the Convention the propriety
of having a roll of the Convention, arranged under the heads
of the different states, made out by the Secretaries, and to be
printed for the use of the Convention. He then proposed to
call the states for the appointment of a Committee on Reso-
lutions and Platform.
Mr. JAMES, of New York : Before that is put, I would sug-
gest that the Committee on Credentials report. We refused
to adopt this very resolution before dinner.
37
The CHAIR : The Chair is about to call the roll of the states,
for the purpose of receiving the names of gentlemen to con-
stitute a Committee on Resolutions.
COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS, &c.
The roll was then called, and the committee constituted as
follows:
Maine, George F. Talbott.
New Hampshire, Amos Tuck.
Vermont, Ebenezer Briggs.
Massachusetts, George S. Boutwell.
Rhode Island, Benjamin T. Eames.
Connecticut, S. W. Kellogg.
New York, H. R. Selden.
New Jersey, Thomas H. Dudley.
Pennsylvania, William Jessup.
Delaware, N. B. Smithers.
Maryland, F.P.Blair.
Virginia, Alfred Caldwell.
Ohio, Joseph H. Barrett.
Kentucky, George D. Blakey.
Indiana, William T. Otto.
Michigan, Austin Blair.
Illinois, Gustavus Kaerner.
Wisconsin, Carl Schurz.
Minnesota, Stephen Miller.
Iowa, J. A. Kasson.
Missouri, Charles L. Bernays.
California, F. P. Tracy.
Oregon, Horace Greeley.
Texan, H. A. Shaw.
District of Columbia, G. A. Hall.
Nebraska, A. Sidney Paddock.
Kansas, John P. Hatterscheidt.
Mr. R. H. CORWINE, of Ohio: The Committee on Business
have a report prepared, but it will be necessary for them to
38
modify their report in consequence of the action of the Com-
mittee on Credentials.
Mr. HOPKINS, of Massachusetts : In response to the sugges-
tion from the Chair, I move you that the Secretaries of this
Convention be directed to prepare a full list of the delegates
to this Convention.
A DELEGATE FROM MISSOURI : I would move, as an amend-
ment, that it contain their post office addresses.
The CHAIR : That, I suppose, will be attended to. It will
be done under the direction of the Secretaries.
Motion to print adopted.
The PRESIDENT then announced the reception of the follow-
ing communication, which was read to the Convention :
ARMORY OF THE ZOUAVE CADET GUARD, )
May 16, 1860. J
To THE HONORABLE MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL REPUBLICAN
CONVENTION.
Gentlemen : In compliance with the wishes of the citizens,
we are, through the courtesy of the Committee, permitted to
occupy the " Wigwam" this evening for an exhibition drill,
to which we beg to return an invitation to the members of
your honorable body. We shall feel highly honored by the
presence of all who can find leisure to attend. Tickets of ad-
mission will be found at the head-quarters of the different de-
legations.
I have the honor to be,
Your obed't servant,
E. E. ELLSWORTH,
Cummandcr U. S. Zouave Cadets.
On motion, the invitation to be present was accepted with
thanks.
Mr. KAUFMANN. of Pennsylvania : I would suggest to the
39
Committee on Platform, before they present to the Conven-
tion their report, that they have a large number printed and
distributed to all members, so that they can see it. It will
be impossible to have it read here so that we can understand
it clearly, and members will not know if they are in favor of
it or against it. I will make a motion to that effect.
The motion was carried.
Mr. VOORHIES, of Indiana : I move that when this Conven-
tion adjourns, it do adjourn until to-morrow morning at 9
o'clock.
MANY VOICES ' Make it ten."
The CHAIR : It is moved to amend by substituting 10.
Mr. TRACY, of California : Nine o'clock is too early. I
have come a long way, many thousand miles, to attend this
Convention, and am tired, and I can't get up so early.
Mr. KELLEY, of Pennsylvania: There are several commit-
tees who have business to attend to ; one of which I know
meets at' eight, and another at half past eight, and it will be
impossible for them to get through their business by nine
o'clock. In endeavoring to save an hour, I think the Conven-
tion will waste much more time. I think that it would be
more judicious to meet at 10 o'clock, when the committees
can come in with their reports.
The motion to fix 10 o'clock as the hour for re-assembling
prevailed.
Mr. ROLLINS, of New Hampshire, offered the following
resolution :
Resolved, That the delegations from each state and terri-
tory, represented in this Convention, be requested to designate
and report the name of one individual to serve as a member
of the National Republican Committee, for the ensuing four
years.
40
Mr. NOURSE, of Iowa, moved to amend the resolution so
that the delegations should be left to select members of the
National Committee who were not members of the Conven-
tion.
The amendment was accepted, and the resolution adopted.
The Convention then, on motion, adjourned to Thursday
morning, at 10 o'clock.
SECOND DAY.
The Convention re-assembled at 10 o'clock, pursuant to
adjournment. After some time spent in securing to dele-
gates the possession of their seats on the platform, many of
which had been taken by persons not delegates, Rev. W. W.
PATTEN, Pastor of the Second Congregational Church, of Chi-
cago, offered the following prayer :
Great God ! Thou art the blessed and the only potentate,
King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Thou only hast immor-
tality. Thou dwellest in light that no man can approach unto
Thee, whom no man hath seen nor mortal vision can see. We
are Thy weak and Thine erring creatures, and we draw nigh
unto Thee in all our dependence, that we may avail ourselves
of Thine almighty strength and boundless wisdom. We thank
Thee that Thou hast given us the great boon of existence;
that Thou hast created us in Thine own image ; that Thou
hast sent us into this world to work out our destiny and to do
Thy will ; privileging us with the opportunity of being co-
workers with Thee in Thy benevolent and wise plans. We
thank Thee that we had our birth and residence in this land ;
and that we have come into the world to act our part in these
latter days of its history. We pray Thee to qualify us to act
that part aright, as men should act who live in this nineteenth
41
century. And we pray Thre, oh God, that Thy blessing may
rest upon our country. "We thank Thee that our fathers
who came over here, and laid the foundations of our country
in prayer and in faith, desiring here to serve God and benefit
their ft How men. And we pray Thee that that same spirit
may dwell in their children; and may lead them to bring
forth the fruits of righteousness. Help this great people to
remember that it is righteousness that exalteth a nation, while
sin is a shame unto any people. We thank Thee that Thou
hast permitted us to witness this great convocation of the
friends of freedom and humanity. We pray for Thy blessing
to rest upon all in this Convemion who have come hither to
represent the friends of freedom in this nation. We beseech
of Thee that Thou w 7 ilt give them the wisdom which is from
above, which begins in the fear of God. Grant that they
may be saved from the fear of man, which Thy word declares
bringeth a snare ; and we pray Thee that they may be enabled
to act in manner worthy of the responsibility which has been
committed to them. Grant that in their deliberations they
may be aided by the spirit, and may be brought to such con-
clusions as shall be for the furtherance of the cause of liberty
and of humanity in this great nation, so that they shall not
only acquit themselves to the commendation of their fellow
men. but shall be prepared to meet God, and that slave, whose
friend God is, at the great day of account. And these mercies
we ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen !
The PRESIDENT announced the reception of the following
communication, which was read to the Convention :
CHICAGO, May 17, 1SGO.
Hon. GEORGE ASHMUN, President of the Republican Convention, Chicago.
Dear Sir : The members of the Convention are invited to
an excursion over the Chicago and Rock Island railroad, to
the City of Rock Island, crossing the Mississippi river bridge
to the City of Davenport, Iowa, any day during their stay in
Chicago which the Convention may designate. The hour of
42
leaving Chicago and returning subject to the wishes of the
Convention.
I am respectfully yours,
HENRY FARNUM, President.
On motion the communication was laid on the table, to be
taken up and considered at a later stage of the proceedings.
The CHAIR announced the reception of the following com-
munication, which he read to the Convention :
To the Honorable PRESIDENT of the Republican National Convention.
Sir : Can you arrange to send out some effective speakers,
to entertain 20,000 Republicans and their wives, outside the
building? [Great applause, and cries for " Corwin," and
others.]
The PRESIDENT announced that the first business in order
would be to hear the report of the Committee on the Order
of Business.
Mr. R. H. CORWINE, of Ohio, chairman of the Committee
on Rules and the Order of Business, reported the following
rules, which were read to the Convention :
Rule I. Upon all subjects before the Convention, the states
and territories shall be called in the following order:
Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode
Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Mis-
souri, Michigan, Illinois, Texas, Wisconsin, Iowa, California,
Minnesota, Oregon, Kansas, Nebraska, District of Columbia.
Rule 2. Four votes shall be cast by the delegates at large
of each state, and each Congressional district shall be entitled
to two votes. The votes of each delegation shall be reported
by its chairman.
Rule 3. The report of the Committee on Platform and Re-
solutions shall be acted upon before the Convention proceeds
43
to ballot for candidates for President and Vice-President.
[Applause.]
Rule 4. Three hundred and four votes, being a majority of
the whole number of votes when all the states of the Union
are represented in this Convention, according to the rates of
representation presented in Rule 2, shall be required to nomi-
nate the candidates of this Convention for the offices of Presi-
dent and Vice-President. [ Applause and cries of " No ! no !" ]
Rule 5. The rules of the House of Representatives shall
continue to be the rules of this Convention, in so far as they
are applicable and not inconsistent with the foregoing rules.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
Mr. JAMES, of New York : Before we proceed to act on
those rules, I wish to say, that when this committee met there
were but seventeen out of twenty-three members present.
That the Fourth Rule, which has been adopted, was only
adopted by one majority, and as a member of that committee
I propose to offer a substitute, which I will now read, as fol-
lows:
The PRESIDENT : Will the gentleman waive it until the
Fourth Rule comes before the meeting?
Mr. JAMES: I suppose the amendment should be submitted
before we enter upon the duty of considering the report.
The PRESIDENT : It will be much more convenient for the
gentleman to present his amendment when it comes up.
Mr. JAMES : It is a minority report.
The PRESIDENT : Then it is in order.
Mr. JAMES: The minority of the Committee on Business
and Rules, propose the following amendment to the Fourth
Rule, as a minority report:
4. That a majority of the whole number of votes repre-
44
sented in this Convention, according to the votes prescribed
by the Second Rule, shall be required to nominate a candidate
for President and Vice-President. [Applause, and cries of "No !
No i "]
The PRESIDENT : The first question is upon the first rule.
Mr. REEDER, of Pennsylvania : I desire to ask this House a
question.
The PRESIDENT : Mr. Carter, of Ohio, has the floor.
Mr. REEDER : I beg the gentleman's pardon ; I had not
seen him.
Mr. CARTER, of Ohio: We are approaching a labor that is
going to involve our constituencies in this Convention, and
there is no report from the Committee on Credentials. [Voices:
"We can't hear you."] Before entering upon the considera-
tion of this report, which I perceive is to be litigated, I pro-
pose to go into the battle with the army organized. [Voices:
" That's correct," " Good," and so on.] Therefore, I move
the postponement of the consideration of the report of the
Committee on the Order of Business, until we have a report
from the Committee on Credentials.
Mr. REEDER : That is precisely the suggestion I was going
to make.
Mr. CARTER: I knew you were thinking just about right.
The motion of Mr. Carter, to postpone the- consideration of
the report of the Committee on the Order of Business, was
carried.
Mr. BENTON, of New Hampshire, and the Chairman of the
Committee, on Credentials, ask leave to submit the following
report :
The Committee on Credentials report herewith the names
and number of delegates from the several states as being
elected, and deem it proper to say that the States of Pennsyl-
45
vania and New Jersey have appointed four delegates from
each Congressional District, and eight Senatorial delegates,
instead of appointing delegates and alternates ; and Iowa has
appointed eight delegates from each Congressional District,
and sixteen Senatorial delegates. [Laughter.] The Commit-
tee also present the names of the delegates present and duly
elected from the District of Columbia and the Territories of
Kansas and Nebraska, leaving it for the Convention to decide
whether they shall be permitted to vote in this Convention.
All of which is respectfully presented in behalf of the Com-
mittee.
Mr. BEXTOX : The states and territories are specified, and I
can read them if the Convention desire it, although the chair-
man did not deem it necessary, as they are in the specifica-
tion accompanying, the report.
Gov. REEDER: I desire to know if this committee has re-
ported what states are represented and entitled to a vote in
this Convention. Have they so reported ?
Mr. BENTON : They have so reported.
Mr. DAVIS, of Massachusetts: I desire to have that portion
of the report read, stating which states are represented and
entitled to a vote in this Convention, with the number of
votes to each.
Mr. BEXTOX : In accordance with the suggestion, I will read :
Maine, 16
New Hampshire, 10
Vermont, 10
Massachusetts, 26
Rhode Island, 8
Connecticut, 12
New York, 70
New Jersey, 28
Pennsylvania, 54
46
Maryland, , 10
Delaware, 6
Virginia, 20
Kentucky, 24
Ohio, 46
Indiana, 26
Missouri, 18
Michigan, 12
Illinois 22
Texas, S
Wisconsin, 10
Iowa, 8
California, 8
Minnesota, 8
Oregon, 5
Kansas, . 6
Nebraska, 6
District of Columbia, 4
Hon. TIMOTHY DAVIS, of Massachusetts, moved that so
much of the report as related to the delegation from Texas be
referred back to the committee.
Mr. WILMOT, of Pennsylvania : I move to amend the mo-
tion of the gentleman from Massachusetts, so as to include
the States of Maryland, Kentucky and Virginia. I had fore-
seen, before I came to this Convention, that the question
would very properly arise as to the propriety of admitting
those states to a full vote in this Convention. We are a Con-
vention of delegates representing a party having constituen-
cies at home. This is not a mass convention, in which each
man's voice is to be heard, and in which a mere numerical
majority of all who choose to attend controls the result, but
this is a Convention of delegates representing a constituency,
and having constituents at home to represent. [Great ap-
plause.] Now, sir, caw it be possible that those gentlemen
who come here from states in which they cannot maintain an
47
^rganized party is it possible that they are to come here
and by a full vote control the action of the Convention? I
can see nothing better calculated to demoralize a party, and
to break it up, than just such a proceeding. Why, sir, this
nomination is to be the nomination of the Eepublican party
in the Union, not the nomination of respectable gentlemen
who may belong to the Republican party in Virginia, Mary-
land or Kentucky. What are the facts in Maryland? In
Maryland, thirty gentlemen assembled in Baltimore for the
purpose of sending a delegation to this Convention. Did they
assemble as the representatives of a party? Not at all.
They have never had a Republican party in Maryland, and,
in my judgment, there will be no such party there until the
people of the free states shall place this government in differ-
ent hands, and relieve them from the tyranny which now
weighs them down. There are respectable gentlemen in
Maryland, many of them who sympathize with us and our
cause ; and so there are in every Southern State ; but they
have not the power to maintain a party organization. These
gentlemen are not here as the representatives of any organized
party at all. If this thing is to be done, the result of the de-
liberations of this Convention, respecting its nominee, may be
anything other than such a result as would be produced by
the voices of those only who are properly represented upon
this floor. Admit this precedent, sir, and hereafter some can-
didate, or rather the friends of the candidate, may, in their
anxiety to procure a result favorable to their wishes, at the
next Convention we shall have, carrying this thing still fur-
ther, delegates not representing any party but there will be
gentlemen, excellent gentlemen, no doubt, coming in here
from every state of the Union, brought here by influences
from the North, but not sent here by a party at home. That
will be the result. [Applause.] Sir, they may possibly come
here in this manner, in a situation of this kind. I cast no im-
putation upon the gentlemen who come here to this Conven-
tion. I have full confidence in their integrity and in the
earnestness and zeal with which they are enlisted in the cause;
48
but, sir, in another Convention that may assemble here, gen-
tlemen may come from South Carolina, from Alabama, from
Arkansas, and from Mississippi, for the express purpose of
controlling, demoralizing and breaking up the Republican
party. [Loud cheering.] Now, sir, if this is not stopped,
there is no help for us. The true policy of the Republican
party is to allow all its members a voice, but in proportion to
their numbers. The committee have retorted here that three
hundred and four votes shall be necessary to a choice a ma-
jority of the votes of all the states, when a large portion of
those states are not represented here. Why have they done
.that? Why have they broken down the plain old Republican
rule, that the majority the real majority shall control?
Because they know it is necessary for the accomplishment of
some object. That rule, if adopted, would establish one pre-
cedent in the admission of men here to vote who are not
representatives of a party ; and then they adopt another mis-
chievous rule for the purpose of rectifying the first. What
we want is, that the representatives of the Republican party
here should vote for a candidate for President, and that the
majority should control. [Tremendous cheering.] That is
what we desire. The rule that is proposed, would introduce
upon us thirty or forty votes that do not represent any party
whatever. They are gentlemen of character, gentlemen of
worth, gentlemen who sympathize in this movement heartily ;
but they represent no organized party they have no consti-
tuency at home. You admit them here, and then to avoid
the consequences of your first wrongful act, you require three
hundred and four votes for the nomination of a candidate. I,
therefore, move that this question respecting Texas, embraced
in the first motion, embrace, also, Maryland, Virginia, Ken-
tucky, the territories of Nebraska and Kansas, and the Dis-
trict of Columbia, and all be referred back to this committee.
Mr. EWING, of Pennsylvania : I deprecate the sentiment
of my friend from Pennsylvania. [Voice "That's the talk."
Applause.] We all come here as Republicans, and those men
49
who came here from the slave states named deserve tenfold
more credit than those who come here from the free states.
Why, sir, disfranchise our friends from Virginia, a border
state a free state so far as concerns Western Virginia my
neighbors! Sir, shall they be disfranchised in this Conven-
tion of Republicans, [voices "No, no!"] by Pennsylvania,
Xew York or New England, because they have the courage
to stand up in a slave state for Republicanism and for free
thought? [Applause] While, sir, we may not be willing
to give those states the full power of the whole delegation of
the whole state, yet in the name of God shall they not repre-
sent their immediate districts? It cannot be that a Conven-
tion of Republicans, assembled here from the whole United
States, will ever adopt such a doctrine as to disfranchise our
friends that come from the Southern States. Why, sir, I was
mortified at such a sentiment coming from my distinguished
friend from Pennsylvania, that these gentlemen who have
come here in defiance of the sentiment which prevails in their
own states ; have come here as bold and independent Repub-
licans, and who are as good Republicans at home as here,
should be voted out. They are representatives of the party
so far as there is a party in those states, and we wish to build
up the party in these states. I hope that ihis Convention never
will adopt the principle to exclude these gentlemen who
come here from the Southern States, because we may yet
take a candidate from one of those Southern States. I know
not what may be the result.
Mr. ARMOUR, of Maryland : Mr. Chairman, I stand before
this Convention and this assembled host of freemen a repre-
sentative from the State of Maryland. [Applause and three
cheers for Maryland.] I claim to be as true a Republican as
the distinguished member of the "People's" party from
Pennsylvania. [Laughter and much applause.] I have dared
more than he has ever dared. [Applause.] I have periled
more than he has ever periled. He lives in a free state ; he
breathes the pure air of the gallant old Keystone State, and
7
50
yet they have not arrived at a condition in which they are
willing to avow themselves Republicans. [Great applause.]
I faced the mob in Baltimore ; I faced the mob urged on by
the aristocracy of the custom house, menial hirelings of this
corrupt administration. I went to my home and found that
I had been burned in effigy and suspended by the neck be-
cause I dared to avow myself the friend of freedom. We
met in Baltimore in obedience to the call of the National
Committee. We have a party in Maryland, and we can poll
from three to four thousand votes, [a voice, "good for you,"
and applause,] and if ever we expect Republican principles
to prevail all over this land, we must organize, and you who
live in the northern states must fraternize with us, and not
despise the day of small things. [Applause.] There is the
coat of arms of my grand little commonwealth, " CRESCITE ET
MULTIPLICAMINI," and that shall be the motto of the Repub-
licans of Maryland. We will grow, and we will increase,
until Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and all the states of the
northwest will welcome our gallant little commonwealth to
the band of states which have ever been unshrinking in their
devotion and their loyalty to the cause of human freedom. I
scorn the idea. I am proud to despise the sentiment which
says that northern influences have been brought to bear upon
us. We are unpurchased and unpurchaseable. [Loud ap-
plause.] And we tell Pennsylvania to put that in her pipe and
smoke it. [Laughter and applause.] Exclude us from the
Convention if you will turn us out of these doors ; [cries of
" No," and " we won't,"] we will go home, notwithstanding,
and nominate an electoral ticket, and under the blessing of
Heaven we will do all that we can do to advance the common
cause of humanity. I beg not for northern votes to sustain
us here. I am sure there will be a spontaneous outburst of
the free sentiments and the true sympathy of the people here.
And if this Convention attempts to exclude us, that large
assemblage of people will frown it down. [Applause.] I
have vindicated myself. I have vindicated my co-delegates.
51
I have vindicated my state. Your applause assures me of
the fact, and I will give way. [Three cheers for Maryland.]
Mr. JAMES WrsE, of District of Columbia : Mr. President,
I come from the capital of this great and mighty republic,
and like my friend, I am descended from old Maryland. [Ap-
plause.] I stand in this mighty Convention congregated in
the queen city of the great west, the representative from the
District of Columbia, of the great Republican party. [Loud
cheers.] I stand here the representative of the persecuted and
down-trodden and disfranchised people that have no vote for
President, no voice in Congress, and no voice anywhere to
legislate for us, and yet our territory contains a hundred thou-
sand freemen. I came to this city as a representative of the
Republican party for no sinister purpose, but for the people
of that disfranchised district. We claim from the people of
this country the right of franchise ; we claim the right of
citizenship ; we claim to be heard in this discussion, and not
to be silent longer in this republic. We have no legislature.
We ask of Congress a legislature, and we intend that they
shall give us a territorial legislature and a representation in
Congress that we shall have our own laws,"and that Con-
gress will confirm them that we will be a people, and have
a voice in this great republic. I come here to tell this people
that they have trodden down the Republican party with the
iron heel of despotism, worse and more tyrannical than that
of Russia or the Austrian Empire. What has the Buchanan
administration done ? Why sir, they have gone into the
workshops of the government to seek out a Republican, and
then turn him out to grass, taking the bread from his family
if he did not bow down to the slave power. But thanks be
to God, we come here like the gentleman from Maryland,
daring to be Republicans; and we will baptize that District
of Columbia over again; and, by the help of God, we will
exclude slavery from it in less than two years.
Mr. BLAKET, of Kentucky : Having just arrived from a
meeting of the Committee on Platform, I understand that a pro-
52
position has been made that this Convention shall exclude the
delegates from the state which in part I represent. I should
not have been more surprised had I been told that a propo-
sition had been gravely made that the ashes of Washington
should have been placed without the pale of this continent.
[Cheers.] I should not have been more surprised had I been
told that a proposition had been gravely made that the re-
mains, the precious remains, now silently resting under the
shade of Ashland, be removed from the precious soil of Ken-
tucky ; nor should I have been more surprised had I been in-
formed that it had been gravely proposed that Cassius M.
Clay [Applause.] should be buried. Who dare propose, I
say, to institute a proposition here that the free born sons of
Kentucky and of Virginia, and of Maryland, and of the Dis-
trict of Columbia, or even of Georgia, or any southern state,
have not just as good a right to be Republicans and breathe
free air, and be free men upon American soil as the old Key-
stone State. [Applause.] Gentlemen, I have but one word
more to say, and I want it to be heard, and I wish it could
be heard from one end of the continent to the other. I had
the honor of a seat and a prominent position, it was a position
of which my children and their children will be proud, in the
Republican Convention of 1856. [Applause.] When the
vote of Kentucky was called for, for candidate for the Vice-
Presidency 1 had the honor then and there to announce that
Kentucky had been experimenting; that we had held up the
Declaration of Independence before the mirror, and saw re-
flected the platform of the 17th of June, 1S5G; that we held
up the precious ordinance of 17S7, and saw reflected the
Wilmot proviso; [applause,] and that Kentucky cast her
vote for David Wilmot. [Laughter and applause.] Thus
stood Kentucky in 1850 ! Can I be forgiven for that sin ?
[Applause and laughter.]
Mr. WM. A. PHILLIPS, of Kansas : Mr. President and gentle-
men of the Republican Convention, I stand here with my
fellow colleagues to represent the people of Kansas. The
53
Republicans of Kansas, whom we have the honor to represent
upon this floor, sent us here expecting that we would have
several grave issues to meet, but they did not expect that
the representatives of Kansas would have to appear upon this
floor with proof that Kansas is an integral part of the Repub-
lican party. Kansas and the Republican party were born
together. [Hearty applause.] Its first impulses were stirred
by the wrongs of her people ; the party was baptized in her
blood. [Rapturous applause.] The people of Kansas in 1856
appeared in the National Republican Convention and threw a
vote for the then Republican nominee. The people of Kan-
sas throughout the whole of their struggle have vindicated
in Kansas the Republican party, their cause and their princi-
ples. Ic may be said to-day that Kansas is not a state Kan-
sas is not a territory it is scarcely a state ; but the cause of
liberty is identified with her history. She has a history and
a glorious one. This administration, whose duty it was to
foster this infant state, has dealt with Kansas with a harsh
rule. The hand of the administration, that she has felt so
often, has been a hard, stern hand ; and all has been done to
keep her back, and prevent her from rising and bearing aloft
the banner of Republican liberty. If Kansas had accepted
the Lecompton bribe she would have been a state to-day. If
Kansas had not been one of the strongest and best united
organizations in the Republican party, she would have been
received into the Union years ago by the Democrats at Wash-
ington. [Applause.] But Kansas scorned the Lecompton
bribe, and stands there to-day, and will stand forever, a Re-
publican state. [Great cheers.] Mr. Chairman, Kansas does
not expect to come into this Convention and be alienated
from the Republican party. She stands now a territory be-
cause she would not share or accept the spoils of the Demo-
cratic party. She has alienated herself from everything to
identify her people and her destiny with the cause of the
National Republican party ; and now I don't think the time
has come when the Republicans can alienate her from them.
[Loud cheers.] I do not wish to consume the time of this
54
Convention by arguing this point. I do not think the gentle-
men of this Convention will demand that Kansas shall be
excluded. She has come here to say if she have preferences
she will exercise these preferences or leave this hall. Kansas
believes in the right, which has carried her through many a
dark hour; and she believes that it is principle alone which
will carry the Republican cause through in triumph.
Mr. WILMOT, of Pennsylvania: I regret exceedingly that I
was misunderstood by the gentlemen who have responded to
me in behalf of the States of Maryland, Virginia and Kentucky.
I made no proposition to exclude those gentlemen from a fair
representation upon this floor [Applause] none at all. I
proposed that certain states be referred back to the committee
for the purpose of an investigation, to see what vote they are
entitled to on this floor.
Mr. BLAKET : I was not present when the proposition was
made.
Mr. WILMOT : In the course of my argument, for the pur-
pose of enforcing the propriety of my amendment, I presented
certain considerations that seemed to me to be entitled to
weight, to wit: that gentlemen who come here representing
no party having no constituencies were not entitled to vote
for their states upon this floor. That was the simple propo-
sition that I made. Now, I desire that the facts be inquired
into. Will it be pretended that thirty gentlemen meeting at
the city of Baltimore, not delegates from the counties of the
state, but gentlemen assembling together have a right to
represent and select twenty delegates ?
Mr. ARMOUR : Will you allow me to correct you ?
Mr. WILMOT : Certainly.
Mr. ARMOUR : There has existed in Baltimore city, for a
number of years, a Republican association. That association,
in obedience to the call of the National Executive Committee,
55
issued calls for the Republicans of Maryland to meet in Balti-
more, at such a time specified in the call, for the purpose of
nominating an electoral ticket and sending delegates to this
Convention. When that Convention met every Congressional
district in the State of Maryland was represented. [Applause.]
There were gentlemen from the eastern shore and the western
shore from the extreme east to the extreme west. There
were, perhaps, only thirty-five or forty delegates ; but there
were at least 150 or 200 Republicans in the Convention.
Baltimore city sent only eleven delegates, and therefore she
was entitled to only eleven votes, yet the hall was full of
Republicans. My town is full of Republicans, and I wish to
say in reference to the remark of Judge Wilmot, that we have
no party in Maryland, I have the assurance of a gentleman,
and know it to be true, that in my town which polls only
about 900 votes we can poll 300 votes at the next election,
nearly half the votes of the town not of the district. That
is all I have to say.
Mr. WILMOT : The explanation that the gentleman has made,
if it does anything, would enforce the propriety of my motion.
What I have desired is that the committee should investigate
this subject and report the facts in respect to these states.
That is what I have desired. If Maryland be properly repre-
sented here ; if there be a party in Maryland, whether great,
large or small, that stands as an organized party in the field,
that is the point; not that there maybe Republicans scat-
tered over the state. There may be a majority in the town
in which the gentleman lives. There may be individual
Republicans scattered over that state in every county, but
have they combined together in a Republican organization,
and do they come here representing an organized party?
This is the question I desire this committee to inquire into,
and that is the very object of the motion. The committee
might report that Maryland was entitled to her senatorial
votes on this floor, and that she was entitled to a vote from
such and such a district. If they so reported upon the facts
56
before them I shall be willing to accept that report. So too,
as to Virginia, if the committee reported that certain districts
in Virginia took regular action as an organized party and
elected their delegates, and were entitled to so many votes in
virtue of the delegates from such districts, I should be willing
to accept that report, and in addition, I should stand ready
to give them the two electoral votes of their state. So in
respect to Texas. But what are the facts about her, gentle-
men? I speak of it upon nothing but rumor and as a rumor
I don't assert the fact, for I know nothing about it but I
am told that the gentlemen who are here from Texas, or a
majority of them, are not residents of the state at all, and that
they have no Republican organization in that state. It may
be said that the delegates of Oregon are not residents of that
state. But we know that Oregon has a formidable party a
minority it is true ; but we know that they held a regular
State Convention, and that they elected their delegates regu-
larly, and that some of those gentlemen have given deputa-
tions to certain distinguished gentlemen here, and that these
gentlemen are entitled to their seats; so if Texas has held a
regular convention and elected her delegates, and they find it
inconvenient to attend as delegates, and they have deputed
others to represent them, then, gentlemen, they are entitled
to seats upon this floor. But if there has been no convention
no movement in Texas, if nothing having the semblance
of a party has taken action in the State of Texas, and certain
gentlemen are here for the purpose of controlling this result,
then I say it is mischievous, it is demoralizing; it will break
up any party under God's Heaven. Will the distinguished
gentleman, a candidate before this Convention, or rather his
friends, consent that they shall be overslaughed or defeated
by the votes of gentlemen representing no party, by gentle-
men having no constituents? Will the friends of the candi-
date which Pennsylvania will present submit to such a pro-
cedure? If they do, it would be extremely hard it would
be difficult to enforce submission. This was the object of my
proposition. I wish, gentlemen, instead of indulging in
57
declamation and rhetorical flourishes, in appeals to the ashes
of Washington, had consented to meet the question fairly by
argument. I raised no question with the good gentleman
from Maryland as to who has dared more or suffered more in
this cause. I concede to him and his associates the palm of
victory in that. But if every Republican who has suffered in
the cause of freedom is to come in to settle this question, then
the little territory of Kansas can control this Convention
under that rule she has the right to control it. She has poured
out her blood freely in this cause. The graves of our mur-
dered sons are scattered all over her territory. If the ques-
tion is as to those who have suffered in the cause of Republi-
canism, who have been mobbed, and those are to come here
and control this Convention, then let us adjourn and invite
Kansas to come here in a body, man, woman and child, and
let them say whom the Republican party shall nominate as
candidate for President. The simple question is, are all the
"good men" here from Virginia, Maryland, Texas and certain
other districts as representatives, or are they here as individual
Republicans? I don't question their Republicanism. I have
no doubt upon that point. I did not intimate that they had
been purchased by money; I cast no imputations upon their
integrity ; but this I do assert, that if this precedent be
adopted, that at the next Convention the sympathies or the
anxiety of friends to secure their candidate may be employed
to secure delegations here from every state of the Union, not
because there is a party there to represent, but because the
anxiety of the friends of candidates will bring men here.
Would it be difficult to find twelve men in the State of Ten-
nessee who are Republicans ? I doubt not if inducements
were held out to them they could come here from Georgia,
Alabama, Mississippi, and all the southern states. Then what
would be the result? Instead of requiring 304 votes, you
would have to require that there should be 400 votes. Why
require 400, or why require 304, except that you have already
virtually demoralized the Convention? If you have men here
who do not represent an organized party at home, they should
8
58
not cast votes for their states for a Republican President. It
was for the purpose of inquiry, not to proscribe or disfran-
chise anybody, that my motion was made.
MR. MONTGOMERY BLAIR, of Maryland : Will you permit a
delegate from Maryland to say one word. 1 wish merely to
say to the Convention [Voices " Louder !"] I can only
make myself heard over a small space. But I must say one
word, and that is, so far as my feelings are concerned, and of
a large majority of those with whom I am associated on this
floor, the sentiments uttered by the honorable gentleman from
Pennsylvania meet our entire accord. [Applause.] We wish
no larger voice in this deliberation than the gentlemen of the
Convention with whom we are associated shall deem our
members and those whom we represent entitled to have on
this floor. [Cheers.] We do not come here, (and I speak for
myself and, I believe, a large portion of those representing
slave states on this .floor,) we do not wish to stand here as
dictating to those who have to elect the candidates. We are
willing, we ask only to be heard, and if permitted we will
give our votes in the direction which we think ought to be
taken by the Convention ; but we do not wish, and we will
endeavor so to act and I am sure I represent the sentiments
of those who are associated with me upon this point as not
to give any controlling voice in the Convention. [Applause.]
That is all I have to say upon the subject. I would be glad
to have some action, if the Convention deem it necessary,
taken upon the point which the honorable gentleman from
Pennsylvania has, I think, timely made before this body, and
I therefore second his motion. [Applause.]
Gov. CLEVELAND, of Connecticut : I regret exceedingly the
remarks of the gentleman from Maryland, Mr. Montgomery
Blair ; I can see imminent danger in this movement now
made, and I look upon it as unfortunate. We are here to-day
with high hopes of victory with almost the assurance of
victory. We should remember that in consequence of the
59
action of one solitary man as a representative in Congress, for
the State of Maryland to Henry W. Davis we have a Speak-
er by whom we have been able to expose the corrupt frauds
of the administration, and give us the assurance of victory in
November. [Loud cheers.] And yet we are not willing to give
her a full vote ! In the name of God and humanity what are
we doing? I heard a Maryland delegate say he was willing
to take a half loaf of bread. I want to give her all; she
has given us all. [Cheers.] This is all on that point. We
have been charged for years with being a sectional party.
The lie does not stick in their throats, but we can make it
stick in theirs and ours by our folly ; we are not a sectional
party ! [Cheers.] We want the slave states to come here
and be represented. I say in this very connection, that, know-
ingly or not, the understanding of the slave states is that the
power is to be changed from the hands of the slave oligarchy
and placed in the hands of the friends of freedom, in the free
states as well as the slave states, and hence they deserve to
share in this great and glorious work. If we succeed next fall, as
I believe we shall, with men competent to take charge of the
government, and put secession and disunion where it belongs
(and God grant we may all live to see it,) we will probabjy
have the entire slave states represented in our next National
Convention. [Loud cheers.] I believe it. Why should we
not? The disunionists are in a small minority in the slave
states, and they keep down the majority by just such unwise
operations as was attempted here this morning. If we treat
them kindly and hold our hands out to them, as men compe-
tent to fill the high offices of the United States, we shall have
the majority out from under the heel of the slave oligarchy.
We shall unite the voice of the American people in favor of
the Republican organization. I say, sir, and I wish it to be
understood everywhere, I am not here for the purpose of
making w r ar on the slave states, nor do I believe that there is
a man in this house who is. We have been charged with
that. It is false and they know it. We are here for the pur-
pose of satisfying the American people that we are willing to
60
give the slave states their entire rights. We say to those
gentlemen, "with that you will be content beyond that
you shall not go." A large majority of the voters south, if
they dare express it in the south, would be with us. Their
hearts are with us now. For God's sake and humanity's sake
let us not establish the fact, by our folly, that we are a section-
al party, and hate the slave states. [Cheers.]
MR. OYLER, of Indiana: I merely desire, gentlemen, to call
the attention of this Convention to the call inviting delegates
to this Convention. Read and reflect for one minute what
that call contains and it settles this question. What is it '?
" The Republican electors of the several states, the members
of the People's Party of Pennsylvania and of the Opposition
Party of New Jersey, and all others who are willing to co-
operate with them in support of the candidates which shall
there be nominated, and who are opposed to the policy of the
present administration, to federal corruption and usurpation, to
the extension of slavery into the territories, to the new and
dangerous political doctrine that the constitution of its own
force carries slavery into all the Territories of the United
States, to the opening of the African slave trade, to any ine-
quality of rights among citizens ; and who are in favor of the
immediate admission of Kansas into the Union, under the
constitution recently adopted by its people, of restoring the
federal administration to a system of rigid economy and to
the principles of Washington and Jefferson, of maintaining
inviolate the rights of the states and defending the soil of
every state and territory from lawless invasion, and of pre-
serving the integrity of this Union and the supremacy of the
constitution and laws passed in pursuance thereof against the
conspiracy of the leaders of a sectional party, to resist the
majority principle as established in this government even at
the expense of its existence, are invited to send from each
state two delegates from each congressional district, and four
delegates at large, to the Convention."
61
Why when we have issued a call to those men, called them
from the sunny shores of the south to the bleak regions of the
north, to meet us, why should be mooted the right of these
gentlemen to counsel, to vote, to select a candidate and with
us go home to help us elect the man that we may nominate,
and carry forward the principles that we proclaim here.
[Cheers.] I say, gentlemen, you can't discuss this question.
The question is settled by the call. If we are honest, if we
are not the veriest hypocrites in the world, we have no right
to question the right of the slave states to be represented
here upon this floor. [Applause.] I have a word to say
about the territories. I don't think that they stand upon the
same ground. The call is not to them. They have no vote
for our candidates after we have nominated them, and I am
in favor of following out the rules of the federation. I am in
favor of the delegates from the territories holding seats upon
this floor, being heard, and attentively heard, on our part ; I
am in favor of their counseling with us, but when it comes
to the vote, as they have no vote for the ticket, they ought
not to vote in forming it. The District of Columbia is in the
same situation.
Gov. REEDER, of Pennsylvania [in his seat] : Mr. Chair-
man, [cries of " take the stand,"] I can be heard here if I can
get started. I have not much to say, but what I have to say
I shall endeavor to say to the point. It seems to me that a
great deal has been said altogether outside of this question now
before the Convention. The proposition before us, if I under-
stand it, is to refer this report back to the committee for the
purpose of ascertaining whether these gentlemen now here
upon the floor of the Convention from the states designated
represent the entire, or less than the entire state. Now sir,
all the eloquence, and all the fire of many of the gentlemen
upon the other side is lost when we make the avowal that
we have not the most remote idea of disfranchising the dele-
gates who come here from the southern states. [Loud ap-
plause.] Sir, we humbly ask from our southern brethren
62
upon this floor the poor privilege of being put upon an equal-
ity with them. [Renewed applause.] When Pennsylvania,
Illinois, Indiana and Iowa come here, sir, with a delegate from
one, two or three congressional districts, we want them to
vote for one, two or three congressional districts. [Applause.]
But, when they vote the entire vote of the State of Maryland,
and the vote of the electors at large, they have a great advan-
tage over us. What I wish to avoid, sir, is that in any state*
whether north or south, east or west, a few men should
come from a single county, or a single congressional district,
and then come upon the floor of this Convention and ask to
cast the entire vote of the state. Now, sir, I ask these gen-
tlemen who have declaimed so loudly and so eloquently in
favor of oar brethren of the south to listen to us ; and no
man on this floor or away from this floor can go further than
I in my admiration for those gentlemen who stand up in the
face of the despotism exercised by the oligarchy that sur-
rounds them, and contend for the rights of free speech, free
labor and free men. [Applause.] Sir, I know what the
despotism of that oligarchy is. [Great applause.] I know,
sir, that it hunts men like hounds who have the spirit of free-
men. [Renewed applause.] I respect and I admire every
man to whom God has given the nerve and the back bone to
stand up and face that despotism. [Continued applause.] I
am ready to extend the right hand of fellowship to all the
gentlemen who have come out " tried out of the fire " to
meet us in this national conclave. What I ask of them is the
poor privilege of being on an equal footing with them in this
Convention. I am sure they ought not and would not ask
any more ; but if gentlemen are here representing a single
district from the State of Texas, or a single district from the
State of Maryland, or from the State of Kentucky, will they,
sir, be unjust and unfair enough to stand up here, being the
representatives of a single district, and ask to cast the vote
of the entire state ? Assuredly not, sir ; and assuredly those
gentlemen, when they come to reflect upon this subject, will
see the propriety of ascertaining how much of their state is
63
represented, and having found that to apportion their vote
according to what they really represent, giving to them such
a vote as they represent, to which I would be willing to add
two votes at large to which the state is entitled. [Prolonged
applause, and cries of " Question," " Question."]
Mr. BUCKLAXD, of Michigan : I cannot discover what
object is to be gained by referring back that report to the
committee, but that the gentleman may have the benefit of
his motion. I wish to make an amendment. I propose to
include also Oregon.
The CHAIR : I will put the question first on the general
recommitment, and then the gentleman may propose states
and territories.
Mr. BUCKLAND : I propose to make an amendment, and I
believe the vote should first be taken upon my motion to
amend.
Mr. McCniLLJS, of Maine : I have a single word to say, in
reply to the gentleman from Indiana. I agree with the
gentleman in the doctrines he announces, as to the territories
and the confederation ; all of them, sir, except Kansas. Why,
I say Kansas is in the Union now. It is a rule of equity, that
when a thing ought to be done, it is to be considered as done.
[Applause and laughter.] I say, sir, Kansas, if she is out of
the Union, is out of the Union on account of the corrupt and
despotic senate of the United States, and in this Convention
she should be treated as a sovereign state. While I am up,
I will make a remark in reply tD the gentleman from Penn-
sylvania, Mr. Wilmot, who told the Convention that the time
would come, although he qualified it some, when South
Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and all the southern states,
would be represented in this Convention. On behalf of the
most northeastern state in this Union, the State of Maine, I
say that we from that cold region will welcome them aye,
thrice welcome them. [Applause.]
64
Mr. HACKLEMAN, of Indiana : I have no doubt about the
propriety of admitting the delegates from the southern states,
except one, to a vote in this Convention. I have great
doubts in regard to the propriety of admitting the State of
Texas. So far as Virginia, so far as Maryland, or Missouri,
or Kentucky are concerned, it is a matter of public notoriety,
that they have held Republican Conventions to appoint dele-
gates to this Convention ; but where is the notoriety of the
Convention of the State of Texas ? I want to hear from the
delegate from the State of Texas, to know who appointed
him to come here. All the others I shall welcome with
open hands. We are no sectional party. We are the party
of the Union. [Applause.] We are the party to control this
government, and we want all these states here. But let us
know in regard to Texas. I understand that was the
original proposition ; the other was added by way of amend-
ment. I do want an investigation so far as Texas is concerned.
Mr. M. T. C. CHANDLER, of Texas : Gentlemen of the Con-
vention, I cannot believe that you are prepared to stifle the
voice of Texas, because there the Republican party is in its
infancy ; for though it is in its infancy, it is nevertheless a
hopeful child. [Loud cheers.] Gentlemen, the foreign popu-
lation the Germans, are with us, [Loud cheers] and there
will be an electoral ticket in the field there. We come here
with no axes to grind. We have our preferences, to be sure,
and when the time comes, if we are permitted, we shall ex-
press that preference. I am sorry that this motion should
come from the gentleman from Pennsylvania, where there is
not sufficient pluck, where there is not the moral courage to
come out and to take a manly stand in favor of the right as
a Republican party. [Applause, cheers and a few hisses.]
Organize yourselves and train under the Republican banner
before you accuse us in Texas of not having a Republican
organization. I throw back the insinuation that we have not
a Republican party in Texas. The intimation is unbecom-
ing, it is unmanly, it is anti-Republican. [Cheers.] I hail
65
from Galveston. There is free soil, there is anti-slavery senti-
ment there, and it will be expressed next fall at the polls,
depend upon it. [Loud applause and cheers.] We ask a
hearing on the floor of this Convention, and we believe you
will grant it to us.
Mr. EGGLESTON, of Ohio : I Understand now that we are
about to go into the business for which we were convened,
and that no part of that business is the making of sympa-
thetic speeches, as to the right to admit the delegates of this
territory or that territory, or this section or that section of
country into this Convention. Now, sir, the gentleman from
Indiana has well said that this investigation only had to be
made so far as relates to Texas. I wish to have the members
of this Convention confined to that call, and then the Commit-
tee, which has reported, or attempted to report on Credentials,
has not the nerve to go out, and come in and say to this Con-
vention what they believe right, and who should vote. Let
them go out again, and come in with a definite report, and
then we will say whether we will support them or no. For
gentlemen to come here and make speeches about Kansas or
any other territory is entirely out of order. I have spent my
money and I have worked for Kansas, but I am not here now
to talk about it. I am here now to nominate the men who
shall be President and Vice-President of the United States.
[Applause.]
Mr. GOODRICH, of Minnesota : I simply desire to say that I
am in favor of less talk and more work. ["Good, good"
" No more speeches now."] I am not going to make a
speech. I hope the discussion on this question for the pre-
sent will here terminate, and that the question will now be
.put. [Cries of " Question, question."]
Mr. CARTER : I would like to have tfce District of Colum-
bia, Kansas and Nebraska included.
The question being on the adoption of the amendment of
Mr. Buckland, of Michigan, recommitting so much of the
9
66
report as relates to the State of Oregon, the vote was taken
and the amendment was voted down.
The question then being on the adoption of the amendment
of Mr. Wilmot, recommitting such portion as referred to
Kentucky, Virginia and Maryland, the vote was taken, and
this amendment was also voted down.
The question then recurring on the motion of Mr. Davis, of
Massachusetts, to recommit such portion as referred to Texas,
the vote was taken and the motion lost. [Applause.]
Mr. LOWRY, of Pennsylvania : I now move that the whole
report be recommitted to the committee, and that we take
the vote by states.
Mr. EGGLESTON, of Ohio : And I second the motion.
Mr. LOWRY: That committee has not given us anything to
act upon. It has given us nothing. I am not going to in-
flict a speech upon this Convention, but I ask that the com-
mittee have it back, that they may give us something.
Mr. BENTOX, of New Hampshire : I desire to state that the
committee appointed a sub-committee, who considered the
case of Maryland particularly, and they were unanimously of
the opinion that the delegates reported from that State were
entitled to represent the State in this Convention. They had
not the time to make that investigation in regard to Texas
that was desirable, but it was understood that the Conven-
tion was in session, waiting to receive the report of the com-
mittee ; therefore it was thought desirable, it being the opinion
of the majority of that committee that they were entitled to
their seats, so to report. I think the committee was entirely
satisfied with the evidence furnished to them as to all the
delegates who have been reported here as being entitled to
represent the several States from which they come. I state
this at the request of the members of that committee.
Mr. LOWRY : I call for a vote by States.
67
The PRESIDENT: The Chair will inform the gentleman
that there is no rule by which that can be arrived at under
the rules of the House of Representatives which have been
adopted as the rules of the Convention.
Motion to recommit lost on a viva voce vote.
A division being loudly called for,
The PRESIDENT : A division is called for. With the con-
sent of the Convention, the roll of the States will be called
further, and the delegations will then announce their votes.
Mr. BENTON, of N. H., and Chairman of the Committee on
Credentials : I will say here that the committee are not satis-
fied that the delegates claiming seats from Texas were entitled
to them as a whole. The Chairman of the committee thought
it ought to have further investigation.
The roll of the States was then called, on the motion of Mr.
LOWRY, of Pennsylvania, to recommit the report to the Com-
mittee on Credentials.
STATES. YES. N"o.
Maine, 3 13
New Hampshire, 9 1
Vermont, 9 1
Massachusetts, 13 9
Rhode Island, 8
Connecticut, 10 2
New York, ] 69
New Jersey, 14
Pennsylvania, 53 J OJ
Maryland, 4 6
Delaware, 1 5
Virginia, 30
Kentucky, 24
Ohio, 46
Indiana, 26
Missouri, 4 14
Michigan, 12
68
STATES. YES. No.
Illinois, 22
Wisconsin, 10
Iowa, , 8
California, 4 3
Minnesota, 8
Oregon, 5
Total, 275
The delegation from Texas asked to be excused from
voting.
The Territories and the District of Columbia were not
called.
Mr. GOODRICH, of Minnesota : Are there any instructions
to accompany this recommitment. [Many voices, " No."]
Mr. BURGESS, of Ohio : I move, sir, that we now adjourn
until 3 o'clock.
The motion of Mr. Burgess to adjourn was carried.
AFTERNOON SESSION.*
The Convention reassembled at 3:15 P. M., and was called
to order by the President.
The PRESIDENT begs leave to suggest that there are out-
side of this building, vast as it is, twice as many honest hearts
and wise heads as there are here. They have requested me
to suggest that Gov. Randall, of Wisconsin, will go out and
favor them with his views. [Applause and cries of " Cor-
win," " Corwin."]
Mr. TRACY, of California : I think Mr. Corwin had better
go out with Gov. Randall. [Laughter.]
The PRESIDENT announced the report of the Committee
on Credentials.
69
Mr. BENSON, of New Hampshire, Chairman of the commit-
tee : Mr. President The Committee on Credentials have in-
structed me to report that, having examined the credentials,
&c., of the several gentlemen claiming seats in this Conven-
tion, they find gentlemen entitled to seats in the following
States, and each State to the following number of delegates :
No. OP NV>. OF
STATES. DELEGATES. ELECT"!. VOTES
Maine, 16 8
New Hampshire, 10 5
Vermont, 10 5
Massachusetts, 26 13
Rhode Island, 8 4
Connecticut, 12 6
New York, 70 35
New Jersey, 14 7
Pennsylvania, 54 27
Maryland, 11 8
Delaware, 6 8
Virginia, 23 15
Kentucky, 23 12
Ohio, 46 23
Indiana, 26 13
Missouri, 18 9
Michigan, 12 6
Illinois, 22 11
Wisconsin, 10 5
Iowa, 8 4
California, 8 4
Minnesota, S 4
Oregon, 5 3
TERRITORIES.
Kansas, 6
Nebraska, . 6
District Columbia, 2
[Cries of "Texas," "Texas,"] The committee have con-
sidered the question in regard to the representation from Ihe
70
State of Texas; they have given to the examination all that
care which they were able to, and which the time from the
adjournment of the Convention this forenoon would allow,
and they have instructed me almost unanimously, with a soli-
tary vote as an exception, to report that Texas be allowed six
votes in this Convention. [Tremendous applause and cries of
" good," " good."] It was proved before the committee that
the convention which elected the delegates from Texas resi-
dent delegates who are here in attendance was a mass con-
vention ; that it was called upon a petition signed by some
three hundred of the legal voters of Texas. [Applause.]
That that call was published in the State ; that written
notices and advertisements were posted up in various parts of
Texas, where there is any number of people in favor of the
principles of the Republican party ; and the committee were
almost unanimously of the opinion that these delegates,
elected under these circumstances, were fairly entitled to act
as the representatives of the Republican party of the State of
Texas. [Prolonged applause.]
The question being on the adoption of the report, it was
adopted unanimously, amid great cheering.
Mr. CORWINE, of Ohio, and Chairman of the Committee
on Rules and the Order of Business, moved to take from the
table the report of that committee.
The motion was carried.
Mr. CORWINE proceeded to read the rules reported by the
committee, as follows: 1st. That upon all subjects before the
Convention, the States and Territories shall be called in the
following order : Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massa-
chusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jer-
sey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Kentucky,
Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, Michigan, Illinois, Texas, Wisconsin,
Iowa, California, Minnesota, Oregon. Territories Kansas,
Nebraska, District of Columbia.
On motion the first rule was adopted.
71
2d. Four votes shall be cast by the delegates at large of
each State, and each congressional district shall be entitled to
two votes, and the vote of each delegation shall be reported
by its Chairman.
Mr. GOODRICH, of Minnesota, moved as an amendment,
that no delegation should cast a greater number of votes than
there were delegates in attendance.
Mr. SARGENT, of California : It seems to me that the re-
port of the Committee on Credentials just adopted, and
which prescribes the basis of representation in this Conven-
tion, is in conflict with the rule now proposed to be adopted.
This rule provides that two votes shall be cast from each con-
gressional district. Now, with reference to Texas and certain
other States, the rule has been changed. We have adopted
the report of the Committee on Credentials, which provides
that Texas shall have less votes than are accorded to her
by this rule.
Mr. CORWIXE: I think the gentleman is mistaken in regard
to the character of the report of the Committee on Creden-
tials. They simply report, I think, the number of represen-
tatives in attendance.
Mr. SARGENT : The report fixes the number of votes to be
cast by each congressional district in the Convention. I move
a further amendment by adding these words, " provided that
this rule shall not conflict with any rule reported by the Com-
mittee on Credentials, and adopted by the Convention."
Mr. GOODRICH accepted the amendment of Mr. Sargent,
and the amendment of Mr. Goodrich was adopted.
The rule as amended was then adopted.
3d. The report of the Committee on Platform and Resolu-
tions shall be acted upon before the Convention proceeds to
ballot for candidates for President and Vice-President.
On motion the rule was adopted.
72
4th. Three hundred and four votes, being a majority of the
whole number of votes when all the States in the Union are
represented in Convention, according to the ratio of represen-
tation prescribed in rule two, shall be required to nominate
the candidates of this Convention for the office of President
and Vice-President.
VOICES: ["No, No!"]
The PRESIDENT : The Secretary will now read the minority
rule, proposed as a substitute for that reported by the majority
of the committee.
4th. That the majority of the whole number of votes rep-
resented in this Convention, according to the ratio prescribed
by the second rule, shall be required to nominate candidates
for the offices of President and Vice-President.
The PRESIDENT assigned the floor to Mr. Kelly.
Mr. KELLY, of Pennsylvania : [Taking the stand.]
Mr. JAMES, of New York : Am I not entitled to the floor,
having offered the minority report ?
The CHAIR : The Chair thinks the majority has a right to
the floor first, but it is a question of courtesy.
Mr. KELLY : As I appear, Mr. Chairman, at the request of
a majority of the committee, simply to state the views which
governed that committee in arriving at the conclusion they
present, I will cheerfully yield the floor to the gentleman, and
will present those views after we shall have heard him.
Mr. JAMES : Go on.
Mr. KELLY: The subject which now engages the attention
of the Convention, was one of deep consideration to the com-
mittee. It seemed to them to be the most important question
that came within the range of their duties. It is an impor-
tant question for this Convention to decide, what vote shall
nominate the candidates to be supported for President and
73
V ice-President? In the first place, Mr. Chairman, the com-
mittee asked what body had appointed them to report upon
that question ? And the answer was, that the National Re-
publican Convention had appointed them, and that the candi-
dates were to be the candidates of the National Republican
party. [Great cheers.] And, consequently, that the number
of votes upon which a man should be nominated should be a
majority of the electoral college no more and no less [Ap-
plause] ; so that if the charge were made against the party or
its candidates, that they were the candidates of a section, or
a sectional party, it could be said they had been nominated by
delegates representing a majority of the electoral colleges ; by
the same vote, that, in a convention where the majority rule,
and where the nation sat in person through its representatives,
would have nominated a candidate. It is simply a majority
rule as applied to the electoral college. Having passed that
cardinal point, minor, but very weighty and important con-
siderations added themselves "to these. A question was raised
before the committee, when we came to fix the order in
which States should be called. When they had named the
States Kansas was not among them. A delegate from Ne-
braska was present, and a list of members handed to us by
the Secretary of the Convention contained not only the names
of the States, but Kansas and Nebraska and the District o
Columbia. So far as sending that list was concerned, the
Convention had told us that the States were to be repre-
sented that Nebraska and the District of Columbia were to
be represented as if they were constituted States, and had
an electoral power behind them. We knew, Mr. Chairman,
that there were a few gallant men brave spirits honored
throughout our country honored wherever courage com-
mands honor here from Maryland, from Virginia, and from
Kentucky. We knew that these men were here to testify to
their manhood, their appreciation of their rights under the
Constitution, and to proclaim to the free men of the North
that they were Americans, who, under a despotism more
dreadful and grasping and audacious than that of- Naples
10
74
Austria or Russia Americans, who, under such a despotism,
[a voice : "time!"], would take their lives in their hands
and would go forth to say, " we are free men, and will unite
with freemen of this country in restoring the government
to the line of the fathers." And we supposed that these men
would all be admitted to this Convention, as though they car-
ried with them the full electoral vote of their States respectively
at- their back. Now, Mr. Chairman, it occurred to your com-
mittee that it might so full out, in view of the admission of
Kansas here, and permit me to say that the humble individual
who now addresses you as the organ of that committee, when
H was proposed to exclude from our list that Territory and.
the District of Columbia, took the ground that Kansas was a
State on the very ground taken by the eloquent gentleman
from Maine, that equity holds that to have been which ought
to have been. For three years she has been in power and -in
right a State, and if those delegates are not representing a
State, it is by no reason of theirs, or their constituents, but
by reason of the oppression and lawlessness of the United
States Senate. Therefore we hold it right that she should be
here. But there was not the same ground for Nebraska. [A
voice : " How about Oregon ? "] Now we saw that unless
this rule was adopted it might so happen that our candidate
would be nominated by less than a majority of this Conven-
tion. [Cries of k< question."] I am drawing to a close. Mr.
Chairman, I am not here in defence of the rule proposed, per-
sonally. I am here at the request of the committee to pre-
sent the rules they instructed me to present. When I have
done that as briefly as I can, I will retire. [Voices: "All
right, go on."] Perceiving that it was possible, under the list
of delegates to be admitted, that a candidate might be nomi-
nated who should not have a majority of the electors who re-
present the States and the congressional districts, there seemed
to be additional reason why the rule, in itself so equitable,
that a majority of the whole electoral college should fix the
number of votes required, and they determined to submit it
to the Convention. [A voice : " What about Oregon ? "]
75
Oregon is a constituted State, and there was no question about
Oregon. I am holding no dispute about her. The matter is
now before the Convention, with the reasons that governed
the committee ; and having done my duty, I will give way, as
I was ready to do before I began. [Applause.]
Mr. JAMES, of New York : As the chairman of the minority
of the committee, which presented the minority report, I
arise for the purpose of giving the reasons why we saw fit to
present a minority report against that presented by the ma-
jority, and I don't propose to entertain you with any particu-
lar eloquence, but to state simply the reason. By the vote
which has already passed this Convention, as to the number
of delegates represented upon this floor, if I understood the
committee aright, there are 446 voting delegates upon the
floor.
SECRETARY : The number is 466.
Mr. JAMES : Then there is a mistake. One of the Secreta-
ries informs me that it is 466. I took the figures from one of
the Reporters, who took it from the calling off of the chair-
man of the committee. We make that difference. We will
call it the largest number then, 466. That was thought to
be the number when this question arose in the committee*
the report of which is now presented. There were but 17
members of that committee present, 10 being absent, and
upon the sense of that body being called they stood nine to
eight nine for the majority and eight against it. You wiU
thus see the difference between the two reports. One is sub-
stantially the " two-thirds rule." If there are 466 votes, 31 1
I believe, is two-thirds of that vote, and this rule requires
304. Therefore it is only seven short of the two-thirds rule,
which has been adopted by the Democratic party in the man-
agement of their Conventions. I am not aware that any such
rule was ever adopted by any party in opposition to that party,
and I was not aware that that party ever adopted that rule
76
until 1S36, and again in 1844, when it became necessary for
the interest and purposes of slavery that the minority should
rale the majority. For that reason I am opposed to that rule.
[A voice : " That is right."] I have sufficient confidence in
the integrity and judgment of this Convention to trust the
nomination of its candidate to the majority of the delegates
here. [Loud cheers.] If the minority report is adopted, in-
stead of a two-thirds vote, the result will be left to the wis-
dom and patriotism of a majority of the Convention.
Loud calls of " question " were made, amid which several
speakers attempted to get the floor.
A delegate from Michigan stated that some of the States
had double delegations present, and in a viva vocc vote would
give double the number of votes they were entitled to.
He moved that the vote be taken by States.
Mr. MANN, of Pennsylvania : I desire to call the attention
of this Convention to this new rule introduced here. I come
here from a land where we acquiesce in the will of the ma-
jority [Applause], on all occasions wherever men are invited
together to deliberate. I know nowhere in a Republican
country where men are entitled to vote by proxy. I do con-
ceive that to adopt any such rule here would be destructive
of its character; it would be considered as aimed at the
aspirations of an individual, and if an individual cannot be
struck down in this broad country without doing a wrong, I
should be the last on God's earth to do it. These are my
sentiments, and the sentiments of the truly loyal hearts around
me in Pennsylvania [applause], and when I barely announce
them I shall trouble this Convention no further.
The roll of the States was then called on the motion to
substitute the minority rule for the majority, CLEVELAND, of
Connecticut, having taken the chair.
77
STATES. AYES. NOES.
Maine, 1 10
New Hampshire, 10
Vermont, 10
Massachusetts, 22 3
Ehode Island,. 4 4
Connecticut, 8 4
New York, 70
New Jersey, 12 1
Pennsylvania, 33 20
Maryland, 5 6
Delaware, 6
Virginia, 13 8
Kentucky, 10 9
Ohio, 32 9
Indiana, 1 25
Missouri, IS
Illinois, 15 7
Texas, 6
Wisconsin, 10
Iowa, 5 3
California, 8
Minnesota, 8
Oregon, .....* 3 1
TERRITORIES.
Kansas, 6
Nebraska, 6
District of Columbia, 2
So that the rule as reported by the majority was amended
by substituting the rule reported by the minority.
The Pennsylvania delegation having failed to respond on
the third call, owing to the vote of the delegation not being
ascertained, Mr. Goodrich, of Minnesota, moved that the
representatives of the People's party of Pennsylvania be
excused from voting upon their own proposition. [Hisses
and confusion.]
78
Mr. REEDER : Pennsylvania could not vote without retiring
to another room to consult her large delegation. Did I
understand a gentleman just now to intimate that Pennsyl-
vania was not entitled to a vote upon this floor ? If I did, I
should be glad to know who he is, and where he comes from.
[Immense applause, and cries of " Goodrich."]
Mr. GOODRICH : I rise, Mr. President [Cries of "Sit
down," and hisses.] I will
The PRESIDENT : Gentlemen do not forget yourselves.
You must keep order.
Mr. GOODRICH: Mr. President [Cries of "Sit down,"
and hisses.] I will not set down. (Confusion.)
The PRESIDENT : The gentleman upon my right is desirous
of explaining to the gentleman from Pennsylvania, so that
there may be no ill blood in the Convention, even for a
moment. Will you allow him to do it ? Let us act, gentle-
men, in a friendly spirit, and if men make remarks that are
not exactly correct, let them be forgotten on the moment. I
would say to the gentleman from Pennsylvania, that the
expression of the gentleman [Mr. Goodrich] was promptly
rebuked by the chair.
Mr. GOODRICH : I wish to state to the gentleman who
desired to know who it was that had suggested that Penn-
sylvania had not a right here. I propose to respond to that
interrogatory. I made no such remark. [Cheers, and cries
of " Order."] When the roll was called, Pennsylvania was
called for a third time, when a gentleman answered, who I
suppose was speaking authoritatively for Pennsylvania, that
she abandoned her proposition, the majority report, and
then, as an act of humanity, I moved that she be excused
from expressing her opinion. [Laughter, and cries of " Sit
down."]
79
5th. The rules of the House of Representatives shall con-
tinue to be the rules of this Convention, in so far as they are
applicable and not inconsistent with the foregoing rules.
The 5th rule was adopted, and on motion, the report of
the Committee on Rules and Order of Business, as amended,
was adopted.
The report as amended was then adopted.
The PRESIDENT : The chair is informed that the Committee
on Resolutions and Platform is ready to report. [Immense
applause.]
Judge JESSUP, of Pennsylvania : The Committee on Plat-
form and Resolutions have directed me to say to the Conven-
tion, that these resolutions have been adopted with great
unanimity, there being upon one or two of the resolutions some
dissenting voices on the committee. The greater portion of
the resolutions were adopted with entire unanimity in the
committee.
THE PLATFORM.
Resolved, That we, the delegated representatives of the
Republican electors of the United States, in Convention
assembled, in discharge of the duty we owe to our constitu-
ents and our country, unite in the following declarations:
1. That the history of the nation during the last four years,
has fully established the propriety and necessity of the organ-
ization and perpetuation of the Republican party, and that
the causes which called it into existence are permanent in
their nature, and now, more than ever before, demand its
peaceful and constitutional triumph.
2. That the maintenance of the principles promulgated in
the Declaration of Independence, and embodied in the
Federal Constitution, is essential to the preservation of our
republican institutions ; and that the Federal Constitution,
the rights of the states, and the union of the states must and
shall be preserved. [Applause.]
3. That to the union of the States' this nation owes its un-
precedented increase in population, its surprising development
80
of material resources, its rapid augmentation of wealth, its
happiness at home and its honor abroad ; and we hold in
abhorrence all schemes for disunion, come from whatever
source they may ; and we congratulate the country, that no
Republican member of Congress has uttered or countenanced
the threats of disunion, so often made by Democratic mem-
bers, without rebuke and with applause from their political
associates ; and we denounce those threats of disunion, in
case of a popular overthrow of their ascendancy, as denying
the vital principles of a free government, and as an avowal
of contemplated treason, which it is the imperative duty of
an indignant people sternly to rebuke and forever silence.
4. That the maintenance inviolate of the rights of the
states, and especially the right of each state to order and
control its own domestic institutions, according to its own
judgment exclusively, is essential to that balance of power on
which the perfection and endurance of our political fabric
depends ; and we denounce the lawless invasion, by armed
force, of the soil of any state or territory, no matter under
what pretext, as among the gravest of crimes.
5. That the present Democratic administration has far
exceeded our worst apprehensions, in its measureless sub-
serviency to the exactions of a sectional interest, as especially
evinced in its desperate exertions to force the infamous Le-
compton Constitution upon the protesting people of Kansas :
in construing the personal relation between master and servant
to involve an unqualified property in persons ; in its at-
tempted enforcement, everywhere, on land and sea, through
the intervention of Congress, and of the federal courts, of the
extreme pretensions of a purely local interest, and in its
general and unvarying abuse of the power entrusted to it by
a confiding people.
6. That the people justly view with alarm the reckless
extravagance which pervades every department of the federal
government ; that a return to rigid economy and accounta-
bility is indispensable to arrest the systematic plunder of the
public treasury by favored partisans ; while the recent start-
81
ling developments of frauds and corruptions at the federal
metropolis, show that an entire change of administration is
imperatively demanded.
7. That the new dogma, that the Constitution of its own
force carries slavery into any or all of the territories of the
United States, is a dangerous political heresy, at variance
with the explicit provisions of that instrument itself, with
cotemporaneous exposition, and with legislative and judicial
precedent; is revolutionary in its tendency, and subversive of
the peace and harmony of the country.
8. That the normal condition of all the territory of the
United States is that of freedom. That as our Republican
fathers, when they had abolished slavery in all our national
territory, ordained that " no person should be deprived of life,
liberty or property, without due process of law," it becomes
our duty by legislation, whenever such legislation is necessary,
to maintain this provision of the Constitution against all at-
tempts to violate it ; and we deny the authority of Con-
gress, of a territorial legislature, or of any individuals, to give
legal existence to slavery in any territory of the United
States.
9. That we brand the recent re-opening of the African
slave trade, under the cover of our national flag, aided by
perversions of judicial power, as a crime against humanity
and a burning shame to our country and age ; and we call
upon Congress to take prompt and efficient measures for the
total and final suppression of that execrable traffic.
10. That in the recent vetoes, by their federal governors,
of the acts of the legislatures of Kansas and Nebraska,
prohibiting slavery in those territories, we find a practical
illustration of the boasted Democratic principle of non-inter-
vention and popular sovereignty embodied in the Kansas-
Nebraska bill, and a demonstration of the deception and
fraud involved therein.
11. That Kansas should of right, be immediately admitted
as a state, under the Constitution recently formed and
11
82
adopted by her people, and accepted by the House of Repre-
sentatives.
12. That while providing revenue for the support of the
general government by duties upon imports, sound policy
requires such an adjustment of these imposts, as to encourage
the development of the industrial interests of the whole
country ; and we commend that policy of national exchanges,
which secures to the working men liberal wages, to agricul-
ture remunerating prices, to mechanics and manufacturers an
adequate reward for their skill, labor and enterprise, and to
the nation commercial prosperity and independence.
13. That we protest against any sale or alienation to
others of the public lands held by actual settlers, and against
any view of the free homestead policy, which regards the
settlers as paupers or suppliants for public bounty ; and we
demand the passage, by Congress, of the complete and satisfac-
tory homestead measure which has already passed the House.
14. That the Republican party is opposed to any change
in our naturalization laws, or any state legislation by which
the rights of citizenship hitherto accorded to immigrants from
foreign lands shall be abridged or impaired ; and in favor of
giving a full and efficient protection to the rights of all
classes of citizens, whether native or naturalized, both at
home and abroad.
15. That appropriations by Congress, for river and harbor
improvements of a national character, required for the accom-
modation and security of an existing commerce, are autho-
rized by the Constitution, and justified by the obligation of
government to protect the lives and property of its citizens.
16. That a railroad to the Pacific ocean is imperatively
demanded by the interests of the whole country ; that the
federal government ought to render immediate and efficient
aid in its construction ; and that as preliminary thereto, a
daily overland mail should be promptly established.
17. Finally, having thus set forth our distinctive principles
and views, we invite the co-operation of all citizens, however
S3
differing on other questions, who substantially agree with us
in their affirmance and support.
Mr. CARTER : Mr. Chairman That report is so eminently
unexceptionable from beginning to end, and so eloquently
carries through with it its own vindication, that I do not
believe the Convention will desire discussion upon it, and I
therefore call the previous question on it. [Applause, and
mingled cries of "Good, good," and "No, no."]
Mr. GIDDIXGS, of Ohio : I rise, sir, solemnly to appeal to
my friend [Great confusion ; cries of " Withdraw the pre-
vious question." A Voice: "Nobody wants to speak, but
we don't want to be choked off," &c.]
Mr. CARTER : I insist upon the previous question.
Mr. GIDDIXGS : I rise, and I believe I have the right, with
the leave of my colleague, to offer a short amendment before
the previous question is called.
Mr. CARTER : I did it to cut you off, and all other amend-
ments, and all discussion. [Great confusion, and cries of
" Giddings, " by the audience.]
A DELEGATE at the south end of the platform : The reso-
lutions have not been distributed among the members yet,
and will the gentleman ask us to vote upon a party platform
we have not seen ?
Mr. CARTER : I insist upon the previous question. They
can read it by copy. It's printed.
Mr. GIDDINGS : Would it be in order for me to say that I
request my friend to withdraw the previous question, that I
may offer an amendment ?
A DELEGATE from Maine : I rise to a point of order. Is
the motion of the gentleman from Ohio seconded ? [" Yes,
yes, yes."]
84
Mr. ANDREW, of Massachusetts : I rise to a point of order.
The motion of the gentleman from Ohio is not in order, for
the reason that this Convention have already passed a rule
that the Committee on Platform and Resolutions shall make
their report in print, and that printed report has not been
received by this Convention.
The PRESIDENT : We will have that resolution read.
Mr. CARTER : There is no such rule.
The PRESIDENT : Will gentlemen give their attention ?
The Chair will state the position of the question. The Com-
mittee on Platform and Resolutions have presented a report
which has been read by the chairman. Upon the question of
acceptance of that report, Mr. Carter, of Ohio, demands the
previous question. Pending that demand, Mr. Andrew, of
Massachusetts, raises a question of order that it is not in order
to demand the previous question, because the Convention has
adopted a standing rule that before acting upon that report,
the report should be printed and presented to the Convention.
Upon examining the record, the Chair rules that there is no
such rule. It was an independent motion made by Mr. Kauf-
mann, of Pennsylvania.
Much confusion was here caused by the anxiety of delegates
and the crowd in the wigwam to obtain copies of the platform t
which by this time had been brought into the hall and were
being distributed.
The PRESIDENT : The question is on the demand of Mr.
Carter for the previous question.
Mr. TRACY, of California: I hope, as a member of the Com-
mittee on Resolutions and Platform, and as one of the sub-
committee that drafted these resolutions, that the previous
question will not be sustained.
The PRESIDENT : It certainly is not a debatable matter.
Mr. TRACY : I know it is not debatable, I only expressed
a hope.
85
Mr. GIDDINGS : I desire my colleague to withdraw the call
for the previous question.
Mr. CARTER : It has got to be voted down or it has to be
voted up.
The PRESIDENT : Is there a second for the call of the pre-
vious question ?
VOICES: "Yes."
Motion for the previous question was submitted and de-
clared to be lost.
Mr. CARTER : I call for a division on that question and a
vote by States.
The PRESIDENT : It was voted down 3 to 1.
Mr. CARTER : I don't understand it so. I call for a division.
A DELEGATE : I rise to a point of order. It is too late to
call for a division after the question is decided.
Mr. CARTER : It is not. You can't call for it before.
The PRESIDENT then submitted the question. The roll of
States^was called with the following result :
STATES. ATES- NOES.
Maine, 1 14
New Hampshire, 10
Vermont, 10
Massachusetts, 4 21
Rhode Island, 8
Connecticut, 1 11
New York, 25 45
New Jersey,
Pennsylvania,
Maryland, 11
Delaware, 4
Virginia, 17 6
Kentucky, 10 10
86
STATES. AYES, NOES.
Ohio, 24 18
Indiana, 20 6
Missouri, 18
Michigan, 8 4
Illinois, 14 8
Texas 6
Wisconsin, 8 2
Iowa, 2 6
California, 8
Minnesota, 8
Oregon, 2 2
TERRITORIES.
Kansas, 6
Nebraska, 2 4
District of Columbia, 2
155 301
California being called,
Mr. TRACT : California believes in free speech and free men,
and votes 8 against the previous question.
Ohio being called,
Mr. CARTER : Coming from Ohio, a State where free speech
is not allowed, she votes 24 ayes and 18 nays.
The PRESIDENT announced the previous question not sus-
tained.
Mr. GriDDiNGS, of Ohio, took the floor.
Grov. REEDER : I ask the gentleman if he will give way
while we take up these resolutions singly ?
VOICES : " No, no."
Mr. GriDDiNGS : Mr. President, I propose to offer, after the
first resolution as it stands here, as a declaration of principles,
the following :
" That we solemnly re-assert the self-evident truths that
all men are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable
87
rights, among which are those of life, liberty and the pursuit
of happiness [Cheers] ; that governments are instituted among
men to secure the enjoyment of these rights."
Mr. CARTER, of Ohio, [Interrupting] : Mr. President, I
Mr. GriDDiNGS : My colleague will ask no favors of me, I
take it. [Applause.] I will detain the Convention but a
moment. Two hundred years ago the philosophers of Europe
declared to the world that human governments were based
upon human rights, and all Christian writers have sustained
that doctrine until the meeting of this Convention. Our
fathers were impressed with this all-permeating truth, that
right of every human being to live and enjoy that liberty*
which enables him to obtain knowledge and pursue happiness,
and no man has the power to withhold it from him. [Pro-
longed cheers.] Our fathers, impressed with this solemn
truth, laid it down as the chief corner stone, the basis upon
which this Federal Government was founded. By consent of
all parties, the Supreme Court included, these were the per-
meating, life-giving, vitalizing principles of the Constitution.
It is because these principles have been overturned, denied
and prostrated by our opponents, that we now exist as a party.
[Cheers.] At Philadelphia we proposed and propounded this
issue to our opponents. We called on them to meet it.
They have not met it. They put forward the Supreme Court
to meet it. That court denied those principles, but the Dem-
ocratic party to this day dare not meet them ; and through
the campaign, and for four years, no Democrat has stood
before the world denying that truth, nor will they deny them.
Now I propose to maintain the doctrines of our fathers. I
propose to maintain the fundamental and primal issues upon
which the government was founded. I will detain this Con-
vention no longer. I offer this because our party was formed
upon it. It grew upon it. It has existed upon it, and when
you leave out this truth you leave out the party. [Loud
cheers.]
88
Mr. CARTER : After this display of argument, I call for the
reading of clause second in the report of committee.
Mr. LOWRY, of Pennsylvania : I rise to a question of order.
We have upon our journal a resolution that all matters that
come up by resolution, should be referred to the committee
appointed for that purpose, without debate. I therefore call
upon the President of this Convention now to enforce this
rule.
The PRESIDENT : The Chair is of the opinion that this pro-
position does not come within the principle of the rule that
the gentleman alludes to.
Mr. LOWRY : Then, Mr. President
Mr. CARTER : I wish simply to read in reply to this
Mr. LOWRY : Mr. President, I move that the report of the
committee as prepared and presented be adopted.
The PRESIDENT : The gentleman is out of order. He has
not got the floor.
Mr. CARTER : The only reply I wish to make on this
amendment and the gas expended on it, is in the second clause
of the report, which reads as follows : " That the maintenance
of the principles promulgated in the Declaration of Indepen-
dence, and embodied in the Federal Constitution, is essential
to the preservation of our Republican institutions ; and that
the Federal Constitution, the rights of the States, and the
Union of the States, must and shall be preserved."
Mr. THAYER, of Oregon : I agree with the venerable dele-
gate from Ohio, Mr. Giddings, in all that he has affirmed to
this Convention, concerning the principles of the Declaration
of Independence. There are also many other truths that are
enunciated in that Declaration of Independence truths of
science truths of physical science, of mental and moral
science truths of government, and great religious truths;
but it is not the business, I think, of this Convention, at least
89
it is not the purpose of the Republican party, to embrace in
its platform all the truths that the world in all its past history
has recognized. [Applause.] Mr. President, I believe in the
ten commandments, but I do not want them in a political
platform.
Mr. TRACY, of California : I move that the resolution be
referred to the Committee on Resolutions and Platform.
The PRESIDENT : The motion is out of order.
Mr. STONE, of Iowa: I move that the amendment offered
by the gentleman from Ohio be laid upon the table.
The PRESIDENT : That is out of order. It will take the
whole with it. The question must be on the adoption of the
amendment.
The motion of Mr. Giddings to amend was put to vote and
lost.
Mr. WILMOT, of Pennsylvania : I move that the platform
be adopted by sections. [Cries of "no," and "take them in
a lot," &c.] I have an amendment to offer, which I believe
will commend itself to the good sense of every gentleman
here. The amendment is this, in the 14th section we say,
" that the Republican party is opposed to any change in our
naturalization laws, or any State legislation by which the rights
of citizenship, hitherto accorded to immigrants -from foreign
lands, shall be abridged or impaired ; and in favor of giving a
full and efficient protection to the rights of all classes of citi-
zens, whether native or naturalized, both at home and abroad."
My amendment is to strike out the words " State legislation,"
because it conflicts directly with the doctrine in the 4th sec-
tion, which reads thus :
" That the maintenance inviolate of the rights of the States,
and especially the right of each State to order and control its
own domestic institutions according to its own judgment,
exclusively, is essential to that balance of power on which
the perfection and endurance of our political fabric depends ;
12
90
and we denounce the lawless invasion, by armed force, of the
soil of any State or Territory, no matter under what pretext,
as among the gravest of crimes."
The section would then read : " That the Republican party
is opposed to any change in our naturalization laws, by which
the rights of citizenship hitherto accorded to immigrants from
foreign lands shall be abridged or impaired."
Judge GOODRICH, of Minnesota : I desire to say one word
touching the proposed amendment by the gentleman from
Pennsylvania, Mr. Wilmot. It is this. He asked to strike
out a certain portion of the resolution now under considera-
tion, for the reason, as he alleges, that it conflicts with State
rights. 1 here say to the gentleman, and to this Convention?
that the State of Pennsylvania, or any other State in this con-
federacy, possesses not a particle of right a particle of power
under the Constitution to enact or modify any naturalization
law. The Constitution says that " Congress shall have power
to pass a uniform rule of naturalization ; " and the Supreme
Court have declared on solemn adjudication that no State
legislature possesses the power, in any manner whatever, to
modify, infract or repeal the constitutional action of the fede-
ral legislation upon that subject. I hope then that the gen-
man will withdraw his motion to amend.
Judge JESSUP, of Pennsylvania, the Chairman of the Com-
mittee on Platform : The reason why these words were inser-
ted in that resolution, I will state. I desire briefly to state
to the Convention that the naturalization laws are producing
a state of deep feeling among a large number of the Republi-
can party. A great many Republicans are of foreign birth,
and they have felt that it was due to them that the Republi-
can party should affirm, first, that they do not desire to inter-
fere with the present existing naturalization laws ; secondly,
that they as a party do not approve of the change of the
naturalization laws by the several States, and that they do not
approve of that legislation which goes to impair the rights
which the naturalization laws of the Union give to natural-
91
ized citizens. That, Mr. President, was what was intended
by the words which are now proposed to be stricken out. I
state, therefore, that it is not proposed to interfere with State
rights. It is not proposed, nor does it in the least conflict
with any principle, if it be looked at properly, before estab-
lished in these resolutions. It simply affirms that the Repub-
lican party is "opposed to any change in the naturalization
laws, or any legislation State legislation by which the
rights of citizens, hitherto afforded to emigrants from foreign
lands, shall be abridged or impaired." Now I wish to know
if my colleague from Pennsylvania affirms that he is ready to
permit, with his consent, the State legislatures to impair the
rights that are guaranteed, under our laws, to emigrants be-
coming citizens. I think it is a misapprehension on the part
of my colleague, of the true intent and import of this resolu-
tion. I trust if he looks at it again, he will withdraw his
amendment.
Mr. WILMOT, of Pennsylvania: I do not know but I misap-
prehend this clause. The declaration here reads thus :
" That the Republican party is opposed to any change in
our naturalization laws, by which the rights of citizenship
hitherto afforded to emigrants from foreign lands, shall be
abridged or impaired."
Now, my amendment was to strike out " or any State legis-
lation." My idea was this (and you may judge whether I
was correct or not), that it conflicted with the fourth resolu-
tion which declares :
" That the maintaining inviolate of the rights of the States,
especially of each State, to order and control its own domes-
tic institutions according to its own judgment exclusively is
essential to that balance of power," &c.
That is a broad declaration of State rights a just declara-
tion of State rights ; and under that, if any State in this
Union has a perfect power to prescribe the qualifications of
voters, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, or any other State may,
to-morrow, if it sees fit, by a change of her constitution, not
92
only impair the right of foreign citizens, but may modify and
impair the rights invested in native born citizens. She may
change her constitution and provide that a residence of two
years shall be required to entitle a man to vote. That was
the old constitution of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania may go
back ; she may require that any person coming from a foreign
land, or from another State, shall not vote until he has been
a resident two years ; and on the doctrine of State rights has
she not a right to do it and who has a right to complain ?
But as there seems to be a doubt or misunderstanding and
it has been explained to me here that they do not controvert
the right of the State thus to modify the rights of foreign or na-
tive citizens, but merely wish to make the declaration that
the Republican party, as a party, is opposed to it, as that is
the object I agree to it, and in that view I am willing to
withdraw my amendment. [Loud cheers.]
Mr. CARL SCHURZ, of Wisconsin : As the amendment is
withdrawn by the gentleman from Pennsylvania, I find it
hardly necessary to address the Convention upon this subject.
I wish that this resolution would be passed without opposi-
tion. The German Republicans of the Northern States have
given you 300,000 votes [Applause], and I wish that they
should find it consistent with their honor and their safety to
give you 300,000 more. [Increased applause.] A paragraph
like this would never have been asked for by the German
Republicans if one occurrence had not taken place. The
year of 1S56 was the era of good feelings we all joined
together in a common cause, and we all fought the common
enemy. We did so with honor to ourselves, and with confi-
dence in each other. There was no German Republican, I
believe, who would have asked for anything more in the
Philadelphia platform but the resolution which is there. But,
since it has been found that that resolution is not sufficient to
protect them from infringement upon their rights in the
States, I will tell you how they reason. They said our rights
may be guaranteed to us in a national platform by a general
93
sentence, and nevertheless the legislatures of the different
States may defeat the very purpose for which that national
platform was enacted. Of what use, then, is a plank in a
platform if its purpose thus can be frustrated by an action of
a State legislature ? It has been very well said that it was
not the purpose of this resolution to declare that no State has
the right to regulate the suffrage of its citizens by legisla-
tive enactment, but it was the purpose to declare that the
Republican party, in its national capacity, is opposed to any
such thing in principle, and as such condemns it. [Renewed
applause.] Gentlemen, the question is simply this, on one
side there stands prejudice, on the other side there stands
right.
You go to calculate, will prejudice give us more votes or
will right give us more votes. [Applause continued.] Let
me tell you one thing, that the votes you get by truckling to
the prejudices of people will never be safe ; while those votes
which you get by recognizing constitutional rights may every
time be counted upon. [Immense applause.] Why, gentle-
men, the German Republicans of the Northern States have
been not only among the most faithful, but we have been
among the most unselfish members of the Republican party.
We never come to you asking for any favors ; we never come
to you with any pretensions, the only thing we ask of you is
this : that we shall be permitted to fight for our common
cause ; that we shall be permitted to fight in your ranks with
confidence in your principles and with honor to ourselves.
[Great cheering.]
Mr. FREDRICK HASSAUREK, of Ohio ; [Applause] Gen-
tlemen of the Convention, I am not going to detain you for
any length of time in support of the motion now before the
Convention, but I am in favor, gentlemen, of the adoption of
this resolution ; not because I am an adopted citizen, but be-
cause I claim to be a true American. [Cheers.] Gentlemen,
I claim to be an American, although I happened to be born
on the other side of the Atlantic ocean. [Renewed applause.]
94
I hailed true Americanism before my foot had ever stepped
on American soil. [Applause.] I loved this country before
my eyes had ever beheld its hospitable shores. I had sworn
allegiance to the spirit of its free institutions years before I
made the formal declarations of loyalty. [Enthusiastic cheers.]
Gentlemen, I felt the spirit of true Americanism thrill my
heart when, as a boy in school, I first read of the heroic deeds
of the immortal Washington. [Great and prolonged applause.]
I hailed true Americanism when I first heard of the great
Jefferson, who upon the altar of God, had sworn eternal hos-
tility to tyranny in every form. [Renewed applause.] Gen-
tlemen, as one who has suffered the stings and oppressions of
despotism, I claim to be doubly capable of appreciating the
blessings of liberty. [Loud cheers.] Gentlemen, I have seen
the nations of Europe smarting under the arbitrary rule of
despots, and I know what an inestimable treasure, what an
incalculable boon freedom is to man. It is, therefore, one of
the proudest moments of my life, to avail myself of this op-
portunity, as a representative of the liberty-loving Germans
of the free west, before this vast assemblage of so many of the
best and true men of the nation, loudly to proclaim my undy-
ing and unfaltering love and adherence to the principles of
true Americanism. [Great applause.] Gentlemen, if it is
Americanism to believe, religiously to believe, in those eternal
truths announced in the Declaration of Independence, that
all men are born equal and free, and endowed by their Creator
with certain inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty
and the pursuit of happiness, I am proud to be an American.
[Applause.] If it is Americanism firmly to believe and
warmly to cherish the memory of the Fathers of the Repub-
lic, and forever to maintain the faith and perpetuate the glo-
rious inheritance which they have left to an admiring poste-
rity, I shall ever be an American. [Loud cheers.] If it is
Americanism, gentlemen, to believe that governments are in-
stituted for the benefit of the governed, and not for the benefit
of the privileged few if it is Americanism to believe that this
glorious federation of sovereign states has a higher object and
95
a nobler purpose than to be the mere means of fortifying,
protecting and propagating the institution of human servitude
if it is Americanism to believe that these vast fertile terri-
tories of the west are forever consecrated to freedom, and to
remain as free homes for free labor and free men, I shall live
and die an American. [Tremendous cheering.] Gentlemen,
if it is Americanism to believe that the American Constitution,
as framed by the fathers was designed as a bulwark of free-
dom, and intended to secure the blessings of liberty to our-
selves and to our posterity, and that it does not of its own
force carry slavery into the territories of the United States,
but, on the contrary, means freedom and justice wherever it
goes, I shall ever claim to be an American. [Great applause.]
And, Mr. President, for this reason I am in favor of the adop-
tion of the resolution not because I claim to be an adopted
citizen, but because I claim, and shall claim to the end that
I am an American an American by choice ; not an American
by birth, it is true, but an American from sentiment and from
principle. Gentlemen, I hope this resolution will pass with-
out objection from any side. There are more than 20,000
Republican German votes in the State of Ohio alone, and
they shall be cast in a solid phalanx for the candidate who is
to be nominated by this Convention. [Renewed applause.]
Mr. GEORGE WILLIAM CURTIS, of New York : What is the
question before the house ?
The PRESIDENT : It is upon the adoption of the report.
Mr. CURTIS: I then offer as an amendment to the report,
as presented by the committee, the following : That the
second clause of the report shall read, " That the maintenance
of the principles promulgated in the Declaration of Independ-
ence, and embodied in the Federal Constitution ;" and then,
sir, I propose to amend by adding these words : " That all
men are created equal ; that they are endowed by their Crea-
tor with certain inalienable rights ; that among these are life,
liberty and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these
96
rights, governments are instituted amongst men, deriving their
just powers from the consent of the governed" then proceed
" is essential to the preservation of our Eepublican Institu-
tions ; and that the Federal Constitution, the rights of the
states, and the union of the states, must and shall be pre-
served." [Great applause, and many gentlemen struggling for
the floor.]
Mr. THATER: Has not that amendment once been voted
down?
Mr. CARTER : I rise to a question of order.
The PRESIDENT : There is one question of order already.
The gentleman from New York, Mr. Curtis, moves to amend
this second resolution in the words which he has read. The
gentleman from Oregon, Mr. Thayer, raises the question of
order that this is substantially the same proposition already
voted upon; and the Chair sustains the question of order, and
the question recurs on the adoption of the report.
Mr. BLAIR, of Missouri : If it is necessary, I shall appeal
from the decision of the Chair. The amendment which was
first offered was to the first clause or section, and the amend-
ment offered now by the gentleman from New York is to the
second section, and it is an entirely different question. I
think if it is necessary I am ready to take an appeal from the
decision of the Chair.
The PRESIDENT : I took it from the statement of the gen-
tleman from New York, that he offered the same amendment
offered before by Mr. Giddings, and voted on.
Mr. BLAIR: It is offered now as an amendment to the
second ; then it was to the first resolution.
The PRESIDENT : Then the amendment is in order.
Mr. CURTIS : Have I the floor ?
The PRESIDENT : Yes, sir.
97
Mr. CURTIS, (from his chair) : Mr. President, I have a word
to say on that amendment. [Cries of " Take the stand."] I
can speak as well, gentlemen, from this seat. I have to ask
this Convention the second National Convention the Repub-
lican party has ever held I have to ask this Convention
whether they are prepared to go upon the record and before
the country as voting down the words of the Declaration of
Independence. [Cries of " No, no," and applause.] I have,
sir, in the amendment which I have introduced, quoted simply
and only from the Declaration of Independence. Bear in
mind that in Philadelphia, in 1S56, the Convention of this
same great party were not afraid to announce those by which
alone the Republican party lives, and upon which alone the
future of this country in the hands of the Republican party
is possible. [Tremendous cheering.] Now, sir, I ask gentle-
men gravely to consider that in the amendment which I have
proposed, I have uttered nothing that the soundest and safest
man in all the land might not do ; and I rise simply for I
am now sitting down to ask gentlemen to think well before,
upon the free prairies of the West, in the summer of I860,
they dare to wince and quail before the men who, in Phila-
delphia in 1776 in Philadelphia, in the Arch-Keystone State,
so amply, so nobly represented upon this platform to-day
before they dare to shrink from repeating the words that these
great men enunciated. [Terrific applause.]
Mr. OYLER, of Indiana : I presume that all the Republicans
are in favor of the Declaration of Independence. Does it
necessarily follow that we must publish it in our platform?
[Voices : " Yes."] I want to talk to the delegates here. I
ask the question if it is necessary to put it in ? They answer
me it is. Well, then, it is there now. [Voices: "No."]
Read for yourselves the secon'd resolution. [A voice : " Put it
in twice."] I will read it to you :
" That the maintenance of the principles promulgated in
the Declaration of Independence, and embodied in the Fede-
ral Constitution, is essential to the preservation of our Repub-
13
96
lican institutions, and that the Federal Constitution, the
rights of the States, and the union of the States must and
shall be preserved."
Does not that indorse it ? We believe in the Bible ; shall
we put it in from the first chapter of Genesis to the last chap-
ter of Eevelations ? We believe in the Constitution of the
United States ; shall we put it in from first to last ? I say no.
I say it is enough for us to assert a belief in, and our confi-
dence in, and firm reliance upon, the Declaration of 'Indepen-
dence and the Constitution.
Mr. NYE, of New York : I want, sir, something done in
this Convention. [Cries of " Vote."] I am only anxious, sir,
that something should be done in this Convention to mark
with great distinctness and in unmistakable terms, that we
indorse that language, and that portion of the language of the
Declaration of Independence that is moved as an amendment
to the second resolution. [Cheers and voices, " You shall have
it," " We will," " You shall have it if you say no more about
it."] That, sir, is all I want. I am exceedingly glad that
simply the fear of a speech from me should induce gentlemen
to vote in that way. [Laughter and applause.]
The question being on the amendment offered by Mr. Curtis,
of New York, the vote was taken and the amendment
adopted.
The question now recurring on the adoption of the report
of the committee, the platform was adopted unanimously
with a shout of applause.
Upon the adoption of the platform, the delegates and the
whole of the vast audience rose to their feet in a transport of
enthusiasm, the ladies waving their handkerchiefs and the
gentlemen their hats, while for many minutes the tremendous
cheers and shouts of applause cbntinued, and again and again
were renewed and repeated.
Mr. GOODRICH : I move that we adjourn. [Cries of " No,
no," <: Ballot, ballot."] I withdraw the motion, and move
99
that we now proceed to ballot for a candidate for the Presi-
dency.
Mr. EGGLESTON : I renew the motion to adjourn,
The motion to adjourn was put and lost.
Mr. R. M. CORWINE : I move that we now proceed to ballot
for a candidate for President. [Great disorder, and cries of
" Ballot, ballot."]
Mr. CARTER : I call for a division by ayes and nays, to see
if gentlemen want to go without their supper. [Derisive
laughter, and cries of " Call the roll."]
On motion, the Convention then adjourned to Friday at 10
o'clock.
THIRD DAY.
The Convention re-assembled at 10 o'clock, agreeably to
adjournment.
After the delegates had seated themselves, the proceedings
were opened by the following prayer, by Rev. M. GREEN, of
Chicago :
Our Lord, our God, we adore Thee as the eternal, immor-
tal, invisible, and only true God. Every excellence adorns
Thy nature ; every attribute of majesty supports Thy throne.
Thou art our God, and we will praise Thee ; our fathers'
God, and we will exalt thee. We thank Thee, O Lord, for
the numberless kindnesses which Thou hast manifested to-
wards this people, in their origin, in their deliverance from
subsequent evils which have threatened them, and for the high
degree of prosperity which we still enjoy. O God, forbid that
we, their descendants, should be unworthy of our sires, who
acknowledged Thee in their ways, and invoked Thy benedic-
tion upon their efforts to establish a free government. Lord,
we entreat Thee, who hast delivered us from external enemies,
100
to protect us from intestine evil. Oh! do Thou, infinite dis-
poser of events, perpetuate our liberties. And now we thank
Thee that Thou hast permitted these delegates of the people
to assemble, and so far to pursue their object with such har-
mony and mutual respect. We pray Thee, still to clothe Thy
servant, the President of this body, with the authority re-
quisite for his exalted post, and we entreat Thee to bring to
a happy result the labors of this body of representatives of
the people. O, we entreat Thee, that at some future but not
distant day, the evils which now invest the body politic shall
not only have been arrested in their progress, but wholly eradi-
cated from the system. And may the pen of the historian
trace an intimate connection between that glorious consumma-
tion and the transactions of this Convention. O Lord, our
God, Thou art in Heaven and on earth, therefore should
our words be few. Our prayer is now before Thee. Wilt
Thou hear, accept and answer it, for the sake of our Ee-
deemer. Amen.
The PRESIDENT : Gentlemen of the Convention The Chair
feels it his duty this morning to appeal, not merely to the
gentlemen of the Convention, but to every individual of this
vast audience, to remember the utmost importance of keep-
ing and preserving, during the entire session, as much silence
as possible ; and he asks gentlemen who are not members of
this Convention, in the name of this Convention, that they
will, to the utmost of their ability, refrain from any demon-
strations of applause that may disturb the proceedings of the
Convention. I should suggest to the delegates that they
themselves set the example to their friends who are not of
this Convention ; that each will, to the utmost of his indivi-
dual capacity, co-operate with the Chair in keeping entire
order.
The Chair has received some communications which he will
lay before the Convention.
101
The SECRETARY read the communications, as follows :
CHICAGO, May 18, 1860.
Hon. GEORGE ASHMCN, President of the National Convention, Chicago.
Dear Sir : The delegates of the Convention are invited to
an excursion, on Monday next, over the Galena and Chicago
Union Railroad, to Dubuque, thence down the Mississippi
river to Fulton or Clinton, from which place they can return
to Chicago on Tuesday evening, or extend their excursion to
Cedar Rapids, over the Chicago, Iowa and Nebraska Railroad,
and return on Wednesday evening in time to connect with
Eastern trains.
Very respectfully, yours,
E. B. TALCOTT,
General Superintendent.
A DELEGATE : I move that it lie on the table for the
present.
The PRESIDENT : The Chair has received another communi-
cation, which will be read :
NEW YORK April 20.
To THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION :
At a meeting of the representatives of the working men of
the different wards of this city, Brooklyn, Williamsburgh and
Greenpoint, held on the evening of the 16th inst., at Union
Hall, 195 Bowery, it was
Resolved, That the officers of the meeting be instructed to
address the Republican National Convention, to assemble at
Chicago, and respectfully request the Convention to declare
itself opposed to all further traffic in the public lands of the
United States, and in favor of laying them out in farms and
lots for the free and exclusive use of actual settlers.
We see this singular condition of affairs, that while wealth
in our own country is rapidly accumulating; while internal im-
provements of every description are fast increasing, and while
machinery is multiplying the powers of production to an im-
mense extent, yet with all these advantages the compensation
102
for useful labor is getting less and less. We seek the cause
of this anomaly, and we trace it to the monopoly of the land,
with labor at the mercy of capital. We therefore desire to
abolish the monopoly, not by interfering with the conven-
tional rights of persons now in possession, but by arresting
the further sale of all land not yet appropriated as private
property, and by allowing those lands hereafter to be freely
occupied by those who may choose to settle on them. We
propose that the public land hereafter shall not be owned, but
occupied only. The occupant having the right to sell or dis-
pose of his or her improvements to any one not in possession
of other lands, so that by preventing individuals from becom-
ing possessed of more than a limited quantity, every one may
enjoy the right.
Respectfully yours,
HENRY BENING, Chairman.
The PRESIDENT : The Chair would suggest that the Com-
mittee on Platform and Resolutions having reported, and their
report covering the subject matter of this resolution, that the
communication lie on the table.
The suggestion was assented to.
The CHAIR : At the adjournment, a motion was pending,
made by Mr. Goodrich, of Minnesota, that the Convention do
now proceed to ballot for a candidate for President of the
United States. [Applause.] That motion is the business first
in order. [Cries of " Question, question."]
Mr. M. BLAIR, of Maryland : Before the vote is taken upon
that question, I wish to ask leave to file the credentials of ad-
ditional delegates to fill up the delegation from the State of
Maryland. This is made necessary by the resolution or rule
adopted yesterday by the Convention, which provided that
the votes of the delegation from each State should be confined
to the number of delegates present. The delegation from
Maryland not being full, it became necessary, under that rule,
in order to cast the full vote of the State, that the delegation
103
should be filled. At a meeting held last evening, the delega-
tion was filled, in pursuance of the authority given us by the
State Convention of Maryland, which we represent upon this
floor. I therefore offer the credentials of five additional dele-
gates, now present in their seats, completing the delegation.
[Cries of " Leave, leave."]
The CHAIR : No objection being made they will be re-
ceived.
Mr. SARGENT, of California : The ratio of representation, as
at present constituted, gives to Maryland eleven votes. I
wish to inquire if the effect of receiving these credentials is
to increase the number of votes to sixteen, or twice the num-
ber of her electoral vote, or if that vote is still simply eleven?
If it is merely to receiving these gentlemen upon this floor to
advise with the Maryland delegation, there can be no objection
to the increase letting the Maryland delegation stand on the
same footing as now ; but if it is proposed to increase their
vote in this Convention, I certainly shall oppose it. If it is
proposed now to increase the vote cast by that or any other
State, I object. It seems to me that this matter was fully
considered by the Committee on Credentials, voted on by the
Convention, when they received the report of that committee;
their report is before the Convention, having been received ;
and before the vote of any State or Territory is increased, it
seems to me that the matter ought to go back to the com-
mittee, and they should investigate the matter, and under-
stand by what authority this increase is made. I therefore
ask for information, whether the effect of this proposition is
to increase the vote of Maryland, or to increase the number
of persons who will cast the vote already determined upon ?
If I am right in supposing that it is to increase their vote, I
shall oppose it.
Mr. COALE, of Maryland : I will answer the gentleman. We
came here with a full delegation elected. We had to come
some distance to get here, and we found when we formed that
104
there were only eleven gentlemen present. And so I, as a
member of the Committee on Elections, handed in eleven
names, because there were only eleven of us present. I
stated, at the same time, that there was a full delegation
elected, and that we had full power from our constituents to
fill up all vacancies. We had the power and we had the right,
but we deemed it improper and immodest in us to come for-
ward at first and claim to cast the vote of the whole delega-
tion until we found Marylanders enough were present, ready
and willing to take their places with us. Our delegation
then held a meeting, and according to the right that has been
exercised by every other delegation, and the authority given
to us by our constituents, we filled the vacancies ; and the
gentlemen are here present. Shall we be thrown out now?
Shall we be told that we are not to have the privileges of
other delegations ? That we are forbidden to do that which
we are authorized to do, and which has been done by others ?
I have no idea that such illiberality will be extended to us.
Mr. SARGENT, of California : By the report of the commit-
tee, Maryland is entitled to cast eight votes. The question is
now whether Maryland proposes to cast any beyond the eight
votes ?
Mr. COALE, of Maryland : No, sir. We have six congres-
sional districts, and we have six votes in virtue of these dis-
tricts, and we have two Senators, making eight, and to cast
the full vote we double that number, making sixteen. In that
way we would vote according to the same ratio with the
other delegations. [" That's right, that's right."]
The PRESIDENT : The Chair understands, that on yesterday
the Convention adopted a report of Committee on Creden-
tials, declaring Maryland entitled to eleven delegates, to
cast eight votes ; and understood, also, that proposition made
this morning, if adopted and ratified by the Convention, will
give the power to sixteen gentlemen to cast eight votes the
same number precisely as before.
105
Mr. M. BLAIR, of Maryland : The Committee on Credentials
reported that the delegates present should cast the vote of
the State. Our State is entitled, on this floor, to sixteen
delegates. While that report was before the Convention, and
before the vote was taken on it, the gentleman from Minne-
sota (Mr. Goodrich) offered an amendment which limited the
vote of the State to the delegates present, and that made it
incumbent upon us, in order to cast the vote of the State, to
fill up the delegation. That is the explanation, gentlemen*
why we did not fill it up when we first came here. The
body has before allowed the delegates to cast the vote of the
State, whether more or less were present. Under the resolu-
tion adopted at the instance of the gentleman from Minnesota*
we are deprived of casting the full vote of the State. Now,
we ask, in pursuance of the authority given us by the State
Convention of Maryland, to fill up our delegation, and be able
to cast the whole vote of the State of Maryland. I have not
heard any gentleman object to our proposition to cast the
full vote.
Mr. BENTOX, of New Hampshire, the Chairman of the
Committee on Credentials : It was proposed to limit the num-
ber of votes to the number of delegates actually present. This
was agreed to not only in reference to the State of Maryland,
but Virginia, Kentucky, Oregon and Texas. It was discussed
in committee, and it was finally agreed that this State should
be allowed to cast eleven votes. After the committee ad-
journed, one gentleman appeared and asked to be allowed to
appear on the floor and vote. I told him it was too late. It
was generally understood, and it was acted upon by almost
unanimous consent, that the States which were not fully rep-
resented should claim no more votes in the Convention than
there were delegates actually present, either real or substi-
tuted delegates.
Mr. ARMOUR, of Maryland : As one of the delegates from
the State of Maryland. I object to the credentials being re-
14
106
ceived. ['' Louder."] This is a matter of business, and is not
for outsiders. [A voice: "We ain't outsiders."] I say that
there are only eleven of us here, of the sixteen appointed by our
State Convention. The Committee on Credentials reported
that fact. Since the adjournment of the Convention
A VOICE : " If you will take stand this side of the house,
we can hear you. We cannot hear you now."
Mr. ARMOUR (taking the stand) : I have a reason, as one of
the delegates from the State of Maryland, to enter my solemn
protest against the reception of the credentials as filled up.
We met in the city of Baltimore and appointed eight dele-
gates and eight alternates. But eleven of us are here.
Eleven names were yesterday presented to the Committee on
Credentials, and the Committee on Credentials made their re-
port, and reported us eleven present and entitled to eight
votes. Since the adjournment of the Convention on yester-
day, a portion of my co-delegates I am not here to impugn
their motives, nor do I intend to do so a portion of them
met without my knowledge, without the knowledge of at
least one more, and perhaps two more of the delegates, and
have filled up our delegation from gentlemen, God Almighty
only knows where they live. [Applause and laughter.] I do
not wish to place myself in an attitude hostile to a majority
of my delegation, I do not wish to throw any embarrassment
in the way of the peaceful settlement of all the business that
has brought us together, but I wish to say that there is a gen-
tleman here from Maryland who has been knocking at the
door of this Convention, but who has not been received ; my
co-delegates have refused to fill up the delegation with his
name, and have, for purposes known only to themselves,
filled it up with outsiders. For this reason, for the reason that
the delegation has been made full by placing upon it the
names of men unknown to me, by placing upon it the names
of non-residents of the State of Maryland, and because I had
no knowledge that this meeting was coming together, be-
cause I have not co-operated in this movement, because I do
107
not know the purpose for which this delegation has been
filled up, and because I think we should not pretend to pre-
sent in this Convention, a stronger front than that which we
possess. We have eleven men here, and we should only vote
our eight votes. I hope, gentlemen of the Convention, you
will vote this down. [Applause and cries for the question.]
Mr. CARTER, of Ohio : I call for the previous question.
Previous question sustained, and the additional motion to
receive the delegates was lost.
Mr. EVARTS, of New York : Mr. Chairman, as the Conven-
tion has by its vote decided to proceed to a ballot, you may
be assured that I do riot rise for the purpose of making a
speech. I rise simply to ask, sir, whether it is in order to
present names in nomination ?
The PRESIDENT : The Chair is of the opinion that under
the execution of the order adopted, it may be in order to put
in nomination such persons as the Convention may desire,
without debate.
Mr. EVARTS : I rise
A Voice The Pennsylvania delegation is not provided with
seats. [Voices " Get them in quick."]
The PRESIDENT : I will take this opportunity to present a
communication received by the Chair.
The SECRETARY reads:
CHICAGO, May IS, 1860.
We feel it our duty to inform you that members of your
Convention pass their tickets over the railings and through the
windows to their friends who are not entitled to seats. If the
Convention find inconvenience, it is the fault of the members
and not through our interference. Any instructions you think
proper to give will be strictly carried out.
PETER PAGE,
GURDON S. HUBBARD,
CHAS. N. HOLDEN.
108
The PRESIDENT : The Chair knows of a no more practical
way than to ask each delegation to insist that no person ex-
cept their delegates shall occupy their seats. If they will do
that with rigor every delegate in the room will be accommo-
dated.
Mr. WYSE, of the District of Columbia, called the attention
of the Chair to some mistake in the printed list of dele-
gates.
The PRESIDENT stated that he understood the error had
been corrected.
Mr. EVARTS, of New York : In the order of business before
the Convention, sir, I take the liberty to name as a candidate
to be nominated by this Convention for the office of President
of the United States. William H. Seward. [Prolonged ap-
plause and cheers.]
Mr. JUDD, of Illinois : I desire on behalf of the delegation
from Illinois, to put in nomination, as a candidate for Presi-
dent of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois. [Im-
mense applause and cheers.]
Mr. DUDLEY, of New Jersey : Mr. President, New Jersey
presents the name of Wm. L. Dayton. [Applause.]
Grov. REEDER, of Pennsylvania : Pennsylvania nominates as
her candidate for the Presidency General Simon Cameron.
[Cheers.]
Mr. CARTER, of Ohio : Ohio presents to the consideration
of this Convention, as a candidate for President, the name of
Salmon P. Chase. [Applause and cheers.]
Mr. C. B. SMITH, of Indiana : I desire, on behalf of the
delegation from Indiana, to second the nomination of Abraham
Lincoln, of Illinois. [Tremendous applause.]
109
Mr. BLAIR, of Missouri : I am commissioned by the repre-
sentatives of the State of Missouri to present to this Conven-
tion the name of Edward Bates as a candidate for the Presi-
dency. [Applause and cheers.]
Mr. AUSTIN BLAIR, of Michigan : In behalf of the delega-
tion from the Michigan I second, the nomination for President
of the United States, of William H. Seward. [Immense ap-
plause and cheers.]
Mr. THOMAS CORWIN, of Ohio : I rise, Mr. President, at the
request of many gentlemen, part of them members of this
Convention, and many of them of the most respectable gen-
tlemen known to the history of this country and its politics,
to present the name of John McLean. [Applause.]
Mr. SCHURZ, of Wisconsin : I am commissioned by the
delegation from the State of Wisconsin, to second the nomi-
nation of William H. Seward, of New York. [Warm ap-
plause.]
Mr. NORTH, of Minnesota : I am commissioned on behalf
of the delegation from Minnesota, to second the nomination of
William H. Seward. [Applause.]
Mr. WILDER, of Kansas : I am commissioned, not only by
the delegation from Kansas, but by the people of Kansas, to
present the name of Wm. H. Seward, of New York.
Mr. DELANO, of Ohio : I rise on behalf of a portion of the
delegation from Ohio, to put in nomination the man who
knows how to split rails and maul democrats Abraham
Lincoln. [Great applause and laughter.]
Mr. LOGAN, of Illinois : Mr. President, In order or out of
order, I desire to move that this Convention, for itself and this
vast audience, give three cheers for all the candidates presented
by the Republican party.
The PRESIDENT : The gentleman is out of order.
A Delegate from Iowa : Mr. President, I rise in the name
of two-thirds of the delegation of Iowa, again to second the
nomination of Abraham Lincoln. [Great applause.]
Mr. ANDREW, of Massachusetts : I move you that we pro-
ceed to vote.
FIRST' BALLOT.
STATES. 3 o o g i .i 1
J : .T . 1 -I "3 I * * I 1 !
dD3^OSe5oQa?6
Maine, 10 6 .. .. ..
New Hampshire, 1 7 1 .. .. 1 ..
Vermont, Id
Massachusetts, 21 4
Rhode Island, 1 5 1 1
Connecticut, 2 1.. 7.. .. 2
New York, 70
New Jersey, 14
^Pennsylvania, lj 4 . . 47^ . . 1
Maryland, 3 8
Delaware, 6
Virginia, 8 14 .. 1
Kentucky, 5 G 2 .. .. 1.. 8.. 1 .. ..
Ohio, 8 4 .. 34
"^Indiana, 26
Missouri, 18
Michigan, 12
Illinois, 22
Texas, 4 2
Wisconsin, 10
Iowa, 2 2.. 1 1 1.. 1
California, 8
Minnesota, 8
Oregon, 5
TERRITORIES.
Kansas, 6
Nebraska, 2 1 .. 1 2
District of Columbia, 2
Pending the vote the following proceedings transpired :
Ill
Mr. TRACY, of California : I wish to say, as there has
been one vote cast for Mr. Fremont, that he is not a candidate
before this Convention.
When the State of Maryland was called, during the vote,
Mr. COCHRANE, Chairman of the Delegation, said :
The Republican State Convention of Maryland having re-
quested that the delegation should vote as a unit, I therefore,
in accordance with the wishes of a majority of the delegtition,
cast 1 1 votes for Edward Bates. [Applause.]
Mr. COALE, of Maryland : I object to that. I am a freeman
in Maryland, although surrounded by slavery. If I were go-
ing to look for a place to be immolated upon the altar of
slavery, I should not come to Chicago. [Great confusion
and cries of "order."] Well, hear my point then. We are
not instructed to vote for Edward Bates. Such a resolution
was presented there and was instantly voted down. [A Voice
you are not in order.] Well, my point is that we were not
instructed, and that we will not act according to the recom-
mendation except so far as we please.
Mr. ARMOUR, of Maryland : I will present the point of pro-
testation a little clearer than my aged friend has done. [Cries
of " Call the roll."]
The PRESIDENT : It is not a subject of debate. The question
is, shall the Convention receive the eleven votes from the State
of Maryland for Mr. Bates? and this must be decided without
debate. [Voices "Call the roll," "hear him," and great
confusion.]
Mr. ARMOUR : I do not wish to debate the point. I wish
to state succinctly and clearly the point of our protest. Have
I leave? [Cries of " Yes," and " No."] At the Convention which
assembled at Maryland, a resolution was offered instructing
the delegates of the State of Maryland to vote as a unit
There was a general feeling against that resolution, and a num-
ber of gentlemen spoke against it, and I had risen to protest
112
against it when some gentleman in my rear moved that we
be simply " recommended." Not one man in that Convention
considered that "recommend" and " instruct" were synony-
mous terms. Not one of us considered that the recommen-
dation was equivalent to an instruction. Therefore, we let it
pass, believing then and now that we were free to cast our
votes for the man of our choice, and we now claim that right
on the floor of the Convention. [Cries of " Good," and ap-
plause.]
Mr. R. M. CORWINE, of Ohio : One of the rules adopted
yesterday declares that the Chairman of each Delegation shall
cast the vote of his delegation.
A VOICE : No, no ! it says he shall " announce" it.
Mr. COALE : We will vote as we please, and we will not
vote in any other way.
The Chair then stated the question.
Mr. FRANK P. BLAIR, of Missouri : I rise to a point of order.
I desire to know whether this Convention is to be governed
by its rules, or not ? I call the attention of the President to
the rule which we have adopted, and under which we must
act, unless it is intended now to violate it.
The PRESIDENT : The Chair is aware of the rule. The
rule adopted was, that the vote of each State should be an-
nounced by its Chairman.
A VOICE : He must but announce it and announce it
truly.
The PRESIDENT : And the Chair rules that he is bound to
receive the report made by the Chairman of the delegation,
and announce it to the Convention as their vote, unless it is
rejected by the Convention ; and the Chair, not wishing to
take the responsibility of settling this question, may refer it
to the Convention, and the Chair now puts the question to
113
the Convention; Shall the vote announced by the Chairman
be received by the Convention as the vote of the State of
Maryland ?
The question was decided in the negative.
At the conclusion of the voting, which occupied consider-
able time, the result was announced by the Secretary of the
Convention, as follows :
For Wm. H. Seward, of New York, 173
For Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, 102
For Edward Bates, of Missouri, 48
For Simon Cameron, of Pennsylvania, 50"
For John McLean, of Ohio, 12 ^
For Salmon P. Chase, of Ohio, 49 '
For Benjamin F. Wade, of Ohio, 3 "
For William L. Dayton, of New Jersey, 14 "
For John M. Read, of Pennsylvania, I
For Jacob Collamer, of Vermont, 10 *
For Charles Sumner, of Massachusetts, 1 -
For John C. Fremont, of California, 1 -
Whole number of votes cast, 465 ; necessary to a choice,
233.
THE PRESIDENT announced that no candidate having re-
ceived a majority of the whole number of votes cast, the
Convention would proceed to a second ballot.
Mr. CALEB B. SMITH, of Indiana, being in the chair, the
second ballot was proceeded with. It was as follows :
a
STATES. % S ^
Maine, 10 6
Xew Hampshire, 1 9
Vermont, 10
Massachusetts, 22 4
15
114
STATES. -3
* I 1 ^ s s> a
| a 4 6 a 6 ft cs
Rhode Island, 3 .... 2 3 ..
Connecticut, 4 4 .. .. 2.. 2
New York, 70
New Jersey, 4 10 ..
Pennsylvania, 248_.. 1 2
Maryland, 3 .. 8
Delaware, 6
Virginia, 8 14 . . 1
Kentucky, 7 9 6 .. ..
Ohio, 14 .. .. 2 29 .. ..
Indiana, 26
Missouri, 18
Michigan, 12
Illinois, 22
Texas, 6
Wisconsin, 10
Iowa, 2 5 .. .. i - -
California, 8
Minnesota, 8
Oregon, 5
TERRITORIES.
Kansas, 6
Nebraska, 3 1 2
District of Columbia, 2
After the vote was taken, and before it was announced
Gov. REEDER, of Pennsylvania, said : I desire to state that
while the vote was going on, and after that vote was given,
the name of Gen. Cameron was withdrawn. I now formally
withdraw the name of Gen. Cameron from this Convention as
a candidate for nomination.
The SECRETARY announced the result of the second ballot
as follows :
115
For WILLIAM H. SEWARD, of New York, 184 \ votes. [Ap-
plause.]
For ABRAHAM LINCOLN, of Illinois, 181 votes. [Tremendous
applause, checked by the Speaker.]
For EDWARD BATES, of Missouri, 35 votes.
For SIMON CAMERON, of Pennsylvania, 2 votes. *
For JOHN McLEAN, of Ohio, 8 votes.
For SALMON P. CHASE, of Ohio, 42J votes.
For WILLIAM L. DAYTON, of New Jersey, 10 votes.
For CASSIUS M. CLAY, of Kentucky, 2 votes.
Whole number of votes cast 465 ; necessary to a choice,
233.
The CHAIR announced that no candidate having received
a majority of all the votes cast, there was no nomination, and
the Convention would proceed to a third ballot, which was
then taken, as follows :
"
STATES. 1 o |
I 1 -3 $ *
OB O J a O
Maine, 10 .. .. 6
New Hampshire, 1 .. .. 9
Vermont, 10
Massachusetts, 18 .. .. 8
Rhode Island, 1 .. 1 5 1 ....
Connecticut, 1 4 2 4 .... 1
New York, 70
New Jersey, 5 .. .. 8
Pennsylvania, 52
Maryland, 2 .. .. 9
Delaware,... 6
Virginia, 8 .. .. 14
Kentucky, 6 .. 4 13
Ohio, 15 29 2 .. ..
Indiana, 26
Missouri, 18
116
STATES. A 2
^ > 3
E (3 o 3 a ft 6
Michigan, 12
Illinois, 22
Texas, 6
Wisconsin, 10
Iowa, 2 .. 5
California, 8
Minnesota, 8
Oregon, 1 .. .. 4
TERRITORIES.
Kansas, 6
Nebraska, 3 . . 2 1
District of Columbia, 2
180 22 24 231J 511
The progress of the ballot was watched with most intense
interest, especially toward the last, the crowd becoming silent
as the contest narrowed down, when, before the result was
announced,
Mr. CARTER, of Ohio, said : I arise, Mr. Chairman, to an-
nounce the change of four votes of Ohio from Mr. Chase to
Abraham Lincoln.
[This announcement, giving Mr. Lincoln a majority, was
greeted by the audience with the most enthusiastic and thun-
dering applause. The entire crowd rose to their feet, applaud-
ing rapturously, the ladies waving their handkerchiefs, the
men waving and throwing up their hats by thousands, cheer-
ing again and again. The applause was renewed and repeated
for many minutes. At last, partial silence having been re-
stored, with many gentlemen striving to get the floor.]
Mr. EVARTS, of New York : Mr. Chairman, has the vote
been declared?
117
The CHAIE : No, sir.
Mr. ANDREW, of Massachusetts : Mr. Chairman, I sought an
opportunity some time since, and before finishing the roll-call
of the states, at the direction of many of my associates of the
Massachusetts delegation, to correct their vote. I am in-
structed to report that the vote from Massachusetts stands :
For Abraham Lincoln, 18 ; for William H. Seward, 8. [Ap-
plause.]
Mr. McCmLLis, of Maine : Mr. Chairman, the young giant
of the West has become of age. He is 21 years old. [Loud
cries of " Order !"] Maine gives her vote unanimously in
favor of Lincoln. [Renewed applause.]
Gov. REEDER, of Pennsylvania : I desire to correct the vote
of Pennsylvania. In the haste of taking so large a number
of delegates, it was not taken as they desire, and they wish
me to announce it as, for Abraham Lincoln, 53 ; for John Mc-
Lean, ; for William H. Seward, .
Mr. ROLLINS, of New Hampshire : I desire to correct the
vote of New Hampshire. New Hampshire votes for Abra-
ham Lincoln 10 votes. [Applause.]
Mr. EAMES, of Rhode Island : Mr. Chairman, I desire now
to announce that Rhode Island casts 8 votes for Abraham
Lincoln.
Mr. WELLES, of Connecticut : Mr. Chairman, I am requested
to state that the vote of Connecticut is 8 for Abraham Lin-
coln, 2 for Salmon P. Chase the rest as before given.
Mr. CARTER, of Ohio : I am requested, by the delegation
from Ohio, to now present their unanimous vote for Abraham
Lincoln ; 46 votes. [Great applause.]
[At this time there was great confusion. A salute was fired
without, and responded to within the wigwam by vociferous
cheers. A large photograph of Mr. Lincoln was then brought
118
upon the platform, and the audience greeted the sight with
rapturous and long continued cheering.]
Mr. BROWX, of Missouri : I am instructed to cast the entire
vote of Missouri 18 votes for that gallant son of the
West, Abraham Lincoln. [Great enthusiasm.]
A DELEGATE from Iowa : I am authorized by the delegation
from Iowa to change their vote, and make it unanimous for
Lincoln. [Applause.]
Mr. GALLAGHER, of Kentucky : Mr. President, Kentucky
came here, not to obtrude, but to sanction the expression that
is now indicated, and casts a full vote for Abraham Lincoln.
[Loud cheers.]
Mr. NORTH, of Minnesota : I am authorized by the delega-
tion from Minnesota, to make it unanimous for Abraham
Lincoln.
A DELEGATE from Virginia : The delegation from Virginia
ask to have their full vote recorded for Abraham Lincoln.
[Applause.]
Mr. TRACY, of California : I am directed by the delegation
of California to change five votes in favor of Abraham Lin-
coln, making her vote 5 to 3. [Applause.]
Mr. FITCH, of Texas : I am authorized by the delegation of
Texas to have their vote recorded for Abraham Lincoln. [Ap-
plause.]
Mr. WYSE, of the District of Columbia : I am authorized
to change the vote of the District of Columbia from William
H. Seward to Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois. [Applause.]
Mr. WILDER, of Kansas : I am authorized by the delegation
from Kansas to change her vote to the gallant disciple of the
" Irrepressible Conflict," Abraham Lincoln. [Applause.]
119
Mr. WEBSTER, of Nebraska : Nebraska casts her unanimous
vote for Abraham Lincoln. [Applause.]
A DELEGATE from Oregon : Oregon also casts her unani-
mous vote for Abraham Lincoln. [Applause.]
After these changes had been made the Secretary announced
the result of the vote as follows :
Whole number of votes cast 466 ; necessary to a choice
234.
For Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, 364 votes.
The PRESIDENT : Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, is selected
as your candidate for President of the United States. [Thun-
ders of applause, and great confusion.]
Mr. EVARTS, Chairman of the New York Delegation, then
took the stand and said,
Mr. President, and gentlemen of the Republican National
Convention : The State of New York, by a full delegation,
with complete unanimity of purpose at home, came to this
Convention and presented to its choice one of its citizens,
who had served the state from boyhood up, who had labored
for and loved it. We came from a great state, with, as we
thought, a great statesman [Prolonged cheers,] and our love
of the Great Republic, from which we are all delegates, the
great American Union, and our love of the great Republican
party of the Union, and our love of our statesman and candi-
date, made us think that we did our duty to the country, and
the whole country, in expressing our love and preference for
him. [Loud cheers.] For, gentlemen, it was from Gov. Sew-
ard that most of us learned to love Republican principles and
the Republican party. [Renewed cheers.] His fidelity to the
country, the constitution and the laws ; his fidelity to the
party and the principle that the majority govern ; his interest
in the advancement of our party to its victory, that our coun-
try may rise to its true glory, induces me to assume to speak
his sentiments, as I do, indeed, the opinions of our whole de-
legation when I move you, as I do now, that the nomination
120
of Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, as the Republican candidate
for the suffrages of the whole country for the office of Chief
Magistrate of the American Union, be made unanimous. [En-
thusiastic cheers.]
Several speakers then attempted to get the floor, which
was accorded to Mr. ANDREW, Chairman of the Massachusetts
Delegation. He said :
Mr. President, gentlemen of the National Eepublican Con-
vention, and fellow citizens of the United States of America :
I am deputed by the united voice of the Massachusetts de-
legation to second the motion just proposed by the distin-
guished citizen of New York, who represents the delegation
of that noble State. I second that motion, therefore, in the
name of Massachusetts, that the nomination of Abraham Lin-
coln be made unanimous. [Loud cheers.] Gentlemen, the
people of Massachusetts hold in their heart of hearts, next to
their reverence and love for Christian faith, their reverence
and love for the doctrine of equal arid impartial liberty. [Re-
newed cheers.] We are Republicans, by a hundred thousand
majority, of the old stamp of the Revolution. [Cheers.] We
have come up here the delegation from Massachusetts
from the ground where on Bunker's Hill the Yankees of New
England met the deadly fire of Britain. We have come from
Concord, where was spilled the first blood of the Revolution ;
from Lexington, where their embattled farmers fired a shot
that was heard around the world. We have come from Fa-
neuil Hall, where spoke the patriots and sages, and orators of
the earliest and best days of American History, where our
fathers heard propounded those doctrines and principles of
liberty and human equality which found their enunciation
and exposition in the Constitution of Massachusetts, and by
which, under judicial decision, human slavery was banished
from the venerable soil of that ancient commonwealth, before
the Colonies were a united people. [Cheers.] We have come
from the shadows of the old South Church, where American
liberty was baptized in the waters of religion. [Loud ap-
plause.] We hold the purpose firm and strong, as we have
121
gone through the tedious struggle of years now gone by, to
rescue, before we die, the holy ark of American liberty from
the grasp of the Philistines who held them. Yes, sir, whether
in the majority, or without the majority of the American
people, there we stand. [Enthusiastic cheers.] Whether in
victory or in defeat there we stand, and, as said the Apostle,
" having done all, still there we will stand, and because of
our love and of our faith." The affection of our hearts and
the judgment of our intellects bound our political fortunes to
William Henry Seward, of New York [Cheers] ; him, who is
the brightest and most shining light of this political genera-
tion [Applause and cheers] ; him, who by the unanimous se-
lection of the foes of our cause and our men, has for years
been the determined standard-bearer of liberty, William H.
Seward. [Loud cheers.] Whether in the legislature of his
native State of New York, whether as Governor of that young
and growing imperial commonwealth, whether as Senator of
the United States, or as a Tribune of the people, ever faithful,
ever true. [Cheers.] In the thickest and the hottest of every
battle there waved the white plume of the gallant leader of
New York. [Cheers.] And, gentlemen, by no hand of Mas-
sachusetts was it for him to be stricken down. Dearly as we
love triumph, we are used to momentary defeat, because we
know we are right; and whatever storms assail our ship, be-
fore whatever gales she may reel and quake, we know that
if the bark sinks it is but to another sea. We know that this
cause of ours is bound to triumph, and that the American
people will, one day, be convinced, if not in I860, that the
path of duty and patriotism leads in the direction of the Re-
publican cause. It was not for us to strike down William
Henry Seward, of New York. But, Mr. President, and gen-
tlemen, as we love the cause, and as we respect our own con-
victions, and as we mean to be faithful to the only organiza-
tion on earth which is in the van of the cause of freedom, so
do we, with entire fidelity of heart, with entire concurrence
of judgment with the firmest and most fixed purpose of our
will, adopt the opinion of the majority of the convention of
16
122
delegates, to which the American people have assigned the
duty of selection ; and as Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, is the
choice of the National Republican Convention, Abraham Lin-
coln is at this moment the first choice of the Republicans of
Massachusetts. [Enthusiastic cheers.] We wheel into line as
one man, and we will roll up our 100,000 majority, and we
will give our 13 electoral votes, and we will show you that
the " Irrepressible Conflict" is the " manifest destiny of the
Democracy." [Cheers.] The Republican party is to-day,
gentlemen, the only united national party in America. It is
the cause of liberty. By universal concession, it is the cause
of the Union, as it is the only party in the nation which stands
by the Union and holds no secessionist in his rank. Now,
since the result (if it may be called a result), is known of the
Convention at Charleston, the Democratic party is the only
secession party in existence. That Democracy, which, with
proud defiance, has arrogated constant title of " National,"
exists only to-day in two sections, one of which is absolutely
devoted to slavery, and the other of which is opposed to
liberty. [Loud cheers and laughter.] Against that party, Mr.
President and gentlemen, and against all those who hold its
dogmas, or preach its heresies, with whatever associates, and
under whatever lead, Massachusetts comes into the line, and
under Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, we are bound to march
with you to victory. [Tremendous cheers.]
Mr. CARL SCHURZ : Mr. President, I am commissioned by
the delegation of Wisconsin to second the motion made
by the distinguished gentleman from New York. The dele-
gates of Wisconsin were directed to cast their votes unani-
mously for William H. Seward, and it is unnecessary to say
that the instructions we received added but solemn obliga-
tions of our constituents to the spontaneous impulses of our
hearts. [Great applause.] It would be needless to say any-
thing in praise of Mr. Seward. His claims stand recorded in
the annals of the country, and they are reported in the hearts
of the people. He needs no eulogy here, and my vote can
add nothing to so powerful a testimony. We, gentlemen,
went for him because we considered him the foremost among
the best, and to whatever may be said in his praise I will add
but one thing. I now am speaking in the spirit of Mr. Sew-
ard, when I say that his ambition will be satisfied with the
success of the cause which was the dream of his youth, and
to which he has devoted all the days of his manhood even if
the name of Wm. H. Seward should remain in history an in-
stance of the highest merit uncrowned with the highest honor.
Gentlemen, we stood by Mr. Seward to the last, and I tell
you we stand by him now in supporting Mr. Lincoln. [Ap-
plause.] With the platform we adopted yesterday, and with
the candidate who so fairly represents it, as Mr. Lincoln does,
we defy all the passion and prejudice that may be enforced
against us by our opponents. We defy the whole slave
power and the whole vassalage of hell. [Cheers universally
prevailing.] Aye, and we defy the "Little Giant" himself.
[Applause.] Again, do we stand by Mr. Seward as we did
before for we know that he will be at the head of our
column, joining in the battle cry that joins us now, "Lincoln
and Victory." [Great applause.]
Mr. AUSTIN BLAIR, of Michigan : Gentlemen of the Con-
vention : Like my friend who has just taken his seat, the
State of Michigan, from first to last, has cast her vote for the
great statesman of New York. She has nothing to take back.
She has not sent me forward to worship the rising sun, but
she has put me forward to say that, at your behests here to-
day, she lays down her first, best loved candidate to take up
yours, with some bleeding of the heart, with some quivering
in the veins ; [Much applause] but she does not fear that
the fame of Seward will suffer, for she knows that his fame is
a portion of the history of the American Union ; it will be
written and read and beloved long after the temporary excite-
ment of this day has passed away, and when Presidents are
themselves forgotten in the oblivion which comes over all
124
temporal things. We stand by him still. We have followed
him with a single eye and with unwavering faith in times
past. We marshal now behind him in the grand column
which shall go out to battle for Abraham Lincoln of Illinois,
and to conquer; for, mark you, what has happened to-day
will happen in November next Lincoln will be elected with
just such a shout as has been given to-day in this vast assem-
blage. We say of our candidate, God bless his magnanimous
soul. [Tremendous applause.] I promise you that in the
State of Michigan, which I have the honor to represent,
where the Republican party from the days of its organization
to this hour never suffered a single defeat, but has carried this
standard with an increasing triumph from that day to this*
we will give you for the gallant son of Illinois, and glorious
standard-bearer of the West, a round twenty-five thousand
majority.
Mr. EVARTS : I have no wish to cut short any speeches of
a general character, that are desired to be made, but I would
suggest to the Convention that we have, perhaps, given a
liberal share of our time to this enthusiasm at this stage in
the performance of our duty. I rise, sir, merely to make a
suggestion, and a motion, in regard to the subject of Vice-
President and the adjournment of the Convention. Will the
Convention allow me to do so ?
Mr. JUDD : Illinois desires to respond by Mr. Browning for
a few moments.
Mr. EVARTS: I did not exactly understand the nature of
my friend's suggestion, but I suppose, from what has passed
between him and myself, that I gather its purport, and if he
prefers that Mr. Browning should speak now, before I make
my business motions, it is all the same to me. [Voices, " Go
on."] If I go on, he can have an opportunity to say what
he wishes to say afterwards. Now, Mr. Chairman, it is half
past one o'clock, and I think we require as much time as
125
from now till 5 o'clock, for the recess of this Convention. I
would suggest, if no more desirable or rapid plan can be
named, that the Chairman of each delegation, States and
Territories, here present, meet at some hour in the interval,
at the head-quarters of the New York delegation, at the Rich-
mond House. Is that agreeable and convenient? [Voices,
" agreed."] I would suggest, then, that they should meet at
that place as early as three o'clock. Is that suitable?
[Voices, " Yes," and "All right."] Then allow me to say to
our own delegation that I wish they would meet at the same
place, the head-quarters of our delegation, at the Richmond
House, immediately after the adjournment of the Convention.
I shall move sir, now, that when this Convention adjourns,
it adjourns to meet at 5 o'clock, and that the balloting for
Vice-President be laid over during recess.
The motion of Mr. Evarts was carried.
Mr. EVARTS : Now, Mr. Chairman, allow me to say that I
have been in error or out of order all the time, and you with
me also. The motion that I made, that the nomination be
made unanimous, has not yet been put, I suppose a speech
from my friend from Illinois will be in order.
THE PRESIDENT : The Chair begs leave to state that the
gentleman has not been out of order.
Mr. EVARTS : I am very glad to hear it.
Mr. BROWNING, of Illinois : Mr. President and gentlemen
of the Convention : On behalf of the Illinois delegation I
have been requested to make some proper response to the
speeches that we have heard from our friends of the other
States. Illinois ought hardly on this occasion to be expected
to make a speech, or called upon to do so. We are so much
elated at present that we are scarcely in a condition to collect
our own thoughts, or to express them intelligently to those
who may listen to us. I desire to say, gentlemen of the
126
Convention, that in the contest through which we have just
passed, we have been actuated by no feeling of hostility to
the illustrious statesman from New York, who was in compe-
tition with our own loved and gallant son. We were actu-
ated solely by a desire for the certain advancement of Repub-
licanism. The Republicans of Illinois, believing the principles
of the Republican party are the same principles which in-
flamed the hearts and nerved the arms of our patriot sires in
the Revolution ; that they have the same principles which
were vindicated upon every battle field of American freedom.
In the contest through which we have just passed we were
actuated solely by the conviction that the triumph of these
principles was necessary, not only to the salvation of our
party, but to the perpetuation of the free institutions whose
blessings we now enjoy, and we have struggled against the
nomination of the illustrious statesman of New York, solely
because we believed here that we could go into battle on the
prairies of Illinois with more hope and more prospect of suc-
cess under the leadership of our own noble son. No Repub 1
lican who has a love of freedom in his heart, and who has
marked the course of Gov. Seward, of New York, in the
councils of our nation, who has witnessed the many occasions
upon which he has risen to the very height of moral sublimity
in his conflicts with the enemies of free institutions ; no heart
that has the love of freedom in it, and has witnessed these
great conflicts of his, can do otherwise than venerate his
name. On this occasion, I desire to say, only, that the hearts
of the Illinois delegation are to-day filled with emotions of
gratification for which they have no utterance. We are not
more overcome by the triumph of our noble Lincoln, loving
him as we do, knowing the purity of his past life, the integ-
rity of his character, and devotion to the principles of our
party, and the gallantry with which we will be conducted
through this contest, than we are by the magnanimity of our
friends of the great and glorious State of New York in mov-
ing to make this nomination unanimous. On behalf of the
delegation, from Illinois, for the Republican party of this
127
great and growing Prairie State, I return to all our friends,
New York included, our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for the
nomination of this Convention.
The Convention then adjourned until 5 o'clock, p. M.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The Convention re-assembled and was called to order by
the President at 5 o'clock.
THE CHAIR announced that the first business in order was
to proceed to ballot for a candidate for Vice- President of the
United States.
Mr. WILDER, of Kansas: Mr. Chairman, in behalf of the
Kansas delegation, I am commissioned to nominate John
Hickman, of Pennsylvania, as the candidate of the Republi-
can party for the office of Vice-President of the United States.
[Loud and prolonged applause.]
Mr. CARTER, of Ohio : I will present the name of Senator
Hannibal Hamlin of Maine. [Great cheering.]
Mr. LEWIS, of Pennsylvania : I second the nomination of
John Hickman of Pennsylvania. [Applause.]
Gov. BOUTWELL, of Massachusetts: Mr. President In
behalf of a large majority of the delegation from Massachu-
setts, and in behalf, I believe of a great majority of the people
of that Commonwealth and New England, I present the
name of the iron man of Massachusetts, Nathaniel P. Banks.
[Loud applause.]
Mr. CALEB B. SMITH, of Indiana : In behalf of a large
number of the Indiana delegation, I present the name of the
gallant son of Kentucky, Cassius M. Clay. [Enthusiastic
cheers.]
128
A DELEGATE from Virginia : With all my heart I second
the nomination of Cassius M. Clay.
Mr. LOWRY of Pennsylvania: Mr. Chairman, I nominate
Andrew H. Reeder of Pennsylvania and late Governor of
Kansas. [Loud applause.]
The Convention then proceeded to ballot as follows, Mr.
BURGESS being in the Chair:
>> A
STATES - Sill i i i t I
*: rt o ~ Socjceo
OK HtffiPH
Maine, 16
New Hampshire, 10
Vermont, 10
Massachusetts, . . . . 20 1 1 1 . .
Rhode Island, 8
Connecticut,. 2 1 .. 2 5
New York, 9 4 2 11 35 1 8 .. ..
New Jersey, 1 .. 7.. 6
Pennsylvania,... 4 2 24 7 11 .... 3 ..
Maryland, 2 .... 1 8
Delaware, 3 .. .. 1 2
Virginia, 23
Kentucky, 23
Ohio, 46
Indiana, 18 8
Missouri, 9 .. 9
Michigan, 4 8
Illinois, 2 ..16 2 2
Texas, 6
Wisconsin, 5 5
Iowa, 1 1 .. 6
California, 8
Minnesota, 1 .. .. 1 6
Oregon, 1 .. 3 1
129
TERRITORIES. g 2
^1 ~ *O M o JS *j
S = - o > >>
3 f 3 cc!r:0
OKKft ftOQC
Kansas, 6 ,
Nebraska, 1 .. .. 5
Dist. of Columbia, 2
Total, 101 38.^51 58 194 1 8 3 6
The PRESIDENT (the result having been announced,) No
one having received a ranjority, the roll will be called again
for a second ballot.
The Convention then proceeded to a second ballot, which
resulted as follows:
STATES. Hamlin. Clay. Hickman.
Maine, 16
New Hampshire, 10
Massachusetts, 2G
Vermont, 10
Rhode Island, 8
Connecticut, 10 .. 2
New York, 70
New Jersey, 14
Pennsylvania, 54
Maryland, 10 1
Delaware, 6
Virginia, 23
Kentucky, 23
Ohio, .* 46
Indiana, 12 14
Missouri, 13 5
Michigan, 8 4
Illinois, 20 2
Texas, 6
Wisconsin, 5 5
Iowa, 8
California, 7 1
17
130
\
STATES. H.imlin. Clay. Hickman.
Minnesota, 7 t
Oregon, 3 .. 2
TERRITORIES.
Kansas, 213
Nebraska, .. G
District of Columbia, 2
367 S6 13 *
Pending the ballot, when Massachusetts was called,
Mr. ANDREW, Chairman of the delegation, said : The State
of Massachusetts withdraws the name of Nathaniel P. Banks,
and casts her vote for Mr. Hamlin. [Applause.]
Mr. KELLEY, of Pennsylvania, withdrew the name of Gov.
Reeder of Pennsylvania.
The PRESIDENT : We have a despatch from Detroit which
I wish to read :
To the Republican Convention assembled in the Republican Wigwam at
Chicago, greeting :
One hundred guns are how being fired in honor of the
nomination of Lincoln. [Immense applause.]
THE RESULT.
The PRESIDENT : The result of the last ballot, gentlemen*
I will now announce. There were cast 466 votes, 234 are
necessary for a choice. Hannibal Hamlin of Maine has
received 367 votes, and is nominated as the candidate of the
Republican party for Vice-President.
Mr. BLAKEY, of Kentucky : In behalf of the friends of that
gallant son of freedom, Cassius M. Clay, I move that the
nomination of Hannibal Hamlin, of Maine, be made unani-
mous, and in retiring from this Convention at its close, allow
me to return those who have honored him with their votes,
an assurance of his regards ; assuring them at the same time
131
thafc in casting their votes for that gallant son, they have
voted for a man whose only crime has been that he has rolled
freedom as a sweet morsel under his tongue, while on his lips
liberty has loved to linger. [Great applause.]
Mr. CURTIS, of New York, called for three cheers for
Cassius M. Clay, which was promptly responded to.
The PRESIDENT : It has been moved and seconded that the
nomination of Mr. Hamlin be made unanimous.
Mr. C. B. SMITH, of Indiana: As I had the honor of pre-
senting to this Convention the name of Cassius M. Clay, of
Kentucky, as a candidate for nomination for the office of Vice-
President of the United States, I deem it proper that I should
second the motion made by the gentleman from Kentucky to
make the nomination of Mr. Hamlin unanimous. In second-
ing this motion I beg leave to state that in the opinion of the
Republicans of the State which I in part represent, there is
no one of the many distinguished advocates of the Republi-
can party, no one of that illustrious band who are contending
for the principle of freedom, who is more endeared to the
great heart of the Republicans of this country than is Cassius
M. Clay. It is a very easy matter for us who live upon soil
unstained by slavery ; who breathe the free air of States
where the manacles of the slave are never seen, and their
waitings are never heard, to advocate the principles of the
Republican party ; but, gentlemen, to advocate those princi-
ples upon the soil of slavery itself, in the very face and
shadows of their altars and false gods, requires a degree of
moral heroism of which but few of us can boast. I have an
assurance that this cause will triumph, and that the flag of
freedom will wave in triumph over the land. [Loud applause.]
Let me assure you, gentlemen, when that banner which is
now trailing in the dust shall be borne aloft in triumph, and
its glorious folds shall be expanded to the winds of heaven,
you will see inscribed upon its brightest folds in characters of
living light the name of Cassius M. Clay. [Great applause.]
132
We have now completed the great work for which we assem-
bled here. We have presented to this country a ticket which
will command the love and admiration of Republicans every-
where, and the respect and esteem of the entire country.
[Applause.] In leaving this city, and this large and tumul-
tous assembly, I shall leave it with an abiding confidence
that that ticket will be triumphant ; for let me assure you
that with the gallant son of Illinois as our standard-bearer;
with the distinguished Senator from Maine; with the platform
which we have adopted, I feel that we stand upon a rock and
the gates of hell cannot prevail against it. In behalf of my
friends of Indiana, I would say that in any efforts which we
have made to secure the nomination of Abraham Lincoln of
Illinois, we have been animated by no feeling of animosity
toward the distinguished son of New York, for in no single
State of the Union is the name of Wm. H. Seward more
highly honored than in Indiana. [Applause.] We would not,
if we could, pluck one leaf from the laurel that adorns his
brow ; we would not tarnish one letter in the history which
will render his name illustrious in all coming time. It is not
that we have loved Seward less, but because we have loved
the great Republican cause more, and because, under the
leadership of the gallant son of Illinois, whom, thirty years ago
on the southern frontier of Indiana you might have seen a
humble, ragged boy, barefooted, driving his oxen through the
mountains, and who, by his own exertions, has elevated him-
self to the pinnacle which has now presented him as the
candidate of this Convention. He is a living illustration of
that spirit of enterprise which characterizes the West, and
every western heart will throb with joy when the name of
Lincoln shall be presented to them as the candidate of the
Republican party. [Great and long continued applause.] In
conclusion, I assure you that the Republican flag will wave
in triumph upon the soil of Indiana.
Mr. McCRiLLis, of Maine : Mr. President, and gentlemen
of the Convention I will detain you but a single moment.
133
I wish in the first place to make an acknowledgment in
behalf of the people of Maine for the honor that this Conven-
tion has conferred on them by selecting one of her distin-
guished sons as the candidate for Vice-President of the United
States. Mr. President, the people of Maine were the ardent
admirers and friends of William H. Sevvard. [Applause and
cheers.] They believed that the candidate which this Con-
vention would nominate would surely be the next President
of these United States, and they charged their delegation that
above alt things they should select a man loyal to the spirit
of human liberty loyal to the spirit of free government,
loyal to the principles upon which our fathers laid deep the
foundations of this great empire loyal to the Constitution
and loyal to the Union of these States. And, Mr. Chairman,
they believe that in the person of William H. Seward, the
great Senator of New York, all these great qualities were
combined in addition to his eminent and distinguished ser-
vices to the Republican cause, and his exalted statesmanship.
[Loud cheers.]
Mr. President, and gentlemen of the Convention However
earnest we may have been in pressing the claims of our
particular candidates, when the President of the Convention
announced the result, all partizan feelings and differences sub-
sided and we stood together as a band of brethren, as a united
phalanx. And when the electric spark shall convey the in-
telligence of the nomination to the remotest portions of this
Republic, every Republican will stand by his fellow, forming
a united phalanx, and elect the nominees. Illinois and Maine
are not only sisters in the great family of states, they are not
only sisters under the Constitution sisters-in-law, but they
are by kindred and by blood. Of the people of New Eng-
land thousands upon thousands are our brethren and sisters
who have emigrated to Illinois and are scattered throughout
the great West. And here, sir, they are among the living,
and here their bones repose among the dead. In 1856, the
man who is now your candidate for the Vice-Presidency of
the United States, resigned his seat as Chairman of the Com-
134
mittee on Commerce in the United States Senate, and was
nominated for Governor of the State of Maine. Maine led
the van in the conflict. In September of that year Maine
electrified the nation by a vote of 20,000 majority. She led
the van in that great fight. She was the star in the East
the bright star that illuminated the whole Northern horizon;
she was the star of hope like the star of Bethlehem. She
came over and stood by the cause of freedom with her young
and gallant leader. Mr. Chairman, I know the people of
Maine well. I know that they will give a cordial and united
support to this ticket. I know that from every hill, from
every valley, and from every mountain and along her rivers
along her rock-bound coast, the nomination of Abraham
Lincoln will be hailed with one spontaneous, loud, long and
continued shout of enthusiasm and applause; and that the
people will inscribe on her banner, "Lincoln and Hamlin
Union and Victory." [Tumultuous applause.]
The motion to make the nomination of Mr. Hamlin unani-
mous was then put to vote, and carried with the greatest
enthusiasm.
Loud cries of " Corwin," " Corwin."
Mr. CARTER, of Ohio: I desire to make an apology for my
colleague. Mr. Corwin has been very frequently called for in
this assembly with the view of eliciting a response from him.
He is now lying indisposed upon his back at a private resi-
dence in this town, and he requested me to make this apology
if he should be called upon ; and at the same time to give
the Republicans here assembled the assurance of his full
approbation of what has transpired here ; and the further
assurance of his labor throughout this campaign. [Applause
and cries of " good," "good," "Corwin forever."]
Mr. TUCK, of New Hampshire : Mr. President, I offer the
following resolution :
Resolved, Tiiat the President of this Convention, and the
135
Chairmen of the respective delegations, be appointed a com-
mittee to notify Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, and Hannibal
Hamlin, of Maine, of their nomination by this Convention as
the candidates of the Republican party for the offices, respec-
tively, of President and Vice-President of the United States.
A DELEGATE : I move to amend, by inserting the word
" unanimous" before "nomination."
The amendment was accepted, and the resolution adopted
unanimously.
A RESOLUTION.
Mr. GIDDIXGS, of Ohio : I offer the following resolution :
Resolved, That we deeply sympathise with those men who
have been driven, some from their native States, and others
from the States of their adoption, and are now exiled from
their homes on account of their opinions ; and we hold the
Democratic party responsible for these gross violations of that
clause of the Constitution which declares that the citizens of
each State shall be entitled to all the privileges and immuni-
ties of citizens in the several States.
Resolution adopted.
Hon. HEXRY S. LANE, of Indiana, was called for, and was
received with many cheers. He said : Freemen of the United
States, you have to-day inaugurated a grand work. No event
in the history of the United States, subsequent to the Decla-
ration of Independence, is more sublime and impressive than
the event which has this day been inaugurated in this vast
presence of the freemen of the United States of America.
Into your hands this day is placed the grand responsibility of
bearing the torch of civilization in the vanguard of freedom.
I ask you to bear it aloft and upward in the light of free
institutions, until the whole world shall glow with the light
of our illumination. My fellow citizens, the work commenced
to-day shall go on, until complete victory shall await our
efforts in November. The position of many of the States of
136
the West may have been misunderstood. We regard to-day
William H. Seward as the grandest representative of the
liberty-loving instincts of the human heart which exists in
the United States. In our heart of hearts we love him, and
would make him President to-day, if we had the power so to
do ; but we regard Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, as an equally
orthodox representative of Republican principles, and the most
beautiful illustration of the power of free institutions and the
dignity of free labor in the United States. My fellow citizens,
it is not my purpose at this late hour further to detain you
In the present contest is involved not only the well being, but
the very existence of the Government under which we live.
I ask you, by your action, to sternly rebuke the disunion spirit
which now disgraces the politics of the United States, and to
burn, hissing hot, into the brazen front of Southern Democracy
the brand of disunion, as God marked Cain, the first murderer.
[Great applause.] My fellow citizens, I find myself unable,
after the eloquent responses to which you have listened this
day, to express to you the sentiments which are in my heart.
Massachusetts has responded to this nomination ; old Faneuil
Hall, where the Revolution was born, and where the power
of British supremacy was made to rock and reel in 1769, has
responded ; New York, the Empire State ; the noble Com-
monwealth of Kentucky ; the Grand Prairie State of Illinois ;
and Virginia, the mother of States, have responded. We shake
hands and pledge ourselves to labor until a complete triumph
shall await our efforts in November. My fellow citizens, some
doubts have been expressed in reference to Indiana. It is a
slander upon Indiana. I pledge Indiana by ten thousand
majority. [Great and enthusiastic applause.] I pledge my
personal honor for the redemption of that State. [Renewed
applause.]
THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE.
A DELEGATE from Indiana: I move that the roll be called,
and that each delegation appoint a member of the National
Committee.
137
The roll was then called, and the following gentlemen were
selected by the respective delegations :
Maine, Charles G. Gillman.
New Hampshire, George G. Fogg.
Vermont, Lawrence Brainerd.
MastacAtuetts, John Z. Goodrich.
Rhode Island, Thomas G. Turner.
Connecticut, Gideon Welles.
New York, Edwin D. Morgan.
New Jersey, Denning Duer.
Pennsylvania, Edward McPherson.
Maryland, James F. Wagner.
Delaware, N. B. Smithers.
Virginia, Alfred Caldwell.
Kentucky, Cassias M. Clay.
Ohio, Thomas Spooner.
Indiana, Solomon Meredith.
Missouri, Asa S. Jones.
Michigan, Austin Blair.
Illinois, Norman B. Judd.
Texas, D. Henderson.
Wisconsin, Carl Schurz.
Iowa, Andrew J. Stevens.
California, D. W. Cheeseman.
Minnesota, John McKusick.
Oregon, \V. Carey Johnson.
Kansas, William A. Phillips.
Nebraska, 0. H. Irish.
Dis. Columbia, John Gerhardt.
Mr. GOODRICH, of Minnesota: I am requested to state to
this Convention, and to the citizens and strangers, ladies and
gentlemen in attendance, that a triumphal procession will
form at the head of Washington street, on Michigan avenue,
at 8 o'clock this evening; and will march thence to Lake
street, thence down to Dearborn street to Randolph, up Ran-
dolph to Franklin, thence to Lake street, and thence to this
18
13S
Wigwam, or Tabernacle, where delegations, citizens and
strangers are invited to join in one grand ratification of the
nominations made to-day. [Applause.]
A DELEGATE : Mr. President
Mr. GOODRICH: I am yet charged with other matters. Be
yet patient. I desire now to offer a resolution that I doubt
not will meet with the cordial [great confusion, and mani-
festations of impatience by the audience,] I don't like to
speak against the noise that will meet the cordial approba-
tion of every gentleman in this Convention.
Resolved, That the hospitality, taste, zeal and munificence
displayed by the ladies and gentlemen of the city of Chicago,
in aid of the great Eepublican cause, challenges the admira-
tion, and deserves the hearty thanks of this Convention, and
of the party throughout the United States. [Great applause.]
The resolution was adopted unanimously.
Mr* GOODRICH, proceeding without having resumed his
83at : One word more, Mr. President
SEVERAL VOICES: Mr. President
Mr. GOODRICH: Perhaps the gentleman has business of
greater importance and of much more pertinence on this
occasion than anything I have to offer. [The tumult here
became so great that speaker's voice was drowned in the
noise.]
Mr. CALEB B. SMITH, of Indiana : I rise to a point of order.
The gentleman cannot take the floor in this manner to make
a motion, and then keep the floor as long as he desires to
make other motions.
The PRESIDENT : I am afraid that the point of order will
take up more time even than the gentleman from Minnesota.
[Laughter.]
139
Mr. GOODRICH : I don't desire to trespass on the Conven-
tion. I will state, however, to the gentleman who seems
curious in this behalf,
[The audience 'here became impatient, and the speaker's
voice was lost in the tumult. Cries of "No speech," " Read
your resolution and sit down," &c.]
Mr. GOODRICH : A little more silence. [Uproarious and de-
risive laughter.] I have been desired to say that, inasmuch
as Minnesota has not yet responded to the nominations that
have been made to-day, and inasmuch as she stood up to the
last moment for New York's favorite son as her choice, and
in doing that she believed that she was doing that which was
right, yet she bows to the will of the majority ; and I am
prepared to say that, however much she regrets the defeat of
her favorite candidate, the vote of Minnesota at the polls will
be cast for Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois; [Applause; "good,"
"good;" "Now stop;"] and that though the delegates here
labored for their first choice, yet they will be found laboring
with equal zeal and energy for the nominee of this Conven-
tion. One word more. ["No, no," "Dry up."] I am not in
the habit of being halloed down, even by opponents, and
certainly not by friends, and the friends of the cause that I
claim to be an humble advocate of.
A VOICE : If you are our friend let us go home. [Laughter.]
Mr. GOODRICH : The representatives from Minnesota feel
that a seat in the Presidential chair would not add one jot to
the stature of William H. Seward. Of all earthly fame has
he seen the vanity. Lasting, exalted is his fame. Whenever
lofty deeds
[The audience here became impatient and vociferous in their
calls to proceed to business, and the speaker could proceed
no further.]
The PRESIDENT : At an early hour in the session of the
Convention, two communications were received respectful
140
communications from two Railroad corporations, offering to
the Convention an opportunity for a visit to the Mississippi
on the Chicago and Rock Island and Chicago and Galena
Railroads, and laid on the table.
Mr. MUKPHY, of Michigan : I have a resolution of accept-
ance :
Resolved, That the invitation of the officers of the Chicago
and Rock Island and Chicago and Galena Union Railroads,
for an excursion over the same, by the members of the Con-
vention, be accepted, and that a committee of three be ap-
pointed to notify Mr. Talcott and Mr. Farnum of the same.
Resolution adopted, and the following committee appointed :
Messrs. Murphy, of Michigan, Judd, of Illinois, and Smith, of
Indiana.
Mr. WYSE, of the District of Columbia: I rise to have the
record put right. [Confusion, amid which the speaker be-
came quite excited ] I move that Mr. Harrington's name as
chairman of the delegation from the District of Columbia be
stricken off, and Mr. "Wyse's name be put in instead.
THE PRESIDENT : Without a motion to reconsider, the mo-
tion of the gentleman (Mr. Wyse) cannot be put.
Mr. ASHLEY, of Ohio : I propose for adoption the following
resolution, in order to avoid in future either two sets of dele-
gates or the inequality of representation in the Convention :
Resolved, That the Republican National Committee, ap-
pointed by this Convention, be and they are hereby instructed
to prescribe a uniform rule that shall operate equally in all
the States and Territories, whereby in future the wishes and
preferences of the electors in the Republican organization, in
the choice of candidates for the Presidency and Vice-Presi-
dency, may be fully and fairly ascertained, and that the basis
of the nominating vote be fixed as near as may be in propor-
tion to the number of Republican electors found to reside, at
the last general State election preceding the nomination, in
each Congressional District throughout the Union.
141
Mr. BEXTOX, of New Hampshire : I move that the resolu-
tion be laid on the table.
Mr. COGSWELL, of Massachusetts: I move that the resolu-
tion be referred to the National Committee.
Mr. BEXTOX: My resolution has precedence. I moved to
lay it on the table.
Mr. COGSWELL : I withdraw my motion.
The motion of Mr. Benton, to lay on the table, was carried.
Mr. BRIGGS, of Vermont, moved that the thanks of this
Convention be tendered to the Hon. George Ashmun, of
Massachusetts, for the admirable manner in which he had
presided over the deliberations of the Convention.
The motion was carried unanimously.
A DELEGATE moved that the thanks of the Convention be
tendered to the Vice-Presidents and Secretaries for the able
manner in which they had discharged their duties.
Col. PIXCKXEY, of New York : I move to amend by insert-
ing the words, "especially the Reading Secretary," (Mr.
Pratt, of Indiana).
The motion was unanimously carried.
Mr. SARGEXT, of California, moved that the Convention
do now adjourn, sine die, with three cheers for the platform
and the ticket.
THE VALEDICTORY.
The PRESIDEXT : Gentlemen of the Convention It becomes
now my duty to put to you the last motion which, in the
order of parliamentary law, the President of this Convention
has the power to propose. But before doing it, and before
making a single other remark, I beg to tender you each and
all my cordial thanks for the kind manner in which you have
sustained me in the performance of the duties of this station.
I confess to you, when I assumed it, I did it with some ap-
142
prehension that I might not be able to come up to the expec-
tations which had been formed. It was a bold undertaking,
in every respect, and I know that I could not have accom-
plished it half so well as I have done, but for the extreme
generosity on all sides of the house. There was a solemn
purpose here in the minds and in the hearts of not merely the
Convention, but of the vast assemblage which surrounded us,
that before we separated we would accomplish the high duty.
That duty, gentlemen, we have accomplished. Your sober
judgments, your calm deliberations, after a comparison and
discussion, free, frank, brotherly and patriotic, have arrived at
a conclusion at which the American people will arrive.
Every symptom, every sign, every indication accompanying
the Convention in all its stages, are a high assurance of suc-
cess, and I will not doubt, and none of us doubt, that it will
be a glorious success. Allow me to say of the nominees, that,
although it may be of no consequence to the American people
or to you, they are both personally known to me. It was my
good fortune to have served with Mr. Lincoln in the Congress
of the United States, and I rejoice in the opportunity to say
that there was never elected to the House of Representatives
a purer, truer, nor a more intelligent and loyal Representa-
tive than Abraham Lincoln. [Great applause.] The contest
through which he passed during the last two years has tried
him as by fire ; and in that contest in which we are about to
go for him now, I am sure that there is not one man in this
country that will be compelled to hang his head for anything
in the life of Abraham Lincoln. You have a candidate
worthy of the cause ; you are pledged to his success ; human-
ity is pledged to his success; the cause of free government is
pledged to his success. The decree has gone forth that he
shall succeed. I have served also in public life with Hannibal
Hamlin. In the House of Representatives we were ranged
on different sides. He was a firm Democrat of the old school,
while I was as firmly, and perhaps too much so, a Whig of
the Webster school. [Applause.] But as is known to many
of the gentlemen who sit her before me to-day, there was
143
always a sympathetic chord between him and me upon the
question that has brought us here to-day. [Great applause.]
And when the old divisions of party have crumbled away,
and the force of circumstances have given rise to new issues,
it is not strange that we are found battling together in the
common cause. I say then, gentlemen, that you have got a
ticket worthy of the cause and worthy of the country.
Now, gentlemen, that we have completed so well, so
thoroughly, the great work which the people sent us here to
do, let us adjourn to our several constituencies ; and thanks be
to God who giveth the victory, we will triumph. [Applause.]
A DELEGATE : Mr. President, may I suggest that when we
adjourn, we adjourn to meet at the White House on the 4th
of March next?
Mr. ASHMUN: No other motion is now in order, but that
solemn one which must come to us all. Is it your plea-
sure that we now separate? As many as are in favor of the
motion that this Convention do now adjourn sine die, say aye.
The motion prevailed, and the Convention was declared by
the President adjourned, sine die.
Pursuant to notice given by the President of the Conven-
tion, the National Republican Committee assembled at the
Tremont House, Chicago, at 8 o'clock on Friday evening,
May 18, 1860, and organized by choosing Hon. E. D. MOR-
GAN, of New York, Chairman, and GEORGE G. FOGG, of New
Hampshire, Secretary. Subsequently the following persons
were constituted the Executive Committee:
E. D. MORGAN, of New York.
GIDEON WELLES, of Connecticut.
X. B. JUDD, of Illinois.
GAEL SCHURZ, of ^V^scons^n.
JOHN Z. GOODRICH, of Massachusetts.
DENNING DUER, of New Jersey.
GEO. G. FOGG, of New Hampshire.
144
The names and post-office addresses of the members of the
committee, are as follows:
EDWIN D. MORGAN, Albany, N~. Y.
CHARLES J. GILMAN, Brunswick, Me.
GEORGE G. FOGG, Concord, N~. H.
LAWRENCE BRAINARD, St. Albans, Vt.
JOHN Z. GOODRICH, Stockbridge, Mass.
THOMAS G. TURNER, Warren, 7?. I.
GIDEON WELLES, Hartford, Conn.
DENNING DUER (of N~. J.), N~eio York City.
EDWARD MCPHERSON, Gettysburgh, Pa.
NATHANIEL B. SMITHERS, Dover, Del.
JAMES F. WAGNER, Baltimore, Md.
ALFRED CALDWELL, Wheeling, Va.
THOMAS SPOONER, Reading (Ham. Co.], Ohio.
SOLOMON MEREDITH, Centreville, Ind.
N. B. JUDD, Chicago, III.
AUSTIN BLAIR, Jackson, Mich.
CARL SCHURZ, Milwaukee, Wis.
ANDREW J. STEVENS, Des Moines, loica.
JOHN McKusicK, Stillwater, Minn.
ASA S. JONES, St. Louis, Mo.
CASSIUS M. CLAY, White Hall (Madison Co.], Ky.
D. W. CHEESMAN, Oroville, Cal.
FRANK JOHNSON, Oregon City, Oregon.
WILLIAM A. PHILLIPS, Lawrence, Kansas.
O. H. IRISH, Nebraska Cry.
JOSEPH GERHARDT, Washington, D. C.
ROLL OF THE CONVENTION,
PRESIDENT.
HON. GEORGE ASHMUX, of Massachusetts.
VICE-PRESIDENTS.
California, \. X. Sargent.
Conn<:i-t!,-nt, C. F. Cleveland.
Delaware, John C. Clark.
Iowa, H. P. Scholte.
Illinois, David Davis.
I u il! an, i, John Beard.
I\infnfk>(, W. D. Gallagher.
\ Samuel F. Hersey.
Wm. L. Marshall.
Ensign H. Kel-
logg.
Michigan^ Thomas W. Ferry.
Minnesota, Aaron Goodrich.
ri, Henry T. Blow.
New York, Wm. Curtis Xoyes
New Jersey, E. Y. Rogers.
New IJam/ixIiire, Wm. Haile.
Ohio, Geo. D. Burgess.
Oregon, Joel Burlingame.
Pennsylvania, Thad. Stevens.
Rhode Island, R. G. Hazard.
Texas, Wm. T. Chandler.
\'< rinont, Wm. Hebord.
Virginia, R. Crawford.
Wisconsin^ Hans Crocker.
Nebraska, A. S. Paddock.
Kansas, W. W. Ross.
Dist. Col., Geo. Harrington.
SECRETARIES.
California, D. J. Staples.
Connecticut, H. H. Starkweather
Delaware, B. J. Hopkins.
Iowa, William B. Allison.
Illinois, O. L. Davis.
Indiana, Daniel D. Pratt.
Jentw:k;/, Stephen J. Howes.
Maine, C. A. Wing.
Mart/land, William E. Coale.
Massachusetts, C. O. Rogers.
MicJi if/an, W. S. Stoughton.
Minnesota, D. A. Secombe.
Missouri, J. K. Kidd.
19
New York, Geo. W. Curtis.
New Jersey, Edward Brettle.
New Hampshire, Xathan Hub-
bard.
Ohio, N. J. Beebe.
Oregon, Eli Thayer.
Pennsylvania, J. B. Bell.
Rhode Island, R. R. Hazard, Jr.
Texas, Dunbar Henderson.
Vermont, John W. Stewart.
Wisconsin, L. F. Frisby.
Kansas, John A. Martin.
Nebraska, H. P. Hitchcock.
146
DELEGATES.
Maine-Eight Votes.
AT LARGE.
George F. Talbot, Machias.
Wm. II. McCrillis, Bangor.
John L. Stevens, Augusta.
Rensselaer Cram, Portland.
DISTRICTS.
1. Mark F. Wentworth, Kittery.
Leonard Andrews, Biddeford.
2. Charles J. Gilman, Brunswick.
Seward Dill, Phillips.
3. Xathan G. Hichborn, Stockton
Geo. \V. Lawrence, Warren.
4. C. A. Wing, Winthrop.
J. S. Baker, Bath.
5. Sanmel F. Hersey, Bangor.
Going Hathorn, Pittsfield.
6. John^West, Franklin.
Wash'n Long, Fort Fairfield.
New Hampshire- Five Votes.
AT LARGE.
Hon. Edward II. Rollins.
Hon. Aaron H. Cragin.
Hon. William Haile.
Hon. Amos Tuck.
DELEGATES.
1. Xathaniel Hubbard.
George Matthew son.
2. B. F. Martin.
F. H. Morgan.
3. Jacob Benton.
Jacob C. Bean.
2. Hugh II. Henry, Chester.
Win. Hebord, Chelsea.
3. Win. Clapp, St. Albans.
E. B. Sawyer, Hyde Park.
Vermont Five Votes.
AT LARGE.
E. X. Briggs, Brandon.
Peter T. Washburn, Wood-
stock.
E. D. Mason, Richmond.
E. C. Redington, St. Johns- j
bury.
DISTRICT.
1. John W. Stewart, Middlebury.
E. B. Burton, Manchester.
10
1]
Massachusetts -Thirteen Votes.
AT LARGE.
John A. Andrew, Boston.
Ensign H. Kellogg, Pittsfield.
George S. Boutwell, Groton.
Linus B. Comins, Boston.
DISTRICTS.
Joseph M. Day, Barnstable.
Jonathan Bourne, Jr., New
Bedford.
Robert T. Davis, Fall River.
Seth Webb, Jr., Scituate.
Edward L. Pierce, Miltoa.
William Claflin, Xewton.
Charles O. Rogers, Boston.
Josiah Dunham, Boston.
Samuel Hooper, Boston.
George Win. McLellan, Cam-
bridge.
Timothy Davis, Gloucester.
E. F. Stone, Xewburyport.
George Cogswell, Bradford.
Timothy Winn, Woburn.
Theo. H. Sweetser, Lowell.
John S. Keyes, Concord.
John D. Baldwin, Worcester.
Edward B. Bigelow, Graft on.
John Wells, (sub for Geo.
Ashmun, Pres't,) Chicopee.
Erastns Hopkins, Northamp-
ton.
John H. Coffin, Great Har-
rington.
Matthew D. Field, South-
wick.
Rhode Island-Four Votes.
AT LARGE.
J. F. Simmons, U. S. Senate.
Xathaniel B. Durfee, Tiverton.
Benedict Lapham, Centreville.
W. H. S. Bayley, Bristol.
147
DISTRICT-. 10.
Benj. T. Eames, Providence.
R. K. Hazard, Jr., Xewport. ,
1J. G. Hazard, Peacedale.
Simon Ilenrv Greene, Phi-nix. 11.
Connecticut Six Votes.
AT l.AKGK.
Gideon Welles, Hartford.
Eleazer K. Foster, Xew Haven
C. F. Cleveland, Hampton.
Alex. H. Holley, Salisbury.
DISTRICTS,
S. Q. Porter, rnionville, P. O.
Leverett E. Pease, Somers.
S. "\Y. Kcl'o^u,-, Waterbury.
Arthur B. Calef, Middletown.
David Gallup, Plaintield.
H. H. Starkweather, Xorwich.
Edifar S. Tweedy, Danbury.
Geo. H. Xoble, Xew Miltord.
12.
New York -Thirty- Five Votes.
AT I..YIIGK.
William M. Evarts, Xew York
Preston King, Ogdensburgh.
John L. Schoolcraft, Albany.
Henry R. Selden, Rochester.
DISTRICTS.
. Geo. W. Curtis, Xe\v York.
1*. L. Meeks, Jamaica, L. I.
. J. S. T. Stranahan, Brooklyn.
Henry A. Kent, Brooklyn.
. John A. Kennedy, Xew York.
John A. King, Jamaica.
. O. W. Brennan, Xew York.
Robert T. Haws. Xew York.
. T. Murphy, 50 Dev St.. Xc-w
York.
C. M. l>rig'j;s. Williamsburgh.
. J. C'. Pinckney, Xew York.
M. 13. Blake, '
, D. I). Conover, "
John Keyser, "
. \Vm. Curtis Xoyes, "
James W. Xye, "
. E. J. Porter/ Xew Rochelle.
John G. Miller, Carmel, Put-
nam Co.
15.
16.
17,
18.
19.
20.
2L
22,
28.
24.
25.
20.
27.
Ambrose S. Murray, Goshen,
Orange Co.
C. Y. II. Luddington, Monti-
cello, Sullivan Co.
Peter Crispell, Jr., Hurley.
Henry Green, Coxsackie.
Albert Van Kleeck, Pough-
keepsie, Dutchess Co.
John T. Hogeboom, Ghent.
Jonathan W. Freeman, Troy.
Gideon Rt-vnolds, Troy.
H. H. Van'Dyck, Albany.
II. A. Brigham, West Troy.
, E. Dodd. Artryle, Wash. Co.
Jas. W. Schenck, Glens Falls,
Warren Co.
, Orlando Kellogg, Elizabeth-
town.
Win. Hedding.
, John II. Wooster, Xewport,
Herkimer Co.
A. B. James, Ogdensburgh.
,11. Churchill, Gloversville,
Fulton Co.
Thomas R. Horton, Fulton-
ville, Montgomery Co.
1 1. X.Buckley, Delhi, Del. Co.
Samuel J. Cook, Coopers-
town.
Palmer V. Kellogg, Utica.
Henry H. Fish, Utica.
Giles AY. Hotchkiss, Bing-
Jiamton.
Benj. S. Rexford, Xorwich.
S. F. Case, Fulton, Os'go Co.
Robt. Stewart, Chittenango,
Madison Co.
Isaac H. Fiske, Watertown,
Jefferson Co.
H. Porter, Louisville, Lewis
Vivus W. Smith, Syracuse.
D. C. Greenfield, Baldwins-
ville.
Alex. B. Williams, Lyons.
T. M. Pomeroy, Auburn.
O. B. Latham, Seneca Falls.
Charles C. Shepard, Penn
Yan, Yates Co.
Win. AY. Shepard, Waverly,
Tiocra Co.
148
Geo. W. Schuyler, Ithaca,
Tompkins Co.
28. Wm. Scott, Geneseo, Living-
ston Co.
Stephen T. Hayt, Corning,
Steuben Co.
29. D. D. S. Brown, Rochester.
Alex. Babcock, Rochester.
30. Joshua H. Darling, Warsaw,
Wyoming Co.
John H. Kimberly, Batavia.
31. Wm. Keep, Lockport.
Noah Davis, Jr., Albion.
32. Alex. W. Harvey, Buffalo.
Joseph Candee,
33. Alonzo Kent, Ellicottville.
Delos E. Sill,
Marcus L. Ward, Newark.
Denning Duer, Weehawken.
New Jersey Seven Votes.
AT LARGE.
James T. Sherman, Trenton.
Thomas H.- Dudley, Camden.
Edward Y. Rogers, Rah way.
Ephraim Marsh, Jersey City.
F. T. Frelinghuysen, Newark.
Jonathan Cook, Trenton.
D. S. Gregory, Jersey City.
John J. Blair, Blairtown.
DISTRICTS.
l.P. Ludlam, Bridget on.
R. K. Mattock, Woodbury.
Edward Brettle, Camden.
Jonathan D. Ingham, Salem.
2. A. R. Pharo, Tuckerton.
Stephen B. Smith, Pennington
Amzi C. McLean, Freehold.
Bernard Connolly, "
3. A. P. Bethude, Washington,
Warren Co.
N. W. Voorhees, Clinton.
W. D. Waterman, Janesville.
Moses F. Webb, New Bruns-
wick.
4. Henry M. Low, Paterson.
Wm. G. Lathrop, Boonton.
T. Gumming, Hackensack.
Henry B. Crosby, Paterson.
5. Hugh H. Bowne, Rah way.
H. N. Conger, Newark.
Pennsylvania Twenty-Seven Votes.
AT LARGE.
David Wilijiot, Towanda.
S. A. Purviance, Pittsburg.
Thaddeus Stevens, Lancaster.
John H. Ewing, Washington.
Henry D. Moore, Philadelphia
Andrew II. Reeder, Easton.
Titian J. Coffey, Pittsburg.
Morrow B. Lowry, Erie.
DISTRICTS.
1. John M. Butler, Philadelphia.
Elias Ward,
J. Money,
Win, Elliott,
2. Geo. A. Coffey,
Ridiard Ellis,"
F. Blackburn,
John M. Pomroy,
3. M. B, Mann,
James M'Manus,
Benj. H. Brown,
George Read,
4. A. C. Roberts,
M. II. Kern.
Wm. D. Kelly,
M. S. Buckley, Richmond.
5. James Hooven, Norristown.
Dr. C. M. Jackson, Philadel-
phia.
Win. B. Thomas, Ph'delphia.
G. W. Pumroy, Philadelphia
6. John M. Broomal, Chester.
W. Townsend, West Chester.
Jos. J. Lewis, West Chester.
Jacob S. Sen-ill, Darby.
7. Caleb N. Taylor, Bristol.
Joseph Young, Allen Town.
George Beisel, Allen Town.
Henry J. Saeger, Allen Town
8. Isaac Eckert, Redding.
David E. Stout, Redding.
J. Knabb, Redding.
J. Bowman Bell, Redding.
9. O. J. Dickey, Lancaster.
C. S. Kauffrnan, Columbia.
149
Samuel Schoch, Columbia.
Jos. D. Pownall, Christiana.
10. G. D. Coleman, Lebanon.
Levi Kline, Lebanon.
Jos. Casey. Harrisburg.
Wm. Cameron, Louisburg.
1 1. Uobert M. Palmer, Pottsville
Jacob G. Frick, Pottsville.
S. A. Bergstresser, Elysburg.
Wm. C. Lawson, Milton.
12. W. W. Ketchum, Wilkes-
barre.
P. M. Osterhout, Junkhan-
nock.
Frank Stewart, Berwick.
Davis Alton, Carbondale.
13. C. Albright, Maunch Chunk.
Wm. Davis, Stroudslmrg.
Wm. II. Armstrong, East on.
Sam. E. Dimmiek, Ilonesdale.
14. H. W. Tracy, Standing Stone,
Bradford county.
Hon. Wm. L. Jessup, Mon-
trose, Susquehauna county.
F. E. Smith, Tioga Point.
Dr. Abel Humphreys, Tioga
Point.
15. Wm. Butler, Lewiston.
B. Rush Peterkin, Lockhavcn
Lindsay Mehatfey, Xe wberry.
G. B. Overtoil, Coudersport.
16. Kirk Haines, Millerstown.
"W. B. Irvin, Mechanicsburg.
Alex. J. Frey, York.
Jacob S. Haldeman, Xew
Cumberland.
17. Win. M'Clellan, Chambers-
burgh.
D. M'Caunaghy, Gettysburg.
John J. Patterson, Academin.
Francis Jordan. Bedford.
18. A. A. Barker, Ebensburg.
S. M. Green, Bailey's Forge,
Huntinuton county.
L. W. Hall, Altoona.
Wm. II. Coons, Sumcrset.
19. W. M. Steuart, Indiana.
Darwin E. Phelps, Kittaning.
Addison Leech, Leechburg.
D. W. Shryok, Greersburg.
20. Andrew Stewart, Uniontown
Smith Fuller, Uniontown.
Alex. Murdoch, Washington.
AVm. E. Gapen, Waynesburg.
21. Win. H. Mersh, Pittsburg.
Col. Jas. A. Ekin, Elizabeth.
John F. Dravo, McKeesport.
J. J. Siebreck, Pittsburg.
22. D. X. White, Sewickley.
Stephen II. Guyer, Alleghany
City.
John X. Purvianee, Butler
Co.
W. L. Graham, Butler Co.
23. L. L. McGuffin, Xew Castle.
David Craig, Xew Castle.
Wm. G. Brown, Mercer.
John Allison, Xew Brighton.
24. Henry Souther, Kidgway.
S. P. Johnston, Warren.
Jas. S. Meyers, Franklin.
Ben. Hartshorne.
25. B. B. Vincent, Erie.
Thomas J. Devore, Erie.
J. C. Hays, Meadville.
S. Xewton Pettis, Meadville.
Delaware -Three Votes.
Xathaniel B. Smithers, Dover.
John C. Clark, Delaware City.
Benjamin C. Hopkins, Vernon.
Lewis Thompson, Pleasant Hill
Joseph T. Heald, Wilmington.
Alfred Short, Milford.
Mary land -Eight Votes.
AT LARGE.
Francis P. Blair, Washington,
D. C.
Wm. L. Marshall, Baltimore.
DISTRICTS.
1. James Bryan, Cambridge.
2. James Jetfery, Churchville.
Wm. P. Ewing, Elkton.
3. Francis S. Corkran, Baltimore.
.lames F. Wagner, Baltimore.
4. Wm. E. Coale^ Baltimore.
150
Chris. Lee Armour, Frederick.
Montgomery Blair, Washing-
ton; D. C.
D. S. Gram, Church Creek.
Virginia-Fifteen Votes.
AT LARGE.
Alfred Caldwell, Wheeling.
E. M. Norton,
AY. AY. Gitt, Montgomery Co.
Court House.
3. C. Underwood, Clark Co.
Court House.
DISTRICTS.
Jacob Hornbrook, Wheeling.
J. G. Jacob, Wellsburg.
J. Applegate, AYellsburg.
A. G. Robinson, Wheeling.
R. Crawford,
Thos. Hornbrook, "
J. M. Pumphrey, "
R. H. Gray, Lynchburg.
F. D. Norton, Wheeling.
J. Underwood, Prince William
Court House.
J. B. Brown, Alexandria.
, W. J. Blackwood, Clark Co.
Court House.
J. L. Freeman, Hancock Court
House.
, A. W. Campbell, Wheeling.
D. AY. Roberts, Morgantown.
W. E. Stevenson, Parkersburg
S. M. Peterson, "
S. H. AYoodward, AYheeling.
, James Wilson, "
Ohio Twenty-Three Votes.
AT LARGE.
Hon. D. K. Cartter, Cleveland.
Hon. V. B. Horton, Pomeroy,
Meigs.
Hon. T. Spooner, Redding,
Hamilton.
Hon. C. Broadbeck, Dayton.
DISTRICTS.
Benj. Eggleston, Cincinnati.
Fred. Ilassaureck, "
R. M. Corwine, "
Joseph H. Barrett, Cincinnati.
3. AYm. Beckett, Hamilton.
P. P. Lowe, Dayton.
4. G. D. Burgess, troy.
John E. Cummings, Sidney.
5. David Taylor, Defiance.
E. Graham, Perryburg.
6. J. M. Barrere, New Market.
Reeder AY. Clarke, Batavia.
7. Hon. Thos. Corwin, Lebanon.
A. Hivling, Xenia.
8. AA^. II. AYest, Bellefontaine.
Levi Geiger, Urbana.
9. Earl Bill, Tiffin.
D. AY. Swigart, Bucyrus.
10. J. V. Robinson, Jr., Ports-
mouth.
Milton L. Clark, Chillicothe.
11. X. II. Yan A^orhees, Athens.
A. C. Sands, Zelaski.
12. AYillard Warner, Xewark.
Jonathan Renick, Circleville.
13. John J. Gurley, Mt. Gilead.
P. X. Schuyler, Xorwalk.
1 4. James Monroe, Oberlin.
(T. U. Harn, AA^ooster.
15. Hon. Columbus Delano, Mt.
A'ernon.
R. K. Ennis, Millersburg.
16. Daniel Applecrate, Zanesville.
C. A. AYilliaiiis, Chesterfield.
17. C. J. Allbright, Cambridge.
AY. AYallace, Martin's Ferry.
18. H. G. Beebe, Ravenna.
Isaac Steesc. Massilon.
19. Robt. F. Paine, Cleveland.
R. Hitchcock, Painesville.
20. J. R. Giddings, Jefferson.
Milton Sutlitie, AYarren.
21. Samuel Stokely, Steubenville.
D. Arter, Carrollton.
Kentucky Twelve Votes.
AT LARC.K.
Geo. D. Blakey, Russellville.
A. A. Burton, Lancaster,
Girard county.
Wm. D. Gallagher, Pewee
A'alley.
151
Charles Hendley, Xewport.
DISTI;I< T>.
1. Aimer Williams, Covington.
Aiulre\v Hawes.
2. Fred, Frische, Louisville.
E. II. Harrison, McKee, Jack-
son Co.
3. Joseph Glazebrook, Glasgow.
Jos. W. Calvert, Bowling-
Green.
4. John J. Hawes, Louisville.
5. H. D. Hawes, Louisville.
Lewis X. Dembitz, Louisville
6. Curtis Knight, Kingston.
Joseph H. Rawliims, White
Hall, Madison Co.
7. II.II.Merriwether, Louisville
Henry AV. Hawes, Louisville.
8. H. G. Otis, Ashland, Boyd
Co.
L. Marston, Millersburgh,
Madison Co.
9. Edgar Xeedham, Louisville.
J. S. Davis.
10. Jas. R. Whittemore, Xewp't.
Hamilton Cuinmings, Coving-
ton.
Indiana-Thirteen Votes.
AT LAKI;I:.
William T. Ott. Xew Albany.
Daniel D. Pratt, Logans] >ort.
Caleb r>. Smith, Indianapolis.
P. A. Hackelman, Rushville.
DISTRICTS.
I.James C. Veatch, Rockport.
C. M. Allen, Vineennes.
2. Thos. C. Slaughter, Corydou.
J. H. Butler, Salem.
3. John R. Cravens, Madison.
A. C. Vorhies, Bedford.
4. Geo. Holland, Brookville.
J. L. Yater. Versailes.
5. Miles Murphy, Xewcastle.
Walter Mareh, Muneie.
6. S. P. Oyler, Franklin.
John S. Bobbs. Indianapolis.
T. Geo. K. Steele, Rockville.
D. C. Donohue, Green Cattle.
8. John Beard, Crawfordsville.
J. X. Simms, Frankfort.
9. Chas. H. Test, Mudges Station
D. II. Hopkins, Crown Point.
10. Geo. Moon, Warsaw.
Geo. Emmerson, Angola.
11. Win. W. Connor, Xoblesville
John M. Wallaee, Marion.
Michigan- Six Votes.
AT LAKtiK.
Austin Blair, Jackson.
W. W. Murphy, Jonesville.
T. W. Ferry, Grand Haven.
J. J. St. Glair, Marquette.
DISTRICTS.
1. J. G. Peterson, Detroit.
Alex. D. Crane, Dexter.
2. Jesse G. Beeson, Dowagiac.
Win. L. Stoughton, Sturgis.
:5. Francis Quinn, Xiles.
Erastus Hussey, Battle Creek.
4. D. C. Buckland, Pontiac.
M. T. C. Plessner,
City.
Illinois Eleven Votes
AT LARGE.
X. B. Judd, Chicago.
Gustavus Koerner, Belleville.
1 hivid Davis, Bloomington.
O. H. Browning, Quim-y.
DISTRICTS.
1. Jason Marsh, Rockford.
Solon Cuinmings, Grand de
Tour.
2. George Schneider, Chicago.
Geo. T. Smith, Fulton, White-
side Co.
3. B. C. Cook, Ottawa.
O. L. Davis, Danville.
4. Henry Grove, Peoria.
E. W. Hazard, Galesbunr.
5. Wm. Ross, Pittsrield.
James S. Erwin, Mt. Sterling.
r,. S. T. Logan, Springfield.
X. M. Knapp, Winchester.
7. Thos. A. Marshall, Charleston.
"\Vm. P. Dole, Paris.
8. F. S. Rutherford, Alton.
D. K. Green, Salem.
9. James C. Sloo, Shawneetown.
D. L. Phillips, Anna.
Wisconsin Five Votes.
AT LARGE.
Carl Schurz, Milwaukee.
Hans Crocker, Milwaukee.
T. B. Stoddard, La Crosse.
John P. McGregor, Milwaukee
DISTRICTS.
1. H. L. Rann, Whitewater.
C. C. Sholes, Kenosha.
2. M. S. Gibson, Hudson.
J. R. Bennett, Janesville.
3. Elisha Morrow, Green Bay.
L. F. Frisbey, West Bend,
Washington Co.
Minnesota Four Votes.
AT LARGE.
John W. North, Northfield.
D. A. Secombe, St. Anthony.
Stephen Miller, St. Cloud.
S. P. Jones, Rochester.
DISTRICTS.
1. A. H. Wagerner, New Ulin.
Aaron Goodrich, St. Paul.
2. John McCusick, Stillwater.
Simeon Smith, Chatfield.
Iowa Four Votes.
AT LARGE.
Wm. Penn Clark, Iowa City.
L. C. Noble, West Union.
John A. Kasson, Des Moines.
Henry O'Connor, Muscatine.
J. F. Wilson, Fairfield.
J. W. Rankin, Keokuk.
M. L. McPherson, Wintersett.
C. F. Clarkson, Metropolis.
X. J. Rusch, Davenport.
H. P. Scholte, Pella.
John Johns, Fort Dodge.
DISTRICTS.
| 1. Alvin Saunders, Mt. Pleasant-
J. C. Walker, Fort Madison.
2. Jos. Caldwell, Ottumwa.
M. Baker, Congdon.
3. Benj. Rector, Sidney.
Geo. A. Hawley, Leon.
4. H. M. Hoxie, Des Moines.
Jacob Butler, Muscatine.
5. Thos. Seeley, Guthrie Centre.
C. C. Nourse, Des Moines.
6. Wm. M. Stone, Knoxville.
J. B. Grinnell, Grinnell.
7. Wm. A. Warren, Bellevue.
John W. Thompson, Daven-
port.
8. John Shane, Vinton.
Wm. Smyth, Marion.
9. Wm. B. Allison, Dubuque.
A. F. Brown, Cedar Falls.
10. Reuben Noble, McGregor.
E. G. Bawdoin, Rockford.
ll.W. P. Hepburn, Marshall-
town.
J. J. BroAvn, Eldora.
Missouri Nine Votes.
AT LARGE.
Francis P. Blair, Jr., St. Louis.
B. Gratz Brown, St. Louis.
F. Muench, Marthasville.
J. O. Sitton, Hermann.
DISTRICTS.
1. P. L. Foy, St. Louis.
C. L. Bernays, St. Louis.
2. A. Krekle, St. Charles.
A. Hammer, St. Louis.
3. N. T. Doane, Trenton.
Asa S. Jones, St. Louis.
4. H. B. Branch, St. Joseph.
G. W. H. Landon, St. Joseph.
5. Jas. B. Gardenhire, Jefferson
City.
B. Bruns, Jefferson City.
6. J. K. Kidd, Linn.
J. M. Richardson, Springfield.
V. Jas. Lindsay, Ironton.
Thos. Fletcher, De Soto.
153
Calif ornia-Four Votes.
AT LARGE.
F. P. Tracy, San Francisco.
A. A. Sargent, Nevada.
D. W. Cheesman, Orvillc.
J. C. Hinckley, Shasta.
Chas. Watrous, San Francisco.
Sam. Bell, Mariposa.
D. J. Staples, Staples Branch.
J. R. McDonald, Hay \vards.
Oregon Three Votes.
Joel Burlingame, Scion, Linn
Co., Oregon.
H. Greeley, New York City.
Henry Buckingham, Salem,
Oregon.
Eli Thayer, House Represen-
tatives, Washington, D. C.
Frank Johnson, Oregon City.
Texas -Six Votes.
AT LARGE.
D. C. Henderson, Austin.
G. A. Fitch, Austin.
James P. Scott, San Antonio.
H. A. Shaw, Little Elm, Den-
ton Co.
20
DISTRICTS.
1. Gilbert Movers, Galveston.
Donald Henderson.
2. M. S. C. Chandler, Galveston.
C. E. Simmons.
Kansas.
A. C. Wilder, Leavenworth.
John A. Martin, Atchison.
Wm. A. Phillips, Lawrence.
W. W. Ross, Topeka.
A. G. Proctor, Emporia.
John P. Hatterschiet, Leaven-
worth.
Nebraska-Six Votes.
O. W. Irish, Nebraska City.
S. H. Elbert, Plattsmouth. '
E. D. Webster, Omaha.
John R. Meredith, Omaha.
A. S. Paddock, Fort Calhoun.
P. W. Hitchcock, Omaha.
District of Columbia.
1. Geo. Harrington, Washington.
Joseph Gerhardt,
G. A. Hall,
J. A. Wyse,
University of California
SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY
405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1388
Return this material to the library
from which it was borrowed.
GOT
s
M
OC
W
wen)
OCT 271898
FormL-fl
Om-K,'39(33S8>
UNIVERSITY .
AT
A 000165292 4
DO NOT REMOVE
THIS BOOK CARC ,
University Research Library
6
tr
s.
S
;
,J/i/WP- -
flll'K ///TV .::' ;v ~^M^ :: gmnffifflm
Wi^^^^^Ml^^^m
jf ?./>/._ ; (.' i ..' ; / ''?.> / r *lf >- # '- : 'T ?,'?/*/f ' t-ifvz/*.f>.
'HfinV&'fi: ' ,-]\i. v* 7 < / ^ . \ } : *>}jf Mill wHMft
M^M^/'4>/)lWIM/MfflP
