power in favor of the immediate admission of Kansas to the Union as a free, sovereign and independent

State.

3. Believing that the present National Adminis

tration has shown itself to be weak and faithless, and that its continuance in power is identified with the progress of the slave power to national supremacy, with the exclusion of freedom from the territory, and with increasing civil discord, it is a leading purpose of our organization to oppose and overthrow it.

The whole assembly then arose to its feet," says the Pittsburg Gazette of that day, and nine thundering cheers were given with intense enthusiasm, when, on motion of John A. King, the Convention adjourned sine die, amidst much excitement."

THE PHILADELPHIA CONVENTION.

The call for the Philadelphia Convention was issued at Washington on March 26th. It read as follows:

The people of the United States, without regard to past political differences or divisions, who are opposed to the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, to the policy of the present Administration, to the extension of slavery into the Territories, in favor of the admission of Kansas as a free State, and restoring the action of the Federal Government to the principles of WASHINGTON and JEFFERSON, are invited by the National Committee appointed by the Pittsburg Convention on the 22d of February, 1856, to send from each State three delegates from every Congressional district, and six delegates at large, to meet at Philadelphia, on the 17th day of June next, for the purpose of recommending candidates to be supported for the offices of President and Vice President of the United States.

This was signed by Edwin D. Morgan, Chairman, New York, Francis P. Blair, Maryland, John M. Niles, Connecticut, David Wilmot, Pennsylvania, Alfred P. Stone, Ohio, and a member for each State and Territory, excepting seven of the South

ern States.

The Republican State Committee of Ohio, namely, Alfred P. Stone, L. G. Van

Senatorial Delegates Thomas Spooner, Hamilton; Rufus P. Spalding, Cuyahoga; William Dennison, Jr., and Alfred P. Stone, Franklin; John Paul, Defiance; and Ephraim R. Eckley, Carroll.

District Delegates - John K. Green, Alphonso Taft, Charles E. Cist, Medard Fels, Thomas G. Mitchell and George Hoadly, Hamilton; Josiah Scott, Butler; Lewis B. Gunckel, Montgomery; Felix Marsh, Preble; John W. Defrees and Barton S. Kyle, Miami; Edward B. Taylor, alternate for Joel Tyler, Darke; James M. Ashley, Lucas; William Sheffield, Defiance; A. Sankey Latty, Paulding; Joseph Parrish, Clermont; Chambers Baird, Brown; William Ellison, Adams;

Aaron Harlan, Greene; Robert G. Corwin, Warren;

Charles Phellis, Madison; George H. Frey, Clarke; Lyman J. Critchfield, Delaware, Levi Phelps, Union; John Carey, Wyandot; Conduce H. Gatch, Hardin; Charles T. Smeed, Ottawa; Rodney M. Stimson, Lawrence; Milton Kennedy, Scioto; George J. Payne, Gallia; Addison P. Miller, Ross; John T. Brazee, Fairfield; Thomas R. Stanley, Vinton; David Murch, Perry; Valentine B. Horton, Meigs; Robert Neil and Noah H. Swayne, Franklin; Jerome Buckingham, Licking; Joseph C. Thompson, Pickaway; Joseph M. Root, Erie; John R. Osborne, Huron; J. M. Talmadge, alternate for John J. Gurley, Morrow; Francis D. Kimball, Medina; Peter Risser, Ashland; Hiram E. Peck, Lorain; D. W. Stanton, Coshocton; John C. Devin, Knox; William R. Sapp, Knox; H. B. Brown, Holmes; Austin A. Guthrie, Muskingum; Israel Greene, Morgan; George M. Woodbridge, Washington; Charles J. Albright, Guernsey; Miller Pennington, Belmont; William Ellis, Monroe; Cyrus Prentiss, Portage; Christopher P. Wolcott, Summit; John Sax

ton, Stark; Thomas Bolton, Cuyahoga; John F. Morse, Lake; Job S. Wright, Geauga; Joshua R. Giddings, Ashtabula; John Hutchins, Trumbull; William J. Young, alternate for Jesse Baldwin, Mahoning; David Heaton, Columbiana; Daniel McCurdy, Jefferson; and Richard Hatton, Harrison.

The first delegate Republican National Convention assembled in Music Fund Hall, Philadelphia, at eleven o'clock on Tuesday morning, June 17, 1856, and continued in session until Thursday afternoon. About

2,000 delegates and alternates were present from the States of California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin, the District of Columbia, and Kansas, Minnesota and Nebraska Territories. The hall was too small to contain half who were entitled to places as delegates and reporters, and there was the greatest confusion in consequence.

Edwin D. Morgan, of New York, Chairman of the National Committee, called the Convention to order in a brief but earnest speech.

He addressed the delegates as Representatives of the Heart and Hope of the Nation," counseled harmony and deliberation as "necessary for the salvation of the country," and closed by nominating Robert Emmet, of New York, a relative of the illustrious Irish patriot of that name, for Temporary Chairman. George G. Fogg, of New Hampshire, and Thomas G. Mitchell, of Ohio, were appointed Temporary Secretaries.

George Hoadly, of Ohio, and Moses H. Grinnell, of New York, were appointed as a Committee to escort Judge Emmet to the Chair. He spoke with a rich brogue and made a pithy, telling address,-one of the best of the Convention, -- declaring that,

though heretofore a Democrat for fifty years," he had renounced Democracy rather than part with Freedom. The new Republican party offers the best hope of the world," said he, for the down trodden of this and every country; and if we but avoid the perils of evil association we can not fail of complete and glorious victory. Let them come on with their isms, we will merge them all into Patriotism."

On motions by Alfred P. Stone and Francis D. Kimball, of Ohio, Committees on Credentials, Platform, Rules and Appointments, and Permanent Organization were appointed. Lewis B. Gunckel, Joshua R. Giddings, Austin A. Guthrie and George Hoadly were respectively the Ohio members. In the latter Committee, the contest for permanent Chairman was between Judge Rufus P. Spalding, of Ohio, and Col. Henry S. Lane, of Indiana, while the platform is said to have been mainly written by Joshua R. Giddings, of Ohio.

General John J. Viele, of New York, said: "A delegation from the Council of One Hundred, friends of the lamented Silas Wright, and men who can trace their pedigrees to such fathers of the Republic as George Clinton and Daniel D. Tompkins, are present in the city and in hearty sympathy with this Convention. with this Convention. They refuse to be bound to the Juggernaut of Slavery, and will cordially support our nominees. I therefore move that they be given seats on this floor "--but pending consideration of his motion a recess was taken.

The motion by General Viele was subsequently agreed to, but it was impossible for his friends, or any of the thousands of other spectators from a distance, to push into the hall. So crowded was the building that many of those fortunate enough to get

seats took others in their laps, while overflow meetings were organized outside.

At the afternoon session the National Committee was reported. Edwin D. Morgan, of New York, was continued as Chairman, and Thomas Spooner named as the member for Ohio.

Samuel A. Purviance, of Pennsylvania, Chairman of the Committee on Permanent Organization, reported the officers and rules of the Convention. Henry S. Lane, of Indiana, was named for President, Noah H. Swayne and Rufus P. Spalding, of Ohio, as Vice-Presidents, and A. Sankey Latty as Secretary for Ohio. George Hoadly, of Ohio, was Secretary of the Committee. The report was adopted. Leander J. Critchfield, of Ohio, S. A. Purviance, of Pennsylvania, and George W. Patterson, of New York, were appointed as a Committee to escort Colonel Lane to the Chair. The new Chairman was a genuine backwoodsman in appearance and manners, but he proved an eloquent orator. "The anniversary of Bunker Hill is a fitting time," said he, "and the shades of Independence Hall the proper place, in which to inaugurate a new era in our history, the regeneration and independence of the North. A follower of Henry Clay, I am yet impelled by the Nebraska swindle to sacrifice party predilections, and my love for old ties is laid beside the Kentucky patriot in the grave. I can not pretend to forecast the future. But, with the determination and spirit I see on every hand, I believe, if we act wisely and work hard, that on the night of the fourth of November next the Philadelphia watchman, like his ancestor of old at the surrender of Cornwallis, can triumphantly announce: 'It's a pleasant night, all's well, and James Buchanan is taken!''

Caleb B. Smith, of Ohio, Owen Lovejoy, of Illinois, and Henry Wilson, of Massachusetts, addressed the Convention, by invitation. Recess.

On the second day, David Wilmot, of Pennsylvania, Chairman of the Committee on Resolutions, presented the platform, as unanimously agreed upon by them. The Convention enthusiastically received the platform, and it was unanimously adopted: It reads as follows:

This Convention of delegates, assembled in pursuance of a call addressed to the People of the United States, without regard to past political differences or divisions, who are opposed to the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, to the policy of the present Administration, to the extension of slavery into free territory, in favor of the admission of Kansas as a free State, of

restoring the action of the Federal Government to the principles of WASHINGTON and JEFFERSON, and for the purpose of presenting candidates for the offices of President and Vice President, do resolve:

1. That, with our republican fathers, we hold it to be a self-evident truth, that all men are endowed with the inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and that the primary object and ulterior design of our Federal Government were to secure these rights to all persons under its exclusive jurisdiction; that, as our republican fathers when they had abolished slavery in all our National territory, ordained that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, it becomes our duty to maintain this provision of the Constitution against all attempts to violate it for the purpose of establishing slavery in the Territories of the United States by positive legislation, prohibiting its existence or extension therein. That we deny the authority of Congress, of a Territorial Legislature, of any individual, or association of individuals, to give legal existence to slavery in any Territory of the United States, while the present Constitution shall be maintained.

2. That the Constitution confers upon Congress sovereign power over the Territories of the United States for their government, and that in the exercise of this power it is both the right and imperative duty of Congress to prohibit in the Territories those twin relics of barbarism --polygamy and slavery.

3. That while the Constitution of the United States was ordained and established by the people in order to "form a more perfect union, estab

lish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty," and contains ample provisions for the protection of life, liberty and property of every citizen, the dearest constitutional rights of the people of Kansas have been fraudulently and violently taken from them; their territory has been invaded by an armed force, spurious and pretended legislative, judicial and executive officers have been set over them, by whose usurped authority, sustained by the military power of the Government, tyrannical and unconstitutional laws have been enacted and enforced; the right of the people to keep and bear arms has been infringed; test oaths of an extraordinary and entangling nature have been imposed as a condition of exercising the right of suffrage and holding office; the right of an accused person to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury has been denied; the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures, has been violated; they have been deprived of life, liberty and property without due process of law; the freedom of speech and of the press has been abridged; the right to choose their representatives has been made of no effect; murders, robberies and arsons have been instigated or encouraged, and the offenders have been allowed to go unpunished-that all these things have been done with the knowledge, sanction and procurement of the present National Administration; and that for this high crime against the Constitution, the Union and humanity, we arraign that Administration, the President, his advisers, agents, supporters, apologists and accessories, either before or after the fact, before the country and before the world, and that it is our fixed purpose to bring the actual perpetrators of these atrocious outrages, and their accomplices, to a sure and condign punishment hereafter.

4. That Kansas should be immediately admitted as a State of this Union with her present free Constitution, as at once the most effectual way of securing to her citizens the enjoyment of the rights and privileges to which they are entitled, and of ending the civil strife now raging in her territory.

5. That the highwayman's plea, that "might makes right," embodied in the Ostend Circular, was in every respect unworthy of American diplomacy, and would bring shame and dishonor upon any government or people that gave it their sanction.

6. That a railroad to the Pacific Ocean, by the most central practicable route, is imperatively demanded by the interests of the whole country, and that the Federal Government ought to render immediate and efficient aid in its construction; and, as an

auxiliary thereto, the immediate construction of an emigrant road on the line of the railroad.

7. That the appropriations by Congress for the improvement of rivers and harbors, of a National character, required for the accommodation and security of an existing commerce, are authorized by the Constitution, and justified by the obligation of the Government to protect the lives and property of its citizens.

8. That we invite the affiliation and cooperation of men of all parties, however differing from us in other respects, in support of the principles herein declared, and, believing that the spirit of our institutions, as well as the Constitution of our country, guarantees liberty of conscience and equality of rights among citizens, we oppose all legislation impairing their security.

The resolutions were read amid profound attention and each was received with hearty cheers; but the applause following the declaration against the "twin relics of barbarism, polygamy and slavery," was tremendous. It struck a popular chord throughout the country and is still repeated as one of the striking expressions on the subject.

An informal ballot for President was ordered by an overwhelming vote, whereupon Judge Spalding arose and stated that he had a letter he desired to read to the Convention, written at Cincinnati on June 14th. He was interrupted, but persisted in his purpose, amidst the greatest confusion on the part of the Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, New Jersey and other delegates. The letter was from Judge John McLean, of the United States Supreme Court, withdrawing his name from consideration as a candidate for President. This completely upset all the plans of the old-line Whigs who were delegates, as they had resolved on Judge McLean's nomination.

Thomas G. Mitchell, of Ohio, created a sensation by withdrawing the name of Salmon P. Chase. He did this in a handsome speech, in which he submitted a letter from

Governor Chase, dated at Columbus, June 12th, requesting it to be done.

In the afternoon session, Judge Spalding asked that the withdrawal of Judge McLean's name be reconsidered, and an informal ballot was at once taken, resultingFremont, 359 votes; McLean, 190; William H. Seward, of New York, 7; Charles Sumner, of Massachusetts, 2; and Nathaniel P. Banks, of Massachusetts, I. Ohio cast 39 votes for McLean and 30 for Fremont. A formal ballot was then taken, in which Fremont received 520 votes-all that were cast except 38. McLean received 23 from Pennsylvania and 14 from Ohio, while one Pennsylvanian voted for Seward.

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The nomination was made unanimous by Chairman Lane in a peculiar manner. "All you who favor making John C. Fremont the unanimous candidate of this Convention for the Presidency," said he, "will signify the same by giving three cheers;" and they were given with great gusto.

The instant the result was declared an American flag was raised and a broad pennant, on which was inscribed, "JOHN C. FREMONT FOR PRESIDENT, was drawn across the platform in front of the President's desk, reaching from one side of the hall to the other. Banners were also displayed from the windows to notify outsiders, and the shouts within were caught up and echoed by the crowds in the streets. Still the nomination was not popular in conservative Philadelphia, which had favored McLean.

The Convention adjourned until Wednesday morning. It was soon apparent that the supporters of Fremont were disposed to let the old-line Whigs have their own way about the Vice Presidency.

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E. W. Whelpley, of New Jersey, presented William Lewis Dayton, of that State. He had opposed the Compromise of 1850 and advocated then the principles Republicans favored now."

George Fisher nominated his fellow delegate, "that tower of strength in Pennsylvania," David Wilmot. John Allison, of Pennsylvania, their colleague, presented that "prince of good fellows and old-line Whig," Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois. William B. Archer, of Illinois, "had known. Lincoln for thirty years. He was a native of Kentucky and had always been a Clay Whig and firm friend of the Republic, and to put him on the ticket would render Illinois doubly safe."

Judge Spalding, of Ohio--" Can Mr. Lincoln fight?"

Colonel Archer (jumping at least eighteen inches from the floor and gesturing emphatically with his arms)---“'YES. Have I not told you he was born in Kentucky? He's strong mentally, he's strong physically, he's strong every way."

The response of the fiery old gentleman was wildly applauded, but its qualification did his candidate more harm than good. It was beginning to dawn upon the country, and it certainly was the belief of a majority of the members of this Convention, that Northern men would fight, if they had to, quite as well as those born on the south side of the Ohio.

William Jay, of New Jersey, seconded Mr. Dayton's nomination, and John M. Palmer, of Illinois, Mr. Lincoln's. The latter "appreciated the merits of the able gentleman from New Jersey, Mr. Dayton, and he was going to name his next boy David Wilmot. We can lick Buchanan any way," said he, but I think we can do it a little