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I'HE AMERICAN CONVENTION.
domination of Millard Fillmore and An
drew J.. Donelson, for President and
Vice President.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The Convention was called to order by
the President, at 5 o'clock.
Mr. Browniow arose and proposed to re
ceive into the Convention General Call, of
Florida, Percy Walker, of Alabama, and
others who had been going astray.
Mr. Biownlow, amid great applause, ad
vanced toward Gen. Call, and embraced
hiitK
The greatest merriment was occasioned
by this fond embrace, and Mr. Browniow
took his sent, witlrhis brow radiant with
joy, amid the cheers of all present.
Gen. Call said he had given his band to
his brother, and he now gave Ids heart to
tiie Convention. He was truly happy 1o
be enabled to return without the least in
consistency, and resumed his seat, now
that peace and harmony was restored. AY, e.
are now a great American party, dedicated
to our country, our whole -country, and
nothing hut our whole country. After ar
riving at home, he could say tnat his.
brethren of the North had not, perhaps,
granted all that 5:v wished, 'but it v as nis
built, and not theirs. When he withurew
from the Convention, ft was from a holy
devotion to Ins country, and not thiougn
rmy angry feelings. lie promised to tip-
; old the candidate of the Convention, and
if necessary, to visit the hills and valleys
fthe Nort h to promote his cause.
Loud cries were now sent forte for
Vjalker, of Alabama. -
Mr. Walker congratulated the C’onven-
n that the turbid pool of sectionalism
1: id been quieted, and averred that he
withdrew from the Convention under a
: lemn sense of duty. He could not allow
ids strong feeling or Americanism, his pro-
sad reverence fur this great confederacy,
ti jlnt aside the great interests of the scc-
ti< i from whence he came. Tire South
hail not stood here in defiance, nor with
arms in their hands; but with worcis of
,..ce and kindness, and their hands grasp-
for the hope of their country. Gentle-
nei
entreated him to return to the Convention,
assuring bin? that he had misjudged its
dominant principles.
The flq eaker concluded by saying he
..as go in a to the backbone for his country
;.s it stands in its vast length and breadth
and felt assured that those at home would
not condemn him for resuming his scat.
Mr. Walker sat down -amid a round of'
applause.
Mr. Norris, of Delaware,
name of John M. Clayton, and. said Pela-
v. are was now united ior Millard i illmor-e.
Mr. Ready moved that no gentleman be
allowed to give an explanation of his vote,
foi a candidate.
The vote for President was. then pro
ceeded with, the name of each member be-
iug called, each State being entitled to its
v . te in the Electoral College, the absen
tees to" be voted for proportionablv by the
votes cast; no State not represented to be
entitled to vote, with the following result:
Continued cries for Brooks.
Sir. Bolling, of Va., said he catnq here on
a platform “of right and victory.” We had
now got Fillmore and we wanted one of
the two old Hickorys. He therefore nom
inated Gen. Call of Florida for Vice Pres
ident, and eulogized him as a man of
truth, courage and ability.
Kenneth Raynor, of N. C., was also nom
inated.
General Call, of Fla., said he was deep
ly impressed with the gratitude of his
brother in nominating him tor the distin
guished office. He desired to say that
he was one man of the American party who
wanted nothing for himself, but all for his
eountrv. His hands had ever ministered to
his necessities, and he hoped they would
continue to do so hereafter. All he wanted
was peace, harmony, and the prosperity of
tlio country. He, therefore, most respect
fully declined the distinguished honor, and
begged to be permitted to present one more
at rentable. lie proposed the name of
Andrew Jackson Donelson, of Tennessee.
Immense applause followed this an
nouncement.
Mr. Call continued his remarks, and
said that Mr. Donelson was an orphan
boy reared by .Gen. Jackson, and was his
aid ue camp from the time he graduated at
AY est Point. He knew him to be a man
of the highest honor and capacities worthy
of any position that might be assigned him.
No man knew more of the past administra
tions, who Lad never been President, than
Mr. D. He was his aid in war, his pri
vate secretary and confidential friend
and adviser. The Speaker finished his re
marks by saying that he was personally
aware of the faefr that General Jackson
was more indebted to Mr. Donelson for the
brilliant success of bis administration than
to any other living man.
The cries for Brooks were continued,
when that gentleman said he did not know
why he was called on to speak. If it be
that you have seen fit to nominate for the
highest office in the gift of the people of
this country, one of New York’s sons, and
desired to have another son of that State
reply, I have only to say that 1 thank you
u* c a i,_j from the bottom of my heart. I promise you
n from all sections of the country bad tW wbi , c Mr . Fiilmore will L * true t0 ' he
North, and maintain her honor, he will be
equally as true to the South "and the Con
stitution. He would protect the citizens
of tire North, South, East and A Vest
against enemies at home gnd abroad.—
There may be some here who feel a disap
pointment at not having 'their on'ii particu
lar friend nominated, but I pray God they
will not carry their feelings of disappoint-
«wnt out cf this hall when they leave to-
Uhurew t.re n5gM J
The speaker promised that New York
tvould not do dishonor to the nominee of
the Convention.
Hr. A. II. II. Stewart, former Secretary
of the Interior under Mr. Fillmore, was
loudly called/or.
Mr. Stuart said he had the honor to be
one of Mr. Fillmore's confidential Cabinet j
( uncil during his administration, and saw j
him amidst his trials. Av ithout going into j
a detail of his virtues, he would content j
himself by saying that he never knew him i
to utter a sentiment or do an act that was I
unworthy of the character of Washington. !
Even Mr. AA'ise, at the time he stumped j
the State of Virginia, said that the Admin- 1
i-fration of Fillmore was AYashingtun like j
throughout. AAfith Fillmore as the Stan- !
dard bearer, the speaker promised the '
Convention that even old A irginia would
be carried. Air. AATse claimed his election j
by the vote of' 17,000 outside AYBiigs, and I
he could now promise the vote of those ‘
AVhigs for Millard Fillmore. On his way |
to tais Convention the editors of the Rich
mond Av big and National Intelligencer,
promised that if Alii lard Fillmore was
nominated by this Convention, they would
place his name at the masthead and keep it
there. . j
Air. Andrews, of A irginia, nominated j
Percy AA T alter, of Alabama, for A ice
President.
1 lie Convention then proceeded to bal
lot for a candidate for A'ice President. The
ballot for a candidate for the A'ice Presiden
cy was attended with much excitement,
and the frequent change of vote created
difficulty in making a correct record.—
The candidates at first voted for were
AA’m.lt. Smith of Alabama ; Percy AA’alker
of Alabama ; Andrew Jackson Donalvoii
of Tennessee ; A. II. II. Stewart of Vir-
ginia ; Henry J. Gardner of Alassachu-
setts ; and Kenneth Raynor of North Car
olina. But after the vote had been called,
delegates from various State arose, and
changed their votes in favor of Air. Donal-
son. The result was announced as lot*
c a
New Hampshire
Connecticut
Massachusetts
■ rs y
] in liana
ani
icnfga n
T snnessee
■ Wisconsin ’- •
Texas
( niilprnia..—.—
vare
I . uida -
.I'ii -sissippi --
■ ryland --
Kentucky
!' . 11; ('arolina.-
II uiisiaha
■Missouri
Iowa
. 1
. 1
. 13
4
4
•j
3
7
5
io
u
10
20
1 1
New York
i’enr.sy ivc:::a.
Arkansas 4
Ainbama 0 -
Afr. Taylor changed his v-e-e from Law
to Fillmore.
Afr. Boling changed Lis vote from Davis
11 Fillmore.
Mr Lock head changed his vote from Da
vis to Fillmore.
Air. Bartlett changed His vote from Da
vis to Fillmore, because he knew the latter
to be acceptable to all Kentucky. Out of
our own State Air. Fillmore stands first in
our affections.
Air. Bullock of New York changed his
vote for Fillmore. Percy AValter.... S: A. J. Donelson --1S1
Mr. Lockwood, of AA isconsin, changed | A. H. II- Stewart.2;J. Gardner 12
from Law "to Fillmore. j Kenneth Raynor..8)
Air. AVestbrooks of New York, said he
'would not change his vote but would vote
for Fillmore, on the unanimous vote.
Afr. Jones, of Pennsylvania, voted for
Mr. Davis, but now that the Kentucky del
egation had left him, he withdrew his
Vote and would refuse to vote for any one.
Air. AVeeks of New Jersey, was author
ized to change six votes of h;s State from
Stockton to Fillmore.
Mr. Grandon of New Jersey.desired to
S'.oak for himself. He would change his
\ . tc from Stockton to Fillmore, because he
j.new that Fillmore was nearest the hearts
< f thc^ons of New Jersey—Stockton. lie
promised that the second Congressional
District of his State would give a majority
for the nominee of the Convention.
A delegate from Alichigan changed the
entire vote from Law to Fillmore.
Air. Pickett, of Tennessee, voted for
Garrett Davis, hut if any one here desired
to know how lie stood, he would say that
lie was for Fillmore up to the Hub.
Various other delegates changed their
votes and the greatest excitement.ensued,
every one being on the tiptoe ofeexpecta-
tiou.
The Secretary announced the result as__
follows :
Number of votes cast 243,
Necessary for choice 122.
Fwf Millard Fillmore— . . - -
George Law -
Garrett Davis
Judge McLean *■--
Samuel Houston
Ivinueth Raynor V
The Chair declared that Millard 1 ill-
uiore having received a majority of the
votes cast, was the nominee of the Conven
tion for the office of President of the Uni
ted States.
Mr. Scraggs of New York, said as he had
first nominated George Law for President,
he new moved that Alillard Fillmore be de
clared the unanimous choice of the Con
vention.
The motion being put, it was carried by
a tremendous shout of ayes.
Six hearty cheers were then given, and
tfie* greatest joy prevailed, amid all pres
ent, there being at this time COO outsiders
in the i m, who gave rent to their feel
ings of cL light in tones of thunder.
Air. I’eady, of Tenn., proposed three
cheers for New York, which were given.
Loud cries now ensued for Brooke of
New York.
Three cheers were given for Kentucky
179
24
10
13
3
14
Air. Donelson having received a majori
ty of the votes for the A iee Presidency,
was declared duly nominated for that po
sition.
On motion and amid Much applause, the
nomination was made unanimous.
A motion was made,j}nd agreed to, that
a committee of five be appointed to wait up
on ttie nominees and inform them of their
selection, and Messrs. A. H. H. Stewart, of
of Virginia ; Andrew Stewart, of Pennsyl
vania; Erastus Brooks, of New York; E.
B. Bartlett, of Kentucky ; Wm. J. Eames,
of Alassachusetts, and the President of the
Convention were appointed a Committee
to perform the business.
Here cries for Major Donelson, the nom
inee for the Vice Presidency were made,
and that gentleman, coming forward, was
received with cheers and applause.
Air. Donelson said that I* was exceed
ingly gratified at, the honor conferred upon
him, and begged leave to say that he ac
cepted the nomination tendered with a
proper sense of the feebleness of power he
possessed. But he hoped that he might
hereafter do more than he had yet had an
opportunity to perform to advance the
cause in which all those present feel so
deep an interest. He bad been chiefly-
known to the American people from his
connexion with general Jackson. From
that great man lie had learned the essen
tial principles of Americanism. That man
had uttered the sentiment which now
met with such general sympathy—that
Americans should become more American
ized. The speaker had been thirty years
with General Jackson; and had speeches
and letters from him by the thousand.
In 1832, Gen. Jackson had fought the
enemies of the Union, in his own best style,
which had utterly crushed for the time all
ultraisms.
The speaker said he was born in a
Southern State. He was the owner of
over one hundred slaves. He loved the
institutions of the South. But he owed a
debt of gratitude to the people of the
North. At the South they claimed noth
ing that he would not willingly grant to the
North, the East, and the AVest. He had
left the Democratic party. (A voice—the
Democratic party left you !] Yes—that’s
so. [Applause.] I left the higher law men
of that party. When he found that Pres
ident Pierce was dispensed to build up the
South as the South, and the North as the
North, he had concluded that the adminis
tration was one of ultraisms. It was a
combination to obtain power, without care
as regards the administration of the affairs
of the country. The speaker said that he
had been shot at. [Laughter.] Political
ly, he meant—because he had joined the
American party. He had seen that there
was no hope of promoting domestic tran
quility, or of protecting our foreign rela
tions under the administration of Mr.
Pierce, and he had joined the organization
the hope that these objects might be ac
complished. With these hopes he had en
tered the party, and lie would do all in His
power until this hope should be realized.
He accepted this nomiuination, hoping
that the result would justify the confi
dence placed in him.
Here Andrew Stewart arose and in-
otiired if General Jackson were, living
now where he would be ? With what party
w«*»ild he harmonize / Air. Donelson re
plied—With the American party. He
never uttered « single word adverse to the
principles we advocate. Aye, and not on
ly he, but Clay and AVebster, if living,
would be with us, and sanction the great
principles embodied in the American
platform. He had been present during
the session of the Convention, and when
attempts were made to disorganize the
party, he had been reminded of an
anecdote of General Jackson.
( hi the morning of the battle of the 8th of
January, a messenger came to General
Jackson with the information that the Leg
islature was about to adjourn, for fear that
the British would take the city. Tell
Governor Claibbrive, said Jackson, to biow
it up. And so he (the speaker) would say
with regard to the disorganizers, who wan
ted to disband the American party. He
was no orator, but .what ever he had of en
ergy, talent, good will and devotion to
American interests, should be given to
this cause, until victory perched upon its
banners. The speaker then retired amid
tremendous cheering.
Loud cries were now made for Browniow,
of Tennessee. On taking the stand in re
sponse, he said that liis speech on this occa
sion would be, like all bis former speeches,
short and sweet. For seventeen years he
had performed the dreadful service of edit
ing a political paper, and he could say in
that connexion that his paper had the larg
est circulation of af.v political paper in
Tennessee. He had fought hard and long
for; the AYTiig party, but he had seen fit to
leave that organization. Y\hy % with Alil-
lard Fillmore to load, and even with Josh
biddings behind him, we could carry our
btate. But with this large, patriotic,
greasy Tennessean (pointing to Arajor
Donelson,) the 1’ierce party will be a
transcendental nothing, He should go
hmi e with the determination to jump high
er, and squail lonrler than any man in Ten
nessee, and would open the ball at Knox
ville, on Monday next. [Applause and
laughter.] It had been understood as ar
ranged that Ainji.vDi nelson would be put
on the ticket with Andrew Jackson in big
letters, and Donelson invisible, and then
the old line Democrats would think that
oid Hickory had come to life again. He
then proposed the party should disperse,
having done the "good work. #
General Pickett, of Tenncsse, followed,
lie eulogized Major Donelson, spoke of
hi« own efforts to advance the cause, and
pledged the State af Tennessee for a tre
mendous majority for the American ticket.
Alex. Ii. Boteler mounted the rostrum
in answer to repeated calls. He supposed
that the body had resolved into a general
ratification meeting, to which he was
agreed, though no action of the Convention
had been taken to that effect. He had oc
cupied the stand several times during the
session of the Council and the Convention.
And he had spoken boldly, according to
what were liis ideas of right. If he had
said anything harsh to those who were con
sistently in favor of the American party
and the Fuion he regretted it. But he had
no pardon to ask of those who came into
the Convention, in disguise, to betray its
principles. He pledged Virginia for the
ticket. He thought the party could get
back the ten thousand AA'hig votes that Mr.
Wise alleged had elected him. During
the recent election he had been the first
gest
man on the stump in this cause, the
in the field, and the last to leave the com
bat. He would only say to liis brethren he
would go into the fight now with the same
determination, and expressed the hope
that those who had acted as enemies durin
the session of the Convention nflght part
as friends. The speaker sat down amid
considerable applause.
Air. McCuue, of Virginia, said that the
National Council had adopted a platform
which was satisfactory neither to the North
nor to the South. They had now a plat
form which was satisfactory to both in the
shape of Fillmore and Donelson. He
moved that this Convention repudiate all
platforms. The motion was seconded, and
thereupon a great scene of confusion took
place, in the midst or which the vote was
taken on the motion, but ii was impossible
for any one to decide whether it was adop
ted or rejected. The President was una
ble to tell, but be thought that it was lost.
On the other hand, the Virginians contend
that it was adopted. In the midst of the
confusion, a motion was made to adjourn
sine die, and it prevailed.
Immediately afterward, Col. E. B. Bart
lett, of Kentucky, was called to the chair,
and the assemblage present was organized
as an impromptu ratification meeting. The
President made a few remarks expressive
of liis hearty concurrence in the nomination,
and of the determination of Kentucky to
elect the American ticket.
Andrew Stewart, of Pennsylvania, fol
lowed in an eulogistic speech of the candi
date for President, Millard Fillmore.
He was succeeded by Mr. Sheets, of In
diana, aiul Air. Breckenridge, of Missouri
in the same strain. Sheets said that he
had been a member ofthe Cincinnati Con
vention, which meeting he thought had
saved the American party North. He
could not pledge Indiana for the Amer
ican ticket, but be and his friends would
go home and do what they could.
From the Journal of Commerce, Democratic.
The Know Nothin? Convention.
The National Convention of.Know Noth
ings have done well, all things considered.
They have adopted anew platform, which,
although in some respects inferior to the
old one, nevertheless distinctly endorses
the principle of popular sovereignly in
the Territories, as embodied in the Ne
braska Law, and declares tbe right of a
Territory to admission into tbe Union
whenever it has population enough for one
Representative to Congress. On both
these points, they hold a position antago-
nistica* to the Black Republican. Tbe
nomiuafeoluof Alillard Fillmore is tbe best
they could have made; and that of An
drew J. Donelson is not bad. Air. Fillmore
is thoroughly national, and when in the
Presidential chair or a former occasion,
gained the confidence of the whole coun
try, always excepting the Abolitionists
and their coadjutors, lie will command
a large vote, but whether sufficient to car
ry him in, remains to be seen. This will
depend very much upon the character of
the Democratic nominee yet to be designa
ted. It may, however, be taken for grant
ed that no man will he nominated by the
National Democratic Convention who is
not entirely sound on the exciting topics
of the day^ and prepared to sustain tbe
Constitution in all its parts, according to
its true intent and meaning, and the laws
enacted to carry its provisions into effect.
In short, they will nominate a good man,
and very probably wiil elect him. But,
should they fail in this, it is some comfort
that his place will be occupied by so safe,
upright, judicious and worthy a man as
Alillard Fillmore.
From the Baltimore American.
The Acitrifiia Nomination.
We direct attention to the detailed re
port of the closing proceedings of the
American National Convention, and to the
circumstances there shown to have sur
rounded the nomination of Millard Fill
more for the Presidency, and Andrew Jack-
son Donelson for the Vice Presidency.
They are in striking contrast with the
disorder which marred the early proceed
ings of the Convention and excited fears
that its labors would result disastrously.
The nominations were made with great un
animity, acquiesced in without dissent, and
their effect immediately recognized as giv
ing character and nationality to the Amer-
can party, and infusing a new impulse, life
and vigor into its cause. Previous to
proceeding to vote, the Convention de
fined its national position and rebuked
the agitators who had thrown it into con
fusion and excitment. Air. KilLir.ger, of
Pa., offered a resolution, declaring that
the Convention would nominate no man
who was not in favor of interdicting slave
ry in the national territories north of the
parallel of 36 degrees 30 minutes. This
specious attempt to commit the party to free
soil doctrines was tabled by the very deci
sive vote of one hundred ftnd fifty yeas to
fifty nays, the Convention thus refusing to
sacrifice its nationality. A portion of the
Southern delegates $vho had withdrawn,
reassured by this action returned to the Con
vention, and united with it in making the
nominations that are now placed before the
county on the broad American, national, and
conservative platform ofthe aright man for
the right place,” one who in four years’ trial
won the title of the “AIobel President,”
and who again placed in that exalted posi
tion will justify to the country the wisdom
of his re-election. Previous to the nomin
ation, some fifty of the Northern delegates
withdrew. This defection, however, in nuj
way weakened the moral strength of the '■
Convention, whilst serving to sustain its na
tional character by' freeing it oi those
who entered it with a view to its demoral
ization intoourtlicRepublican party. They
failed in tlieir design, and naturally with
drew uisnjfpoiiited and disgusted at the little
success of a scheme so earnestly matuiec
and from which so much had been hoped.
The nominations will be euthusiastical
ly responded to by' the intelligent conser
vative people ofthe country. In this city
the selection of Air. Fillmore has been hail
ed with general gratulation, and through
out the State the feeling will be the same
From every part of the country' a similai
response may be looked for. The Penn
sylvania Inquirer, always among the patri
otic and conservative journals ofthe coun
try, hails the selection as a most happy
one. Air. Fillmore, it justly' says, is on<
ofthe most eminent statesmen of tin ‘
country, and he is respected and ih rishec
everywhere throughout the Republic, fo> 1
his undoubted conservative and truly na
tional principles. At tbe contest which re |
stilted in the success of General Taylor fin *
tlie first office, Air. Fillmore was electee 1
Vice President, and subsequently' Learnt
President through the death of the la- .
rnented Taylor, liis Administration was <
distinguished by' ability and purity. He t
called into his Cabinet some ofthe strong i
est men of the nation, and although al
the very moment that he entered upon
the duties ofthe Presidential Chair,the.
country was convulsed by' a sectional crisis ;
of the most serious character, he soon sue- .
cecdeu in soothing the excitement, in har
monizing the disturbed elements, and re
storing the land to a condition of content
incut, peace and prosperity.
The Republic acquired position, influ
ence and character under his Adinini.-rra
tion. Order prevailed at home, and rcspecl
was secured abroad. Our progress wa:
rapidly' onward. At tbe subsequent con
test, as is well known. Genera! Pierce wa>
elected to the Presidential Chair, and Air
Fillmore retired to liis place of residenct
in New York, the whole nation exclaiming
as with one voice—“Well done, good am
faithful servant!” He some months si net
took his departure on a tour to Europe
where he still remains. The nomination
which has just bean made, may be regard
ed, as in some sense, a spontaneous de
monstration on the part of a large portioi
of the American people. It was not sou gin
by Air. Fillmore, but lie is a patriot cvei
willing to serve his country, and he will
therefore, as we doubt not accept it ami
abide the issue. It would, indeed, be a fort-
uate thing for the Republic, if all its future
Presidents should possess as many lofty *
qualities of head and heart, as the uistiu- j
guished gentleman to whom we have thus
briefly' referred.
From tlie National Intelligencer,
The Philadelphia Nomination.
Our paper yesterday informed our read
ers of tiie nomination made at Philadelphia
of candidates for Pke-idf.nt and A'ice
President ofthe United States by the
Convention of the “American Party,”
namely, Millard Fillmore for President,
and Andrew Jackson Donelson for Vice
President. As we are not members of that
party, we should conceive that we had no
right to find fault with its selection were
it in any respect objectionable ; so, per
haps, it Ls not particularly incumbent on us
to praise its choice? free as it not only is
from exception, but fit, and proper, and
worthy as every body knows the distin
guished citizen to be whom the party has
chosen as their candidates for the Presiden
cy. What course the AVhigs may pursue
under the present political circumstances j
of the country, what candidate they may ;
selector what person they may support]
for the Chief Alagistracy, it is not for us to j
decide or for any one to say. It will
doubtless be deemed proper by them to take
counsel together as to the path which
their duty to the country and to their
principles shall prescribe, and that path
we, as unwavering adherents of the party
shall he prepared to tread without hesita
tion and without faltering. Whether they
shall, resolve upon an independent course
or not, and whether it lead to success or
failure, belong to the future ; but we should
be unfaithful to our known sentiments and
uniform avowal if we were- to suppress I
now the expression of our opinion of the
merits of Air. Fillmore, and the confidence ’
with which ; on trial, lie inspired the coun
try in his qualifications for a wise and safe
and conservative President.
Of the respectable gentleman whom the
party has placed on their ticket for the
Vice Presidency we are less qualified to
speak. He is a man of talents and *f some
experieuce»in public afiairs, having repre
sented the country abroad both at Berlin
and Frankfort. He was a member of Gen.
Jackson’s family and onc&a leading mem
ber of the Democratic party, but his career
has been marked by great political inde
pendence evinciug integrity and patrio
tism.
Ratifiealion Meeting in New York.
The Reporter for the New York Journal
of Commerce, a Democratic paper, gives in
that paper of the 1st inst. the following in
teresting account of the ratification of Air.
Fillmore and Air. Donelson’s nomination
by the citizens of that city.
The “Know Nothings” and others, in
favor of the nomination of Fillmore and
Donelson, field a Ratification Meeting at
the Tabernacle last evening. A very large
audience were present, among whom we
noticed a liberal sprinkling of the Old Line
Whigs. The “Ninth Ward Native Club”
entered tbe building in procession, accom
panied by a huge banner. J. AV. Barker,
Esc... H<m. Jas. Brooks, Col. Reynolds and
other magnates ofthe K-now Nothing paity
were upon the stage.
J. AV. Barker culled the meeting to order.
Col. J. M. Reynolds was called to the
Chair. Air. Reynolds made a few remaiks
lie said that the American party had been
beset, not so much b}' foes from without, as
by enemies within. lie reflected severely up
on those who, while they hold a seat in the
councils of the party, secretly affiliate with
an adverse organization. At the Phila
delphia Convention, were the representa
tives cf the political extremes of the Union.
Amid all factions, New-York stood firm
upon the rock ofthe Constitution and the
Union, and beat back the waves of fanati
cism and disorder. The result was glori
ous to the country and glorious to the
American name. The party was hence
forth a unit. It see^.s no coalition, but in
vites co-operation from all who entertain
its convictions and sympathise with its
principles. AA’hig elements that were, and
Democratic elements that were, consti
tute the I road basis upon which it stands.
For the express purpose of defeating the
Republican party, a*d Pierce democracy, it
unfolds its banners to tbe world. (At this
point, the 7th ward Union Fillmore and
Donelson Association came into the hall,
proceeded bv music and a flag.) The
Speaker read several extracts from speech
es illustrating ti e disunion and fanatical
sentiments of the Republican party. He
characterized the Democratic party as
making a contrary agitation—polling at
the other end of the rope. I t was the mis
sion ofthe American party to step between
these conflicting interests.
Afterofliccrs had been selected to preside,
and other proceed ings had taken place,
the following resolutions were offered
by Hon. James Brooks and adopted :
Fcsnlrcd, Th.t t heartily, cheerfully, un.-mi mousiy —
every one, and all together,—we hereby confirm
and ratify the nominations made by the American
party, a: scudded in National Convention, in Pf.i!-
adepi-ia am! t*e earnestly recommend them to
the support of the whole American people.
Resolved, That in Millard Fillmork and As
hrk\\ Jacxscs Donklson, wo. as An ericams, have
the hestspecimcne cf the oid whig and democratic
partice chips from the old blocks—and. that we pre-
rent their names net only to Aiiie.reans, but to Dem
ocrat:- and Whips, as representatives of the best
men, and test principles of their respective par-
tics.
Rcsolred, That in Millard Fillmore, we have the
friend, the confidant, flic associate of Clay and
Webster, and the inheritor of that patriotism, and
love of country, that ever inspired them in As-
land and Marshfield ; and. in Andrew Jackson
Donelson, the confidant, the pupil, the bosom com
panion (T the idustrious soldier, and Statesman of
the Hermitage.
“(>vn Country, ‘Our.t AVhole Country
and Nothing let Oer Country.”
“One Constdtion, one Destiny.”
“I know no South, no North, no East,
No A V L ST
“The Federal Union, it must and
SHALL BE PiIESEVED!”
As these were their maxipis, their plat
forms, so are they ours,—anil with God’s
help, we w ill stand our candidates upon
them.
Air. Donelson, candidate for the Vice
Presidency, being loudly called for, arose
amidst the most enthusiastic cheering and
spoke as follows.-*—
Gentlemen—I return yftu my sincere
thanks for this cordial reception. The.
delegates at the late Convention ^of the
American party have thought proper to
place me on the American ticket for the
second office in the gift of the people, and
a .distinguished* and tried statesman of
your patriotic State for the first office, f
deem it a high honorto be thought worthy
of an association wjth Alillard Fillmore in
tlie effort to carry forward tbe principles
ofthe American party,—a party which fas
been formed out of the necessity of the
times, to correct the abuses which have
grow u out of the errors oi the old organiza
tions of party, raid w hich have brought the
country to the very verge of social disrup
tion and anarchy. It was natural, gentle-
contributed to obscure the landmarks of fore tbe American people with an - v
our old revolutionary fathers—these, gen- success, and contest the m-em q . P*»f
tleman, are the objects of the American
party. These are the considerations which
have brought us together, no matter what
we may have been heretofore. And these
are the considerations which will bind us
together until our Government is brought
back to its original purity, and truthfulness
is restored to the relations of public men to
public measures. AA'e have seen the pres
ent Administration ofthe Government em
ploy its patronage to cement a party with
out reference to any legitimate standard
of policy or principle. Alen who have
preached secession and disunion have been
given the prominent offices and have been
made strong when i* was most important
that they should ;o weak. Old fashioned
men have been vilified and slandered mere
ly became tlicv adhered to the maxims
tfhich governed our wise nren in the best
days ot our Republic. A es, gentleman, w e
have been proscribed throughout this land
for daring to say that we maintained the
doctrines inculcated by our greatest states
men. President Pierce, professing to fol
low in the footsie’s of Jackson, has placed
himself in direct antagonism to the leading
sentiments of that great man.
Jackson said that the patronage of the
Federal Governincntonglit not to be brought
to bear against tbe freedom of elections,
and that it W it S t ■the we trtre more Ameri
canised. Air. Picree says directly the con
trary. He proscribes from office large
masses of his fellow citizens for daring to
exercise the privilege ofuttering their opin
ions. lie has ostracised national men, in
order to build up the agitator : and no one
can be surprised to see that under bis fost-
teriug care .the country is threatened with
geographical parties far more dangerous to
the integrity of the Union than they have
ever been in any former period of our his
tory. He has introduced the doctrine of
“Squatter Sovereignty” in a form which,
as recent events have shown, is but another
name fur civil war, and though distinguish
ed by tbe profession of respect for the sen
timent which recognizes the right of the
people to govern themselves, is in substance
nothing but an abandonment of the Con
stitutional duty of Congress to guard the
rights of the territorial inhabitants until
they arc competent to form State Govern
ments, aiul take their rank under the pro
visions ofthe Constitution in the confeder
acy of States as equal raid sovereign mem
bers. Against such abuses, we Lave pro
tected, and as members of the American
party we feel that it is not only our right
to protest, but to claim the support of our
countrymen in giving us the power to pro
tect them.
One more remark, gentleman, and I am
done. Qur enemies have asserted that
our organization could not be maintained
because our ranks are composed of these
who have belonged to or.e or the other of
the old parties, and that w e cannot escape
the influence of former divisions. Those
who thus assail ns seem to forget that there
is a country to serve which is above all
parties and that there are principles which
cannot be assailed without weakening the
pillars of our Union, and in defence of
which all patriots ought totally, irrespec
tive oi the designation by which they may
have been known as party men. As in
time of war, when the foreign foe invades
our soil, every tine hearted citizen should
rally to the flag of his country, so when
doctrines are put forward by party lead
ers which are calculated to render inoper
ative the checks and balances of the Con
stitution, every patriot should throw off
party shackles and do what he can to ren
der harmless such doctrines. It is on such
grounds that we are. constituted an Ameri-
* in party. Let us be true to the spirit
of such a party, and let us fosget that there
were ever any differences between us as
Democrats or AVhigs. Let our triumph be
that of our country, measuring our claims
to the public confidence by no standard
but that of honest devotion to the princi
ples of our cause, which is no other than
that of the Constitution and the L'nion.
If we succeed, it will be mainly through
the exertions of the hardy and manly ener
gies of our young and middle-aged men,
who are carrying on the great enterprises
necessary to the development of our coun
try, an I who cannot be tempted by old par
ty wntchwards from completing the reform
which they have commenced under the flag
of the stars and stripes, and in defence of
the sentiment which proclaim? that, Amer
icans ought to rule America. Such patriot
ic devotion mu.-t meet with its correspond
ing reward. Gentlemen ;—I was educa
ted on the banks of your noble river and
have always felt a pride in the prosperity
of this great emporium of our eouiffry.
You have always shown a just sense of the
contest the great uri • ,-j
that binds us together ? On this 1 np ‘“
pie we stand. We may fall • 1 it • I> , nCci "
shall triumph. [Cheers./ ’
He had no antipathies against tl lp , _
eigners ; the party has none. Lot tl I
pressed and downtrodden cf all r Vf" “
come to us. Let them share the ’r *
cence and justice of our laws. * Let
share our educational facilities. ]‘ CE!
share our language and our customs
we tell them in airkindness, both f, r ’ i .
sake and our own, that they must ^
to manage and govern the country ",? ^
tlieir bauds, unaccustomed as tl.ev' ? la
its delicate machinery, it will LV?
directed, and its power will be
against itself, and al! will be involv?* 9 '
one ma«s of splendid ruins. 0 la
The whole philosophy of our prin^ !
Lv
Fr.t
of the Kevc-h
m the anrir •
. ®f the foil.
patriotism did notbial
ti*m to the land. The tuggiiia, .»
heartstrings was not for the'count? 71
»y in one memorable order giver h*- . ' I
¥.ther of his Country during the tV-C ' ■
_ f the Revolution : “Place none but ''
icans on guard to-night!” TLere
brave men of foreign birth
but they w ere not som-
magic attraction
around it, drawn by their best fee
enlist in the cause. It
whose service they were then en«-a»p(] \ ■
for their country beyond rue >,'. a c q u
were not to the manor born and could j,.’*
say, “This is my ow n ntv native Is
Then was it r.ot p ditv, and was it n,
losophical, to place men who were [/■?;' I
by these magic ties in the mostrespon- 1
situations / And if it w ere best tlni k . i
not the best policy of tbe nation still,t„ '•
none but native born patriots at t!,
of State the most responsible cf all site
tions to us at this time ?—And should
foreign—born brothers object to thisp ■
when it is so constantly followed
every other Government ? [Cheeta.1 fl
And liow did our party aid e ! q; . I
was tlie w ork of an overntlii g
is evident. It was the work cf prupa*
ism. H '.vas from the ge:m of patriofif B l
in the hearts of the people. Oh it-
manifestation, the people gathered silcutwB
, ., fP <» M
... . - s peau silently aid ia
surely, without noise, without etfi.rt. .9
rolled onwardby it oven weight, when > * ™
once .stated. Like the wind it is said tL;
no one knows of our party whence it c k.
fctb : and some even at this day aresu; t .
tally blind as to say that they know > •
w hither it goeth ! [Laughter.] But toU
mind in w as evident that “it goeth 1 .1
ward the Y» hite House, as its Lome r-- I
tow ard the Capital as its place of in ci
try !” [Great applause.] ■
We have thrown down the g . ::itlet ■ 9
them take it up w ho will—we are n; - 9
for the fight. Our ranks are full, la v ) 9
have room still fer those who ureter 9
struggle with us to fighting against os,%9
it has come to that p >int. And let tjio„ 9
wlro see the truth of our principles at tL,9
the eleventh hour, come to our banners at ■
receive the welcoming hand from th -<• 9
us who have Lome the Lent and burden
the day. .
To our naturalized brethren we sar 9
cio r.ot love the foreigners less than vi.e.. 9
we first extended an invitation to them 9
find a home from oppression on curs&oies: 9
tre no not love them less, Let ue leu I
country mart. 'And we find that if wet: 9
not protect the ark of ouriioeitie-from n.-l
proffered support of officious hands, t I
shall all be involved in one connr:' : . - 9
strnetion.
When the emigre'.;; :
not exceed 10,000 per ' car, v.e di.. r 9
feel the effects ot it. Those who ties fame
among ns were absorbed in oar ens i:-.
and forgot their native country in a ir.ei:-
nre, and strove’ to become America,.-.
Afbw the small stream has become an over
whelming torrent, and threatens io snl-
merge the whole land. Instead ot rr.li-
iifg among ns and -becoming a part <1
whole counties are found in which tie
English language cannot be underst-
Tbe foreigners retain their clannish spirit
tlieir customs, traditions, habits vea, i*i
language; they form a foreign colony i
our midst as distinct in fact from us a
they are in habit, though tbev are unde:
our government. It is this we deprecate.
It is this we would prevent..
He did not regard the foreiga-hoi
citizen with feelings of distrust or hatre
nor did the party. He could cordial!
welcome them, but he could not actor,.:
them the power to ride and ruin the c
inon country. No man felt more cL;.r.:
for the misfortunes cf oppressed Janos tl.
he. I11 this very hall, not many years a.
lie had spoken at a meeting in which t ;
citizens of Washington were ftiaing e :
to send to famine stricken Ireland, are 1
had introduced a bill in the Senate, .
a
at
u,
CO
s
wl
de
men, that the people of tliis great confed
eracy of States should turn tlieir eyes upon
Alillard Fillmore, who in his personal qual
ities, and in all tiie characteristics of a
statesman, is justly ranked w ith the great
men who have contributed- to the honor
anti glory of our common country. Ft is
different with myself, gentlemen. I have
held but humble situations in the public
service, and can, therefore, attribute my
nomination to no other circumstance but
iny earnest devotion to the conservative
and sound doctrines which form the basis
of the American creed.
According to my understanding, gentle
men, of the causes which have constituted
us a new party, they have but little refer
ence to our antecedents as old AVhigs ’or
old Democrats. Under such designations
we have cadi pursued in other days, our
‘own views. We have^ntertained opposite
opinions in regard te the necessity of a
Bank, and other measures of national inter
est. But however v.e differed on such
questions, whenever those arose of a pure
ly sectional and disorganizing character,
the leading patriots 01 our country were al-
ways united. Clay and Jackson united tomo-
dify the Tariff of 1828, in order to give quiet
to the country, and secure tlie execution
qf the laws. They united to disarm the
force of sentiments which were calculated
to array one section of the Union against
another, and if they were now alive could
not be otherwise than participants in the
great American movement which is intend
ed to check the current of the same senti
ments. Y ou see men at the North propos-
ing'to nullify the laws of the land. Y ou
have seen men at the South doing the same
tiling. AYhat would Washington, Jeffer
son, Aladison and Jackson, say to men en
gaged iu such attempts to dismember our
Union. Gentlemen, it would be a waste of
words to answer in detail this question.
All who are acquainted with the public his
tory of those great men, know that they
would be with us laboring to check sec
tional agitation, and rebuking tlie heresy’
that a state or portion oT the people can
enforce a construction of the law*, contrary
to the course pointed out in tlie Constitu
tion.
To restore harmony to the various sec
tions of our Union—to brighten the links
which bind 11s together as sovereign States
—to purity the ballot box—to cut off tbe
dangers to which we are exposed by the
immigrant to our shors from foreign lands
—and to repudiate all the higher law in
fluence abroad and at home which have
tin
importance of maintaining the Constitution, was passed", appropriating $500,000 ii -
1 ““ ~ ~”■ * *' “ 1 * the National Treasury tor tlie lenelit j
the starving Irish, <J»r K
He implored the naturalized citizen' ^
come to the assistance ofthe country ft. m(
choice. If the American party is srcct.-'^
’ fid, you areas richly rewarded as ve.-9
its increased prosperitv. Should it k- 9
you will be involved in the common rire-9
He would give them his hand, then. * - 3
and help us! AY e are more in tiangf-9
from the way in which our common f :: "9
mies use the ballot-Tox than their ns« J
the cartridge-box. J
The business of the American party’ jjj
# to preserve the Constitution and the I
intact; to preserve them from eveiy tid
that should be raised against them: <■ 9
they had every thing to hope from Jj
patriotism of their course. • 9
He closed by saving “we strive fi r tie,
tive-bornd sovereignty and our nauvt;
supremacy in the land which a D.-neta-- d
God has given us. Who is he that - - 9
resist the American people, when in'T fa}
cause they stand before food and n ;: •
defend tlieir rights i” If tlie party
but act worthy of their noble cause,-
by a strict adherence to the principles it
was intended to perpetuate. Y ou have al
ways been national men, unwilling to dis
turb tbe harmony of those feelings which
are necessary to the safety of our progress
as a nation. It is flattering and encourag
ing, therefore, t<> the friends of the Ameri
can c9n.se, in other parts of our country,
when they hear that the great city of New-
Y'ork is with them. I could not doubt
that I was right when your approving
voice was heard, in the formation of a par
ty aiming to heal the dissensions in our
land.
It was in this city, in 1819, that I first
learned to discriminate between tbe mere
partv man and the patriot. It was here
that Gen. Jackson, though tlie guest of the
Tammany men, toasted De AY’itt Clinton,
who was then considered by’ that ancient
and venerable society- as not orthodox on
tlie subject of State.rights. The old Hero
of the Hermitage said that parties were
not always right, and that public men
ought not to be rejected because they went
beyond tlie spirit of tlieir party in the sup
port of their country’s interests. This,
«bl
entleman, is our doctrine. AY e have left i -will triumph through its purity and H
the old parties who were unable to trau-
qiiilize the land, and stand out o n a f lat-
form national from beginning to end, and
American in every feature of it.
otism. [Cheers, long and ioud.[
Tremendous RnliJieatiun Seeling in Washington,
A very large and enthusiastic meeting
was held in Washington city on 29tli ult. for
the purpose of ratifying the nominations of
the American Convention for President and
Vice President. Eloquent and patriotic
speeches were delivered by the Hon. An
drew tfltewart of Pennsylvania, £be gentle-
naanwho nominated Air. Fillmore iu the,
Philadelphia Convention, Hon. Lewis D.
Campbell, of Ohio, Horn J. II. Haughton
of North Carolina, Hon. John J. Critten-i
den, and others. We give below a synop
sis of AI». Crittenden’8 remarks as we find
them reported in the American Organ:
Hon. J. J. Crittenden was then introduc
ed aiul received with great enthusiasm.
He commenced by saying that it was use
less to attempt to proselyte now; all pres
ent bad made up their minds on the princi
ples they- should advocate. The lists
were now made, the contest is opened, and
it is for that side to wm the fight that
bears itself most gallantly. AY’hat kind «f
a party- have you ! Is it not the one which
insists as its main ground of action that
Americans shall rule America 1 What
parties oppose you i Who can stand be-
Gov. Wright, cf Indiana, having L
requested by the tree-Stste men ‘‘t 9
to urge the people cf his State t0 9
fere in their quarrels with the Mu- ‘ 1 '9
has written a reply, in which he say*-
“Indiana, as a State, has h iseiv select'>-
domestic policy. She is willing to give he-' ■
bors the same ri?ht, and to suppose theatre
of choosing and deciding for themselves. ' U |i-
never given any cause of complaint to ay r
sister States or Territories. And I do ^ ..
cerelv hope that none of her citizens y 1 re i .'y ; .
get the relation they sustain to their
and the national compact, as t<> take an} 1 -
the strifes and contentions of • there who •
lv violating the laws of the land. *
There are those who indulge in the ns? <■*
.names and sectional phrases, such as suV
to Southern interest, doughfaces, and t5ie U
order to influence the public mind, iT All &
our people to a violation of the law. ...
however, I ardently hope will not lead ou | ^
away from the great principle that .. •
onr institutions—the absolute rif-'g*
and Territory to make its own institution--
out the influence of others. ,
.Upon this principle v.e can stand an ■ ,
the peace and harmony of the L nh n ' 1 ‘ jj c jj -Jv
and honor. It is tlie corner stone upon ”
security and perpetuity of the Union tcs.- ^ct
Having the utmost confidence that t ■ ,
Indiana will not, under any circumsta, >
don this high position. I frankly sa} “
fchs will be made by this department 1 ‘ v, ; .
solitary citizen to enter njxma crusaue ^ •$£
portion of the people of the Union w .g
tutions. If others do wrong, we will “ »
