Democratic Sentinel, Volume 8, Number 13, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 April 1884 — THE REALM OF POLITICS. [ARTICLE]

THE REALM OF POLITICS.

Preparations for the Great Presi- * dential Contest. Conventions in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Other States. Letter from Gov. Tilden—Miscellaneous Political Notes. STATE CONVENTIONS. Illinois Republican. James A. Connolly, of Coles County, presided over the Illinois Republican Convention, which met at Peoria, Daniel Shepard, of Chicago, discharging the functions of Secretary. The business In hand was disposed of smoothly and rapidly, and, notwithstanding several long speeches were sandwiched among the proceedings, within less than eight hours after the convention had been called to order, the larger portion of the "delegates were en route for home. THE STATE TICKET. Gen. Bichard J. Oglesby, of Logan County, ■who has already served one term as Govemer and a six years' term in the Senate of the United States, was nominated by acclamation as Chief Magistrate of the State. Gen. J. C. Smith, of Cook County, was placed in nomination for Lieutenant Governor, receiving 611 votes, against 236 for John L Binaker, and 43 for John C. Fairbanks. For Secretary of State Henry C. Dement and Lonis P. Wolf were named, the first-named receiving the nomination by a large majority. Charles P. Swigert was nominated by acclamation for Auditor. For State Treasurer, Jacob •Gross, of Cook County, was made the nominee ■on the first ballot, Charles Becker, David T. Littler, and Frederick Beaman being his competitors. For Attorney General, George Hunt received 493 votes and James McCartney 382, and Hunt was declared the nominee. THE PLATFOBM. The following resolutions were reported and Adopted without a dissenting voice: W hebeas. The Republican party has for a quarter of a century had the political thought of this nation; and. Whereas, This great party has succeeded by being aggressive and fearless in support of right, We, the Republicans of Illinois, in convention assembled,* mindful of glories which cluster around its past history, renew our pledges of fidelity to the doctrines which have repeatedly received the indorsement of the people, and the •carying out ot which by a long line of Governors, from Bissell to Hamilton, has shed such renown upon the commonwealth, make this ■declaration of principles upon vital questions of the hour, and with these principles we march to -victory. Resolved , That this convention is justly proud of the record made by the Republican party of Illinois in the administration of the State affairs during the twenty-seven years that the executive department of the State Government has been intrusted to it. The State debt, with its heavy burden upon the tax-payers, has been wiped out, and all details of administrative duty discharged with a faithful. Intelligent regard to public Interest. Resolved, That the debt of this State having been paid off, it is the sense of this convention that the present revenue law of Illinois can be And should be so readjusted gs to be adapted to the present financial condition of the State and the several counties and other municipalities within its borders. Resolved, That the criminal laws of this State should be so revised and simplified as to render punishment of crime mofeoertain and speedy,to the end that life and property be more effectually protected. Resolved, That the labor of thepeople constitutes the foundation of the wealth of the country, and only when labor receives such remuneration as will give to the industrious and ■economical a surplus beyond the necessaries of life, can prosperity and happiness prevail. Itis, therefore, 1 the duty of the legislators, both State and national; to enact laws in the Interest and for the protection of labor,’and.te that end we demand that.in levying taxes and duties such •discrimination shall be made as will enconrage the development of the resources of our own •country, and secure bur own people a just and reasonable compensation for their toil, and in this system of legislation all Interests are concerned. Resolved, That all citizens of this nation are •entitled to the full, unrestricted exercise of their civil apd political rights as. guaranteed by the Constitution and laws, and that it is the duty of the General Government, which it cannot vacate, or fail to enforce, or remand to a State, to secure -these rights by the enforcements: laws now existing ; and if such laws be found Insufficient to secure to every citizen every political and civil right, that it is the solemn duty o| Congress to speedily enact such laws as will protect every citizen.ln such rights. Resolved, That under the Constitution and laws every elector in the nation has the right to the free, untrammeled exercise of the franchise, And we denounce with unmeasured condemnation, as one of the most hefnous and un-Ameri-can of crimes,the«pobtical, terrorizing, bull-doz-ing murder and frauds resorted to as a means of controlling elections. Resolved, That the Republicans of Illinois Approve all legislation which tends to promote fidelity and efficiency in the civil service of the country, and they recognize the fact that a great safeguard against unfaithfulness ahd inefficiency is the perpetuation in power of the party which has shown itself through a long term of years worthy of the confidence of the American people. Resolved, That we indorse the administration cf Gov. John M. Hamilton as able and pure, and which has placed the party in this State in splendid array for the great battle of 1884. Resolved, That the wise and statesmanlike course pursued by the Hon. Shelby M. Cullom in idle United States Senate meets our most cordial Approval and gives him new claims upon our gratitude and respect, which he long since •earned by distinguished services in behalf of the people of Illinois. Resolved, That this convention cordially indorses the administration of President Arthur, whose broad statesmanship and good judgment in the details of administrative duty have won tor him the approval of the entire country. Resolved, That, as in times past, the Republican party has been largely composed of workingmen, it should be continued as the guardian ot their interests; we do, therefore, earnestly request the Republican members of our State Legislature to protect their interests by wise legislation, and our Republican members in Congress to put forth all honorable efforts to secure the passage ot laws conducive to their best interests, and such as are best calculated to dignify American labor and elevate the condition of the workingman. Resolved, That, taking a just pride in the Integrity and patriotism, purity of character and political sagacity of the soldier-statesman of Rlinois, Gen. John A. Logan, whose record, both in peace and in war, has reflected honor and dignity upon the State, promoted the welfare and prosperity of the nation, and illuminated •our history, whose glorious services in crushing armed treason and rebellion gains added luster from his recent ringing denunciation of most cowardly and skulking treason in the army of the Union, we present his name to the National Convention qf the Republican party, to assemble at Chicago on the 3d day of June next, as that of a person to receive the nom- ■ ination of the Republican party for President, and to reoeive the sufirages<of the people of the United States in November next,and that we instruct the delegates appointed by this convention from the .State at large, «hd request those (from the several districts.to give him their individual and earnest support. Relying upon the consistency, fidelity, and patriotism of the Republican party: ot.lllinois, arid While desiring the advancement of its choaen Reader to the position rendered illustrious by- a {Lincoln and a Grabt, we pledgt’to the Republicans of the nation a hearty, earnest, and triumphant support to the nominee at Chicago, whoever he maybe.; delegates and slkctobs AT large. The following delegates at large to the National Convention at Chicago were elected: Senator Shelby M. Cullom, of Sangamon County; Gov. John M.‘ Hamilton, of McLean County; Burton C. Cook, of. Cook County; Clark E. Carr, of Knox County. x Andrew Shuman and Isaac Leeom were chosen as Presidential Electors for the State at Urge. BTATB CENTRAL COMMITTEE. A. M. Jones, of Chicago, was re-elected Chairman of the State Central Committee, which is composed as follows: At Large—John W. Bunn, of Sangamon; J. R. Tanner, of Clay; N. A. Parker, of Cook; George E, White, of Cook; B. A. Wilcox, of Woodford; V. S, Post, of Knox; E. B. Fletcher, of Grundy. First District, Jesse Spalding, Chicago; Seoond, Philip Maas, Chicago; Third, Bartholomew Quirk, Chicago; Fourth, John J. Healy, Chicago: Fifth, C. A. Patrldge, Lake; Sixth, A. M. Jones, Chicago; Seventh, J. W. Templeton, Bureau; Eighth, J. C. Corbus, Mendota; Ninth, Roger D. Sherman, Kankakee; Tenth, Frank Hitohoock, Beoria; Eleventh, Payton Roberts, Monmouth; Twelfth, OmapPdrson, Carrollton; Thirteenth, N. W. Branson. Petersburg; Fourteenth, C. P. Davis, Monticello; Fifteenth, J. H. Clark, Mattoon; Sixteenth, Thomas W. Scott, Fairfield; Seventeenth, George D. Chaffee. ShelbwiUe; Eighteenth, Thomas B. Needles; Nineteenth, General James S. Martin; Twentieth, Ed Mitchell, Marion. OGLESBY'S ACCEPTANCE. During the session of the- convention Gow. Oglesby appeared on the platform and was re-' ceived with cheers, the members rising and

waving .their hats. The nominee mads a speech accepting the nomination, Pennsylvania Republican. The ReDublican State Convention of Pennsylvania. at Harrisburg, was presided over by ex-Congressman Galusba A. Grow, who, in his remarks, strongly advocated a high protective tariff. A motion was made by a delegate that the Committee on Resolutions be instructed to bring in a resolution naming James G. Blaine for President, and Robert T. Lincoln for Vice President. An amendment was moved and accepted to make the resolution include instructions to the delegates-at-large to vote for Blaine. The motion and amendment were carried by a vote of 200 to 37; nearly all the negative votes came from the Philadelphia delegation. Gen. C. S. Or borne, of Luzerne County, was nominated for Congressman at Large. The following delegates at large to the Chicago Convention were chosen: James McManes, Philadelphia; Lewis Emery, McKean; Hamilton Dis ton, Philadelphia; B. F. Jones, Alleghany; P. L. Kimberly, Mercer; William H. Jessup, Susquehanna; and J. W. Lee, Venango. The Committee on Resolutions reported the following, which were adopted: * First, congratulating Republicans upon the reestablishment of unity and harmony in the par-’- which hso restored Pennsylvania to her place umo xtcpuolican column. Second, approving the present protective tariff and demanding its continuance. Third, demanding a free ballot and an honest oount. Fourth, urges such such legislation as will suspend the coinage of the standard silver dollar until •united action regarding a bimetallic standard with other nations can be bad. Fifth, recommends the retirement of the trade dollar in exchange for standard dollars without increasing the monthly issue of the latter. Sixth, says that by the integrity and wisdom of his administration President Arthur has deservedly won the respect, confidence, and commendation of the whole people. Seventh, commends every effort to sustain and promote civil-service reform In the National and State Governments. Eighth, declares that James G. Blaine Is the choice of the Republicans of Pennsylvania for President, and instructs the delegates-at-large to vote for him so long as his name shall be before the convention, and to use all honorable means to secure his nomination. South Carolina Republican. Robert Smalls, the colored Congressman, wielded the gay el In the South Carolina Republican Convention, which sat at Columbia. Miller, a colored ex-Senator, made a speech, in which he said: “We should put a ticket in the field in every election and make the fight, and; even If martyrs, seal our cause with our blood. The following delegates to the national convention from the State at large were selected: E. M. Brayton, Internal Revenue Collector of the district of South Carolina; W. N. Taft, Postmaster at Charleston; Congressman Robert Smalls and Samuel Lee (colored). They are all pronounced Arthur men. The several Congressional conventions having failed, as required by the rules of the national convention, to meet In their respective districts and elect delegates to the national convention fifteen days before the meeting of the State convention, the latter body, when it adjourned sine die, subdivided and formed Congressional conventions and elected district delegates without Instructions. The entire delegation are solid for Arthur. The following resolution was adopted by acclamation: “ Resolved , That, in view of the embarrassing circumstances growing out of the assassination of the late lamented President Jas. A. Garfield, and the extremely delicate position in which the present incumbent—President Chester A. Arthur—was placed, we, the Republicans of South Carolina, in convention assembled, do heartily indorse the administration of President Arthur as wise, economical, and just, without reproach or stain, and perfectly harmonious In all its departments,” • A resolution was also adopted condoling with Gen. U. S. Grant in his recent accident, and expressing appreciation of his soldieriy qualities and eminent statesmanship. 0 ■ - Tennessee Republicans. The Republican State Convention of Tennessee, which met at f Nashville, nominated Judge Frank T. Reid, of the 'Circuit Court of that city, for Governor; and A, M. Hughes, W. W. Murray, and John B. Rogers Railroad Commissioners. The nominee far -Governor was a Confederate soldier, serving through the late war as a private in Forrest's eavisry. v ~. . ' The platform Indorses the Administration of Arthur; arraigns the'Democratic party of Tennessee for therepudtation of the bonds of the State, and selliug the railroads of the State at low prices for bonds.they had previously branded as fraudulent; charges the Democratic party with pretending to favor low taxes and fewer officeholders, and yet making taxes higher and offices more numerous; denounoes the lease of penitentiary labor so as to bring it into competition with free skilled labor, and condemns the Democratic tariff policy as calculated to bring American labor In damaging oonflict with the convict and pauper labor of Europe and all the world. The delegates chosen to the National Convention were uninstructed-and are as follows: State at Large—L. C. Honk, of Knoxville; J. C. Napier, of Nashville; T. F. Cassells, of Memphis ; W. P. Brownlow, of Jonesboro. Congressional Djstricts—A. H. Pettibone, John W. Brown, W. C. Chandler, W. C. Chumla, H. F. Griscom, F. V. Brown, B. W. Burford, John Pruett, W. T. Elliott, William Ekln, H. L. W. Cheatham, B. I. Hadley, A. M. Hughes, Jr., Richard Harris, S. W. Hawkins, L 0. Watson, Carter Harris, J. H. Smith. According to the most authentio information attainable the choice of the delegation stands 17 for Arthur, 3 for Blaine, 1 for Logan, 1 for Edmunds, 2 doubtful. New Jersey Republican. State Senator Griggs called the New Jersey Republican State Convention to order at Tren- • ton. In a short address he said the industries of the State looked to the Republican party for safety, and hoped the delegation to Chicago would not be instructed. Congressman Horr, of Michigan, then addressed the convention, committees were appointed, and a recess was taken. On reassembling the temporary organization was made permanent and a platform adopted. The first resolution cordially approves President Arthur’s administration, and the platform continues by saying that, while the Republican party has always supported the protective system upon which the prosperity of our country depends, the Democratic party is pledged -to a financial policy which would prove ruinous to all our nation-1 industries, and that any revision of the tariff should be left to the friends of protection. The resolutions also approve the civHservice reform act, and ask the repeal of the law requiring the superfluous coinage of silver. The ballot for delegates-at-large to the Chicago convention resulted in the choice of Congressman Phelps, John J. Gardner, Senator Sewell, and ex-Judge Fort, 323 votes being necessary to a choice. Ex-Congressman Robeson, who was a candidate, received 135 votes. The delegates were not Instructed. Alabama Republican. George Turner, Chairman of the Republican State Central Committee of Alabama, In calling the State Convention to order, at Montgomery, announced himself a pronounced Arthur man and eulogized the present administration to the fullest extent, and stated that one of his reasons for supjxirting President Arthur was on aeoount of the latter’s conservative, patriotic, and able administration, and because ot his Southern policy being superior to any previous administration. His remarks were loudly cheered by the delegates. The following delegates-at-lareo to Chicago were chosen: George Turner, C. C. Sheets, G. W. Braxdell, and J. C. Duke. The Montgomery district elected Paul Strobach and George Washington. J. W. Jones and Arthur Bingham were chosen electors-at-large. Just before adjournment a banner was hung on a stand, inscribed: "Our ohoioe—Chester A. Arthur. Second choice—Jchn A. Logan.” The banner will betaken toChlcago. The platform affirms the platform of 1880, Indorses the educational hill and protective tariff, denounces the W try Is maifily due t© Arthur’s Successful administration. Arthur, on the first ballot, will get nineteen out of the twenty Alabama votes. Indiana Republican. ; V Gen. Thos. M. Browne was made Chairman of the Indiana Republican Convention, at Indianapolis, called for the purpose of selecting dele* gates-at-large to the Chicago Convention. The delegates selected are ex-Sccretaiy of the Navy Richard W. Thompson, Senator Benjamin Harrison. ex-Congressman J. H. Baker, and Morris McDonald, a wealthy merchant of New Albany. The alternates are E. F Horn (colored), editor of the Colored World; John H. Roelker, of Evansville; Moses Fowler, Lafayette; and G. B. Ward, of White County. It is understood that Thompson will M the Chairman of the delegation. Three of the delegates are said to be for Blaine and one for John Sherman. No effort was made to Instruct the delegation. Ont of the thirty representsthree that Indiana will have in the convention, a olose estimate gives Blaine 16 or 17, Arthur 4, John Sherman 2, W. T. Shferman 3, and Legan probably 4. It an Indiana man is a candidate, he of course will receive the solid support. After the adjournment of the convention the Republican State Central Committee met and disenssed the outlook. The present organization, John Overmeyer as Chairman and W. H. H. Terrell as Secretary, was continued until after the Chicago Convention. Delaware Republican. When the Delaware Republican Convention met at Dover Richard Harrington, who ealled

! the meg is to order, attempted to make a , speech in n_erence to the Btate Central CommitI tee. his course as Chairman of that body having ! been subjected to criticism. The convention I would not listen to the speech, and considersI ble confusion existed for a time. The temporary organization, with Job H. Jackson, a prominent Blaine man, as Chairman, was made permanent. When the convention reassembled alter recess the Committee on Resolutions made a report, which was adopted. It related to the organization and government of the Republican party in the State, The fourth and concluding section declares Blaine peculiaily Delaware's favorite for the Presidency, but favors sending delegates to Chicago uninstructed, exoept as to how far the recognized opinion of their constituents ought to guide them. The following delegates to the National Convention were chosen: Washington Hastings. John Pilling, George V. Massey, John H. Hoffecker, William J. Sieward, and Daniel J. Layton. Hastings is an administration man. West Virginia Democratic. Ex-United States Senator Hereford was made Chairman of the West Virginia Democratic Convention, which assembled at Charleston. Over 460 delegates were present. The convention adopted the following resolution: Resolved, That Samuel J. Tilden is our first choice for the Democratic nomination for President. The following delegates-at-large were chosen to the Chicago Convention: First District, Lewis Baker; Second, ex-State Senator Joe Van Metre; Third, B. F. Harlow; Fourth, D. H. Leonard. District Delegates—First, W. E. Lively and Ed McDonald; Second. H. G. Davis and C. E. Wells; Third, Frank Hereford and Wesley Moliop&n; Fourth, C. T.'Beall and George Thompson. No alternates were chosen, and the delegates were Instructed to vote for Tilden. Oregon Democratic. The Democratic State Convention of Oregon met at Dallas and adopted a platform declaring in favor of the forfeiture of unearned land grants, the regulation of Interstate commerce, and a tariff for revenue limited to the necessities of the Government. The de eaates to the national convention are; L. L. McArthur, W. C. Cook, P. F. Hogan, V. R. Strode, A. E. Waite, T. L. Porter. The Presidential Electors are L. B. Ison, W. D. Fenton, A. C. Jones. Ex-Gov. W. W. Thayer, of Portland, .was nominated for Supreme Judge, and John Myers, of Clackamas County, for Congress. Resolutions were adopted favoring Tilden and Hendricks as the choice oft the Democrats of Oregon for President and Vice President, respectively. District of Columbia Democratic. ’ At the Democratic Convention held In Washington City, to select delegates to the Democratic National Convention at Chicago, William Dickson and Edward D. Wright were chosen on the first ballot as delegates, and Thomas J. Luttrell and Lawrence Gardner as alternates. Neither of the dolegates expressed any preference for candidates, and they go unfnstrncted, but Dicksou's personal choice is said to be Tiden. Resolutions were adopted In favor of revenue reform and home rule for the District to the extent of giving the important Dlstriot offices to residents.