of our institutions, by insisting upon measures of proscription far exceeding the provisions of the Constitution of the United States and the reconstruction acts of Congress, have rendered them unworthy of the respect and confidence of the voters of Mississippi. administrations of Washington and Madison, and that will insure to Congress the unrestricted exercise of its constitutional functions, and to the people their rightful control of the Government. 3. That the abolishment of slavery was a 4. That, in the language of President Grant, natural and necessary consequence of the war "the question of suffrage is one which is likely of the rebellion, and that the reconstruction to agitate the public so long as a portion of the measures of Congress were measures well adaptcitizens of the nation are excluded from its privi-ed to effect the reconstruction of the southern leges in any State;" and therefore we sincerely favor the addition of the proposed XVth amendment to the Constitution of the United States. States and secure the blessings of liberty and a free government; and as a completion of those measures, and firmly believing in its essential justice, we are in favor of the adoption of the 5. That we deprecate any attempt to impose upon the people of this State any greater disa-XVth amendment to the Constitution. bilities than the Constitution and laws of the United States already recognize, and that we believe it to be the duty of all good citizens to use every effort to obliterate the animosities of the past, and to unite in the restoration of a State government based on the equal rights, civil and political, of men of every race. 6. That we express our thanks to the President and the Congress of the United States for rejecting the scheme to impose the rejected constitution upon the people of this State, and affirm our unwavering support of the administration of General Grant. 7. That we announce ourselves unqualifiedly in favor of universal suffrage, and universal amnesty, upon the restoration of the State to her federal relations, and pledge ourselves in good faith to urge upon Congress the removal of all political disabilities incurred by participation in the late rebellion. 8. That the State executive committee be authorized and instructed to issue, in behalf of this convention, an address to the people of this State, declaratory of the principles and sentiments of the National Union Republican party of Mississippi. 9. That the State executive committee be authorized and instructed to issue a call for a State convention, composed of delegates representing the different counties of the State, to meet at such time and place as they may deem expedient, for the purpose of nominating a State and congressional ticket. Republican, June 23, 1869. Resolved, That as citizens of the nation, representing the republican sentiment of an honored commonwealth, we regard with sincere satisfaction the fidelity evinced by General Grant to the Republican party, and his policy, both foreign and domestic, and of his national administration, and pledge our cordial support to the measures inaugurated to insure conciliation, economy, and justice at home, and command consideration and respect abroad. 2. That we hail with the profoundest satisfaction the patriotic and constitutional declaration of President Grant, in his inaugural address, that while he will, on all subjects, have a policy to recommend to Congress, he will have none to enforce against the will of the people; a sentiment which assures the country of an executive administration founded on the models of the 4. That the late Democratic general assembly, in its reckless expenditure of public money; its utter neglect of the business interests of the State by failing to enact the wise and much needed financial measures providing for the assessment and equalization of taxation prepared by the commission appointed by the preceding general assembly; its hostility to our benevolent and literary institutions; its failure to carry out the repeated pledges of the Democratic party to secure economy in the State; its extraordinary length of session in time of peace, resulting in an expense to the State amounting, for the pay of its members alone, to more than double that of the previous general assembly; its malignant attempts to disfranchise disabled soldiers and other citizens of the State; its attempt to take from the general Government the right to pursue, arrest, and punish those who violate the laws made in pursuance of the Constitution of the United States, and the vicious acts intended to destroy the power of the nation to preserve and protect the liberty and safety of its citizens, has shown the Democratic party unworthy of the trust, confidence, and support of an honest and patriotic people. 5. That the Republican party of Ohio is in favor of a speedy establishment of a soldiers' orphans' home in Ohio, not only as an act of justice to the many poor and helpless orphans of deceased soldiers, but as a recognition of the patriotic services of their fathers in the late war, and for the purpose of redeeming the pledges made by all loyal people to protect the families of those who fought and fell in the cause of human liberty and right. Democratic, July 7, 1869. Resolved, That exemption from tax of over $2,500,000,000 Government bonds and securities is unjust to the people, and ought not be tolerated, and that we are opposed to any appropriation for the payment of the interest on the public bonds until they are made subject to taxation. 2. That the claim of the bondholders, that the bonds which were bought with greenbacks, and the principal of which is by law payable in currency, should, nevertheless, be paid in gold, is unjust and extortionate, and if persisted in will force upon the people the question of repudiation. 3. That we denounce the high protective tariff which was designed only in the interests of the New England manufacturers; that said tariff is also, by its enormous impositions on salt, sugar, | absolute dominion of monopoly and aggregate tea, coffee, and the necessaries of life, unendura- capital over the lives, the liberty, and the propble and oppressive, especially upon the people erty of the toiling masses. of the West, and that we demand its repeal and the substitution of another based upon revenue principles alone, upon the closest possible approximation to absolute free trade. 4. That the Democratic party of the United States have always been pre-eminently friendly to the rights and interests of the laboring men; that they are in favor of a limited number of hours in all manufacturing workshops, the hours dictated by the physical and mental well-being of the laborer; that they favor the most liberal laws in regard to household and homestead exemption from sale and execution; that they are also in favor of liberal grants of land from the public domain to actual settlers, without any cost, and are opposed to the donation of them to swindling railroad corporations; and that they are generally friendly to a system of measures advocated by the labor and industrial-congresses, and we pledge the democratic party, if restored to power, to exercise their influence in giving them practical application. 5. That the attacks of Governor Hayes and Lee upon the doings of the late general assembly are false in fact, malicious in spirit, and unworthy of gentlemen occupying their elevated positions. 6. That the late general assembly were called upon to make large and extraordinary appropriations to rebuild the burned lunatic asylum, to provide a reform school for girls, to construct a new blind asylum, to make appropriations to pay over $80,000 of a judgment obtained in the supreme court of the State in favor of a life insurance and trust company, and to meet a deficiency of over $500,000 of the preceding Republican legislature, which, together with the extra compensation paid to the members, under the law passed by the Republican legislature, were provided for without an increase of the State levy; and the appropriations in the aggregate are much less than those of the preceding Republican legislature, without abstracting $800,000 from the relief fund for the maimed and disabled soldiers and their families. 7. That we hereby return our thanks to the fifty-eighth general assembly for their economical expenditure in the administration of the State government and the exposal of wholesale frauds in the erection of State buildings, whereby the people were swindled out of half a million of dollars by the negligence of the Republican State officials and the dishonesty of others. 10. That we denounce the national banking system as one of the worst out-growths of the bonded debt, which unnecessarily increases the burden of the people $30,000,000 annually, and that we demand its immediate repeal. 11. That the trial and sentence to death by military commissions of citizens of Texas not in the military or naval service, when the civil courts were. in unobstructed exercise of their functions in that State and in the time of profound peace, and the approval of that sentence by President Grant, are violations of the most sacred rights of American citizens guaranteed by their constitution, State and federal, and deserve and should receive the earnest condemnation of every lover of liberty and constitutional government. 12. That the numerous palpable and highhanded usurpations of the party in power; their many public and private acts of tyranny, trampling under foot the civil law and the guarantees of the Constitution; their continuing to deprive sovereign States of representation in Congress, and to govern said States by military rule, show them to be the party of despotism, and unworthy the confidence and support of a free people. 13. That we extend the right hand of fellowship, and recognize as brethren in a common cause, all conservative men, not heretofore Democrats, who will unite with us in rescuing the Government from the unworthy hands into which it has fallen; and we pledge the united and cordial support of the two hundred and fifty thousand Democrats in Ohio, whom we represent, to the ticket nominated by this convention, and presented by us to the suffrages of the people of Ohio. PENNSYLVANIA. Republican, June 23, 1869. Resolved, That we rejoice in the glorious national victory of 1868, which is bringing peace, happiness, and prosperity to us as a nation., 2. That we wholly approve of the principles and policy of the administration of General Grant, and we heartily endorse every sentiment contained in his inaugural address, and especially do hereby ratify and approve the late amendment proposed by Congress to the Constitution of the United States, and known as the XVth amendment. 8. That it is th right of each State to decide 3. That we have confidence that the general for itself who shall possess the elective franchise administration will wisely and firmly protect the within it; that the attempt to regulate suf-interests and dignity of the nation in respect to frage in Ohio by means of the so-called XVth constitutional amendment is subversive of the federal Constitution. 9. That the policy and legislation of the Radical party directly tend to destroy all the reserved rights of the States, and convert the Republic into a consolidated despotism; that whether such despotism be exercised by an emperor, a president, or a congress, the result would be fatal to liberty and good government; that consolidation in this country means the our just claims against Great Britain, and that we endorse the action of the Senate in rejecting the Johnson-Clarendon treaty, known as the Alabama claims. 4. That we heartily sympathize with the struggling peoples of all nations in their efforts to attain universal freedom and the invaluable rights of man. 5. That we confidently endorse the administration of General John W. Geary as wise, economical, and honest, and that it deserves, as it 7. That we reiterate and affirm our adherence to the doctrine of protection, as proclaimed in the 9th resolution of the platform adopted at the State convention of March 7, 1866. 8. That we endorse the ticket this day nominated, and pledge to it our hearty and cordial support. Democratic, July 14, 1869. furnish an example and encouragement to people struggling for national integrity, constitutional liberty, and individual rights. 9. That the present internal revenue and taxing system of the general Government is grossly unjust, and means ought at once to be adopted to cause a modification thereof. VERMONT. Republican, June, 1869. Resolved, That the Republican Union party of Vermont hereby affirms its adherence to the cardinal principles of the party, and especially the exclusion of traitors from the positions of public trust, the right of impartial suffrage, and the integrity of the public credit. 2. That we have confidence that the adminis ests and dignity of the nation in respect to our just claims against Great Britain, and that, in our judgment, we can afford to wait until her majesty's government finds it for her interest to make settlement. Resolved, That the federal government is lim-tration will wisely and firmly protect the interited in power to the grants contained in the federal Constitution; that the exercise of doubtful constitutional powers is dangerous to the stability of the Government and the safety of the people, and the Democratic party will never consent that the State of Pennsylvania shall surrender her right of local self-government. 2. That the attempted ratification of the proposed XVth amendment to the federal Constitution by the Radical members of the last legislature, and their refusal to submit the same to a vote of the people, was a deliberate breach of their official duty and an outrage upon every citizen of the State, and the resolution making such ratification should be promptly repealed, and the amendment committed to the people at the polls for acceptance or rejection. 3. That the Democratic party of Pennsylvania is opposed to conferring upon the negro the right to vote, and we do emphatically deny that there is any right or power in Congress, or elsewhere, to impose negro suffrage upon the people of this State in opposition to their will. 4. That reform in the administration of the federal and State governments, and in the management of their financial affairs, is imperatively demanded. 5. That the efforts now being made for the amelioration of the condition of the laboring man have our most cordial co-operation. 6. That the legislation of the late Republican Congress outside of the Constitution, the disregard of the majority therein of the will of the people and the sanctity of the ballot-box in the exclusion from their seats in Congress of representatives clearly elected, the establishment of military governments in the States of the Union, and the overthrow of all civil governments | therein, are acts of tyranny and usurpation that tend directly to the destruction of all republican government and the creation of the worst forms of despotism: 7. That our soldiers and sailors who carried the flag of our country to victory must be gratefully remembered, and all the guarantees given in their favor must be faithfully carried into execution. 8. Equal rights and protection for naturalized and native-born citizens at home and abroad. The assertion of American nationality, which shall command the respect of foreign lowers and 3. That we wholly approve the principles and policy of the administration of President Grant, and we particularly commend that point of his inaugural address wherein he declares, "I would protect the law-abiding citizen, whether of native or foreign birth, wheresoever his rights are jeopardized, or the flag of our country floats, and would protect the rights of all nations, demanding equal respect for our own." 4. That we cordially commend the State ticket this day nominated, and pledge to its support such a majority as shall show that Vermont takes no step backward in her Republican course. Democratic, June 17, 1869. Resolved, That the practical workings of the general Government, as administered by the opposition to the Democratic party, renews our zeal and love for the principles of our party. 2. That we are still in favor of a strict adherence to the Constitution of the United States, as the safeguard of the States. 3. That the Democracy, now as ever, make no distinction between citizens, whether of native or of foreign birth, and that we sympathize, now as ever, with men of all nationalities striving for self-government. 4. That we are opposed to the present unequal system of taxation of the general Government, and to the corrupt and wasteful expenditures of the proceeds of such taxation. 5. That we prefer a system of government in accordance with the principles of the Democratic party rather than the present system of Radical rule. 6. That we will heartily support the nominees this day made. VIRGINIA. Republican, March 11, 1869. Resolved, That the early restoration of the State of Virginia to the federal Union, clothed with all the rights and privileges of the most favored States, is required by the obligations which the Government owes to the several States, is necessary to the just independence, dignity, | law, and the right of the real party of reconand character of the State, is demanded by every struction to determine the manner in which, as consideration of patriotism as well as of interest; well as the constitution. and laws under which but that this return can now take place only un- the State shall be restored, are all fundamental der the authority of Congress, in the way pointed principles, vital to the success of the great work out by the reconstruction acts, and by the adop- of reconstruction, and to which we now again tion, without change or modification, of the con- pledge our faith, allegiance, and earnest support. stitution soon to be submitted to the people, and 4. That no republican form of government can an election by them of their chosen officials, pub- long exist, or be wisely administered, where a lic servants, and representatives, which election considerable portion of the people are disfranought to be immediately held, nor can it be long-chised, and that the Republican party of the er delayed without serious danger of final dis aster. State of Virginia is not in favor of the creation of permanent disabilities, but pledges its influence and efforts to secure the removal of all the disabilities incurred by participation in the late rebellion from all the citizens of this State, who, accepting in good faith the results of the war by their acts and influence, shall cordially co-operate in an earnest effort for the restoration of the State under the reconstruction laws. We believe, however, that such disabilities should not be removed solely on the application of personal friends, nor from mere personal considerations, but because the individual himself possesses such superior claims for amnesty as are not possessed by the great body of disfranchised persons. 5. That the Republican party is the real party of reconstruction; that there can be no permanent and just restoration of the State excepting through its instrumentality. That all efforts for its destruction or demoralization are dangerous to the best interests of the State, fraught with most serious consequences to the Union men, and, if successful, must finally defeat reconstruction itself; to the preservation of the party and its organization in their integrity, to its most complete consolidation and its higher elevation, we pledge our utmost efforts, while at the same time we open its doors wide, and cordially invite to its support, labors, and triumphs, all citizens who, rising above mere partizanship, and standing upon the higher level of statesmanship, embrace the common faith and vital principles which lie at the foundation of true reconstruction, just equality, lasting peace, and State and national prosperity. 2. That the election of General Grant has given a new guarantee and awakened new confidence in the full and final triumph of the principles of the Republican party. The sublime truth that all men are free and equal will now become a great living fact. All persons born in the United States and subject to its jurisdiction are citizens not only of the United States, but of any State in which they may choose to reside. Nor can any State deny to any citizen within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws, or the possession or enjoyment of any right or privilege on account of race, prior condition, or religious faith. We hail with gratitude the President's inaugural address, and will never cease to thank him for telling the American people that while suffrage is denied to a portion of the citizens of the nation there cannot be peace. We pray Almighty God that the hope which is expressed for the ratification of the XVth article of amendment may be shortly realized, so that hereafter no State of the federal Union can deny to any citizen the blessed boon of suffrage on account of the accident of color, nor ever deny to him who has the right to vote the twin privilege, the right to be voted for. We thank the President, too, for that prompt act of retributive justice which has restored Sheridan and Reynolds to the commands from which they were removed by an unjust Executive, because of their faithful discharge of duty, their noble homage to the rights of humanity, and the manly enforcement of the reconstruction laws of Congress. In this act of justice we recognize another sure ground for confident hope, that tried 6. That five members of the State central comfidelity to the Government is to be regarded as mittee, including the chairman thereof, be rea virtue, and the support of the Union is to be quested to wait on General Canby, when he shall honorable. We promise to his administration assume command of this district, and request him our earnest support. We invoke his best pow-to issue such orders to his officers as shall secure ers and wisest counsels to aid us in an early, just, and lasting reconstruction of our commonwealth. 3. That the equality in rights of all the citizens, a just and proper provision for the education of the people through public schools open to all, a more equal system of taxation, a reasonable provision to secure a home, the necessaries of life, and the means of earning a support exempt from forced levy and sale; to preserve the plighted faith of the State by the payment of her honest debts; to do justly by making and impartially enforcing just and equal laws; to enrich the State by developing her resources; to secure an impartial jury trial by opening the jury-box to all the male citizens, without regard to race or color; to soothe animosities and strife by removing the causes of irritation; to create friendship and harmony by burying enmities; the right of the people to frame their own organic the abrogation of all distinctions as to race, color, Conservative,* April 29, 1869. *These resolutions were reported April 28, by Messrs. Robert Ould, J. B. Baldwin, J. K. Edmunds, F. McMulHaskins, and W. T. Sutherlin-a majority of the comlen, L. B. Anderson, Jas. C. Campbell, A. Mosely, W. D. mittee. Messrs. John Goode, Jr., Hugh Latham, and J. G. Mason presented the following minority report: Whereas the people of Virginia, by their delegates duly chosen, met in convention in this city in the month of December, 1868, and, after solemn and mature deliberation adopted their "declaration of principles," setting forth and defining the policy of the white people of the State; And whereas in the said "declaration of principles," in its own language, did distinctly declare by their delegates in convention duly chosen, that the government of the State and of the Union were formed by white men to be subject to their control, and that suffrage should be so regulated by the States as to continue the system under the control and direction of the white race, and that in the opinion of this convention the people of Virginia will sincerely co-operate with all men throughout the Union, of whatever name or party, who will labor to restore the constitutional Union of the States, and to continue its government and those of the States under the control of the white race; And whereas the organization of the conservative party of the State of Virginia exists by authority of the said convention and the action of the people thereunder; And whereas the Congress of the United States have directed an election in this State to be ordered by the President, whose proclamation is daily expected, at which election the Underwood constitution is to be submitted to the people for ratification or rejection, and at the sanie time an election is to be held for State officers; And whereas, for the purpose of consolidating and making effective the entire strength of the Conservative party in the State in opposition to the said constitution, the State executive committee and the county and city superintendents, in the exercise of the powers confided in them on the day of , 1868, did nominate a State ticket: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the declaration of principles unanimously adopted by the said convention, composed of the representatives of the white men of all parts of the State, is binding upon the body until it shall have been revoked or modified by another convention of equal powers, and this meeting has no right to abandon the same. 2. That this meeting earnestly recommend to the people of Virginia to adhere steadfastly to the declaration of principles, and to the plan of organization adopted by themselves in convention assembled, and to continue to follow the leadership of their nominees, who have upheld the principles of their organization with such conspicuous gallantry and devotion. 3. That the clauses of the Underwood constitution proposed to be submitted to a separate vote are immaterial and insignificant compared to the leading features of that instrument: Universal negro suffrage, negro eligibility to office. That the same number of votes that will strike out the clauses to be submitted to a separate vote, 'will, if polled to that effect, defeat the whole constitution. met in convention in this city in the month of entitled an act authorizing the submission of the constitution, &c., to the vote of the people, holds the restoration of the State subject to the subsequent action of Congress, and that in this fact we find abundant reason to believe other conditions may be imposed upon us. 6. That the act in question imposes a condition precedent in the adoption of the XVth amendment, which is in violation of every principle of constitutional law, and should not of right be endorsed by the people of Virginia. Mr. Shackelford, of Culpeper, objected to both reports, and moved the following: Resolved, That this meeting adjourn, to meet again ten days after the proclamation of the President of the United States fixing the day of voting on the constitution for Virginia and of election of officers under said constitution. 2. That the people of the counties of the State be requested to send delegates to the said adjourned meeting, to act in conjunction with the present representatives, for the purpose of considering and definitely acting upon the said contitution, or such modifications as may be presented by the President to the people for their adoption or rejection. The convention refused, by yeas 29, nays 36, to lay the reports on the table; and, April 29th, the minority report having been withdrawn to give opportunity for the renewal of Mr. Shackelford's motion to postpone, the latter was debated and rejected by yeas 21, nays 51; after which, without a division, the majority report was adopted. Resolutions unanimously adopted by the Conservative convention, December 12, 1867, were as follows: 1. This convention doth recognize that, by the results of the late war, slavery has been abolished; and it doth declare that it is not the purpose or desire of the people of Virginia to reduce or subject again to slavery the people emancipated by the events of the war, and by the amendment to the Constitution of the United States. 2. This convention doth declare, that Virginia of right should be restored to her federal relations with the Government of the United States, and that it is not in the contemplation of the people of Virginia to violate or impair her obligations to the federal Union, but to perform them in good faith. 3. This convention doth solemnly declare and assert, that the people of Virginia are entitled to all the rights of freedom, and all the guarantees therefor, provided by the Constitution of the United States; and they insist on the same as unquestionable, and that the said Constitution, which all are sworn to support, does not justify the governing of Virginia by any power not delegated by it, nor ought she, under it, to be controlled by the federal Government, except in strict accordance with its terms and limitations. 4. That the military rule of one of our own race, responsible to his superiors, is far preferable to the domination of an irresponsible multitude of ignorant negroes; and that, impelled by these considerations, we call upon all white men, whether native or adopted citizens, to vote down the constitution, and thereby save themselves and their posterity from negro suffrage, negro 4. This convention doth declare, in the lanoffice-holding, and its legitimate consequence-guage of a resolution adopted by a public meeting negro social equality. 5. That even were an abandonment of the above-mentioned principles to be agreed on by this body, the 7th section of the election law, held at the Cooper Institute, in the city of New York, "That the policy which continues to subject the people of ten States of the Union to an irresponsible government, carried on by military |