OF THE Democratic National Convention, HELD IN 1860, AT CHARLESTON AND BALTIMORE. PROCEEDINGS AT CHARLESTON, APRIL 23-MAY 3. PREPARED AND PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF JOHN G. PARKHURST, Recording Secretary. CLEVELAND: NEVINS' PRINT, PLAIN DEALER JOB OFFICE. PROCEEDINGS OF THE Democratic National Convention AT CHARLESTON, 1860. FIRST DAY. MONDAY, APRIL 23, 1860. In accordance with the call of the Democratic National Committee, the Delegates to the National Convention assembled at 12 o'clock this morning, in the Hall of the South Carolina Institute, in Charleston, S. C. Hon. DAVID A. SMALLEY, of Vermont, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, called the Convention to order, in the following words: GENTLEMEN OF THE CONVENTION: We are assembled on this occasion as the National Democratic Convention, called by the National Democratic Committee, pursuant to the authority confided in them by the Convention assembled at Cincinnati, to nominate candidates for the Presidency and Vice Presidency of the United States, and to transact such other business as the interests of the Democratic party may dictate. What is the pleasure of the Convention? Mr. H. R. JACKSON, of Georgia, nominated THOMPSON B. FLOURNOY, of Arkansas, as President of the Convention pro tem. Carried unanimously. Messrs. H. R. JACKSON, of Georgia, and G. W. M. Cook, of Ohio, were appointed a Committee to conduct the temporary Presiding Officer to the Chair. Col. FLOURNOY, on taking the Chair, said: GENTLEMEN OF THE CONVENTION: I thank you most sincerely for the honor you have done me, and I shall endeavor so to demean myself as to bring about a speedy organization of this body; and, I hope, in a satisfactory manner. The Rev. CHARLES HANCKEL, D. D., of the Episcopal Church. then addressed the Throne of Grace in prayer. The Delegates all in a standing position during the prayer. Mr. FISHER, of Virginia. We are not yet organized. as I understand, Lor has a Secretary yet been appointed. I therefore propose the name of WILLIAM F. RITCHIE, of Virginia, as temporary Secretary of the Convention. Carried unanimously. Mr. FISHER. I now ask the Presiding Officer to read a letter which I will send to the Chair, and in connection with which I have a resolution to offer. Gov. J. A. WINSTON, of Alabama, objected to the reception of the communication until the Convention was permanently organized. Mr. FISHER. The letter relates to the organization. 981 |