USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > Annals of Cleveland, 1818-1935 > Part 27
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1435 - H June 17; ed: 2/1 . The great Liberty convention at Cincinnati has adjourned sine die. We do not see from the proceedings that anything very important in regard to slavery or Texas was accomplished.
Texas will probably come in notwithstanding the meeting. The votes of its members, if properly cast last fall, would have told with much stronger effect than mere paper resolutions now. (verbatim) (1)
1436 - H June 21; ed: 2/1 - Anti-Slavery Convention Resolutions. The resolutions adopted by the late Liberty convention in Cincinnati number thirteen. Among other things, they resolved that it is the duty of political abolitionists to continue their organization and to nominate candidates for all elective offices, but that no nomination be made for the presidency and vice presidency before the fall of 1847, or the spring of 1848, but not a word is said in the resolutions adverse to the annexa- tion of Texas and the enlargement of the slave territory by that important acquisition! (verbatim) (2)
1437 - H July 10; ed:2/1,2 . The Democratic state convention which opened at Columbus on July 4 was quite ambitious in its concepts and aims. Some 40 counties were represented in the gathering which saw Colonel Medary reluctantly agree to serve as state chairman until Jan. 8, 1846. The "unwashed" hailed the addition of Texas to the union, pledged support to the administration in the matter of American claim to the Oregon territory, and demanded a vigorous carrying out of President Monroe's doctrine of 1823. Resolutions were adopted crying for a thorough organization of state Democrats for the ensuing election and the freedom and independence of the state from the designs of the Federalists.
248
CLEVELAND NEWSPAPER DIGEST JAN. 1 TO DEC. 31, 1845
Abstracts 1438 - 1440
POLITICAL PARTIES (Cont'd)
"Such are the issues presented by the leaders of the Locofoco party .... The 'hards' are in the field early, and it behooves the Whigs to organ- ize early and thoroughly, if they would maintain the ascendency they now have in the Councils of Ohio."
(9)
1438 - H Sept. 12; ed: 2/2 - No Democratic paper in the state has as yet spoken ill of the abominable Hamilton county Locofoco resolutions, al- though the Louisville JOURNAL, outside the state, has commented on their fanciful provisions.
"So far, we have not seen the doctrines of the Hamilton county pro- gressives disavowed by a single Locofoco press or Convention in Ohio, and the party is now evidently marking time preparatory to stepping upon the platform the faithful are commanded to mount, under pain of Democratic excommunication."
(4)
1439 - H Sept. 22; ed: 2/1,2 - The anarchy, confusion, and disharmony prevailing in Locofoco ranks create more alarm than any threatening Mexican war. In New York the Locos are divided into the "Old Hunkers" and the "Barnburners," each believing the party organization is for its sole benefit. The banks and money are left alone by them. In Ohio the Hards and Softs constitute the two factions of Democracy, the former being dead bent on the destruction of all banks, and the others having like intentions, but decidedly less pronounced ones. The latter differ from the Hards in that they are willing to own bank stocks and paper money as individuals, but are at all times ready to vote their repeal politically. In a word, the Hards are outspoken, and the Softs have two faces.
This ambiguity was everywhere evident among the local Softs at the Cuyahoga Loco convention on Sept. 13 at the court house. The Hards left no doubt as to their desire to repeal all banking systems and return to a "golden age" by an exclusive use of metallic currency. The Softs, on the other hand, acted confusingly.
"To see directors and stockholders vote in favor of repealing the law under which they are daily acting and cordially embracing, exhibits a degree of softness that can find no excuse or apology from us. And if it be the purpose of the 'Softs' to stay the progressive and destruc- tive doctrines of the 'Hards,' . if they would present the present Bank- ing System, and thereby save the business interests of every man and class of men in the State from embarrassment and ruin, let them speak out honestly, and cease playing this deceptive and cowardly game." (34)
1440 - H Sept. 24; ed:3/1 - The Softs appear to be shockingly alarmed at the public exhibition which we gave of their political features and con- duct in Monday's paper. It is not the first instance, on record, of terror occasioned by a truthful picture of personal or political de- formity. (verbatim) (1)
249
CLEVELAND NEWSPAPER DIGEST JAN. 1 TO DEC. 31, 1845
Abstracts 1441 - 1443
POLITICAL PARTIES (Cont'd)
1441 - H Sept. 29:2/2,3 - At a meeting of Whigs in Chagrin Falls town- ship on Sept. 26, the following resolutions were adopted after Curtis Bullard had been selected chairman of the gathering and R. Beebe, secre- tary:
That all men are born equal and independent; that, therefore, slavery is to be condemned; that the Black Laws of this state are repugnant to the principles of the constitution of Ohio, and should be repealed; that schools for the public should be encouraged by the legislature; that we favor a tax law based upon cash valuation, including all real and per- sonal property, so as to equalize taxation; that a mixed currency of specie and bank notes is indispensable to the wants of the community; that the state banking system is meritorious; that intemperance should be curbed by legislation; that slavery ought to be abolished from the union, or at least from the District of Columbia, else, that the seat of govern- ment be moved elsewhere; that the annexation of Texas to this union is a gross violation of the constitution for the benefit of slavery. (14)
1442 - H Oct. 3; ed:2/1 - There is much war talk afloat . the Mexican threat at Texas, the Mormon persecutions - but the most alarming is the struggle between the Hards and Softs of the "Locofoco" party; more alarm- ing since it all began at the late Cuyahoga Loco convention. It appears that several discontented Softs wrote to the Washington UNION following the recent local convention, and started the alarming rumor that there were men here who were disorganizers of the party, bent on the destruction of the UNION, and replacement of the present office incumbents. The UNION immediately broadcast an alarm and called for opposition to this threatened party split, thus needlessly spreading a scare that was a purely local matter. The information was also given to father Ritchie of the UNION that there were two men in Cleveland who were the instigators of this break and the leaders of the new clan.
"War is declared - the 'sword' is drawn . and now can a Locofoco Senate long debate, which of the two to choose, Hard or Soft men! "Seriously, if any thing more were wanting, to establish the folly and imbecility of the government organ, this last act must be deemed sufficient ....
"This is indeed a great country. 'Swords' for two - coffee for one . thrust away, 'Father Ritchie. '"
(17)
1143 - H Oct. 13; ed:2/1 . The war between the Loco Hards and the Loco Softs still rages, but whereas before it was an open one, it is now a struggle in ambush. Instead of meeting face to face, the war is carried on by secret bulletins which are sent to "Father Ritchie," and through him to the throne at Washington. Thus, Hards and Softs in Cleveland ac- cuse each other of party infidelity and both lay their grievances before Ritchie, attacking each other indirectly. Ritchie merely says: "We assure the public that it is no part of our duty to mingle in the little feuds which unfortunately have distracted our republican friends in Cleve- land."
250
CLEVELAND NEWSPAPER DIGEST JAN. 1 TO DEC. 31, 1845
Abstracts 1444 - 1446
POLITICAL PARTIES (Cont'd)
"That is what we call asking pardon for hastily taking side with the Softs ....
"We are glad that Father Ritchie is at length resolved to see 'fair play.' At first, being 'ardent as a southern sun could make him,' he drew his 'sword' and rushed into the fight, but he has now very prudently made a ring, ' and concluded to let the fight go on, without interfering." -
(12)
1444 - H Oct. 16; ed:2/1 - It is rumored that Mackenzie has applied for possession of the letter sent by the Softs of Cleveland to "Father Ritchie," in which letter the Softs hint at party infidelity of the local Hards. Mackenzie intends to publish it together with his second expose of Butler lloyt, and "Van Burenism." To "head 'em," a messenger has been despatched to the throne at Washington, and his success in heading off the publication will soon be known.
"In the meantime it is hoped the llards and the Softs will attend regu- larly upon 'the stated preaching of the Gospel. '" (3)
1445 - H Oct. 21; ed: 2/2 - The Washington UNION now publishes a statement by "Father Ritchie," touching on the Hard and Soft war in Cleveland, stating that neither Colonel Spencer, present local postmaster, nor Cus- toms Collector Dr. Inglehart will be removed. These two had been named in the famous Soft letter as the chief dissenters in local Locofoco ranks.
"We sincerely hope that the Hards and the Softs will now return to their industrial avocations, that peace and fraternal fellowship will again prevail in the Locofoco camp, and the great Democratic party cease to fight for the spoils and plunder hereafter."
As to Father Ritchie's taking a hand in this purely local fight, the action is extremely ludicrous. Father Ritchie is out of place and he will soon find that he will be displaced.
"As between the Hards and Softs the National Organ has now defined its position, the 'Softs' are left to 'chew the bitter cud of disappointment, ' while the 'Hards' can laugh and grow fat over the spoils of office, and daily become pregnant with more and more political might, under the cheer. ing assurance that Father Ritchie has at length taken his stand by the side of the Democrats who go against the banking system of the Whigs ....
"The good citizens of this 'Far West' region can now indulge the expec- tation that Col. Polk's Administration will 'go ahead,' as the war with Mexico is 'no go,' and the war between the Hards and the Softs in Cleve- land in the 'Far West' is ended for the present." (18)
1446 - H Oct. 24; ed:3/1 - Since the Hards have been so handsomely floored by the paper pellets of the people, they are casting about for a Hercules to lift the party out of its ruins and head its ticket for governor. Three stalwarts are already mentioned: Col. David Tod of Trumbull; Dowty Utter, Esq., of Clermont, and Richard Warner, Esq., of Medina.
"They are all of the hardest of the Hard school, and will pass muster when tried by the ordeal of the Hamilton county resolutions." (3)
251
CLEVELAND NEWSPAPER DIGEST JAN. 1 TO DEC. 31, 1845
Abstracts 1447 - 1450
POLITICAL PARTIES (Cont'd) 1447 - H Oct. 29; ed:3/2 - The editor of the Cincinnati UNION writes that the Hard leaders at Columbus have issued a call for Loco unification, following the recent disastrous elections in Ohio, even if that unifica- tion will spell a total relinquishment of the currency question in the state.
"The 'Party' having lived for the last eight years on the 'currency, ' now absolutely propose to abandon it. We leave it to all sensible people, if this is not 'willful desertion,' under the statute of divorce? Has not the 'party' and the 'constitutional currency' bedded and boarded to- gether since their first liaison at the special session of Congress in 1837? It is nothing less than downright cruelty to desert the 'constitu- tional currency' at this late hour." (10)
1448 - H Oct. 30; ed:2/1 - In his latest, Father Ritchie, writing in the Washington UNION, the official Polk organ, attributes the recent fight and split in Cleveland Loco ranks to a difference of view on the banking situation, and suggests that future Loco efforts should be directed against the "mischievous" banking system in this state. He adds that the Cleveland spat has blown over, that it is not of a lasting character, and that there will be no demotions of government favorites here.
"Little did we think that a petty fight between 'brethren of the same political faith' in the 'Far West' would result in agitating the delibera- tions of Col. Polk's Ministers of State." However, as it happened, the purely local controversy over money policy of the local Locos was alarm- ingly broadcast over the nation as the beginning of a national Loco split, causing needless alarm and building a gigantic mountain out of a mole hill. It is only an additional illustration of the truthful saying of the poet: "Great oaks from little acorns grow; big streams from little fountains flow."
Perhaps the Cleveland TIMES can supply the names of the local citizens responsible for the whole affair! (19)
1449 - H Oct. 31; ed:3/1 . Some of the leading Locos of Pennsylvania have issued a call for a state tariff convention to convene this month.
"What's the matter with the Locofocos of the old Key Stone ?... Verily, gentlemen, your brood of lies are coming home to roost. The democracy of Pennsylvania had better have voted with the Whigs, who are for a tariff - for protection to home industry, than to have voted for a free trade man, and a free trade party. They had better have carried their principles of Protection to the ballot-box, than to a Tariff State Convention." (4)
1450 - H Nov. 19; ed:2/1 . "The combat deepens! The Hards have completely but-generaled the Softs, have carried their masked battery, and have opened the captured guns upon the Soft wing of the 'harmonious Democracy with a vengeance! The TIMES of to-day charges with spirit along the line, and closes by applying the match to the party-pounder the Softs had charged with 'villainous salt petre' to the muzzle for the purpose of annihilating the Ilards. "
252
CLEVELAND NEWSPAPER DIGEST JAN. 1 TO DEC. 31, 1845
Abstracts 1451 - 1453
POLITICAL PARTIES (Cont'd)
A report from J. W. Gray, C. Winslow, C. W. Heard, H. V. Willson and G. T. Barnum, to President Polk says the Democracy of Cuyahoga county is highly indignant over the appointment of T. P. Spencer to succeed Post- master Andrews recently. For several years past Spencer has been of no service to the party and in the campaign of 1844 he was entirely inactive.
Under these circumstances they ask for the dismissal of Mr. Spencer from office and recommend George C. Dodge, Esq., in his stead. (18)
1451 - H Dec. 1; ed: 2/2 - The editor of the OHIO STATESMAN attempts to find a common ground for the Ohio Democracy to rally upon, and cites as a uniting platform this Columbiana county convention's resolution that any effort should be protested which may be made, either to drive the party forward with destructive impetuosity, or to retard its steady progress by an unworthy abandonment of the ground already assumed.
The state-wide adoption of this resolution is intended to unite all Locos - Hards and Softs, bank or anti-bank, Cass or Wright men.
"Now, what those doctrines are no one can tell; and after all the ef- forts of the STATESMAN to define the position of the party, and establish a common platform upon which to do battle, he is compelled to endorse as his sentiments a resolution entirely indefinite - meaning nothing or any- thing . just as the 'wind sets' in the quarter where it is to be used. We despise this non-committal, double dealing policy, and if the editor of the State organ has not courage to come out boldly and define his position, he should remain still and not pretend to utter sentiments, when in fact he means nothing."
(8)
1452 - 11 Dec. 3; ed: 3/1 - The organ of the administration declares that we must "keep down, for many long months to come, all agitation about the next Presidency," for the reason that a wrangle about the presidency, af- fords but little opportunity calmly to appreciate the present blessings of a well administrated government."
Democratic aspirants must therefore take notice and govern themselves accordingly. (verbatim) (1)
1453 - H Dec. 18; ed:3/1 - The Locos in Franklin county held a Convention on the 13th to appoint delegates to the 8th of January State Convention. The resolutions adopted go the Hard to the full extent, opposition to all paper money, and gold and silver only for "the laborer, the mechanic, the farmer, and the business men generally." They go for the "unconditional repeal of the bank law of last winter." Every "democratic voter in the county" was appointed to attend the State Convention on the 8th of January. (verbatim) (2)
See also Banks & Banking; Newspapers; Political Campaigns & Elections; Politics & Government
253
CLEVELAND NEWSPAPER DIGEST JAN. 1 TO DEC. 31, 1845
Abstracts 1454 - 1459
POLITICS & GOVERNMENT
Cleveland & Cuyahoga
1454 - H Feb. 20; adv:2/4 - Persons having claims against the township are requested to present the same on or before the 3rd day of March next, that the Clerk may be prepared to make his annual statement. By order of the Trustees. B. Rouse, R. T. Lyon, H. Ranney, E. S. Flint, Clerk. (verbatim)
(1)
1455 . H Mar. 11; ed: 2/1 - Cause and Effect. - The sagacious State Printer attributes the success of the Locos in the late charter election in this city, to the "rascally Whig Legislature." No doubt he attributes his ill success in obtaining a seat in Mr. Polk's Cabinet to the same terribly potent cause. (verbatim) (1)
Ohio
1456 - H Feb. 17; ed:3/1 - New State House. The subject of completing the new State House was before the Legislature on the 13th, and a motion to indefinitely postpone the bill in the House was lost, Yeas 29, nays 35. We hope measures will be adopted to employ the convicts and build the State House, since most of the materials are on the ground, and the work can be done by a class of laborers whose present employment injuriously affects a portion of the mechanical interests of the people of the State. (verbatim)
(2)
1457 - H Mar. 13:3/2 - Registry Law. - In the House, on Monday, Mr. Drake, from a select committee, reported back the bill to provide for registering the names of electors, and to prevent frauds, with amendments, which were agreed to. Mr. Woolsey moved to amend by extending the provisions of the bill to Cuyahoga county, which was agreed to, and the bill passed, yeas 39, nays 27 - a party vote. (verbatim) (1)
1458 - H Mar. 17; ed: 2/2 - The Ohio legislature adjourned this morning after a long and wearisome session of 101 days. "We feel quite confident that no Legislature ever before convened in Ohio, labored more intensely and devotedly than those whose doings were brought to a close this day.
"Some conception of the amount of business transacted can be formed, when we state that 64 General Laws, 403 Local acts, and 74 Resolutions were matured and adopted." (41)
1459 - H Apr. 5; ed:3/1 - The STATESMAN announces the appointment by the President of the Hon. Thomas W. Bartley as district attorney of Ohio, and of D. A. Robertson, Esq., as marshal of the state.
"The appointments are a complete triumph of the Van Burenites over the Cassites in Ohio." (2)
254
CLEVELAND NEWSPAPER DIGEST JAN. 1 TO DEC. 31, 1845
Abstracts 1460 - 1463
POLITICS & GOVERNMENT - Ohio (Cont'd) 1460 - H July 9; ed:3/1 - The Laws of 1844-'5. - Where are the laws passed at the last session of the legislature of the state of Ohio? About four months have passed away since the adjournment of the legislature, and the laws have not been seen in this section of the state. The fault lies at some door. If they have been printed, and stitched, where are they? Who at Columbus can tell us? The people about here enquire every day, "Where are the laws?" It is a maxim, "that ignorance of the law excuseth no man," but how are we to know what laws we are to be governed by, unless we can have them? (verbatim) (2)
1461 - H Aug. 29; ed:3/2 - The Whig legislature of Ohio last winter abol- ished the board of public works and established a new one, alleging as a reason that the Locofoco incumbents had abused their trust. Of course the Locofocos objected and commenced to abuse the Whigs until the estab- lishment of a board of investigators, appointed to look into the conduct of the discharged Locos. The investigators are still engaged in their work, but prefer to remain silent on their findings until a complete re- port is ready.
A look into public records shows clearly how these Locofoco board members appropriated thousands of dollars for their own pockets. One contractor was paid $9,000 for work which was never done; another was paid for digging a nine foot deep ditch whereas the actual excavation was 14 inches; still another was given public contracts at exorbitant prices without competition, and he sublet them, collecting enormous sums for no work at all; one, a Timothy Bates, was a defaulter already in the sum of $7,940 when re-appointed to the board by the Locos in 1838. He still has not paid a cent of that default sum.
"It is said these extraordinary allowances were shared between the contractors and the officers of the State; but whether so or not, is a matter not material in this point of view; either way the propriety of getting rid of the late Board is equally demonstrated."
(16)
1462 - H Sept. 2; ed:2/1,2 . The article from the OHIO STATE JOURNAL stating the abuses of the board of public works published in the HERALD a few days since, has brought out a sort of reply from an anonymous corres- pondent of the OH10 STATESMAN. Without attempting to refute the allega- tions of the JOURNAL, the writer resorts to personal abuse, the usual weapon of party scribblers who attempt to defend obviously guilty friends.
"No honest man who reads the articles from the STATE JOURNAL, the facts drawn from an investigation by a committee appointed by the Legisla- ture, will hesitate to agree that the course in removing the old Board of Public Works merits the approval of the people of Ohio, and the marvel will be that they should have been suffered to remain so long in office, disburs- ing millions of the people's money, without a periodical settement of ac- counts." (15)
1463 - H Sept. 12; ed:3/1 - Some time last fall would-be-governor Tod's organ at Warren announced that Mr. Tod would not accept of office under the Polk administration. Is Mr. Tod's trip to Lake Superior on his own account, or does he get a liberal per diem and roast beef from government? (verbatim) (1)
255
CLEVELAND NEWSPAPER DIGEST JAN. 1 TO DEC. 31, 1845
Abstracts 1464 - 1468
POLITICS & GOVERNMENT - Ohio (Cont'd)
1464 - H Nov. 26; ed:2/1 - We agree entirely with the sentiments expressed by the OHIO STATESMAN that the salaries given to our governor and judges and some other officers are entirely too low. We care not as to this - whether the incumbents be Whig or Locofoco. For the honor of the state as well as for the interests of the people, we say unhesitatingly that it is disgraceful to the third state in the union that we should pay such miserable salaries as we do.
To the men of wealth any salary we give would be of little or no con- sequence; but the number of such in an old, wealthy country, and espe- cially in a new and comparatively poor one like ours, bears but a small, very small, proportion to the mass, and each individual of that mass, with few exceptions, must consider himself as excluded from the race for public honors, or he must consent in advance that his wife and children and household goods should all be consigned to poverty.
"We claim to be democrats in the original acceptance of the term, and if the opinions we have expressed be federal or tory, all we have to say is, as did the celebrated Patrick Henry, . 'make the most of them!'" (17)
1465 - H Dec. 11:3/1 - All interested in the division of the district of Ohio will meet at the council hall tomorrow.
(1)
1436 - H Dec. 15; ed:2/2 - An article in the STATESMAN says that in the house, Mason of the committee on privileges and elections presented his report in reference to the eligibility of Drake, cashier of the Xenia bank. Mason's report argued that Drake was entitled to his seat.
"So it seems that although the committee were unanimous in their con- clusions as to Mr. Drake's eligibility to his seat, still the minority must travel entirely away from the question they were called upon to try, and read the people a lecture upon 'the impropriety of electing Bank presidents and cashiers to legislate for themselves. '" (5)
(Finance)
1467 - H Aug. 25; ed: 3/1 - The New York NEWS, commenting on the letter of Elisha Whittlesey on the subject of Ohio stocks, comments thus: "Now we state again, that this is not a stock on which to base a system of cur- rency for a great State, nor on which to base the security of the finances of the federal government."
Thus while the Hards and the destructives of the home Locofoco party are attacking the bank of Wooster for the purpose of arousing an anti-bank panic, their co-laborer in New York is warring upon the credit of Ohio with the hope of affecting the general banking system. "Such is Locofoco- ism. Are the people of Ohio prepared to countenance party assaults on their credit and their institutions?"
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