Page:Official Proceedings of the National Democratic Convention Held in Baltimore, July 9, 1872.pdf/5

Rh Democrats, but as citizens of our common country, and that no sacrifice can be too great which she demands at your hands. (Applause.)

And now, before I propose to your acceptance the temporary Chairman of this Convention, permit me to detain you one moment longer by a few words of an entirely personal character. With my present action terminate my official functions as Chairman of the National Democratic Committee, - an office which, by the confidence of my constituents and the courtesy of my colleagues, I have held for twelve consecutive years. During all that time I have striven with honest zeal, and with all the energy and capacity which God has given me, to do my duty faithfully to the party and to the country, and to render myself worthy of the great trust confided to me. (Applause.) While I was grieved and deeply mortified to see at various times my motives and actions misconstrued by several Democratic papers, and that some even descended to the fabrication of the most absurd falsehoods concerning my social and political conduct, I have had the proud and consoling satisfaction that my colleagues on the National Committee, and all those who know me, did justice to the integrity and parity of my intentions in all the trying situations in which my official position had placed me (applause) ; and let me tell you, gentlemen, that there is not one among you who bears a warmer and truer affection for our party and our country than I have done and ever shall do. (Applause.) You love this great republic, your native land, as you do the mother who gave you birth; but to me she is the cherished bride and choice of my youth; the faithful and loving companion of my manhood; and now that I enter upon the sere and yellow leaf of life, I cling to her with all the fond recollections of the manifold blessings I have received at her hands. (Applause.) I retire from the position which I have held to take my place in the rank and file of that great party who sensational, constitutional, and conservative principles have claimed my unwavering allegiance for the past thirty years, and as long as the Almighty will spare my life I shall never falter in my love and devotion to our party and our country.

Mr. Belmont closed amid loud and enthusiastic cheering. When the applause had subsided, Mr. Belmont resumed:

- I have the honor to propose to you, as your temporary Chairman, a distinguished and venerable citizen of Virginia, a grandson of the patriot and statesman Thomas Jefferson. It is an auspicious omen that a scion of the author of the Declaration of Independence is to inaugurate the struggle of the Democracy for freedom and equality for every American citizen, and against oppression and tyranny in our fair land. I propose to you, as your temporary Chairman, Mr. Thomas Jefferson Randolph, of Virginia.

The nomination was received with loud cheers. Mr. Randolph, on coming forward, was greeted with a round of applause, and spoke as follows: