American Citizen clipping

Simpson, Adam D.; Political conventions

DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM

FOR PRESIDENT.
SAMUEL JONES TILDEN,
OF NEW YORK.

FOR VICE-PRESIDENT
THOMAS A. HENDRICKS
OF INDIANA.

FOR THE LEGISLATURE
Adam Simpson,
OF MADISON COUNTY.

[...]

During the absence of the committee, Col. McMicken was vociferously called upon to address the meeting and took the stand amid applause. He proceeded to take a review of the political parties in the county when the member lately deceased was nominated, and urged the importance of carrying out in good faith the spirit of the compromise entered into last year. He said he had understood there were several candidates and all good men, but pressed the point that Adam Simpson, a colored Democrat, last fall when the public interest seem to require it, and after a regular nomination too, having graciously withdrew to give place to a colored Republican, was not only entitled to the nomination, but that the selection of any other white or colored, would be great injustice as well as bad policy in the party. Col. McMicken in making his salient points was loudly applauded and evidently had not only the judgment of the assembly with him, but, with that two-story head of his, produced a glow not often felt on such occasions. Next R. C. Smith, Esq., was called for, and after having done his best to escape, was "obliged to surrender at discretion," and take the stand. He said we were all Democrats and in view of the uncertainty of the impending election we must take care to keep our party record right. With his usual sound logic, good practical sense, and honest zeal, he enforced the policy made out by Col. McMicken and "brought down the house" with applause repeated again and again.

These were followed by Capt. Ross and Capt. Randall, names before the Convention for nomination, who gave utterance to sentiments of patriotism and expressed their willingness to yield their claims to whatever the Convention might think for the best. Next was called out Adam Simpson, who, with his broad shoulders and brawny arms reminded us of the old giant in the pugilistic games picking up the huge gauntlets and tossing them into the ring, challenging to the contest. Mr. Simpson, however, was very modest, and claimed nothing but to be called an honest Democrat.

Maj Semmes was next demanded and proceeded to give us some good cheer as regards the general election in November.

At this point the committee reported the names of the Convention, and J. W. Jenkins withdrew the name of Capt. Randall as a candidate, and Mr. Devine, from Canton, moved that Adam Simpson be nominated by acclamation, which was adopted with rounds of applause.

Never have we seen in a Convention a nearer approach to unanimity, or more harmony manifested. We are refreshed to witness a return of that old Jefferson principle whereby the office seeks the man and not the man the office.