presidents and six secretaries, when in fact the suave Colonel Kean was the only official. Their long resolutions, which were not passed, contained excellent Democratic doctrines on the living questions of Oregon and Texas.
Johnston's conclusions were briefly summed up thus: First, it is unwise, unsafe and impolitic to hold a political convention on an empty stomach. Second, it proves that the Democracy of Little Cambria has a great sympathy for strangers, and will take their part at all hazards. Third, it proves that “doubtful things are very uncertain.” Fourth, it proves the Democracy is progressive, inasmuch as the meeting called to adopt the “Crawford County System.” Fifth, it establishes the necessity of the Democracy of “Little Cambria” training their youths to feats of “arms and deeds of noble daring.” Sixth, it goes to prove that things are not always called by their right names; Colonel McGough designated it as a Democratic meeting, while Colonel Murray declared it was a mob. Seventh, it proves, what has been often denied by the Whigs—that the Democrats are in favor of the largest liberty, provided, of course, that the man who asks it, is in the majority. Eighth, it shows the great danger of writing political letters. Several leading Democrats will be almost ruined by this pernicious habit; one Democrat, in particular, has as much paper out as would break Girard. There are two Democrats in this county who hold letters from each other, of such a character and quantity as would blast the political fortunes of both forever. Now these men ought to adopt the rule of quarreling lovers, and return each other's letters. Ninth, it proves that public speaking is a mere matter of form. One half of the delegates hissed and scouted a speech they didn't hear; the other half cheered and clapped the orator without knowing what he said. Tenth, it proves that any man can speak if he has the requisite physical courage. Eleventh, it proves that men when excited will call nick names. Colonel so and so, was impugned as a traitor; another colonel was no less than an impersonator of “Cataline,” the boon companion of Brutus; without the least inference to his years, the handsome man we have alluded to was called “Pink-Eye,” and with equal want of meaning another colonel was “Cock-Eye.” A diminutive colonel who was as tall when lying as standing, was horrified with the appellation of the “the little round man.” But, to cap the climax, Col. Bracken pronounced the entire assembled.
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