those who were working together for a vigorous prosecution of the war for the Union, a considerable number who were opposed to the renomination of President Lincoln for various reasons. This element held a National Convention at Cleveland, Ohio, on the 31st of May, at which about three hundred and fifty persons were present.
The resolutions adopted declared for a vigorous prosecution of the war for the Union, the prohibition of slavery by amendment of the constitution and a further amendment providing for election of President and Vice-President by a direct vote of the people, limiting the term of the President to four years. The convention then proceeded to nominate John C. Fremont for President and John Cochrane for Vice-President.
The first political State convention of the year was that of the Rebellion party, held at Des Moines, on the 22d of February, to choose delegates to the National Convention. The convention elected the following delegates for the State at large: Wm. M. Stone, J. T. Clark, Francis Springer and D. D. Chase. The district delegates chosen were: G. W. McCrary, D. P. Stubbs, D. W. Ellis, J. S. Stacey, J. S. Woodward, George Kern, G. D. Woodin, J. M. Hedrick, Cole Noel, Frank Stewart, G. M. Woodbury and Peter Melendy. The resolutions adopted warmly indorsed the Administration and its war policy, and favored an amendment to the National Constitution abolishing slavery.
The Democratic State convention assembled at Des Moines on the 16th of June, and nominated the following candidates for State officers: J. H. Wallace for Secretary of State; H. B. Hendershott, Auditor; J. B. Larsh, Treasurer; B. D. Holbrook, Register Land Office; T. M. Monroe, Supreme Judge; and C. A. Dunbar, Attorney-General. For Presidential Electors the following nominations were made; D. F. Miller, John Swineforth, I. C. Mitchell, I. M. Preston, B. B. Richards, J. E. Neal, A. Lormier and J. M. Stockdale.
