Storm Clouds Rolling In by Ginny Dye

Author:Ginny Dye [Dye, Ginny]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Together We Can Change The World Publishing
Published: 2010-04-11T14:00:00+00:00

The showdown came at 7:00 in the evening on Friday, June 22. The theater was packed and a strange silence hovered over the crowds. It didn’t take long for the inevitable to occur. With the addition of the pro-Douglas delegates from the South, Douglas could now be nominated.

Thomas’ heart sank from where he was watching in the gallery, as Delegate Russell of Virginia stood. He knew what was about to happen, but the pill was even more bitter to swallow when he realized it was coming from his own beloved state. Russell’s speech was brief. “It is inconsistent with our convictions to participate longer...” Most of the Virginia delegates rose and quietly left the room amidst the turmoil Russell’s words had provoked. They were followed by a large number of delegates from other states.

Thomas frowned as he scribbled notes to take back to Letcher. The Deep South has formalized the decision made earlier in Charleston. It will not go along with Douglas under any circumstances. Thomas was sure the actions of Charleston would be imitated. The withdrawing states would form their own convention and nominate their own candidate. He continued to scribble as the bedlam roared around him. What is the Deep South doing? Instead of bringing a candidate to oppose Douglas; instead of laying issues before the people so they could be enlightened in making a choice; instead of principles discussed, what have we seen? An unrelenting war against the individual brought forth as the favorite of the nation. A war of unscrupulous politicians who want nothing more than to war against their nation. Heavy hearted, Thomas put down his pen and settled back to see what would happen next in this two-ringed circus.

Thomas shouldered his way out of the crowded theater. All he wanted was fresh air. He had seen enough to make him sick for the rest of his life. He still could not believe a group of self-interested men had bartered away his country. It was just a matter of time now...

“Are you ready to go home now, Robert?” Thomas asked as he joined Robert on the sidewalk. “There is nothing more we can do here now,” he said bitterly.

“You’re right, sir.” Then Robert hesitated. “I guess I just want to see how it ends.”

Thomas nodded reluctantly, wanting nothing more than to go home to the peace of his plantation – to enjoy his home for as long as he still had it, but he had to consider Robert as well. “Very well. We’ll stay till it’s over.”

It was over quickly. Douglas received his nomination. So did John C. Breckinridge, nominated unanimously by the withdrawn states that were claiming themselves to be the real Democratic convention, based on sharp pro-slavery issues.

Thomas added to his pages of scribbling. The Douglas men came to Baltimore blinded by their own optimism and confidence. They did not understand the power and desperation of the South. They were foolish enough to believe the opposition to their plans would quietly subside and disappear.

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