Osceola Herald
Osceola, MO
4 June 1868

On Saturday last the members of Camp Burke, G.A.R. at Clinton, Mo., in obedience to the request of Commander John A. Looan, did honor to the gallant dead, who fell in the service of their country, and whose remains were interred in the cemetery at that place, by placing tombstones at their graves and strewing them with flowers.
The G.A.R. formed in line on the public square, and under command of Post Commander Martin W. Mann, marched to the cemetery accompanied by a large number of citizens, where after the stones were raised, they listened to a fine oration by Col. Blodgett, of Warrensburg, which was of great merit, and eulogized the deeds of the gallant dead of the nation in a most befitting manner. After Col. Blodgett had closed his oration, Capt. Burdett upon request spoke for some fifteen minutes of the gratitude as a nation we feel for our dead, and the duties we owe to their widows and orphans. Although it was a solemn occasion, it was one which made the harts of the loyal throb with pride as they marched in line to do honor to the memory of their departed, but never to be forgotten comrades. Their memory can never die.
Among others from abroad, like ourself, who were present and participated in the exercises, we noticed Capt. N.B. Klaine, of the Warrensburg Standard, and Lieut. W.D. Graham, of Osceola.

The Mass Convention.
It seems that a very incorrect idea has been formed in some of the townships as to the object of the Radical County Mass Convention, called to meet in this place on the 27th inst. It is not a County nominating convention, nor is it a delegated convention; it is one at which every Radical Union man is invited to attend and take part in the proceeding. It is called for the purpose of selecting delegates to represent our county in the State, Congressional and District Senatorial Conventions. We trust every Radical man will come out, as good speakers will address the meeting. Don’t fail to come, and see that your delegates are instructed to support the men of your choice as candidates for Governor, Representative in Congress and State Senator. A general good time is anticipated. Set apart Saturday, June 27th, for your party’s and country’s good, and all come.

Radical Meeting in Monegaw.
Monegaw, June 1, 1868.
In obedience to a call of the Central Committee of St. Clair County, the Radicals of Monegaw met in convention, and Judge Lewellen was elected Chairman, with C.L. Wells, Secretary.
On motion of C.L. Wells, six delegates were appointed to represent us in the county convention to be held at Osceola, June 27th, ’68. The delegates chosen were as follows:
Judge Lewellen, Daniel Dillman, H.L. Binn, C.L. Wells, D.T. Short, J.M. Baker.
On motion a committee of three was appointed to draft resolutions expressing the feelings of this convention consisting of C.L. Wells, J.L. Ross and John Young.
After a recess, the convention appointed a Central Committee, consisting of C.L. Wells, D.T. Short, and J.M. Baker, for Monegaw Township, for the purpose of aiding in a complete victory in the coming campaign.
The Committee on Resolutions report as follows:
1. Resolved, That we indorse most fully the action of the Chicago Convention, and that we accept in their candidate for office, Gen. U.S. Grant, a man first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen: and in Hon. Schuyler Colfax, a man that we may not fear to trust.
2. Resolved, That while we heartily commend the action of the Radical members of Congress in the great Impeachment trial, and especially those who did their duty in the trying hour; that we as heartily stigmatize and condemn the traitorous seven, who in the hour of the country’s peril sold themselves to the country’s foes, and that we express our utmost contempt for Senator Henderson, who lent himself to the hellish plot of acquittal and that he be buried in oblivion never to rise, so long as the Republican party shall sound its trump; and further that we most earnestly condemn any civil functionary who abuses the confidence of the people, whether he be chief magistrate of a nation, or a bribed township justice.
3. Resolved, That we will stand by the colors of the party through the struggle of the coming campaign, and on all the issues, both National and State – impartial suffrage not excepted – be true and loyal men.
4. Whereas, We have been grossly deceived in some of our public officers, therefore
Resolved, That in our county convention, we use the utmost caution in selecting such men for office as we believe to be honest, loyal and true.
5. Resolved, That we instruct our representative to the Legislature to use his influence and vote to secure an amendment to our State Constitution, giving to the people of this State, township organization, with proper officers, which shall be similar to those of the State of New York.
6. Resolved, That a copy of these proceedings be published in our county paper.
C.L. Wells, Chm’n.
On motion committee adjourned.
sine die.

Circuit Court. – The adjourned term of the Circuit Court is now in session. Judge Emerson arrived on Sunday, and convened court on early Monday morning.

Radical Convention.
Pursuant to a call of the Radical Republican Central Committee of St. Clair County, the Radicals of Washington Township, turned out on the 9th inst., and elected the following named gentlemen as additional members of the Central Committee, for that township, viz: Jacob Thompson, Chris. W. Lanney, Jno. J. Hawkins, and Lucius Dillie.
The attendance was good, and manifested an evident purpose to act in conjunction with the great Radical Republican party of Mo.
Wm. Collins, Chm’n.
Lucius Dillie, Sec.

Washington Tp., May 23, ’68.
Saturday the 23d inst., many Radicals assembled at their precinct in Washington Township, in response to a call of Judge Collins, Chairman, Radical Republican Central Committee for this township; who with others seemed to think that the convention held in this township on May 9th, ’68. In pursuance to a call of the St. Clair county Central Committee, published in the Osceola Herald of April 30th, ’68, and of which an account of its proceedings is published above, was an unfair and unwarranted proceeding.
In the absence of the Judge, Capt. Vanbenthusen was called to the chair, and Lucius Dillie, elected Secretary.
Capt. Vanbenthusen briefly stated the object of the Convention, and after some discussion, the proceedings of the convention held on the 9th inst., was unanimously adopted.
Jacob Thompson then offered his resignation as a member of the Radical Central Committee, which was accepted. Wm. Vestal was elected to fill the vacancy.
The Radical Central Committee for Washington Township now stands:
Wm. Collins, Wm. Vestal, Lucius Dillie, C.W. Laney, and J.J. Hawkins.
The above named gentlemen were also chosen delegates to attend the County Convention, to be held in Osceola on Saturday, June 27, ’68, agreeably to a call of the Chairman of St. Clair county Central Committee as published in the Herald of 21st inst. No other important business was transacted. Convention adjourned.
Jas. Vanbenthusen, Pres. Pro. Tem.
Lucius Dillie, Sec.

Washington will go solid for Grant and Colfax. Also our State and county ticket will be supported by all her voters, with but little or no opposition. Let other townships do their duty as well as Washington will try to do hers, and by putting only good men on our county ticket, they will be sure to be elected, and we hope thereby the interests of the people of this county will be made secure, and the Radical Republican Party materially strengthened by this campaign.
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