The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-05-01

There is now no doubt that the general election
for members of the convention to amend the con-
stution Of the State, has resulted in the success of
the democracy. New York city sends sixteen de-
mocrats to swell the majority which, there is every
reason TO suppose the party has obtained throughout
the State for, by the result in this city, we may
safely Judge OF the result in the other portions of the
State.
II is now beyond question, that the late over
wherning defeats Sustained by the wings, are to be
traced TO their sdesertion Of those great principles
which were formerly the life Of the party, and to
their lapsng into abolitionism, Fourierism, and
other similar vague and visionary absurdities. The
rank and file OF the whig party will not be led into
the pursuit Of such shadows, let their leaders
them ever 80 sweetly; and when they are led into
the field without any great principles to contend tor,
they will not fight with any Spirit and their enemies
obtain an easy victory.
We are firmly Of the opinion that the defeat of
the wings in the late election OF delegates to the
convention, is mainly attributable to their strange
pertnacity, in endeavorng to force upon the people
measure for the extension Of the right Of suffrage
10 the negro race The measure is 30 generally OBJ
noxious, that we cannot conceive how the wing
leaders could be so short-sghted to make it
test principle Had they possessed any foresight or
discrimination, they would have foreseen, that to
press 80 foolish measure, at this uncture, without
presenting any other popular principles TO gid the
pill, would inevitably result in a total defeat.
Inasmuch as the defeat of the wings will prevent
the embodiment of an article in the constitution
extending the right of suffrage to the negro race,
rejoice that the election has turned out IN favor
OF the democrats. We look upon the measure as
extremely injudicious at the present time, and en-
sirely uncalled for on the ground of necessity, or
even Of expedency 1t is not possible that time
Will ever come when such feature in our State
policy can be deemed advisable.
There are many important questions demanding
the attention of the convention. We presume that
their efforts will first be directed to the enforce
ment of thorough reform in the administration of
the law to the correction of legal abuses, and Of
other serious defects which exist in our present
constitution But it is very certain that the atten-
tion Of the delegates will be chiefly turned to cleo
tioneering matters, and that the convention will be
turned into sort of caucus, to concert measures
for organising and establishing the ascendancy Of
party, at the approaching and future elections.
TheIe wild be regular "bate of the factions be-
tween the two contending portions of the denocra-
cy-the barn burners and the conservatives-the red
hot iiity-tour forty, Oregon and California, Polk
and Dallas men, and the Van Buren-Wright men,
alias old hunkers. The trial of strength between
these two factions, will form amusing and inter
esting feature in the proceedings Of the convention.
Il seems to be settled that Silas Wright will be
candidate for reelection. This will be all impor-
sn, both Tor the success of the party in the State,
and 10 secure his chances for the Presidency in
lsS, which, in the present aspect of affairs, look
extremely small. But it is impossible to tell
what turn affairs may take before then. John
Young, of Livingston, will probably be the can
didate OF the wing party, for Governor. 1t will
be the policy Of the wings widen the breach in the
democratic ranks. If they husband their forces,
abjure the hereses the adoption of which has lately
contributed to their downfall, keep aloof from the
discussion Of all questions which are obnoxious to
the body of the people at large and hold themselves
IN readiness to take advantage of the divisions OF
the enemy, they may still have chance of success
in the convention, and the next State election. The
small parties-such as natives, national reformefs,
and abolitlonists-which have branched off mainly
from the wing party, will, doubtless, before next
fall, have resolved themselves into their original ee-
ments. This may be some accession Of strength to
the wings and there is little doubt that those small
parties, seeing the lamen,able falling off OF their
be willing to expose themselves to the modification
of another defeat, and will join the respective par
ties from which they emanated. Should this pre-
dction prove true, the democrats will have no despi-
cable force to contend against.
The members of the convention will have 1t in
their power to confer lasting benefit the State
and to entitle themselves to the gratitude of their
fellow citizens by giving their attention to the inn
- Al tnI
they do sol They have a glorious opportunity to
gain lasting popularity and esteem. But we fear
that motives of party ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, and the de-
sire to control the fate of the next State election,
will engross their attention, to the exclusion of the
legitimate interests which they are delegated opro.
mote. Time will tell if we be right in our CONGO.
ture, or not.
INTERNATIONAL EpTToRs.-At the anniversary
dinner Of the ST. Georges Society, a very interest
ing scene took place, in which the British Consul
and the editor OF the Albion, OF this city, the
principal speakers. There was a toast proposed by
the Consul, complimentary to the editor, which
was promised by few remarks, stating the value
OF the services of the editor Of the Albion, during
the last twenty years, in forwarding British inte-
rests in this country, and in promoting friendly
feelings between the two nations. The compliment
was responded to with a great deal OF taste and
good feeling, mixed with some fuss, and glass Of
wine.
One thing, however, struck US in this scene, in
connection with what took place in the highest
diplomatic circles at Washington, with great deal
OF interest and that is that editors Of newspapers
hereafter, will, probably, be of more utility IN pro.
noting the interests and relations of different ma.
lions, than all their ministers, penipotentiares, oil
consuis, OF all sizes and sorts. single newspaper
In London or Paris, conducted with skill and
talent, on the principles Of International courtesy,
would be OF more value, and Of moro utility to the
United States and other countries than h,,h e -,