The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-04-18
THE UNION.

OF the arguments 49, that the district system has bee n
adopted by other States This suggestion we believe TO
be unwarraned by facts Delegates have already been
selected by States in Ohio, Tennessee Indiana Georgia,
Mississippi Arkansas, and Michigan and State
hons to choose delegates have been called in Virginia
the 2sh OF this month, in Pennsy on the l of
month, and also in Alabama 1t will thus be seen that
and excluding New York l2a delegates out Of aSo may
already be deemed chosen by State conventions Nassa
chusets, Name and Vermont choose number equal to
the delegation in Congress, by congressional districts
New Hampshire chooses one delegate by State conven
ton, and the remainder by Councillor districts Adding
the seven delegates thus chosen by State conventions
will be that majority of the delegates to the next
national convention, excluding New York. have already
in effect been chosen by Stale conventions is also well
known that majority Of the residue have ALWAYS here
been and doubtless will again be- chosen by dis
cts The great States OF Pennsy lvania Ohio and Vir-
gina choose their entire delegations by State conventions
and far from finding in the action of other States
for departing from previous usages in it additional
reason for adherlDg TO our ancient custom Another
argument OF the advocates OF the district system is that
the constitution OF this State aims to decenralize
the power OF the State, and that the adoption of the dis
rct system would aid this object. In our Judgment the
decentralization effected by the constitution removes
the only plausible objection that urged against
the State system. There is central governmental
power to influence the action OF a State conven-
ton and at this moment the democracy particularly
exempt from the remoest influences of this sort The
State officers residing the seat OF government are whgs
and the democrats best known, and most conspicuous
the democratic ranks, who have formerly held Office,
causes almost without exception, removed even from
Albany Federal patronage only is felt at that point
Whatever DANGER therefore, nom this cause, may threat
en- the wing and conservative, conventions at Albany
moments reflection must satisfy you that to the democra.
cy II Is purely imaginary. convention like this chosen
by assembly districts, and assembled distance from
the seat OF government can and will select your repre-
sentatves precisely directly from the people, and as
free from central influence could possibly be done BY
congressional district convention. Since The adoption
OF the new constitution, the patronage OF the State gov
eminent if not destroy ed, has ceased 10 be formidable;
and the evil of the patronage of the general government
has not only become more prominent by the contrast but
has grown TO be central poer dangerous the ber-
ties OF the people, and calling loudly for retrenchment
and reform.
The only additional suggestion in favor of the district
system, that always addresses itself with peculiar
force to far-mnded democrats TO wit: that as portion
of those with whom have formerly acted prefer the
district system might promote harmony if the majority
would yield their rights and preferences, and unite with
them. But on such union the seceders have already
closed the door, by selecting delegates several of the
congressional districts before the assembling of this
venion In the 18th, 18th, and 32d congressional dis
rcts they chose delegates the 18th of this month in
the 3ih the 12th in the 3d. 4th, and 9th districts they
choose the 18th nstant and in Others they will have
chosen before the delegates to this convention reach
their homes participate in the selection. This
Mon OF action therefore, however desirable has been
desgnedly rendered impossible by those who have
fused to submit to the arbilrament OF their former
ciates and themselves.
We have thus far treated this question as it was left by
the conciliatory call under which we were convened
But reference to the proceedings of the democratic cleo
TORS by whom chosen, will show that vast
majority of the conventions which delegated carry
out their Wishes have expressed their preferences If not
instructed their delegates in favor of the State system
and believing do, that representative fidelity is the
life Of our political system, and that the highest obga
tons of duty and honor require the delegate to obey the
expressed wishes of his constituents, we have had no
hesitation in proceeding the choice of SO delegates TO rep
resent you in the national convention at Baltimore. The
Individuals selected believed to be, and all emf
nently rust-worhy have not felt at liberty to ham
per them with instructions, but entertain the hope that
they will carefully ascertain, and faithfully carry out,
your wishes in their conduct In doing, they will con-
suit the honor OF the Stae and the true and permanent
interests OF the republican party of the State and of the
Union and thus bespromoe the prosperity and happiness
OF the American people.
We might here pause but, feeling that we are author
zed under the circumstances, TO speak in your behalf
be without service to you and brethren OF the Union,
we proceed briefly possible, to describe what we
believe to be your principles of action, the condition of
the republican party, and the extent and of the diff
fculiies that surround it. New York has no cand
date Of her for the presidency present the Dem
ocratc National Convention In the number OF her dem
ocratc citizens who would do honor to the station, we
have not found one who desires 10 be supported for that
high Office. Were it otherwise, we well assured that
not of them could be designated that de-
the confidence of his party, who would permit his
success to be accomplished by suppression change or
qualification OF his opinions, those of his friends
in regard to public measures. or by directons OF any
character.
With these remarks, we, under the responsibilities of
the trusts reposed in u.s. and with ample opportunity OF
information upon the subject in spirit of entire cando
declare the following to be just and faithful exposition
OF the feelings and opinions of the democracy OF New
York upon the subjects which it embraces
FIRST Their conviction of the business Of the war; and
their determination sustain the government ener
getc prosecution of it, until just and honorable peace
the only legitimate object of be Obtained have
been sufficiently avowed; and, what is OF more mpor
ance have been confirmed by their all times and
upon all occasions Having sinister selfish objects
to be accomplished by it, they will not enter into
petition with others in regard to the vehemence of their
asseveratons upon the subject of the Better justice
could not be done to the feelings and dispositions of the
democratic masses of this State than by referring
own government as well all concerned, the late
war meeting of the on-hearted democracy of the city
of New York. The spirit and character of that
sembage well known to the United States SEN
ators BY whom it was addressed. Fervent and i'm
pressive indeed, must have been those proofs of
high resolve and ardent patriotism, in view of which
the veteran soldier and senator. Houston, could not
refrain from describing ii as the most numerous,
the most cheering, and most emboldening meeting
which he had heard Of or speculaed
upon seeing" For the sincerity of ninety nine hun
dredhs of that vast assemblage, this convention can
safely vouch for they emphatcally brethren in
feeling and in principle. Could the true hearted democ-
racy of the Empire State have been brought together
der like circumstances they would have presented the
appearance displayed the feelings and have
pronounced the noble resolution to defend the rights
and honor of the country, at all hazards and at any
rifce Nor would such exhibition have been more
than renewal of the patriotic feelings and firm resolves
with which New York, frontier State, and compelled
for season bear the brunt OF the cont met the foe