The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-07-05
General Tayiorin New Yo n

from the contrariety OF opinion developed on that
occasion, that General Taylor was no: as popular
IN New York he really is, or that Mr.. Clay is
the favorite of the wings of New York An in
ference of this kind would be unjust and in order
TO develope the fact, and to show for the
oontrarieiy OF opinion which characterised that
meeting, II may be necessary to advert TO the his
tory of the country for the last eighteen months or
two years.
After the battles OF Palo Alto and Resaca
de la Palma, General TayloI's name, in connec-
ton with the Presidency, first mentioned
by this paper. We had previously the man,
and knew something of his great genius
and galiantry, and soon as he was placed
IN position in which he could show his quality,
we knew that he would create feeling in the
breasts of the people that would elect him to the
Presidency. After those battles, the taking of the
city of Monterey ensued, and at about the time
when that great military feat was accomplished,
knot of politcians-of WAITS and strays, and odds
and ends of all parties, and all factions conceived
The plan of taking General Taylor under their
special care, and of directing the popular feeling
IN his favor. They accordingly set TO work, hired
a room la Military Hall, Bowery, organized what
they called Rough and Ready Club, cut out and
apportoned all the offices among themselves and
secured the aid of rckety evening paper, with
out influence or circulation, to fire Its popgun
every occasion when General Taylor's name was
mentioned.
This was the first petty movement by the Office
seeking politicians TO secure the nomination and
election of General Taylor; but it will be per-
eeIved that II not undertaken until long
time after General Taylor had been named for that
h,rb off laf,o he 81, .
MS name was on every tongue, and his services
treasured up in the. breasts of his fellow-counry-
men.
Meanwhile, the popularity of the old hero was
becoming greater and greater every day. and the
Military Hall clique congratulated themselves that
they had played trump card, and were certain of
getting the Offices and emoluments which they had
in view. But they were destined TO have rivals
in the field for some time after General Taylor
became so popular that it was evident he would
be nominated by the people, by reclamation,
as their candidate for the Presidency, politl-
clans throughout the country hoisted the Tay-
Tor standard, and after he nominated
al several State conventions, and by several
legislative bodies. While all these things were
going on, there was another clique of politicians
closely studying the signs of TIE times, and wait
ing for opportunity 10 show their hands In favor
of the man whose popularity would elect him in
case of his nomination. They met and consulted
together, from time to time, and finally decided
that the time had arrived; and Immediately the
Taylor standard was hosted in the columns OF the
Courier and Enquirer, and Lafayette Hall, In
Broadway, hired for the meetings of the Wall
street Taylor clique. This was the second clique
of of1iceholders of all parties, who combined to-
gether to effect General Taylor's nomination, and
through that and his election, TO obtain the long
sought offices which they had in view. Between
the two rival factions, there much bitter feel
ing and i'll will. Each was jealous OF the other,
and each insisted upon being considered the Taylor
party of New York and the whole North There
were other politicians, however, who did not
appreciate Gen. Taylors position before the coun-
Try, who thought his popularity was evanescent,
and would entirely subside long before the meeting
of the wing National Convention in Philade phia,
and who likewise had an eye 10 the spols OF office.
These elected TO stand by Mr. Clay, and to take
helr chances with those Of the statesm an O f the
West
This is a short sketch of the preliminary move
ments and occurrences that took place within
the last eighteen months, and of the intrlgues OF
the several factions of Office seeking polite clans.
Finally, the wing National Convention assem-
DIED. and after hard struggle between the Clay and
The Taylor delegates the latter succeeded, and Gen
Taylor was nominated as the wing candidate for
the Presidency. By this event the ultra Clay men
were mortified their long cherished hopes OF office
and soup were annihilated and after long and ardu
Gus struggle TO obtain The nomination of their man,
they found themselves at length utterly Frustrated.
Under these circumstances it may well be sup
posed they were not in the best OF humor, and
many Of them threatened death and destruction TO
the wing party. For long time, the wing general
committee which had all along supported the
claims Of Henry Clay, refused TO call meeting 10
ratify General Taylor's nomination. At length
they issued call for that purpose but, on second
thoughts il was countermanded, and, some time
afterwards, another call was issued, in pursuance
of which the meeting in Canal street was con-
vened, Cen Tayors popularity, in the mean
while, incro asing, not only IN New York, but
throughout the whole country, North, East, South,
and West At this meeting, all the disappointed
Clay men, and goodly proportion OF locofoccs,
were IN attendance. They sought, by every me ans
IN their power, 10 prevent Gen. Taylor's nom ma
ton being ratified, and by freely using their lungs,
their hroais and therh aads succeeded IN creating
great deal Of noise and confusion. Hence we have
an explanation Of all the groans hisses &c, which
characterised that meeting, and which were faith
fully reported at the time in this paper
This is an explanation Of the scenes and incl
dents ofthnt meeting, and those OF our readers at
a distance. who have formed the 'non from a
perusal Of It's proceedings, that General Taylor's
popularity in New York is not so great as they
aaf previously supposed d.cciFc themselves. and