The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-03-20

po,;tion of The Democratic Paytgi better fssisng "a
Ne,c York

The gTeal denOcflhc Party ,sFFf
which the federal Union its present elevated posi-
ion and which has gwen our country high character
among the intelligent and liberal minded tbroaxh0a the
% of the nation True the senate Of the usss ss,s.
numbers among It's members haloniy of men hrm IN
the democratic faith yet the popular feeling manifested
in the election OF November last. an every section OF The
Union except the western, adverse 10 democracy
Among the causes that produced this unouns. Trsa
the most successful the hostile attitude ASSUMED b
portion of the democracy OF the Empire STATE" Par
be il from my intention speak harshy uniasily "a
this portion OF the democracy OF THIS State sadN them
we'll The great body OF them mbued with the scn
think enormously, opposed the only candidates al the
party whose success could be expected, and thus De-
eaed the long continued ascendenoy OF the principles
they ardently cherish The " bsrbufners' of Mes
York, exclusive or few among them who assume 10
lead and control their movements equally the friends
Of wise and heahiul progress with those who sup
ported the regular nominees OF the Baltimore Convention
selected by the national democracy OF this there 10
doubt But, unfortunately, among the bafnbumer-'
there few aspiring spirits who assumed control
the national democracy, or force IT into II minority
To succeed in accomplishing their desgnst they opera
ted the very prevalent feeling OF northern men adj
verse to slavery, and thus made issue tina, enabled
them acquire strength tar greater than
pected by themselves. The honesty of the democratic
masses and the srorg opposition 10 slavery, constituted
no capital for these reacherous and ambitious lead
work. with. On questions of State legislation, the
barnburners' caimed-and that, too, with show
of reason-io be the radical democracy OF the Slate
This gave them additional power to oppose
fully their bunker opponents, who number among
them large proportion OF the conservative politicians
the State The admission of the "hunker" delegates
from this State on an equal footing with the barn.
burner delegates in the national convention gave still
greater strength to the banburners large majority OF
the democracy OF this State favored The admission OF the
"banburner delegates OF this there is no doubt These
many causes operating in favor OF the banburn
and tended to diminish the support OF the Baltimore
nominees in this State But the division could moi have
been kept up, had 1t not been for the question Of slavery
in the territories acquired from Mexico All other
cnpanr .fIualN lnSy
aroiily managed by the barnbuner leaders, that soon
became evident that all hope of carrying the State for the
nominees OF the national democracy was at an end
When the Union remarked in substance that New York
appeared to be lost and the contest must be carried on
and the victory won if at all, without her, il did
but publicity to what every sensible the Stale
believed to be true
So much for the past We have been defeated through
the unaithfuness of who have controlled and de-
luded large portion Of the party in this State New
York gave impetus 10 the movement of daiiecon in
other States; and the result defeat 1t now be-
the true friends of democratic principles to con
slider how we can best secure future He who
supposes that the democratic party long remain in
the minority loses sight of the experience of the past
1t being the party OF progress, its ascendency is not
doubtful Error or treachery on the part of proessed
friends may place II IN temporary minority, but it would
soon rise into power again, purer than before Such has
been the lwo three occasions in the history Of
our party contests; and so 1t will be this time,
The present condition of the democratic party in this
State very different from what it at the close of the
polls in November last The slavery question will not
divide distract us again The position assumed by
Gen Cass in his much abused letter to Nicholson that
the question OF slavery was for the people of the
territories to decide for themselves, is the true one and
now admitted TO be so by nine enhs of the democracy
OF this State There is doubt bat the people of this
State incline to the belief that Congress have power to
lessae the subject of slavery the territories Yet
would be manifesy unjust, in violation of the funda-
mental principle of republican government to refuse the
people themselves the privilege of saying what should
be the character of their local institutions The will OF
the people OF the territories should decide the question
that alone should be consulted If they desire slavery
let them have il though northern men would regret its
extension Whether it exist in the territories the
absence OF any positive law establishing it. question
for the to decide when may be brought before
them. This is the view taken OF the question by the
great body OF the democracy OF this State.
Were an election to be held tomorrow, you would
find but smahfra OF the 10000 votes poled in
this State against Cass thrown the way. The great
body OF the bamburners are ashamed of their opposition
as they now clearly that principle had little 10 do
with it. The conversation political subjects here,
between democrats relates to the necessity oil throwing
aside all anlnosy, and OF coming together, as OF old
and forming an nvincible and victorious party. This
would be accomplished at the approaching spring cleo
ton were 1t not Tor the opposition OF few men, among
whom John Van Buren, Is the chief 1t is to be regretted
that TINS aspiring politician is permitted to distract the
otherwise harmonious councils of the democracy. His
talent, except for mischief, is greatly overraed Want
ing that industry and soidlty of mind that distinguishes
his father, he cannot rise to emincnCe statesman
tie lacks the enduring elements OF true greatness and
popularity 1t is moderate degree of viii, with the
advantages OF parentage, that have enabled him to fig
uIe somewhat extensively in the recent canvass We
know is contemplated by few leading barnhurners
and aboonsls OF this State, Massachusetts, and OHIO
10 bring hun forward candidate for the presidency in
1872 1t is hoped they may succeed If they do his
powe, to disturb the harmony OF the democratic party
VIII be at an end, il such is not the He
asMred to nomination last at Utica He
hoped also 10 have been the Buffalo nominee He had
his agents at work TO bring about such result His
ambition is of such character that he would sacrifice
his best friends could he procure his own political adj
vancement John Van Buren, has attractive social