The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-03-27

by Marryatt: The Swamp Steed;' : The Greek
Girl;' . Hand Book Of Vines : The Dying
Exile" musical composition; lodges Por-
traits . The Naval Institutions Of Republic.
The Virginia Democratic Convention.
From the Richmond, Va, Times March 25
The Democratic State Convention met at the AT
rican church, in this city, yesterday at eleven
o'clock. Mr.. Cox, Of Chesterfield was called to the
chair, temporarily, and Messrs. William +. Richie,
j. NJ. Daniel, and - Brunei, were appointed Sc
cretarics.
The proceedings Of the assembled democracy
were sgnalized on the threshold by fierce and
bosterous struggle between 9 old togyism'' and
Young America Mr.. Wise, the champion Of
the first mentioned wing OF the party offered rcso-
luton to the effect that committee, consisting of
one from each Congressional district, be appointed
by the delegations from the respective districts, to
nominate the permanent officers of the convention.
The young democracy, for reasons best known to
themselves. regarded this move attempt to
stock the cards in favor of Mr.. Buchan an; and
cordingly, Mr.. Claiborne, of Franklin, who is under
stood to be partizan of Mr.. Douglas, offered
an amendment !the object of which TO leave the
appointment of the committee on organization in
the hands of the temporary chairman, and not
proposed by Mr.. Wise, in the hands Of the delega-
tons from the Congressional districts. The question
was distinctly understood to involve an issue be-
tween the old and the young democracy, Or in other
words, between Mcssrs Buchanan and Douglas, and
accordingly spicy discussion cnsued between Messrs.
Wise and Claiborne, their respective champions.
The convention adjourned until 4, o'clock with
out coming to a vote on the question.
At that hour the discussion was resumed, and
carried on amidst great excitement and no little
confusion. 1t was argued by Young America that
the adoption OF Mr.. Wise's resolution would be de-
parture from the timc-honored usagcs Of the demo-
cratic party, and would convey reflection upon the
temporary chairman. Old fogyism disclaimed any
intention to reflect upon the chairman, but contend
ed that it was but right and proper that the demo-
cracy from every part of the State should be
presented in the appointment of the committee on
organization.
Mr.. RANDOLPH OF Albemallc, begged Mr. Clai-
borne to withdraw his amendment. which might
lead to mischief, but could not possibly be produc
tive Of any good. Already there diversties of
opinion in the party, which would MI imately lead
to serious discussions, unless the convention in its
iEcipient stage pIcc.cded with great caution. One
false step at this critical period might lead 70 diff
cuties which could not hereafter be repaired
Governor FLOYD opposed the resolution of Air.
Wise and SUPPORTED the amendment offered by Mr..
Claiborne. lie was decidedly opposed 10 departing
from the time honored usages OF the party, by pur-
suing the course coute npatcd by the resolution of
MIR. Vie: and while he favored the amendment Of
Mr Claiborne. IL was due 10 justice to say that TIC
did not because of ANY disutst in the fairness OF
the chairman. He could say to him. as St. Paul
said to Alexander. the comersmth. "You have
zone me some harm, the Lord reward you according
10 your deserts.
Gov. FLOYD was interrupted in the course of his
remarks by Air. Wise. and somewhat angry alter
cation ensued between those gentlemen, accompa-
niod with great excitement among the members Of
the convention. This storm had sooner blown
over than another tempest was raised by Mr.. Ryes,
OF Prince George, who made vehement assault
upon the member from. AccOfs3c. He said. that
when he saw the gentleman frolu Accomac Offering
resolutions protesting to have in view the interest
Of the democratic party, his mind reverted to the
time when the youthful vigor Of Mr.. Wise was en-
ployed III Congress to thwart the measures of An
drew Jackson and to bring defeat and disgrace upon
his administration. The gentleman now claims to
be an ardent democrat; yet, when motion was
pending III Congress to investigate the affairs of the
United States Bank the gentleman opposed it with
all his might, and made every effort in his power to
screen from scrutiny the affairs Of this monster Of
corruption
Mr. WISE retoIted with his usual spirit denying
that he had sought to screen the affairs OF the
bank from scrutiny. He had quit the admnstra-
ton OF Andrew Jackson because Martin Van Buren,,
the enemy Of the South, the fivorte OF that adj
ministrati0n. His object was to purify the demo-
crazy Of such men ms Van Buren, aud be had the
satisfaction Of knowing that his object had been at
tainod.
Mr. RIvEs--Thcn, sir. if that was your motive
for leaving the party. ask with what consistency
propriety you could afterwards support General
Harrison, the nominee of the Harrisburg Conven-
ton. who obtained the nomination over Mr. Clay
mainly by the influence Of abolition votes. the
entire delegation of the South having voted for
Nr. Clay !!
Here scene of Undesirable confusion arose.
The democracy, apparently aware OF the unseemy
spectacle they presented to the outside barbarans'
OF the wing party, who throngcd the galleries de-
termined put stopto the discussion OF all ha-
yards, and, accordingly, the voice Of the intrepid
orator fIom Prince George was drowned amid the
deafcning cries Of question, question, question .
The vote was taken on Mr.. Claibomc's amend
mcnt, late in the evening, b. ayes and noes, but the
result viii not be announced until the meeting Of
the convention to-day.
tFioID The Richmond Enquirer. March 25l
The Democratic state Convention assembled in
the African Church yesterday. ID il the larccs.
no mos CnlIObtplpl
tons we have ever seen in Virginia. One hundred
and thirty-two counties. &C., were represented bv
five hundred and tcriy-eight delegates, leaving
only fourteen counties in the State unreprescnted
In talent, energy and enthusiasm. it may well com
pare with any similar body we have ever attended.
The wisdom and experience Of age the fire and zeal
Of youth, have been conyoke1 from tho mountains
and the low lands, to the great Sanhedrim Of the
party, TO renew their of fidelity to the consc-
Grated principles Of Virginia. The spectacle was
most striking one, and Virginia hay well feel
proud Of snch champions Of her filth.
Strange to say, after long and animated discus
sion, and protracted sessions, the convention IL
not yet organized A struggle took place upon the
preliminary question Of appointing the Committee
O Organization, and that question IL not yet settled.
Many eloquent and impassioned speeches were deli
yercd, embracing illusions to the propricty OF cx-
pressing the preference Of the convention for Presi-
Dental candidates, 10 the claims oltho latter though
names were called, and to the consistency Of
leading members of the democratic party Of the
state, and some bard, but good natulcd. hits
were given and received. We regretted to see past
events and criticisms Of present members Of the party
luggcd into the discussion. II the democracy Of
irgnii--inyincble when unted--desirc to maintain
their predonnance, they must let by-goncs be by
cones, and unite upon their old maxim Of "princ-
pies. not men" We warn them that the wings
would prefer nothing better than q continuation Of
the excited debate Of yesterday. Let az disappoirt
thor darling hopes, aud continue and complete the
proceedings Of this convention with the harmony.
conciliatoly spirit union, and enthusiasm, that have
always characterized the democratic conventions Of
Virginia. We cannot but believe that The discharge
If steam, which was let of yesterday. and which II
moro or less TO be expected in 50 large a popular
body, will have sanitary cioc; in melting mem
Lers 10 their high and solemn dutes and that here
after the convention VII proceed promptly, i,gu-
l.r. ~ sUss. .p'i. IN ee"llcting tbc gsa! g9ll
ttfs0 il.