Eastern times., 1853-10-27
Gastfrn Gfmrs.
New York Politics.

cation under the above head, containing con-
densed history Of the dissensions and rivalisms
Of the democratic party of the State of New
York for the past fifteen years. AS New
York is an Empire" within herself, her po-
ltical history is Of great interest and impor-
tance. This communication is well written !;
and as it gives good and apparently impair
tial insight into the past and present condition
of the democracy of the Empire State, We
transfer it to our columns:
g More than usual interest was felt through
out the country in relation TO the result of
the annual State Convention of the Democrats
of New York, not that the offices to be filled
are Of the highest importance, or that there is
any essential difference of principles involved,
but because of an intestine feud, which exists
in the party and has prevailed to some extent
for the last fifteen years. The controversy,
whatever may be its present aspect, dates back
to the old Conservative party, and involves
dissensions growing out of Legislative favorit-
ism, bank and corporation influences, canal
questions, and variety of schemes involving
large expenditures from the Treasury.
These conflicting rivalisms have interviewer
themselves at times in the politics Of the coun-
try at large, and had their influence on the af
fairs of the general government.
In these struggles which have been often
fierce and vindictive, the feelings and sympa-
thies of democrats elsewhere have often been
r II
been thus fought, particularly those of finan-
cial character, have affected parties in our own
and other States. When the Baaks suspend
cd in 1887 with the funds of the government in
their possession, the more radical democrats
Of New York were bold and determined in
favor of that great measure, which has since
been adopted by the country, of diyorcing the
treasury from those institutions. They be-
lived the government should take care of its
own money unconnected with any corpora
tions. But portion of the New York dem
ocrats faltered, and secretly co-operated with
the wings, The effect of this was the defeat
of the democratic party and the success of the
wings, who elected Seward Governor.
The late Siias Wright, the Comptroller,
Col, Flagg, and Gen, Dix were the leading
men of the radical democracy, while A. p,
Talmadge, /. c. Clark, and others led off the
conservatives The Albany Argus was at
that time the organ and leading democratic
paper, but its managers and proprietOrs were
deeply engaged in bank schemes and intrigues
which led them TO sympathise with the con-
servatives, and caused The papers to be dis
trusted.
After few years defeat, the differences
were so far adjusted that the democrats united
in eiecting Boucke, a very worthy and well
meaning but not great man, who had acted
with the radicals. David S. Dickinson, an
active lawyer in the then remote county of
Bronze, was elected Lieut.. Governor Boucke
was unequal to his position, and soon became
the victim of intriguing managers who in
great degree controlled his administration,
and the democratic party again became in
Jeopardy. There was determination on the
part Of some to press the reelection of Boucke
though in opposition to the wishes and will Of
the great body Of the party, but the nomination
Z Of MIR. Polk as the democratic: and Mr.. Clay
as the whig candidate brought on a crisis
Under the deep and absorbing feeling that
prevailed, the necessity of strong and united
effort swept away other differences, and there
was unanimous call for Silas Wright 10
head the ticket in the great campaign Of 1914.
With great reluctance and under the impera-
tive necessities Of the case, that distinguished
man Welded TO the call and resigned his seat
in the Senate.
The whole movement was against his prl-
vate convictions. for though it might accom-
plsh temporary purpose, he had no conf
dence in the good faith or sincerity of those
who, while acting with the democratic organ
ization, were secretly cooperating with the
wings in debauching the Legislature, and
striving to plunder the treasury. Subsequent
events verified all his anticipatiOns. He was
elected, and the vote of New York secured
thereby TO Mr.. Polk; but during the whole of
Governor Wright's administration the un-
scrupulous leaders of that portion of the party,
which at the time was called Hunkers, en-
barrassed his administration, and secretly and
treachercusly voted against and defeated his
re-electi0n. This result brought cut anew
the old divisions with increased bitterness, and
led to two distinct organizations.
In the National Convention which met at
Baltimore in l84S, both sections appeared by
their delegates. Cambrelling and others rep
resenting the Barnburners, and Dickinson and
others the Hunkers. 1t was decided by the
convention that the Barnburners were the le
citimate representatives of the New York de-
mocracy, and chosen in conformity to usage,
hut upder the circumstances it was deemed
best to admit the Hunkers also tn the Con-
yention. To this the Rarnburners diasented,
and at this time question was pending be-
fore the country, In relation to the e&tenslcn
cf slavery in the territories acquired from
Mexico, on which Issue wae made Ihs
New York Barnhurners held Convention st
Utica, and nominated Mr. Van Bureh rs theft
candidate for President and this was re-at-
firmed at ricrc general asaemblage at Buff
falo soon after, by delegations not only from
Nsw York, but Uther states.
This movement lost the Barnburners the