Eastern times., 1853-10-27

burners. DlckenSon, the Argus, ana Otners,
changed their position on the question Of sla-
very extension, and rallied in support Of Cass
the regularly nominated candidate. Many of
the Barnburners, in the presidential election
that followed, also preferred to adhere to the
old usages, and became associated with the
Hunkers. The result was the party was rent
asunder, and the wings obtained complete
control of the state, with almost the whole
delegation in Congress.
| In this condition of affairs some of the more
judicious and rejecting men on both sides
| deemed it advisable to again attempta restOra-
tion of harmony and union. Governor Marcy
and Mr.. Seymour since elected Governor of
New York, were prominent in this movement.
Both sections of the party met in their respec-
tive conventions. appointed separate commit
tees agreed on basis of union, and merged
their separate organizations into one. This
union led, as was antici pated, to success and
in the late presidential election Pierce OBJ
tanned the vote of the state, and the democrats
elected their governor. But the movement
had not been satisfactory TO a portion Of the
Hunkers who carly began to denounce it, and
to stigmatize those of their brethren who CO
operated with Marcy and Seymour, in uniting
with the Barnburners, as Softs. They were
not to be SO easily cOnciliated. Mr.. Dicken-
son, and three or four others, having been
elected delegates TO the National Convention
refused to give their vote for Marcy, who was
at one stage Of the proceedings a prominent
candidate, and this probably defeated his nom
ination. These and a variety of other circum-
stances have contributed to kindle with more
animOsity than ever the old dissensions. The
friends of Dickinson had anticipated that
President Pierce would tender him Cabinet
appointment, although no such expectation
appears to have elsewhere existed, nor did
the President even for moment entertain the
suggestion. With view Of promoting mu~
tual good feelings, the President did tender
the two most important local appointments to
Dix and Dickinson, who had been colleagues
in the Senate, and were, perhaps, the two
leading men of the respective divisions. In
order TO carry out the well meant object Of
the President, General Dix took the part as
signed to him, although repugnSnt to his
taste and feelings, but Mr., Dickinson de-
clined the higher position of Collector.
Unmistakeable indications made it early ap-
parent that there was determination to divide
forces at the Annual State Convention this
fall, and who has watched the progress
of proceedings for weeks past is surprised that
there were two separate conventions and two
separate tickets. 1t would be no easy matter,
however, for any one to define why there
should be this difference if each section is hon
est and sincere in its professions. The reso-
lutions indicate no difference Of principle or
of opinion but there is running through the
proceedings positive evidence of the true po-
stion of each In the Hunker Convention
there is an exhibition of hostility to the ad
ministration that cannot be suppressed or con-
cealed, although it is not avowed In their
resolutions. They are careful however, to
express no sentiments favorable to either the
National or State Administration. In the
Convention Of the Softs, on the contrary, there
is, prominent in their resolutions, an avowal Of
confidence in both the administration of the
State and general government. This distinc
ton has manifested itself in the primary meet
ings, and constitutes in fact the germ of the
present controversy. Indeed, Mr.. Brady,
A h.,
the Hards, declared some weeks since, in de-
clining to be candidate for President of one
of the political associations in the city of New
York. that he did so because he wished TO be
in position to oppose both the President and
the Governor.
Ii is therefore not a question, that the lead
ing managers of that section of the party call
ing themselves Hunkers, Hards, or Adaman-
tines, is preparing to go into opposition. 1t
remains to be seen whether they will carry
with them any considerable portion Of the par
ty. In the end they may find they have COM
mitted the same error as the Barnburners in
1913. when they withdrew from the national
organization, II would be difficult for them to
assign any other reason for going into opposi-
ton than that Of disappointment in relation to
some Of the appointments made by the Exec
utive This is so insufficient, that 0dansan-
tine as they profess themselves, they have not
the courage to avOw It,
As regards the Legitimacy of the two Con-
ventions it is evident that the Softs, as they
are stigmatized, had clear majority and the
control of the proceedings. The Hards seced-
ed and left the place of meeting, protesting
themselves terrified by the conduct Of the an
terrified Softs--rever.ing by their action and
language the appellatives Of the two parties,
for while the Hards fled in terror the Sottr
maintained their ground with adamantine
firmness
The wings who are ccnvulssd with internal
dissensions, are delighted with these wran-
giles, and are fattering themselves that they
shall be able to achieve victory in rrnce.
quence. This may be the rose, though wa
doubt it, and one thing ie certain, no perma-
nent union can be established among them
selves. There mag be concessions amgng
thSm fpt tlais election but it will prrSs only
temporary should it be effectual, and must
eventuate in more hitter and endurinO con-