Loudon free press. (Loudon, Tenn.) 1852-1855, 1853-09-23
Special Correspondence of the Ny. Daily Times.
ALBANY, SATURDAY.. Sent. 3. 1853.
December 81, 1852

control OF their coming Convention, among
the fierce democratic" grows desperate and
excited. The "state of the odds" cannot be
learned from the leading journals of the fac
tions, because to play off their game of brag,
and keep up the spirits of their partisans, each
claims nearly every delegate elected as sound"
" hat comprehensive word "sound." Contes-
ted seats, too are multiplying in every direction.
l am inclined to think the Administration for
ces thus far are in the ascendant.
The generic divisions Of the combatants is
into Administration and anti-Administration-
men. 1t is between these, and on this issue,
that the battle of the Convention is fought.
The Administration forces consist of the
Barnburners and the SOft-Shells; their oppO
nents, OF the Hard-Shells, or Dickinson Hun
kers. There are some minor divisions-specie
of these genera-presentiy to be noticed.
The union of the Branburners and Softs, in
the Fall of l847, undoubtedly constituted the
greatest-the organization of the party.
The two little outlying squads of extreme ultras
the Dickinson and Van Buren men-were
but handful EACH Van Buren, could not con-
troll a man to 90 against Marcy, in the State
Convention to send delegates to the last Balti-
more Convention and his Lutte squad, and the
Dicknsou-men together, land their leaders
would have them act together, had it promised
any successful result) proved their utter impo-
tence in resisting SeynOu IN the last State Con-
vention, The appointments of General Pierce
! have wrought material change in this state
of things. He has not prOpltiated Hard, but
he has given consideration and prestige to that
| faction, by treating it as one of the main divis-
ions OF the Democratic party, and he has arm
ed it with substantial power by giving to it
many Of the best political offices in the State.
He has disappointed large number of leading
SoftShes personally in making the above dis
position of offices, aud he has disgusted and al
ienated a vastly larger body. Many a malcon-
tent has, therefore, hOcked to Dickinson STAN
dard; and large force of Cass-men, or Hun
kerS, who have hitherto taken but little part in
the divisions among themselves, Unto Hards
and Softs,) have had their old preiudices famed
into fame, by the Albany Argus, harping GER
tain proceedings in the New York Legislature:
and they too, have joined the anti-Administra-
ton forces
The Administration-men have yet a decided
numerical superiority, but their forces are less
disciplined, less united on a specific object and
line Of policy. Their opponents have the old
CampdigierS who understand the ropes."-
The latter will carry many of the counties
where they have not fourth part of the rank
and file; and shoNld the majority against them
not exceed ten or fifeen in the State Conven-
ton, they will stand pretty good chance, if
they DO not secede; to carry fair share of the
nominations. Ii the Hards and the Van Buren
squad united constitute a majority of the Con-
vention, it is probable that they will act together
i'll forming ticket.
If the Administration-men proper have a
mere majority in the Convention; it is somewhat
,iiE Eo,,lt cf or1c III
tick I.
Ii the present ticket is renominated, let not
our friends throughout the State delude them
selves with the idea that it is easy one to beat
After all, the Convention will probably split
The Argus and Atlas are both arranging for
this, in case they are defeated. In half the DIS
trittS already heard from, nearly fifty, the seats
are to be contested! Sixteen more from New
York, are of course to be contested. The fac
ton which obtains the organization will exclude
contesting opponents, and then the body of their
opponents will withdraw and organize another
convention. This is sure to take place, if there
is anything like an equality of strength. If
there is rot, the minor faction may cover, and
content themselves with stabbing their oppo-
nents at the polls.
IcSdlu IL dS HeAL " a. lOIcSOHC COhOiuolOh,
that the Administralion-men will carry the day,
and that pretty decidedly. They will thus have
the political apostolic succession. They will
increase their prestige of regularity, by running
a ticket which their party has already voted for
and elected as an uadiSputed Democratic one.
Their ticket will receive the full assistance OF
the State and National Administrations. If
the former is too inert and timid to accomplish
much, not so the latter. Marcy's ponderouS
sword will fame in the van; and the Executive
axe will hcw off the heads of malcontents,
without rest or mercy. The body Of the party, |
except in half a dozen localities will be awed
into not only adhesion but activity. As Whigs,we
are bound to foresee, and prepare for fierce |
and doubtful conflict. We must not RELY too
much on Democratic divisions. We must not
rest on our arms, even if they split. 1t is, in
deed, my deliberate Judgment, that they are
more formidable with an open split in their
ranks, than if they keep up the appearance of
union. In the former case the moderate, and
the ambitious Hards, will be Whippcd
into the traces, and will even support the ticket
actively to escape suspicion. But under the
cover of pretended union, the Hards can strike ,
IN the dark and securely at their Victims
Could Silas Wright have been struck down by
SO small handful, if they had fought him
ope,aIy That was a specimen of Crosweilian
tactics not to be forgotten! You will hear from
me again soon. !