Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-08-30
NEW YORK STATE CONvENTION OF
NATIONAL DEMOCRATs-"H ARDs ,,
AND aSOFTSu AGAIN.

sho sofy uiauionu spring III the ucseft. w Mist
we could boast neither the ponderous battle-axe
OF Richard, nor the cleaning scimeter of Saladin
yet we enlisted under the banner of the Hards
and waged such effective war as we could against
their many enemies within and without the State
of New York. Although we got heavy blows
| from the latter, we have received no thanks from
the former
We demanded of them, as we had a right,
considering their declarations as honest and
loyal,) that they should sustain the Nebraska
Kansas BILL They all seemed firm in the begin
ming OF that contest, they linched in its progress
and at least halt of them failed in the end. We
complained, as we had a right to do of such con-
duct, and for SO complaining they manifested the
warmest resentment. The Softs even, whom
they had ever denounced as Abolitionists, made
as good showing at the crisis referred to, as
they themselves did after all their protestations
We had faith; that faith was sadly shaken.
Shaken by the conduct of half, if not majority
of the "Hard" representatives OF New York on
| the passage and during the tendency of the Ne
braska BILL Shaken by the conduct of the party
in New York, who, after dragging Judge Bronson
from his retirement to make him their candidate
+ for Governor, only gave him about thirty three
thou sand votes, and that when the Nebraska
Kansas bill was the main issue in the contest
We candidly confess that this conduct was I'M
| Pardonable and disgusting. Men must keep their
pledges or submit to condemnation. We did
| condemn the conduct of the Hards; we do so now.
Of the true men among them, we can say, and
| say truly, that our confidence is mistaken. We
| honor their integrity men, and respect their
| consistency as politicians. Of those who disap-
pointed us, their friends and the country, we will
not trust ourselves to speak.
We do not, however, design writing disserta-
| ton on New York politics. 1t is our simple pur-
pose TO call attention to the proceedings of the
| State Convention of the 'Hards'' or National
Democrats, held in Syracuse, New York, on
Thursday and Friday, the 23d and oath instants
This convention well attended. Out of
| one hundred and twenty-eight members, one hun
dred and ten we're present. They seemed to be
| the pick of the party. Omittng the mere formal
parts of the organization, for which we have no
| space, we propose giving only what is material
Augustus Schell, esq, was made temporary
/ chairman, and addressed the convention as fol-
lows:
GENTLEMEN OF THE CONVENTION: In accepting
the position which your partiality has assigned
me, permit me to congratulate you both on the
objects you have in view in meeting in conven-
ton this day, and the patriotic feeling which ac-
tuates you in the performance of your duties
The National Democrats of the State are now
as in times past prepared to declare their prnci-
ples to nominate their candidates for public Of
nee, and enter the campaign with determine
ton to secure their success
The principles which you advocate are those on
which the Constitution is based and by which the
| union OF the States is to be perpetuated The
present time calls for their bold and distinct
enunciation. In our own State as well as in
other States, efforts are being made to perfect
that great sectional party which now unites in its
organization all who are opposed to the principles
| we advocate. They will present to the country
| the great issues of nationality or sectionalism
reunion or disunion, and we should be prepared to
meet it. Cheers.
Other questions of great importance will be
party of the Union is now, ever, opposed to the
i passage of sumptuary laws, and subiecting the
houses and places of business of our citizens to
arbitrary visitation; and against all legislation
which violates the Inequalities guaranteed by the
Constitution and laws to adopted citizens-Tcheer-
ingl-o proscribes them for their place of birth
or religious faith. [Great and prolonged cheer
ing.
Mr.. Schel concluded thank you for the
| honor you have conferred on me, and trust that
the true spirit of patriotism and concord will con-
troll your deliberations and secure the triumph OF
| the Democratic party, to which we are devoted
i Cheers.
Mr.. Bovine, Of the Committee on Organization,
| reported as follows, which was adopted:
Presidem.-Henry w. Rogers, of Erie
/ Wee Presidents.-lst district, L. B. Hart, New
| York; I'd do, s ID. Aiken, Dutchess: I'D do.
L Isaac q, Grant Ransoalaar. Ar A. I.u..l
Blood, Saratoga; 5th do, VIM. Lewis, Oswego;
9th do, Lyman Cobill, Chemung; 7th do, S. II.
Parker, Ontario; 9Th do, A. S. Stevens, Wyo-
ming.
Seereiaries.--John s. Nafew, G. r. Alden, s.
b. Champion, of Delaware; J. o. Spencer, of St.
/ Lawrence.
Sergeant t-.4rms.-Jas. Nesbitt, New York.
Mr. McLane, of Niagara, and Mr.. Morrell, OF
Columbia, were appointed to escort the President
to the chair. On being installed the President
addressed the convention as follows:
GENTLEMEN: / thank you for the honor YOU
| have done me. i have no knowledge and little
experience in parliamentary affairs, and therefore
| ask yeu IN advance TO give me your forbearance.
We have been sent here no unimportant err
| rand We are 10 reconstruct our platform al
any rate to display our feelings and our strength
and show ourselves living, moving, National
| party-a party based upon the principles of JEFF
ferson and Jackson. [Cheers.l Let us do it man
fully, and, while we do this, let us reject with
scorn any connection with parties for the sake OF
political plumber. Cheers. Let our motto be
Union upon principle-no coalition for spoils.
| Loud cheers. Allow me TO counsel moderation,
Cancellation, and forbearance. Let the result OF
this convention be to unite us, come what may
The large attendance shows that the Democracy
of New York still lives, and that its council fires
still burn. Cheers.l five do not achieve, let
us merit success. Surely, gentlemen, the future
is not without promise. Cheers.
General Ward, from the Committee on Reso-
lutons, reported the following:
Resoiped, That the National Democratic party
of New York hereby reassert their adherence and
devotion to the principles Of the National Demo
| cracy and Of the Constitution, and they adhere
TO, aad sustain in theory and practice the resolu-
| tons of the Democratic National Conventions OF
lS45 and 1852, containing the cardinal princi-
plies Of the Democratic party Of the Union. They
readopt them with hearty goodwill, believing that
time and experience have demonstrated their
purity and soundness, and the necessity for a
strict adherence thereto.
| Resotred, That the lessons Of the fathers OF
Democracy teach frugality and economy in the