Nashville daily patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1855-1857, 1856-06-06


resist is the use of the guarantees of free
dom Of speech and the press to insult her,
and to break down the constitutional bar
rers which protect her rights against the
sweeping tide ofNorthern fanaticism. Let
the Northern aggressor confne himself to
the exercise of his rights, and he will neV-
er have cause to complain of the South.
Democratic National Convention.
Editorial Correspondence Of the Patriot.l
CINCINNATI, June l, 1856.
In the midst of the whirl and hustle of this
denssly crowded city, will attempt to give you
few items of news touching the great subject which
has convened the immense number of strangers
now here, viz: the Democratic Convention. An
outsider has but poor opportunity of looking be-
low the surface of the great political caudron which
is now boiling and bubbing here, to ascertain its
ingredients, and the probable character of its con-
tents when the process is completed and is there
fore, compelled to rely mainly on his knowledge Of
those who have met to superintend the cooking of
this grand qusdriennial Democratic dish. A some
what thorough knowledge of the cooks, and the
observations Of the last twenty four hours, have led
me to think, or rather more strongly impressed me
with the belief that this is one of the most impor-
tant assemblages which has ever met in the coun-
try. 1t is important, in the first place. because it
is the general assembly of one of the great polti.
cal parties of the country, which, for the last
twenty years, by its skillfu management has main.
tanned control of the government for much the
greater portion of the time, and especially during
the last three years has had free course to run and
be gorfed." A second fact which gives this con.
venton great importance, is the alarming condition
of our public affairs, and the influence which the
action of such an agency must have on them. 1t
is in the power Of this body, representing large
proportion of the people of all sections of the
country, to take such action could not fail tie
ert beneficial influence on the public mind, or it
SO act as more deeply to excite it. 1t cannot
entirely que and quiet the storm which the leaders
of its party have raised, but it can refrain from
such action as would lend it violence. Which will
it do? is the great question.
1t is difficult for good to come out of evil, andit
is in vain expect harmony to be the result of bad
feeling. From the evidences, there is very much
of the latter and /, therefore. conclude that the
sessions of this convention will be very inharmo-
NOUS, not to say boisterous There is no mistake
ing the bad temper exhibited by delegates repre-
senting different sections and interests. 1t is pa.
tent to the most casual observation. One cannot
pass a squad of half dozen delegates without
hearing extreme and emphatic language Scowl.
ing expressions of countenance and contracted
brows salute one on every side, and abuse and de-
nunciation is heard on every hand The shrewd-
est of the managers are laboring night and day to
assuage this bitterness and reconcile differences
and effect compromises, but their efforts hitherto
have failed. l heard prominent New York Hard,
q. G. Shepard formerly of our State, say this
morning, abiding to report in circulation last
night, that there had been a compromise between
the Hards and Sofs, tie Hdrds have no compromise
10 cfer and ciH make none. BE was unmeasured
in bis language in regard to the Softs, and remark
ed that it was difficult to properly appreciate aud
characterize their vieness. This may be taken as
specimen of the rancor existing between the adj
herents of the different aspirants, and those who
represent antagonistc sentiments. Disorder reigns
supreme, and it is useless to deny it. Preliminary
cAucusing (of which there is great deaD and NOV.
ing appeals in behalf of the success Of their party,
and significant illusions to the dire consequences
of defeat, may effect something towards a sur.
rendering Of discordant views and blending for the
good of the whole, but / am satisfied there is but
little progress that way yet.
am positive, from the indications, that the con.
vsntion will be compelled to choose between two
unpleasant alternatives in regard TO the New York
Hard and Soft delegations. There will be no union
so far as they are concerned. Either it win be
compelled to receive or reject both, or admit the
one or the other, and either horn of the dilemma
will gore the party to the hollow. The Hnds are
harder than adamant, and frmer than the hills.
They vow they viii not go into the body If it re-
ceives such political scoundrels as the Sofis into
communion, and significantly hint that they will
leave the party il they Internationally rejected.
This state Of things perplexes the politicians to the
last degree. To reject the softs liz to enter the
contest without the ghost Of chance to carry New
York. To reject the Hards is greatly 10 diminish
their chances and to subject them ID the charge at
the South, of driving from their ranks the only
Northern men 10 their party who approach to any.
thing like soundness or nationality. As specimen
Of the Soft delegation, the most prominent man in
il was the chairman Of the Jerry rescuing commit.
tee at Syracuse few years since. What must
Southern people think il Charles 0'Conner and
Green c. Bronson are turned away from the door
Of the Democratic sanctuary, and such characters
introduced within the inner templeg VIII Il not be
sacrificing principle for policy, and principles too,
dear 20 southern menf Nevertheless, incline to
the opinion that the Sofs will triumph either wholly
or in part-.hat is they will be admitted alone, or
in company with Hards. II is the general opin-
ion that the Softs have the sympatkies Of all
the Northern delegations, while the Hards only look
for support from the Southern States. From con.
versations with the Tennessee delegates, am GER
tain that at this writing . majority OF them favor
the admission of the Soiis, though know that some
Of them favor the Hards The Tennesseans In the
body are peace. makers-pure and periect politici.
aus They boil over with vexAtion at ihS gnarlsd
and knolty condition OF New York Democratic pol
tics, and their impotence TO smooth and soften
lhings Il s even TOO dif6cuis and delicate ques-
ton for them, and to one who Knows their powers
Of schemng. il lie evidence enough that things are
gong strangely wrong.
The question Of platform Is not yet on the a.
ps In fact, ID Is ssideDsly minor consideration.
They know they can make one to suit, whatever
kind IL may be. but as yes il Is a more important
question 10 know shat Gin suiI portion Of the
southern delegations are instructed 70 insist On has
Ing platform before they select candidate. i
think that the convention win adopt some vague,
lneaGnlla ,,nnaaaninn gnnaraliiT on the alAHeFT