The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-09-14

vne Democracy at syrscuse-New school
Politicians
We have given in another place letter from
our special correspondent at Syracuse. This let
ter closes up the record of one of TIE most int
resting political bodies that has ever assembled
in this State.
We are fully aware that to the superficial OBJ
server the Democratic State Convention which
met at Syracuse on Thursday of last week, and
dissolved on Friday, presents only picture of
union and harmony" somewhat varied by per-
sonal quarrels and somewhat impaired by the
want Of unanimity in the nomination Of Judge
DEMO. Our correspondent raises the curtain and
gives peep behind the scenes and we trust that
the democracy Of the city and State will read
and ponder well what we have to say to them
to-day.
The Convention ostensibly met to transact
the u.ual routine business-to nominate
a ticket and to adopt a platform-but
the body was really transformed into a
debating society for the discussion of the
personal quarres Of city politicians. The Wood
and the Sickles men went to Syracuse with the
same object in view-name,y to procure an en-
dorsement from the rural districts Now, it has
always happened that the country democracy has
entertained the most profound contempt for their
brethren of the metropolis. The specimens of
leading democrats who have been sent from this
city as members Of the Legislature and dele
gates have not been calculated to give gentlemen
in the rural districts very elevated idea of the
qualifications required to hold Office in this city.
They have come very fresh and very dirty from
he people, while their leaders, not lacking poll
teal ability have always been found wanting in
common honesty. The country politicians have
nothing to gain from the city leaders, and there
fore, they have thrown them overheard
without the slightest ceremony. Thus we
see May or Wood and Mr.. Sickles both at SYRIA
cuse last week leading opposite factions, and
each working for an endorsement at the hands
OF the democracy of the State. The country del
egates Knowing full well the feeling of their
eopstitu, nts. declined to take any sides in the
matter. Sickles was beaten at every point, and
the Mayor received severe blow in the nomina-
ton of Judge DEMO, which, as we shall show,
was made nos to rebuke the city democracy, but
to further the ends Of certain country politicians
who are greater at the stock board than upon
the forum.
Whoever shall read the records Of this Conven-
ton carefully, will not fail to see that its result
will be to ipjure rather than to benefit the demo-
cracy in this State, and to weaken rather than to
strengthen the administration Of Mr. Buchanan.
The ticket is made up of those very respectable
persons who are always set up to be knocked
down. Thesnele exception to this statements the
nomination Of Judge DEMO- to effect which certain
very stropg influences we're brought to bear. The
resolutions are like those which pave the way to
perdition, and they form a direct contradiction
to the previous action of the Convention. TIE
ground taken by the democratic press Of the
State has been that the November election was
purely local matter, and that there was one
issue only to be made. c. that of opposition to
this itsue been put directly to the people, with
ticket on which every man was pledged to op.
pose these acts in every possible way, there was
possibility Of carrying the State or at least of
making go marked gain upon the vote for Mr.
as to teach the party in power that
there was a step beyond which they could not
20. But we find the Syracuse proceedings
full of contradictions, the most fatal Of
which Is that while condemning by resolution
the acts Of the Legislature relative to the city Of
New York as being opposed In every way to the
theory and practice Of the party, one half the
whole number of delegates voted TO re-nominate
the very man by whom these acts we're legally
affirmed In the court Of last resort Mr. Seymour
INDUCED in much special pleading as TO the indie
pendence OF the Judiciary; but the truth Of the
matter Is that this nomination affords the best
proof Of it, degradation, as we shall see.
In former times, within our remembrance poll
ticisns worked for political ends only. They
labored solely as politicians, with certain
measures and principles as thsh charts, and GER
tain men as their standard bearers. Zach party
had its distinct leaders who fought openly honest
ly and faithfully. How is II now! We find the
leader. Of all the parties In this State working
secretly together for stock gambling purposes
and using thtir political influence TO advance or
depress railway securities, without regard to the
consequences TO the public at large. Our Legis
lature is small and very easily led. II has been
of late years a ready tool in the hands of the
managers Of the Central Railroad, all of whom
are leading politicians Of different parties. They
initiate or depress the stock at their pleasure. At
present they have some heavy work on hand
They have succeeded in hearing" the canals 30
that instead Of being revenue to the State
they are source Of taxation; and they hope to
find Legislature plant enough to sell the ca
nails TO the railroad company. They have also