Daily Iowa State Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1859, 1858-03-19

w DsLKNAP d. u. SOLOMON,
d. TEST, State Central Co"'m"'ee'
The Republican Convention which
met at the Court House on Wednesday
last inaugurated new era in the poll
tics of this country. For the first time
within the period Of our memory a
body Of politicians have chosen for
their standard bearer, a man, who has
not the least sympathy with them, and
who does not hesitate to avow that he
does not believe in the principles they
advocate. The question presents itself,
what is the cause of so extraordinary a
proceeding! Have the Republicans
abandoned the things they call princi-
ples, and embraced the views of MIR.
Cooke That would be a reasonable
supposition, if Mr.. Cooks peculiar doc
trines we're popular; but as they are
not upon what theory are the sudden
abnegation by the Republicans Of the
claims Of their old leaders, and the no
less sudden adoption of political ad-
versary, to be accounted fors Only a
few days ago, the Gazette denounced
Independent nominations as humbug
and a snare; on Wednesday evening,
its editors took conspicuous part in
an "IIdcpendent" meeting. What
produced the sudden change in their
opinions Who is the great magician
who transforms Cook into a Republi-
can, and Republicans into Indepen-
dents with such wonderful facility
Who was present when Cook expe-
rienced change Of heart ! Who saw
neighbor Sanders under conviction
They both may have been upon the
anxious seat, but who can testify as TO
their convcrsionl When did Ebenc-
ger Cook become a Republican I! What
made the Sanders independents 2" If
Mr.. Cook is not Republican, what
business has he before a Republican
convention! These are important
questions. When SO many in the con-
vention objected to it, why was the
nomination of Mr.. Cook declared un-
animous!
1t is evident what induced the Re
publicans to stultity themselves by
placing at the head of their columns ;
political opponent. 1t is of piece
with the usual management of tn,
party. Without confidence in thcil
own strength, they foolshly supposed
that by taking up the Independent,
candidate, they might succeed in secu
ring the votes Of few stray Demo
Gratis, and thereby carry the rest of the
ticket. When few ovcr-ardent friends
Of Mr.. Cook were hawking him about
the streets as Democrat, and urging
him as the nominee of the Democratic
party, they were told that, if he were
q democrat, he must publicly declare
himself to be such, and that the Dem
ocracy looked upon it as defeat rath-
er than victory, if by their votes, a
political opponent was elected to office.
1t would be well for the Republicans,
were they equally honest and equally
prudent. With the exception of a
corporal's guard, whose names and
motives are we'll known, the democrats
Of this city will adhere to the nominal
ton Of their party, and many a Rcpub-
licau who would support candidate
Of Republican principles Will never be
driven to support Mr.. Cook. Had Jim
Thorington been at home, bis presence
and tact would have prevented Mr.
Cooks nomination. What is theil
loss, however, is our gain, and we con
TESS that we rejoice that the Republi
cans have done what they did. Unit
Wednesday evening, We had doubt
and misgivings, but every forebodin
is dispelled. The Democratic party
as certain to carry this city at tn
next election as the sun is to rise o
the first Saturday in April. The II
dependent meeting showed, who til
Independents" were, and our min
was relieved. We could at this mt
ment pronounce the name of the ne,
mayor of Davenport. He is an avov
ed Democrat.
%It is thought by some person
present at the Independent meeting @
Wednesday evening, that there W,