The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1859-10-29

The object of the demonstration in the Square
on Thursday evening cannot be mistaken 1t was
as transparent rs the blackguardism which dis
played itsefn the choice of notices and devices
upon the lanterns of the Clubs and as disreputabe
as the means which were employed to effect it. II
was nothing less than intimidation. l. was to
brighten timid voters from the polls by an ntima-
ton OF the sort of treatment they might expect
should they attempt to exercise the right of suf
frage on Wednesday next. A more infamous ex-
pedient for influencing an election we do not be-
lieve entered the heads of political MANAGERS
and it was not the least disgraceful part of the
scheme that men, protesting TO be decent and re-
spectacle, were found lending themselves to its
furtherance. As usually happens, however, in
such cases, the thing was over-done Considered
with exclusive reference to the object of terrifying
persons of weak nerves and constitutional timidity
the demonstration was undoubtedly well-con-
trived, and, perhaps, partially successful In all
other respects it was, politically speaking.
the most ill-advised measure and likely 10 be the
most preiudicial to the interests of the American
party that can possibly be imagined. It was
distinct announcement of the intention of that
party to employ brute force for the purpose of
carrying the coming election. It was gathering
of all that is diSrepuable and vile in the popula-
ton of our city for the purpose of giving signifi-
canoe and force to the threat. For one man that
was disheartened or dismayed by the exhibition
of ruffanism and bestiality thus made, one hun
dred were roHscl TO a sense of the true condi-
ton of affairs, and the necessity Of applying an
immediate remedy By the light of the obscene
transparencies which were carried in procession
Thursday night, and which We're ranged
around the platform from which Mr. DAVIS smoke,
men saw the real nature Of the danger which threat
ems them-the depth Of the abyss which yawns at
their feet. They saw the congregated and organ
lied rufiianism of the town arrayed in opposition
TO all that is decent and reputable in life CONVEX
sation and manners, melted to violence by the
most inflammatory appeals, and menacng with
destruction the most cherished rights of citi
zens. They saw that the contest was not political
but social, and that the issue was not between
rival candidates or parties, but between honest
and respectable men on the one side, and ruff
fans and demagogues on the other. 1t was
Jacobinism of the worst sort that spoke on Thurs
day night through the lips of the Honorable Mr.
DAVIS, and responded from those of the 'Blood
Clubs and the ''Tigers." 1t was marshalling
of the rabbe against the industrious casses-of
criminals against the Law-of the populace
against Society. Need we wonder that Society
has taken the alarm, and that Industry and Pro-
perty arc frightened? The address of the Reform
Central Committee is forcble presentation of the
real posture of affairs, and we commend it earn
estly to the attention of our readers 1t shows us
where we are-what we may expect, and what we
ought to do. 1t is the first result of the atempt
at intimidation practised on Thursday night
may a glorious triumph on Wednesday be the
browning and the next!