The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1859-12-07

It is singular with what tenacity men will dis
pute about names long after they have ceased to
mean practical things. Some will cling to n
designation as an old soldier follows his flag, re-
garlless of the cause it waves for, and others
enlist upon a side they disapprove of, simply
because It's opponents bear Il title they have
learned to dislike. Although this is sentimental
rather than rational, We may observe it daily,
and an odd example of it has Just been furnished
us by the New York papers. Although there
were in that city, three candidates for the Mayor
atty in the field, each of whom was supported by
a powerful and active organization, a small band
Of cold Line Wings" as they delighted 10 call
themselves, met together and made nomination
on their own account. \ conservative and re-
spectacle set Of men they certainly were, but they
no more represented political party, than our
cold Defenders DO an existing army. 1t was
conceded that the defeated and fisbanded Wings
had for years been gradually forming other asso-
Citations, and that but a few thousand votes at
tine most likely to be given to the nominee
put forward under their auspices. It was adj
mitted, also that the principles they once advo-
Gated were in no way involved in the canvass
between the Republicans and the divided Demo-
Gratis, and yet it was deliberately determined to
throw away certain number of votes in a vain
appeal to cold SymPathies and dead issues 1t is
true, that wiser counsels ultimately prevailed, but
the instance not the less strkingly illustrates how
'the magic of Il name may sometimes blind and
mislead even those astute politicians, who are
usually mpulsvc only after reflection. But Of
this, perhaps our own local history furnishes
clearer evidence than any other. Ever since the
American party first took possession Of this city,
the Wings have been necessarily adjured, and in
the most pathetic terms, to join It's ranks, for tho
sole purpose of furnishing the Democrats. 1t was,
we admit, tempting opportunity for revenge
on its old enemies that was thus offered to
a beaten party, bat it is hard to under
stand how it should have been accepted by
those who chiefly prided themselves the
purity Of their principles. Many who utterly
repudated the strange doctrines that were dissem-
mated from the mysterious lodges, still lent
support to their adherents and far mis-
took prejudice for duty as TO acquesce in wrongs
they had been wont vchemenuy TO condemn
''Once Wing always Wing" was the motto of
q number of very honestly disposed people, who
were determined to sickle for the right of stand
inc in place while societies, dynasties and ma
tons were undergoing rapid changes. They de-
tested certain principles twenty years ago, and
were therefore bent upon prescribing, now, all who
had ever maintained them. We do not mean to say
that these observations apply exclusively to any
one party, for there may readily be found many
Democrats who, after fellowship of some years.
are still 10th to give too cordial a support 10 an
''Old Line Wing" We would direct attention
to the subject, because these are the passions APP
pealed to when men recommend what they call
union of the Opposition. We of Maryland can
have, at this time, nothing in common with the
Republicans. Let him who will, stand alooffrom
the Democratic party, but he must give some bet
ter reason than hatred to it and its antecedents
for allying himself with the sectional and extreme
organization of which Mr.. SEWARD is the leader and
Mr.. GREELEY the mouthpiece That hatred is the
only ground on which we are invited into this
conservative coalition. We cannot conceive how
any one can Justify it to himself who allows his
antipathy to one political association to drive him
into communion with another whose principles he
must still more strenuously condemn. Where such
motives sway mems minds political action becomes
of course the the mere index of their petty passions
These have, no doubt, operated on very many toler
ably conscientious voters heretofore, but it is
more than ever important, at this time, to depre-
cate such influences. In the present disruption of
parties, confusion of principles, and ENHANCEMENT
of events, thousands will have to seek for new po-
litical landmarks and as these may guide them
toVards momentous issues, their choice should be
directed by prudent and patriotic connsels and in
no wise influenced by the miserable appeals now
made to old prcjndiccs.