New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-05-19
ADDRESS TO THE NATIONAL DENOC
R5CY


4 THE undersigned members of the National Dem
cratic party supporters of its principles, and deeply
anxious by promoting It's harmony, preserve unim
paired the efficiency of its organization desire to join
in counsel with their Democratic brethren hToughou.
the United States
The proceedings Of the Convention recently assem-
tled at Charleston have developed q divergence OF
opinon between the delegations Of the different States
in relation to the principles which form the basis Of our
Union The National Democratic Platform adopted at
Cincinnati in 1856 met the cordial approval Of all who
believe these United States to be- what thervery name
imports Urion Of States equal, sovereign, and ell
bowed in all respects with equal rights This appro-
val was based on what seemed to TO be the plain
meaning Of the resolutions embraced in that PLATFORM
During the four years, however, which have since
interviewed it has become painfully apparent that the
construction deemed by maniestly night, Is con-
troverted by many members of our party; that other
principles are supposed to find countenanee IN that
Iafform-prnciples, IN judgment, subYeTelVe OF
ibe true theory of the Government and Of The Constr
tuition to which our Onion owess birth and on whose
preservation its permanent existence depends.
What is the history OF the recent Convention al
Charleston
Seventeen States forming a majority Of the whole,
xdopted with remarkable unanmity platform OF prin-
ciples wOrded TO avoid the possibility Of misc9n-
efrucon-principes deemed political axios by all who
phod the equal rights Of the States ne the very basis
OF the Confederacy. Many delegates from the remain
ing sixteen States eoneurred in opinion with tins ma
iofity conspicuous among whom were Delegates from
PeDnsy ANA and New-Jersey.
The States which adopted this platform give electoral
votes which can be relied with absolute certainty IN
favor of Democratic nominees, and well-grounded con-
dence "a entertained OF like result in Pennsy lyanla
and New-Jersey. These seventeen States united WIN
Pennsylvania alone comprise majority OF the entire
electoral vote Of the United States, able TO elect the
Democratic nominees against the combined opPoslltloh
of ali the remaining States. .
The platform was deliberately rejected by comD-
nation composed Of small fraction Of the delegates
from the seventeen Democratic States and very large
majority of The delegates Of the remaining sixteen States
and resolution adopted IN It's stead SIMPLY re-
affirming the principles OF the Cincinnati PLATFORM VIII
ont explatiOn or Interpretation of ITS disputed mea-
ing 1hr war done with the openly -aVOwed purpose
OF enabling the Democratic party 10 wage eaue WIN
some chance Of success IN certain Northern anu eeih
States by presenting 10 the people as MS DOCTRINES
1,-inciples opelv and expressly repudated Dy ma
iority of the Democratic State Delegations ana Oy
minority approaching unanimiiy OF the DemocIAuc
electoral VOTES Of the Union
fiou of that Of Delaware, faithful adherenis OF our
party and finn supporters Of 10 prnc'es were .nus,
by sheer force Of votes cast by acre Sales Hoh 'Ie
that will certainly vote for the Repubican cauddaes,
oomrelIed N vgbdraw from the Convention, because
in ihe language of distinguished delegate they lel
that il was burning mputaliOn upon lhs ho'lo anu
patriotism of the party that claiming 70 Ge !, 5anld
asekoowyedee for lie declaration OF ialtn eieed upon
which are placed two distinctly opposite merpreu
20 tions by lie own advocates. t.
We cannot refrain from expressing our auiil'io "a
and approval OF this lofty manifestation OF adherence 20
principle rising superior TO all considerations Of eAPe
dieney TO all irs.Inincls of party, and looKin8 Nh
single eye 30 the defense of the constitutional rghs Vi
The States.
The delegations Of other Democratic States, however
fnciuding fw delegates from the secedmg SlalesJ'
not less fatbfRl in devotion principles, were more
hopeful OF obtaining from their brethren some satisac
tory recognition of sound principles, and decided on
remaining In the Convention after distinctly declaring
bo,rever their determination also 10 withdraw If their
iust expecsaiious should be disappointed
II Is thus apparent that there almost entire nnan-
;;y OF pr;pritl Ia the delegations Of the only States
on Which aLsotate reliance can be placed Tor Demo-
cratic electoral votes while there existed diversity Of
,5s ,,;asouh "a fose prneples. Nor Is ii Of
Surprise bsi 10 conjunction 70 unexpected and aaom-
aloas. who's in The ennnciation OF Democrae Pnne-
Pies, the voice Of Virginia was oyerborne by that Of