The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1860-07-03

las leaders were opposed to the restoration of that
unity-were opposed to the return of those with
drawing States; for the first time, indeed, was it
| found that any body could be opposed to the re-
storation of the unity and nationality of the Cen
vention. Why this opposition on the part of the
Douglas managers might have easily been sur
missed at Charleston-it mrde perfectly appa-
rent at Baltimore. Indeed, rather over-zealous
Douglas men let the secret out on the cars that
the object was to "fx up" Douglas delegations
| from all these States and Gust the regular
! The result of these plans became apparent at
Baltimore. With the numerical, and, still more,
| the voting power of the Convention largely in
their hands owing the operation of the unit rule
and the withdrawal of fifty-two Southern delegates,
| the Douglas managers determined to carry things
with high hand, and they did So Their tone
had become reckless, defiant, domineering. They
we're evidently determined to exclude the regular
" appointed delegates from the Southern States;
and I'll their places with creatures of their own,
as per programme and they did so, IN the cases
of Alabama, Louisiana and Arkansas. They failed
to get up any showing from Mississippi, Texas,
South Carolina or Florida, as indeed no applica-
ton was made from either of these last named
States.
Among other incidents, all pointing in the same
direction we may allude to the of Mr. Hallett
| from Massachusetts,, and Mr. Gardy, from Missouri
These were regular delegates from their respective
districts-were unable to attend at Charleston,
but did attend at Baltmore-they notified their
substitutes of their inability to attend in the first
instance and of their ability to attend in the
cond. The principals do attend at Baltimore, and
are ousted to make way for their substitutes-need
we add that the principals not Douglas men,
but that the substitutes are But this instance Of
injustice, however gross, is only individual in its
character, and would not Of itself justify decided
action. The cases of the States of Alabama and
Louisiana are grave in character, as they in
volve the rights and principles of party organiza
ton in sovereign States.
The regular delegates from Alabama had been
originally sent to Charleston by the Democratic
State Convention. OF the regularity of that APP
pointment no question had been raised. When
the adjournment took place at Charleston, the
Democratic State Executive Committee called to-
gether a new State Convention which was largely
attended, which reaccredited the former delegates
to the National Convention. These delegates ap
pear at Baltimore with the credentials of the regu-
lar Democratic organization Of the State OF Ala
bama, while the contestants who admitted
were wholly outside of the Democratic organiza-
ton of Alabama, and might as we'll have been
picked up in the streets of Baltimore for any au
thority they had were entitled to, far as the
Democracy of Alabama is concerned Ii Mr.
Yancey indeed be disunionist as asserted, we do
| not sympathse with his views. lie denies it, and
however it may be, it is for the people who send
him to judge about his fitness their representa-
tive The regularly organized Democracy of Ala
bama have t,vice accredited the delegation of
which Mr. Yancey is member. The Convention
assumed to disregard the decision of the sovereign
State of Alabama, and to receive and set up bogus
and unauthorized delegates to represent her.
The was the case with Louisiana. The
case of Arkansas is fully as bad, though differing
in kind as it presumes to do what State only can
do-instruct how its vote shall be cast
IF these things were done to Alabama, Louisi
ana, Arkansas-to the members from Massachu-
sets and Missouri, what security could delegations
from North Carolina, Virginia, or elsewhere, feel
that their turn mil ht not come next? That if it
suited the wishes of the dominant majority their
seats might not be given to some parties whose
views might be more acceptable. No wonder the
bogus delegates from Alabama and Louisiana were
"unt for Douglas"-they were sent on purpose.
The rights of individuals and of States were alike
violated-made subservient to the ambition of one
man. State sovereignty was set at naught in
what ought to be its chosen sanctuary-all avowals
of principle were made to bend in accordance with
the expressed views of that one man. Was it any
wonder that division should occur in body
irregula1y constituted or that the truly National
Democracy of a majority of the States, prelerring
to have their action free from any such extraneous
influences, should have resumed their sessions at
tue nan or the maryland institute, Wncre the as
tingushed presiding officer, Hon. Caleb Cushinga
continued to preside over truly National Convent
ton. national platform adopted and
national nominations promptly made. We have
placed these nominations at our head We will
do our best for their best success.
The sense of obligation during those trying days
at Baltimore actually painful. The great ma
jority of our delegation felt that but course
was honorably open for them, and that they pur-
sued. They do not attack any who differ from
them-they simply ask fair and candid examina-
ton of their own course.
In speaking apparently on behalf of the maj ORR
ty of the delegation, do SO with no more au-
thority than knowledge Of the facts and COM
munity of feeling seem to permit; but for what we
say, distinctly state that we alone are response
bic. To those of our brother delegates who diff
Tered from at Baltimore we have none but
friendly feelings-we seek no controversy with
any of the few Democrats who may prefer Judge
Douglas after the events that have occurred We
mOny.
Ray The following papers in North Carolina
have raised the names of Breckenridge and Lane
to the head of their editorial columns Whining
ton Journal Fayetteville Carolinian, Raleigh Press,
Fayetteville Courier, Salisbury Banner, Goldsboro
Tribune, Charlotte Democrat Goldsboro Rough
Notes, Tarboro Mercury, Wilson Star of Freedom,
aud Warrenton News
One or two of the above papers, the Banner and