The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-04-23
BALTIMORE.
MONDAY, APRIL %, 1901

MONDAY, APRIL %, 1860
The Charleston Convention inee'S 'iiis ihorn-
inn and never before has so simple task de-
voIvod upon any political body, as this one
,,;u bo called upon to discharge. If it will
I'm, nominate a candidate whose character and
capacity alike command the public confidence, it
might terminate its labors at that point. 1t need
not trouble itself to define with metaphysical
acuteness the party creed, nor TO construct from
the wreck of matter that is adrift upon the poli-
cal sea n spacious and buoyant platform The
dreary platitudes which usually form the staple
of the resolutions passed on such occasions have
had their day, and people recognize the fact that
no productive harvest has ever sprung from the
many bushels of chafr SO profusey scattered
by those who have heretofore superintendent the
sowing of the political field. Sensible men will
be likely henceforth to judge of the position and
purposes of parties, regardless of such sem-ofcial
exposons Of their doctrines as their managers
find it convenient, at critical moments, to put
forth. At this juncture we want no long pro-
gramme of principles from the Charleston or any
other Convention, to help us to a right under
standing of the issues before the country. These
are so few and so plain that no one can fail to
comprehend them. The only questions upon
which the public mind is really divided
and excited, are those which have grown
ont of the disputes which of the institution of
slavery has of late years been so prolific. Apart
from these it would be difficult to run the line of
demarcation clearly between the two leading
parties. But upon this point their views are
in direct conflict, and the fact that vital DIFF
ferences of opinion exist upon so momentous
subject has sufiiced to produce widespread feel
ing Of uneasincss. If either side should harshly
and aggressively insist upon adopting any new
line of policy for the regulation of slavery in the
future, the consequences of such a course might he
readily predicted. 1t is, we believe, the earnest
desire of good men everywhere that all discussions
upon this absorbing topic shall be brought to q
close, and towards this single result their political
action will in all probability be directed. They
require some assurance that the party which they
may assist in elevatng to power will discounte-
nance all lactious agtations about slavery. They
ask TO be furnished with some evidence that mod
crate and conservative counses will prevail among
those to whom at n crisis like this the dcstines of
the nation are TO be entrusted. How is party to
give such pledges? What guarantees can it offer
beyond those proofs ofloyalty to the commonwealth
which may be gathered from its past history and
conduct? If platforms and programmes are to 90
for nothing, and if in the present aspect of affairs
no specific measures are so prominently before the
people as to render incumbent on the Presidential
Convention to commit itself for or against them
H. l.
dence or awaken the enthusiasm of the country |
It can do everything that is required to produce
these results 10y the simple act of nominating O
fitting candidate. If it will put forward as
its exponent some statesman whose life and repu-
taton are such rs TO warrant the belief that his
administration would be wise, pure and patriotic,
it can safely adjourn the preparation of preambles
its attachment to principles that have been already
settled and all recognize the impossibility of
foreseeing the shape which the issues that are now
being developed, will assume through the next
four years. In the coming contest the strength
and the weakness of each party will ne determ-
ined more than ever heretofore, by the character
and capacity Of its candidate. 1t is because of
this conviction that men will watch with unusual
anxiety the gathering of the first National Con-
vention. The fear lest some selfish partisan OF
scheming politician may turn the influence of the
assembly at Charleston 10 his own account, has
caused many to hesitate, who would otherwise
render to it a willing allegiance. They cannot
forget that the party there represented, has of
late suffered itself to be beguiled somewhat
from the course of consistency and duty. 1t has
been too busy with little things-t has permitted
too many demagogues and second-rate politicians
TO counsel and misdirect it-and ii has acquiesced
too long in n distribution of public Offices and an
expenditure of public monies, which have been, TO
say the least, dsreputable. But, notwithstanding
this, thousands stand ready TO support it in this
emergency, when it shall have purged itself of
these offences and manifested disposition TO move
forward upon higher level. If it will but now
cast Off the selfish and corrupt trickstcrs who as
TO he its leaders, and elevate to the foremost
place any Of the able and upright men who would
disdain TO secure their ascendancy through the
base means by which charlatans rise to eminence,
it will place itself upon the vantage ground in the
approaching struggle. National in its sentiments
conservative in its opposition to the heterogene-
Gus masses which challenge it-powerful as an
old and tried ganization-respectable as the re-
preventative of constitutional principles which
have been sanctioned by the people--it would,
when led ny n trusted and respected statesman,
make an appeal to the country that would be ire
sistiblc. No party would be able to show better
claims or TO offer Gaircr pledges for the support of
the nation. In such position it is in the power
of the Charleston Convention TO place the Demo-
cratic party, and we are not without con-
tidence that that body will use wisely the oppor-
tunity which now offers for its regeneration