The New York herald., 1860-09-10


to lag down his life is worthy Of the name Of
American citizen.
A New POLITICAL ORGANIZATION. s.-During the
progress of the present Presidential campaign
we have frequently called attention to the very
cool war In which it has been carried on. The
divided democracy are working like men who
swim against the tide, and hope to keep their
heads above water only. The Union move
ment is after the manner Of an under current
and will find its expression at the polls, rather
han in any noisy demonstrations before cleo
ion. Up to late period we have heard little
of the political clubs, like the Log Cabin" boys
n 1910, the Young Hickory" and Henry
Clay" associations of 1914, the "Buena Vistas'
1852, or the "Keystones " and Rocky Noun
tains Of 1856. Latterly, however, the new
republican organization, the Wide Awakes,
have gained largely in numbers-a circum-
stance due rather to their unique equipment
than to any partisan enthusiasm.
The Wide Awakes originated in Hartford,
Conn, about year ago. A number Of
young men resolved to keep wide awake" IN
til the arrival of Mr.. G. M. Clay, who was to
speak in their city. They escorted the Ken
lucky martyr" to his hotel by torchlight, and
afterwards formed themselves into political
dub, adopting as uniform leather cape,
with caps to match. The Wide Awakes parade
only at night; those in the ranks carry
torches, while the officers have lanterns. The
Wide Awakes differ from other political clubs
IN the respect that they are regularly drilled
| in the school Of TIE soldier, and can at any mo-
ment exchange their torches for muskets. Thus
| they have two distinct organizations, and wc
sets of officers, civil and military. After the
nomination Of Lincoln some Of the Wide
Awake companies changed their name and
now call themselves Rail Splitters" or "Rail
Maulers." They are all alike, however; all
drilled in the same way, and all wear
the same livery, looking like cross between an
insurance patrolman and q policeman. The
effect of the drill of the Wide Awakes is per-
ceptible in the regularity Of their marching and
the uniformity Of their lines, which combine
| the ligh. of their torches and give most pic
turesque appearance to their parades, some
thing like what we read of the "Feasts Of the
Lanterns among the Chinese.
As to the number of the Wide Awakes, We
cannot form, just now, even an approximate
idea. Ar eastern paper before US states that
they paraded six thousand men In Portland
last Tuesday. AT the Syracuse Convention
some four thousand Wide Awakes turned out
to serenade Mr.. Thurlow Weed, and In every
considerable town throughout the North and
West the new fraternity flourishes to greater
| or less extent In the South, we apprehend
| Wide Awakes are not numerous. In fact, the
| Feast Of Lanterns that their leaders would pro-
baby assis, at in that line Of country would
| probably be such as these the Paris sans
ctlo,tcs treated the head monopolists to during
the Reign Of Terror.
II was understood, In the first place, that the
Wide Awakes were organized only for the cam
paign, but II Is now reported that they have
been drilled with q view to support Lincoln In
case there should be any interference from the
South TO prevent bis Inauguration, and that
they intend to consolidate themselves en- peSma-
nance, like the Know Eothings. Such an Or
ganiEauon, In the hands Of bad men, might do
great deal CT harm, and therefore II Is fortu.
nate that partisan clubs always carry within
themselves the germs Of dissolution. Their
members are composed Of two classes Of per
sons-veteran partisans, who seek Office, and
young men, who join the club from curiosity.
Directly after election the fret named class fall
10 lighting among themselves, and, the novelty Of
the thing having worn on, the young men with.
draw altogether. That the Wide Awakes viii
meet the fate Of their illustrious predecessor
there car be no reasonable doubt. In the
meantime, - . guide to the future historian
We intend 10 keep the public fully posted N
TO the rise and progress Of the new organiza
tion, and viii throw some light upon the do
ings Of the Wide Awakes In few days.
MrrRoroLrrAx PRErARArIoSs FOR THE REcEr
II n NJ