The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-05-09
BALTIMORE.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1860

demonstrations. =" said Sir JAMES Macintosh,
sneaking of those of European nations ''Consti-
.'tutions are not made, they grow" This obser-
walton, which was thought to be a very sagacious
one at the time, may be applied with ten-fold
force to parties. Men can seldom be induced TO
take Fictitious interest in political movements, or
to enlist in political organization as they would
in militia company. They must have associated
together for the support of certain definite
measures or have differed with their opponents
upon some exciting or vital questions, before they
can establish the nucleus around which party
can gather. Vast masses Of men may stand aloof
unanimously dissenting from the views or acts of
existing political bodies, but they must necessari-
ly remain, if we may use n remote illustration,
in nebulous condition, until some common prin-
ciple attracts them around a centre of their own,
and effects their consolidation Unless they
can point out the specific objects, for the immed-
ate attainment of which they are laboring, or
show some record of past policy that they are
striving to maintain, they can scarcely hope to Sc
cure the cooperation either of partsans
or independent voters. The Wing and Demo-
cratic parties were not organized to present
issues to the country, but they simply grew
as the people divided upon questions of serious
and lasting importance. From the earliest
propositions on which a conflict of opinion oc-
Cured between them they eliminated the
principles which were to guide them in the future,
and through all their vicissitudes the distinctive
features of each were clearly marked. All par
E. IL
had more than an ephemerdl vitality, have org-
mated in the same way. They have always di-
vided upon some actually subsisting grounds. 1t
is unfortunate for the Constitutional Union Con-
venton, which assemblies here this morning, that
it is compelled to reverse the customary order
of things. 1t must first beat up sufficient
number of recruits to form party, and after
wards determine what it is to battle for An
tipathy to the Democratic and Republican parties
is at present the sole bond of sympathy between
its members, and they have so far put forward
nothing to enti1e them to popular support, ex-
cept professions of unbounded reverence for the
Constitution and the Union, and demand for
retrenchment and reform in the administration
Of the General Government 1t is evident that
generalites like these would not on ordinary
occasions, suffice for a platform, and that
it would be useless to ask the country to
confde the direction of affairs to those whose
purposes were so vaguely indicated. If the Con-
vention, therefore, looks at the matter in this
light, and essays to define its position, it has
before it task of no little difficulty. As it has
no antecedents which it can offer as guarantees
for the future it will be compelled TO detail elab
orately and with much precision, its political
theories. The attempt TO do this, WILL in all
likelihood expose its weakness rather than
strengthen it in public estimation An ut
ter failure to arrive at harmonious conclu
sion would of course be fatal to a new and as vet
feeble party. But suppoSing the individuals COM
posing it, who have heretofore held such widely
different opinions upon all the leading questions
of the day, willing to sacrifice their predilec-
tons, it may be doubted whether the situation of
the Convention will be thereby bettered A plat
form arranged by men Of diverse political
leanings, and under such circumstances would
probably be a piece of mere political ececticism
Democratic and Republican materials alike will be
freely taken TO consructt. In the adoption or reec-
ton of particular principles and measures, expedi-
ency rather than convictions must be consulted
''united opposition" animated as it is by a
common motive only in its efforts to destroy. can.
when it is called upon 10 rebuild, present nothing
hut plans which are homogeneous If, therefore the
present Convention undertakes to express lis views
upon the minor issues which have for some years
divided the two great parties of the country we
might confidently expect it to endorse what it
supposes to be the most available principles and
the most popular projects even though consis-
tency should be altogether discarded in so doing
II 1T is unable TO agree upon any propositions
other than the indefinite declarations set forth in
the call which brought together its sole reliance
for success in the coming contest would be upon
the character and known political procvties of
its candidates. Older organizations might, and
often nave, appealed to the people, trusting solely
to the reputation and popularity of their leaders,
but such an experiment the Constitutional Union
Party connot, at this juncture, safely try. The
nation, it is generally admitted is passing through
critical period of its existence and all feel the
necessity Of making the conservative vote of the
country tell in its full strength. Surprising
therefore, the various candidates to be equally
able and respectable, the representative of strong
tried and popular party would certainly receive,
and be entitled TO, every man S support as against
the nominee Of an organization which had exhibit
ted no evidences of vitality or vigor beyond the
presentation of the name of a candidate. There
is but one contingency, upon the happening of
which this newborn party is likely TO make its
influence felt If the Democratic Party fails to
unite It's divided sections, or presents dstasteful
or improper candidate to the country, rght-mnd-
ed men will unquestionably rally, and rally with
enthusiasm, around the nominee of this Conyen-
uon, provided he is a statesman whom all can re-
spect and trust. But if the Convention which is
to assemble here in June should nominate an
equally honorable, upright and capable man for
the Presidency, then the Constitutional Union
Party, by adhering to its own candidate, would
be powerless, except 10 distract and weaken the
only organization which could hope to contend
successfully with the Republicans. 1t is impossi-
BILE, therefore, until the Democratic Convention
has been held, to say what Importance is to be
attached to the labors of the body which meets
here to-day.