New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-08-18
POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.
THE SOFTS AT SYRACUSE,
xcopAence Of The N. Y. Tribune


SYRACUSE, Aug, I6, 1860.
The Douglas State Convention is another illustration
Of the power Of the Soft section of the New York
Democracy. Though few Hard Shells par icipated
h its proceedings, the great body of the delegates
nearly the entire mass of outsiders" and all the
managers, were Of the Soft wing of the party.
Shrewd bold, and unscrupulous they can hardly find
ther peers in any class of politicians in the Union
With the odds heavily against them, they beat the
Nation ais at the Cincinnati Convention four years
sgo and drove to the wall the Fire Eaters in the re-
cent con est at Charleston and Baltimore They have
never failed to rule every State Convention in New
York for the last dozen years. And here, yeste day
and to-day they have dictated every line of policy
which has been pursued every principle that has been
enuneiated and every candidate that has been nom-
mated Their foes in their organization have never
been able 10 subdue them. To do that requires the
stt Ring doctrines and the ndomitabe energy Of the
Republicans.
And this party 30 skillfu, sagacous, and so sue
sessul has made an open union with it's hereditary
foes This can hardly be said to be sacrifice OF prin-
sple for all the cardinal principles for which the Rad
ical Democracy of New-York was once Ilustrious,
were sacrificed by the mere act of remaining WITHIN
the organization after the repeal of the Missouri Com
promise. No The SOfts are In tight place, ana
want somebody to help them out. Unwilling TO 60
sean over to the ground occupied by the Republicans
and cali upon Lincoln for aid, they stop at the half
vay house of SQuatter Sovereignty and enIreat Hunt
70 exts nd to them succor1Dg hand
Tho promntness with which the Soft Democracy
foymed union with such of the Bellies as were WILL
TAG 10 ion them, displays the peculiar policy upon
~b;eh the former have always acted, and teaches
ksson worthy to be pondered by the Republicans
From the days of Jefferson down to those OF Douglas
The Democratic party has never been AFRAID OF receiV
mo accessions IL has always kept free quarters ana
inscribed copspicuousy its main entrance walk
IN. gentlemen, and help yourselves In TINS regard
n has manifested cathohcity which its rival the late
Wing party and especially in the State Of New-York,
never seemed to appreciate, and was loath to practices
The criticism which the Democracy Of New-1ork, IN
ware gone by used ost frequently to bestow upon
ia antagonist was, that it's leaders seemed to
10 always fearful lest accessions of new men, and
outside eiQues and outstanding factions, would ioter
fere with, and, perhaps ultimately take fom their
. hands the control of the party machinery. Hence
said the managing men of the Democracy, the Wing
chief aims are ever sammpg the door in the face OF re-
cruits unless they will allegiance TO them in ad
vance while we keep open doors, offer bounty to all
eomers and will trust to our skill TO mold them into
due form hereafter. No candid observer doubts the
trutbfuness Of this criticism; will he dispute the
fact that the Republican party of New-York has been
TOO wont to act upon the policy OF the Wing party, OF
whose de 5ris it is largely composed Nor Is 1t I'M
known that many far-sghted men, In and out OF this
State believe that the refusal OF the Republicans TO
unite on liberal terms but without any sacrifice
Of principle, with portion of the Old-Lne Wings
and Americans, at Syracuse, two years ago, was
potent cause Of the defeat Of Gov Seward at Chicago
Not that affected his prospects in New-Yorki but it
IL insisted by influential Republicans in other States
that i. did most seriously affect them in New-Engand
Eew-Jersey, Pennsylvania and Indiana and wherethe
Republican party was either largely composed Of Old
Line Wings and Americans, was just then entering
into alliances with that type of politicians.
But, my present purpose was not TO traverse this
delicate ground upon which have accidentally wan
dered bat simply to indicate the policy by which the
Democracy has from time time repenished its ranks
when tsnned by detection or disaster, and thus
bed itself to win great victories in trying emergencies
Let the Republican party ponder well this policy and
the philosophy that dictated it.
The Softs claim that they have nominated strong /
State ticket Mr. Kelley personally popular, and is
hvorably known to the agricultural and commercial
interests of New-York But, candid Democrats admit
that James T. Brady will draw heavily from him in
the Eastern Counties and in the Metropolis. Judge
Allen, Of Orange, is an able Jurist, and has many
warn friends in the Central and Northern Counties.
But his Democratic opponent is sterling Canal man,
and will hang upon his skirts in all the West. The
most active and energetic politician on the ticket, is
Mr.. Wright, candidate for Canal Commissioner For
twenty years he has been large and successful
tractor and his friends assert that In all that time he
has never urged claim against the State. He is pit
ted against his old Hard colleague, Mr.. Jaycox. But,
there is no need of going into detail The whole ticket
put in nomination by the Sos is destined to be over
whelmed by heavy Republican majority. l am yet
TO meet the first Democrat who believes it will be
elected, though possibly the Hon. w. Hunt may labor
under that delusion.