The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-05-11

The Constitutional Union Convention, after a
labors last evening. These were not as our
readers are aware, very arduous, for the Conven-
ton did not think it advisable to put forth any
declaration of its principles, beyond a renewed
expression Of its devotion 10 the Constitution and
the Union. 1t simply contented itself with nomi-
mating its candidates for the Presidency and Vice
Presidency. For the former position it selected
the Hon. JOHN BELL, of Tennessee, and the Hon.
EDWARD EVERETT was named for the latter So
far the new party has done well enough for, in
point of character and capacity, both the gentle.
men mentioned are not only unexceptonable but
distinguished, But in weighing the probabitie:
of their election 10 the places for which they ar,
proposed, it is necessary to look beyond theil
merely personal qualifications. Respectable a:
they are, neither of them is sufficient
ly popular to awaken the enthusiasm
of the country in behalf of the ticket, and the
support they will receive will probably be from
those who are rather driven off from the old par
ties than attracted towards this new organization
Dissatisfaction with the Democratic and Republi-
nominations or platforms may compel the
conservative voters to give their suffrages to the
Constitutional Union candidate, but it is scarcely
possible that any other cause will induce the peo-
pie to try the hazardous experiment of forsakine
an old and tried party for young and feeble one
If, therefore, the Democrats and the Republicans
can respectively settle their intestine divisions
and each proposes a candidate who is believed to
be honest and able only comparatively small
number will hesitate to choose between the
two. In that event Mr.. BELL will be apt to
find himself in a situation similar to that of Mr.
FILLMORE in 1856 The latter had then n much
better chance than Mr. BELL would have now, fol
the adherents of the American party were numer.
Gus and active, and the Old Line Wings mustered
in considerable force. But men refused then tc
throw away their strength merely for the sake o
sentiment, and the lesson which that election
taught will not be forgotten in the coming con
test. Upon the action, therefore, of the Conven
tons which are yet to meet everything still de
ponds. The decision of the Republicans is no
likely to affect Mr.. BILLS position, but that o
the Democratic Convention, in June, will
materially influence it. If the polit
cal hucksters undertake to control matter:
heie ueAU nonti, anu succeed IN making
such nomination as is desirable only tc
those having selfish and personal ends to crafty
we believe the present temper of the people to be
such that they will give heavy vote to the Con.
stitutional Union candidates. But if moderate
platform is adopted by the coming Baltimore Con-
vention, and a statesman is brought forward fol
the Presidency who commands the respect of the
country, then Mr., BELL would either be Alto
gether ignored, or his continuance in the field
will render the election of the Republican nomi
nee, either by the electoral college or by the
House of Representatives, almost a matter of GER
taInty. This seems to us TO be the aspect which
the future has assumed since the adjournment OF
the Convention which sat here yesterday. We
have but time now to comment on its final action.
and all criticisms upon what was singular or OBJ
jectonable in IFS preliminary proceedings we must
reserve for further consideration. ...