The New York herald., 1866-09-26
Political Conventions and Independent Jour

other.
Political Conventions and Independent Jour
nnIism.
The late political conventions upon which
SO much expectation was based by all parties
have proved magnificent failures, producing
no practical result whatever. The age of con-
ventions is evidently passed. The common
sense of the public revolts against the shallow
humbug OF the few deciding for the many.
People think for themselves nowadays upon
the vital issues which concern the prosperity
of the country and they are disposed to act
upon the suggestions of their own judgment
and the light they receive from the indepen-
dent press rather than upon the dictum OF an
assemblage of politicians. Thus the three
recent Philadelphia conventions accomplished
nothing for the public good nor for the parties
which inaugurated them. They were mere
husks without the corn.
The Conservative Convention attracted a
good deal of interest; but the interest was
kept alive more by the suppression Of free
speech in the cases Of certain obnoxious
and dangerous individuals than anything else.
The course pursued in this regard drew con-
siderable attention to the proceedings and
awakened good deal of curiosity as to the
fruits which were expected to ripen out OF
that gathering. But whatever good was ac-
complished there during the session has been
entirely neutralized by the action Of the par
ticipants since the convention dissolved. The
convention OF the radicals which followed was
complete break down. 1t was so inhar-
monious and unnatural that it Immediately
divided into two parties and then INTO 'hree'
All that remains of it now IS the last joint OF
the tail represented by parcel Of spoils-
seekers who are sucking Bourbon bottles some
where out West The Soldiers Convention ia
somewhat in the same vein and will amount
to nothing more than the rest of ihem
The fact il that these political conyen-
tions are mere humbugs, having no weight
or force whatever. In this advanced
ago of civilization, with our telegraphs,
railroads and Independent newspapers, the
people find better guides than the hackneyed
machinery OF conventions and caucuscs: and
the politicians must be stupid indeed If they
do not understand this. Political conventions
are dead letter. They can no longer govern
the intelligence of people aided by the lights
Of an advanced civilization and an inde-
pendent press. An Independent journal
like the HERALD, for instance, exercising an
influence upon public opinion which cannot
be. controlled by politicians or conventions;
which has no afliliation with any party, but
deals with all parties alike according as they
assist or obstruct the progress Of the country or
effect the general good; and which never allows
itself to be governed by any selfish organiza-
tions, called by whatever name they may be,
whether democratic or republicans a
stronger power In the interests Of every mea-
sure which concerns The best policy OF our
great free nation than any political party. We
say this not in any boasting spirit, but as a
matter Of fact which must be patent TO all
thinking men and which is as well understood
by the conductors of the partisan newspapers
as by any other class In the community. This
accounts for the silly attacks made upon the
HERALD by these poor party tools--their charges
of desertion of principle and abandonment Of
the democratic party; as IL the HERALD ever be-
longed to that party or any other or as il the
HERALD is in fact not the only journal in The
country which belongs TO no party. II has
steadfastly contended for the immutsble prin-
ciples Of the constitution, no matter what tricks
or subterfuges any mere party organization
may have resorted to.
II is to cover up their tracks that the
party papers assail the HERALD with weak and
illogical and windy abuse. The Independent
newspaper which deals with public events az
1t finds them, condemns dangerous measures of
public policy, keeps faithful watch over the
general interests OF the country and thwsris
the schemes Of corrupt aud ambitious politi-
clans, exercises the most potent influence over
tho popular mind in this enlightened age; and
that Is the reason why the party newspapers
are SO bitter in their attacks upon a Journal
which cannot be made subservient 10 the dicts-
ton Of any faction.
Mr.. SEWARD AT HIS Posr AoAIs.--we are
glad to see that Mr.. Seward has recovered and
NJ a.. xr.to ..,.r