The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1866-09-25
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The Delusiveness of Great Conventions
and Popular Gatherings---They are of
no Avail without Organization and
| Leadership.
Large bodies of men, assembled harmoni-
ously upon stirring political occasions, are
too apt to become SO exhilerated, excited,
and enthusiastic as to imagine that the peo-
pie at large are feeling just about the same
way as themselves. The vast mass that con-
gregated at Chicago, in the interest OF Gen
eral Mcclellan, were fatally impressed with
such an idea Therefore they heaped lncum-
brances upon him too grievous to be borne,
though he promptly repudiated the platform
and though his army popularity as war
candidate enabled him to run far ahead of
his party.
The great and harmonious convention OF
the friends of the President, that recently as
sembled in Philadelphia, seemed also to be
impressed with the idea that the vastness OF
their numbers, and their wonderful spirit
of unity and harmony, were type OF gener-
al feeling in the country at large. That this
was the belief is pretty obvious, from the
fact that nothing suitable has followed in the
way Of system in holding mass meetings, and
especially in that of comprehensive organl-
zation for the many obvious purposes Of con-
Quoting canvass, in which the Radicals
now have the field, and will keep it, in the
absence of concerted action upon system by
the friends of the Union.
So, also. the vast gatherings at very nu-
merous points in the North and West to
welcome the President will be interpreted by
those especially who are not thoroughly YER
sed in the subtilety and secret springs OF
Northern politics, as sort OF an invaluable
sign that nearly all the people are In favor OF
the policy of the Administration. Herein is
an error that may work mischief. The mass
of the people of the North have been accus-
toned to turn out to see and honor their
Chief Magistrate. They have ever been dis
posed to do so even for those who had no
party, and certainly for those who had no
majority at their backs, We have seen such
SHRED by their political opponents from
sense of respect to themselves as the constlt-
uent body, and to the Chief Magistrate as
their chosen servant under institutions which
they seemed especially to appreciate on such
occasions Never until the tour of President
johnson did party hate of leaders take the
form of melting reckless men, of ungovern
able temper and vulgar manners, to disturb
Chief Magistrate, however Objectionable his
views, policy, and principles to many. These
brutal exhibitions have so profoundly i'm
pressed the better class of Republicans, that
many Of them, as in Ohio, a portion of Penn
sylyania, and in Maryland, have manifested
their displeasure with their party managers,
by taking especial pains to be present at the
recent ovations to the President. But it
must not be inferred that these will, in the
excitement of politics that is to ensue, cut
loose from old party associations. They may
condemn the proscriptive, discourteous, and
bigoted action of their municipal or State
and the coarse conduct of fell |
lows of the lower sort in disturbing and as
saulting the President. Nevertheless, when
the election comes off, they will mainly vote
as they have been accustomed to do. We
do not entertain doubt but that the vile |
partisan assaults upon the President will |
bring much strength to his party. Nor do we
doubt that his sincere, earnest, direct, plain, |
and cogent addresses will find responsive
Judgment in the hearts of thousands of the |
sons of toll who had not before expressed |
opinions They in particular exhibit respect |
for him, and not holders of valuable offices. |
This was sharply illustrated on Saturday |
evening in this city, there being large dele
cations of mechanics from the Navy Yard, |
the Arsenal, and elsewhere in the procession, |
while of three thousand we'll paid officials in |
the Departments there were, we think, less |
than hundred in the line.
The demonstration of mechanics on Satur-
day evening was grandly mpressive-almost
morally inspiring, since that they are not |
controlled by the wretchedly demoralizing |
selfishness that now degrades American pol
iticians who, faster and faster, are descend
ing to the low level of mere office and con-
tract jobbing and brokerage. We believe
that the feelings of the mechanics here are a
type of the respect and regard which is felt
generally by the same class in the country at
large for the President. We believe that if
the sentiment of the mechanics and laborers
could be developed, as it might be by prop
er steps in the way of organization, it would
sweep everything before it at the elections.
But masses of men-even soldiers-if with
out organization, discipline, and fit leader
ship, are too often misguided, divided, and
overborne by a watchful, energetic, compact
ed, and mercenary foe.-National hatezligen-
cer.
TERRIBLE EXPLOSION OF A POWDER
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