Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1868-06-12
Presidential SEccUlRtkOns.

The Democratic papers North and South
are teeming with speculatiors in regard to
the probable nominations to be made by
| the National Convention for President and
Vice-President, and this subject is also the
principal and most interesting considera-
ton with the Radical organs. We believe
never in the history of politics in this
country was the result of q nominating
Convention looked to with such universal
interest by both parties. This fact de-
cides that the canvass is to be Il most
holly contested one, and the result is re-
garded as doubtful on all hands. The
hopes of tho Radicals, and the anxious
fears of the Democrats, that the want of
prudence and harmony in the New York
Convention may inure to the success Of
the former, shows conclusively that both
sides regard the result as uncertain, victo-
~ depending more upon the popularity OF
the candidates and the conduct of the can
| vass than upon any assured strength upon
| one side or the other. The great advan-
| tages to the Radicals of being already in
power in a very large majority Of the States,
and the prestige of long continued success
admonish their opponents of the Difficult
ties of accomplishing their defeat; while
the wonderful and general reaction in IA
vor of the Democrats and the widespread
disaffection of the people against the cor
ruption and extravaganza into which too
much power and patronage have drifted
the ruling party, warn the Radicals of their
waning strength, and give abundant cause
| for uneasiness and anxiety.
Who will be the Democratic nominee
seems therefore the absorbing question.
Speculation is rife in regard to it, and I'M
til decided it will absorb all other political
considerations While the friends of PEN
DLEToN are as sanguine as ever, and no
doubt they will compose at least half the
delegates to the Convention, the opinion
appears to gain ground that his nomina-
ton, under the two-thirds rule, is hardly
possible. It is averred that the positive
and persistent opposition of q sufficient
number is assured to render his success i'm
possible, while his appropriately in certain
sections will even have the effect of rem
| derlng lukewarm some of his Western sup.
porters. Yet his friends will cling to him
with much enthusiasm and will surrender
his claims with great reluctance.
There seems to be a growing disposition
| throughout the country to restrain rather
than promote the military spirit now ex-
tant, and people begin to think it more
prudent and safer to place the government
under the control of statesman rather
than soldier. This feeling will probably
prove fatal to the aspirations of General
HANCOCK, who, however. will be urged by
his friends with considerable show of
strength. The nomination OF a Western
man will doubtless place it in the power of
the supporters of HANCOCK to secure for
their favorite the second place on the ticket
should it be desired.
A new feature has latterly grown up in
this contest, which is as remarkable as it
was unexpected. That Judge CHASE, for
more than quarter Of century in con-
nection with Mr.. SEWARD, the avowed
leader of the most radical wing of the
enemies of the Democratic party. should
now be urged as the nominee of that party
for President with increasing favor, is in
deed astonishing. It was anticipated that
the reliable Democratic State of New
Jersey would lead off for him by instruc-
ting its delegates. The Convention met