The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-08-05

The assumption or presumption of few
politicians through caucuses and conventions
to make Presidents, to say who the free citi-
zens of this country shall vote for, and to con-
troll the destiny of the republic, is an astound-
ing anomaly under our institutions. By means
of party machinery, controlled by an insignif-
cant number of self-chosen and irresponsible
men called leaders, nominations are made and
the people have nothing to say in the matter.
So thoroughly organized and arbitrary is this
party machinery Of caucuses and conventions
that the mass of the people are literally cheated
out of their SURFACES. 1t may be said, per-
haps, that the people can vote as they choose;
but that is not true in practice; they must
either vote for the men nominated by the
caucus politicians or their votes will be thrown
away.
Let us look, for example, at the late Demo-
cratic Convention held in this city, and at former
conventions of that party. We notice the
democratic conventions because they are the
most despotic and pay less regard to the wishes
of the people or the progress of the times. The
republicans, while equally exacting in demand
ing party allegiance, study more the current of
popular sentiment in nominating candidates for
Office and adapt themselves to changing events
and public opinion. The democrats have
rightly been called the old Bourbons in Ameri-
can politics. They learn nothing by expert
ence. They follow the same course and
adhere to the same dogmas under all circunl-
stances. They do not seem to know that the
world moves. Originally it was the poison of
the hidebound democratic leaders of the South
Douglas, a popular and grand man, upon hair
splitting bubbles and from personal prejudice
They consequently divided the party, lost the
election and brought on the war. At the July
Convention in this city the Northern democrats
who had the control there, acted in the same
narrow minded and stupid manner. They per-
mitted themselves to be humbugged and over
reached by ring of New York politicians and
nominated Seymour, who is repetition Of
Frank Pierce in want of capacity, and who
would, if elected, bring upon the country as
much trouble. He is nothing more than a
scheming local politician and q pretty phrase
maker. Blair is the only one of the two on
the ticket with brains and character. There are
heroism, intellect, frmness and some states
manship in him, but Seymour is purely mega
tive. Blair might have done as first on the
ticket, but as second he and the cause are lost
If the democrats had been wise they would
have taken up Grant long ago. He would have
been more at home in fighting the radicals
than in being their candidate. But these old
hidebound BourbOns lost the opportunity
The radicals, more sensible and progressive
and looking to the main chance, seized it and
made Grant their standard bearer. Again, the
democrats had splendid opportunity had
they nominated Chief Justice Chase There
would have been hardly doubt about the
election of Mr.. Chase. In the present condi-
ton of the country and actual state of politi-
cal affairs and parties he would have been the
most thoroughly representative as well as most
capable man for the Presidency. The demo-
cratic party would have become reorganized
on the actual living issues of the time, leaving
behind the dead issues of the past, and would
have obtained lease of power for twenty
years to come. But they seem devoid of com
mon sense as well as political sagacity They
learn nothing by experience. They do
not realize the social and political revolu-
ton through which the country has passed
during the last few years. Had they racked
their brains to find a candidate more negative
every way and less likely to awaken enthusi-
asm than Seymour, they could not have found
one. There is little hope for them unless they
at once undo the work Of the trading and
scheming July Convention and nominate dr.
Chase, which they are not likely to do. If the
people could be brought to throw overheard the
party nominations and vote for Grant and Blair,
and at the same time to elect a conservative
Congress, we should have the best men and the
best sort of government.