The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-02-05
The REPUBLICAN NOMINATIONS.


unusually early. The tremendous issues in
volved in this struggle impart to it an i'm
portance and an interest entirely unequaled
in the history of electoral contests in this
country. Naturally enough, the public mind
is seriously agitated on the question of candi-
dates. Who are to be the leaders of the two
great parties who are to be chosen to repre-
sent the ideas of Capitalization and negro su-
premacy on the one hand, and of constitu-
tional liberty and white government on the
other hand? On the Republican, or radical
side, the competition is narrowed down to
two men. The general of the army and the
chief justice of the Supreme Court are the
only persons named in connection with the
Republican nomination. A few weeks ago it
seemed as if General Grant had distanced his
rival, and that he would not meet with Sc
rious opposition at the Chicago convention.
After their defeats in November, the Republi-
cans seemed to fly for refuge and succor to
Grant, as if, under the shelter of his protect
ing name, they expected to find safety from
the impending danger. In the meantime
Grant clubs were formed in various places,
and some Of the great merchants and bankers
of New York entered into the movement with
an appearance of zeal and energy, although
disclaiming any party utilization or designs.
But this movement, so far from beneftting
Grant has injured him. The men who are
engaged in it have no strength Of their own.
They could not elect a constable in any ward
in New York city. They are known simply
as great capitalists and traders, and bond
holders, and any political movement which
they initiate excites the suspicious and
arouses the antagonism of those great masses
who are sure to array themselves against the
wealthy and favored classes. Besides this,
Grants tergivIsations and prevarications in
the Stanton affair have greatly damaged his
character.
A few weeks ago the Republican conven-
ton of New Hampshire nominated Gen.
Grant for the Presidency, in the hope that the
supposed influence Of his name might stay
the tide OF opinion so evidently setting
against them, and save them from defeat at
the State election next month. This step,
however well advised it might have been for
the Republican party of New Hampshire, was
extremely ill-advised for the friends OF Gen.
Grant. If the Republicans are defeated at
the State election, it will be seen that the
prestige of his name is a veritable shame.
Moreover, the friends of Chase will in all
probability, seize the opportunity to give
Grant q stab in return for the supposed de-
fiction Of the GRANTEES at the autumn cleo
tons. There can be no question that Grants
chances for the nomination have been visibly
declining during the last three weeks. Yet
he must lose much more to lose the nomina-
ton. AS matters now stand, he will beat
Chase for the nomination perhaps as badly as
he will be beaten in the electoral college,
The question Of the Vice-Presidency though
following long0 HterUaR0 after that of the
Presidency, is beginning to attract much at
tention. The rival claims and aspirations of
the competitors for the first place on the
ticket may, indeed, affect the chances Of the
candidates for the second place. Among the
names most prominently mentioned on the
Republican side are those Of Ex-Governor
Buckingham of Connecticut, Governor Bull.
lock of Massachusetts, Governor Fenton of
New York, and Judge Durel of this city, 1t
is impossible TO say which is the strongest of
these. Governor Fenton, probably, could do
more for himself than the others, from the
fact of having larger delegation to back
him. IT, however, Judge Durel could COM
bine the Southern vote in the convention he
would become very formidable. Nor is this
unlikely; since he is the only Southern candi-
date named. Certainly no one else can COM
mand seventy votes on 4 first ballot; and the
man who gets that many viii be very apt to
succeed. Besides this consideration, Judge
Durel, in addition to his reputation as an able
urist, will bring to bear for the nomination a
character for devotion to his friends that has
never been questioned. This merely per-
5onal consideration will carry great weight
before any convention.