The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-02-23


The Democratic convention which recently
met at jackson, Miss. was the largest and
most enthusiastic political gathering, ever
held in that State. Nearly every county was
represented more'or less numerously, and
among the delegates were most Of the distin-
guished men of the State. Men who, in
former times. had differed in regard to almost
every political question; who had belonged
to rival organizations and competing parties;
who had opposed each other in many heated
contests, came together on common plat
form, and under the standard of q common
party, to concert measures for saving the
State, and to aid in saving the country from
the ruin which the consummation of radical
purposes would surely entail on them 1t
was remarkable and suggestive feature Of
the convention that it was composed
largely of members of the old Wing party,
who now came forward and declared
their adhesion to the Democratic party, as
the only organization under which the strug-
gle for the Constitution and for public liberty.
'and personal rights, can be successfully
conducted. Prominent among these was ex-
Governor Morehead. of Kentucky, who has
recently established his residence in Missis-
sippi When this veteran statesman and
patriot declared that, although he had been
educated as Wing, at the side of Henry
Clay, every feeling of his heart was now De-
mocratic, the sentiment was received with
an enthusiastic burst Of applause, which
showed how deep, and how earnest was the
sentiment by which the convention was ami
mated. In fact, although there was much
discussion on various collateral points, there
was no discussion and no disagreement as
to the main objects for which the delegates
had met. As to the manner in which the de-
feat of the radical Constitution is to be ac-
complished-whether by abstention, as in
Alabama, or by direct vote at the ballot-box-
there was some difference of opinion 1t was
q noticeable and encouraging fact. however,
that almost all the speakers agreed that the
white population can defeat the Constitution,
by direct vote, even if Congress should
change the existing law. The idea that negro
supremacy could be maintained in MISSISSIPPI
pi, under any circumstances, was rejected
with emphatic indignation.
The delegation to the National Convention
is composed of eminent and able men, who
viii faithfully represent the wishes and inter-
ests of their constituents. Among those well
known to our people. by reputation, are
Major Barksdale. the editor of the Clarion;
Colonel E. M. Yerger, of jackson; General
Featberston, ex-member of Congress, aud
General Walthal. These are the dele
gates at large. Colonel Holt, of Natchez, and
Major Jonas, of Aberdeen, formerly resided
in this city, and had acquired promising
position among us. by their talents and &C
quirements, before removing to Mississippi
In regard to the Presidency, no preference
was expressed by the convention. The tone
of the delegates was eminently prudent on
this point. Whatever may be the proclivities
of the delegates to the National Convention,
they will be guided by a deep sense of the
responsibility imposed on them, and by the
apparent interests of the party. 81