The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-12-02
The Democratic state Council.

! The democracy Of the State, represented by
the most intelligent elements Of the party, have
just been in council at Albany. The New York
leaders-who are to be the guides of the future
policy of the party by right Of the priority Of
majorities as well, perhaps, as by their tact as
managers-had an opportunity Of meeting with
the most prominent men of the party through
out the entire State, an opportunity Of compar-
ing notes with them suggesting new policy
and possibly debating what shall be the future
Of the democracy, not only in this State, but
throughout the whole country. In many re-
spects this was most important council. 1t
did not partake of the character Of o conven-
ton, because the members were not elected at
primary meetings, but were invited to meet
the chiefs in the State capital, and in the
Executive Mansion to boot-a at and proper
place just now. 1t was not caucus, because
it possessed none Of the features Of these mys-
FERROUS intricacies OF party machinery, as it
had no ''slate" to make nor any candidates to
nominate. But it was all the more remarkable
event from the fact that it was free from all the
commonplace dCblOh vi tOht6HtiOHb bIu eau
cusses, and if the parties who participated in
that council realized the result of their DELHI
erations and measured the strength of the pre-
sent position which the democratic party
occupies in this State, as perhaps they did,
they must have seen that good deal depended
upon their proceedings.
We have fair outline Of what the democrats
propose to do under their new lease Of power
with regard to the restoration Of local govern
ments, with regard to dealing with republican
commissions, and the delicacy with which these
latter must be approached, with reference also
to the fifteenth amendment and other i'm
portant matters. The published and sensible
opinions Of Peter B. Sweeny upon these ques-
tons may be received, we presume, as refec-
tions of the purposes and general action Of the
party, and we have no reason to suppose that
| these views were dissented from in the Albany
council. Thus far, then, we can assume what
the policy of the democrats win be- There
may be difficulties in the way of this laid down
policy, but one thing is certain, that if the
democratic leaders in this State act wisely
they have magnificent future in their control
but if rashness infests their councils not only
will grand opportunity for the party itself b.
thrown away but the chances Of doing much
good to the whole community will go with it
They must act with the consideration for tn
interests Of the State and the whole people
and they must direct their course with al
honest recognition Of the immense RESPONSE
bility resting upon them. A dominant part
has its duties as well as its rights Of conques
to consider. Power and the possession 0
spoil, although they may be the most attrac
tive, are not the gravest things which belon
to party success. A wise exercise Of power i
the majority is public claim that cannot
disregarded without damaging those who woul
heedessly set that claim aside; and this
something which the victorious party must no
forget.
If the democratic party would lay goo
foundation for their Presidential aspirations
1872 hey must act with wisdom, or they ma
, be ousted from their present post Of occupf
, ton. But there Is good deal more than tn
mere ambitious longing expected Of the Tan
: many democracy. They may be regarded no
: as the nucleus of a new policy and power