The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1871-06-21
Democratic Nationa, Convention.

Z
article from the Washington Patriot to the
attention of the southern people:
DuTY OF THE SoUTn.-The suggestion
that the southern States should stand en-.
tlreiy aioof from the National Democratic
convention, and thus take no part In the
nomination Of candidates rltlie adoption
OF q Platform, Is not commended to favor
by any OF the reasons which have been
urged In It's behalf. This course is advo-
Gated ny men who have heretofore been
distinguished as representatives of the
south. and by various journals Of influence
and character, In order, rs they suppose.
to relieve the possible embarrassments
which the presence of southern delegates
might occasion, and to avoid the misrenre-
sentation which followed their action in
1868. The motive OF the advice is bonora-
BILE, and exhibits spirit of abnegation
which cannot fail to command respect.
But. according to our view, the policy
winch Is thus proposed Is wholly inconsist.
ent with the theory that prompts 1t.
A convention with the South unrepre-
sented could in no sense be called national.
1t would be sectional from the outset, and
In that sense would neither attract public
confidence nor deserve to command popr-
lar support, no matter how meritorious the
candidates might be, or how acceptable the
declaration Of principles. The presence
and the full participation of the southern
States, If for no better reason, as the SYM
Dol Of reunited and harmonious people,
are OF vital consequence to success. and for
our part we hope that no district, however
remote, will fail to have delegate in the
convention, and not only delegate, but O
thoroughly representative man.
The Democratic party intends to appeal
to the whole country. and to no local or
limited interest. To make that appeal eff
fective it is indispensable that every State
should be fully represented and heard, so
that the convention shall speak with the
voice of three millions of Democrats, scat
proper that the South especially should
speak out frankly and fully on that great
occasion, not only for the more perfect un-
Outstanding which should exist between
those who are animated by the same pur-
pose in seeking to redeem the country from
misrule, but in order that wicked calum-
MES on one hand, and individual indiscre-
ton on the other, may be silenced by the
utterances and adhesions Of delegates who
are qualified opponents of southern opinion.
Any policy which would exclude the
South from its just influence in that Ma
tional Council would be surely fatal. OPP
been, and as class of desperate agitators
would still desire them to be, they IRE now
restored to their rights IN the Union, equal
under the Constitution to all others. The
northern Democracy have no desire, and
certainly have indicated no disposition, that
the South should stand back as q passive
spectator at the convention. They expect
the cooperation Of a great majority of the
southern States at the Presidential election,
and as preliminary to it they seek the full.
est communion and counsel, SO that the de-
lberatlons will go forth as rejecting the
earnest conviction of a great party heartily
united uttering the same sentiment every
where; moved by common pathics,
and determined to rescue the Union from
the perls which now environ it.
We hope, therefore, if any such idea is Sc
riously entertained, that it may be speedily
and entirely abandoned, as calculated to do
vast mischief to the great cause in which
ali sections have a deep and common in
terest. The South has been patient, pru.
dent, and perscvering under the sternest
trials. Let us now appeal to her wisdom
and reflection in this matter in order that
no division Of opinion may exist, and that
we may move on tremendously to con-
S,Immate the work of deliyerance and jus.
tice.