The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1872-06-15
The Democratic Greeley Convention.

The County Convention to send dele
gates to the State Convention, which meets
in Baltimore, for the purpose of selecting
representatives for Maryland in the Demo-
cratic National Convention, convened in
Elkton, on Wednesday last. In the fore
noon the chivalry were seen in little knots
here and there, discussing the condition of
affairs; the straght-out- and-out hard at
work to secure the election of Democratic
delegates to Baltimore; the Greeley men
just as busy to secure the election of their
men. Not a single Republican, either as
delegate or participatant taking part, in
any manner, in the grand farce. 1t did not
take long to tell that the antiGreeley
crowd had the lead.
After considerable time had elapsed,
courage enough was mustered to go irto
the Court House and try their relative
strength. The first move was decided
success in behalf of the anti -Greeleyites, in
calling to the chair James Tombstone,
who evidently felt the responsibility of the
duties imposed upon him. In Il short
speech he clearly indicated which way he
leaned. Stated the Democratic party had
waited too long already to see what their
enemies are doing. Something must lie
done. Two distinct parties only in the
field; one tie Republican the other the
Democratic Conservative party. Through
the Democratic party only the country can
be saved, by sticking to their party and
principles totally ignoring the Greeley par
ty. After the nomination Of the Secretary,
two of the delegates got warmed up. One
wanted men sent vino will stand by the
nominee at Baltimore, be he who he may.
Another, from the 4th, now goa up and
said, "there are men here whs say they
will not support Greeley, if nominated"
Next the First is heard from: "did not
come as friends of Greeley, who is worse
than Grant. do not intend to submit; will
vote for party only" Here the 18th put in
"Greeley or any other man nominated
Another, from the 4th, said three millions
endorse Greeley; hence the 18th endorse
him. Another, who formerly had the
floor, misinterpre:ed the gentleman from
the 4th, as saying that, "three millions
endorse Greeley because the 4th District
endorses him. Gentleman from the 4th
denied it. After considerable effort to
choke off any further expression of opin-
ion, the balloting for delegates commenced.
Mr.. Ward, proposed Mr.. Knight, "who
will vote for any one against Grant" The
other candidates being announced, confu-
sion became confopnded: during which
personal alterations took place. AS soon
as order could be restored, the announce
ment was made that Messrs. Knight, Evans,
Briscoe and Crookshanks were elected.
A motion was made that in the event of
there being vacancy, that the place be
filled by the next highest on the list. A
few moments of consultation convinced
the mover of his mistake, as those defeat
ed were Greeleyites, and hasty withdraw
al of the motion followed; and a, motion
made that they be filled by the delegates,
which prevailed.
Nothing was more clearly shown then a
disposition to put down all expression of
views. A more forlorn or woe -begone set
were never seen. Some commended that
the chances for beating Grant were better
with Greeley; others that if they should
endorse Greeley and he be defeated the
Democratic party were gone. What
sight to see men who have valiantly fought
for Democracy through thick and thin,
cons enting, as 4 last resort, to sustain
Greeley, the very mouth piece of all Cpl o
sition to the Democratic party for years
past. Volumes would not hold his con-
temptuous slurs, and ridcule.