New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-05-24
THE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION.

I
ing around the Baltimore convention and
speculation is rife as to the probable re-
suit Of its deliberations. 1t would be use
less to attempt to disguise the fact that
much of the general veal depends on it,
in that it may be the hinge upon which
the destinies of the republic will turn.
Not that it will be able to elect a candi-
date should it put out one-not that it abso-
lutely holds the balance of power between
the Cincinnati and Philadelphia nominees,
but it will SO disintegrate the Liberal
movement as to force the withdrawal
Of Greeley and Brown and thus secure the
election of the present incumbent Of the
Presidency
Such a result would certainly be obnox-
ious to every Democrat in the land. Be-
tween Greeley and Grant, the Democratic
party would not hesitate upon choice.
The umistakable Partially Of the masses
for the Tribune philosopher is well under
stood, and admitted by even administration
partisans. The hold Of the President
on popular favor is the sequence of the
vast patronage flowing from his Office.
Take this away, and open reputation will
follow upon the heels of distrust In the
meantime, however, he is capable of
exerting it, and the possible doubt thrown
upon the action of the Baltimore conven-
ton, lends this power of appointment in
creased significance and effect. 1t is for
this reason we say that decisive position
assumed by the Democratic party will
have, in measurable degree, a controll-
ing effect in shaping the election
Nor need it be postponed till the as
sembling Of the Baltimore convention.
The action of that convention will be de-
termined in advance. As the different
States direct the delegates they will act.
Should such indications of the popularity
of the Cincinnati nominees with the Dem
ocratic masses continue to be given in adj
vance, through the medium of primary
meetings and State conventions, as is now
daily appearing, not even the most bitter
and reckless Democratic partisan would
venture to advise a nomination at Bal
timore. Scarcely any of them are sufi-
GENTLY sanguine as to anticipate success
under any circumstances. The most
powerful reason urged for such policy
consists in the alleged necessity of pre-
serving the Democratic organization. But
reflection will in itself show the fallacy of
such an argument A man need not aban-
don his principles by voting for an OPP
ponent. There is scarcely a partisan in
the whole land who, at some period, has
not done as much. Circumstances alter
cases, is a trite proverb, but a true
one. Common sense teaches us that
it is wise to advocate a principle
which, if not exactly, in its full
ness and breadth, just what we desire,
most nearly approaches it. If our own
wishes are unattainable, to get as near to
them as we can Is not the Democratic !
party in this precise condition? They, Of
themselves, can not carry the national
election. They must cooperate with some
party. Then the question occurs to every
rejecting mind, which will they take
Greeley or Grant? The former is capable, |
honest and sincere; a friend of the South, |
and liberal upon measures of national |
policy. The latter is vindictive, avaricious
and unjust, and his administration has
made US reproach in the eyes Of the
world Between such men it is not diff |
cult of selection.
But, seriously considered, what is there |
in the Cincinnati platform that Democrats,
Reformers and Republicans can not |
mutually indorse? 1t favors an honest |
Of the government; a re-
form in the civil service of the country,
and the practical restoration Of the States
to their just condition in the Union through |
the medium Of general amnesty. Cues
tons upon which differences Of opinion are
likely to occur are submitted to the people
Is there anything Objectionable in this
Is it not such platform Of principles as
all can indorse?
We are glad to perceive that the ma
jority Of the Democratic party in our own
State view it in this light. In the call
for the Greeley and Brown ratification
meeting Saturday night is attached the
names, of three Democrats who in politi-
,al distinction and social position rank
among the foremost in the State. In
wealth, in political influence and sound
Judgment they are the foremost They
IRE known not as ranters at ward meet
ngs, or street-corner and barroom dis
outants, but men Of enlarged and liberal
views, patriotic and devoted to the best in
5erests Of the country. AS they, and those
ike them decide, the Democratic party
n this State will vote. They are not
The offices they have filed
nave sought them. These are good
grounds, too for believing that the senti-
nent SO generally prevailing here is but
efex of the popular impressions in the
ountry If such should be the case,
here is little doubt that the Liberal Re
publican nominees will obtain the hearty
ndorsement of the Baltimore convention.
ACCOUNTING FOR INDEBTEDNESS.
If Judge Cooley gives judgment against
be city Of New Orleans, or Judge Emer-
on gives Judgment against the State, as