Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-04-12
CALL FOR A DEMOCRATIC NATION
AL CONVENTION


Mr.. August Belmont, chairman of the
National Democratic Committee, has issued
a call for meeting of the Committee at
his house in New York, on Wednesday,
May 8, one week after the meeting of the
Cincinnati Convention. The purpose for
which the Committee is called together is
not stated, but it appears to be understood
that it is to call a National Convention to
take into consideration the political situa-
ton and to nominate candidates for Presi-
dent and Vice President. The New York
World anticipates a contest among party
leaders as to whether the Democrats shall
nominate candidates or support the candi-
dates Of the Liberal Republicans, but it
claims that the result will depend upon the
action of the Cincinnati Convention. How
ever that may be, National Convention of
the Democratic party is a necessity. The
organization Of the party must be
preserved, to make it effective in whatever
direction it may be thought best, after ma
ture deliberation and canyassing, 70 turn its
forces. 1t viii not do to go into the Presi-
dental campaign, even should the Cincin-
natl Convention present candidates entirely
acceptable TO the Democracy, in an unor-
ganized state. It is only through party or
ganization and discipline that we can hope
TO cast the full Democratic vote and beat
Grant. The Washington Patriot, which
has heretofore spoken approyingly of the
Cincinnati movement, has the following in
regard to the necessity for a Democratic
National Convention:
"The quiescent attitude Of the Democra-
ey since the meeting Of Congress, al d an
anxious desire 10 bring about harmonious
concert of action, seems to have been mis-
understood in some quarters, and to have
been misrepreseBted in others, as indicating
a disposition not TO hold convention at all,
and TO accept whatever candidates another
political body, not even yet organized,
should prescribe. This false opinion, which
appears 70 have been industriOusly Circula-
ted, aud which is utterly destitute Of all
substance, has done much mischief. in ere
ating expectations, that by no possibility can
ever be realized.
''Wl1ile the Democratic press and its best
representative men have manifested the
most liberal and patriotic spirit for friendly
cooperation at the Presidential election, it
is proper 10 remove the delusion, wherever
it may exist, that for That reason they are
prepared TO adopt any obnoxious candidate
whom an extreme and eXacting faction
might choose TO set up. If that belief is
entertained 10 any extent, it cannot be dis
missed too soon or loo positively for,
while some things may be dOue, there are
other things which cannot even be attempt
ed. And if there be no reciprocal spirit Of
concession on the part of those who pro-
pose 10 make common cause, then the at
tempt had better be abandoned entirely.
cat all events, the time has come, and
must not be longer postponed, for the Dem
Ocratic party 10 get into line and prepare
for action, without considering what may
or may not be done by the Cincinnati Con-
vention. That body, under the very best
circumstances, will represent but fraction
Of the party from which it proposes to sepa-
rate. Standing alone it can effect no prac-
teal result, and will only derive conse-
quence from becoming part Of general
Opposition, and perhaps receiving conSid-
Grafton wholly dispropprtiUued to It's nu-
msrical strength.
sit is quite possible that the reasonable
homes which have been formed of the Gin
cinnati Convention may be disappointed or
frustrated by personal ambition, or thwarted
by selfish intrigue. Therefore, the greater
reason why the Democratic Convention
should be called, and the preparatory steps
be taken for the election of delegates in
every Safe. The three millions OF voters
who compose the organization demand that
the Old practice shall be faithfully observed,
and ali the time-honOred traditions re-
spected. And there is no intention Of re-
nouncing them, as viii be soon discovered
bv whoever may have counted upon an
abandonment of one or the other"