The New Orleans Democrat., 1876-06-01
THE SOUTHERN DEMOCRACY.
M Rag Money Platform or CANDIDATE
viIdcn calming Ground.
lCcrreapondcnce New York Herald

ItnfrNapbnuNntt New lptk ltHiHlh
RIcuMoNr, Va. May -. 1876.
The triumph Of Allen and his rag
money supporters in Ohio IL Just begin
ming to be realized here and In the South,
and tho indications are that il will cause
a complete change Of policy among the
Southern Democrats in regard TO their
course at the st. Louis Convention. The
plan heretofore agreed upon among the
leaders Of the Democratic party South
was 10 lot the North and West name the
candidate and frame the platform, and
they were tu do nothing but vote. This
was understood everywhere. and in all
tho Southern Democratic conventions
that have been held this policy was
rigidly adhered to. and by II their action
was controlled. Under that plan they
were willing To support any Of tho
candidates named for the Democratic
nomination. without exercising any
influence whatever in making the nomi-
nation or in constructing the party plat
form. Now, however, there Ia every
likelihood that this namby pamby pas
sive policy will be abandoned. and the
Southern delegates will go to st. Louis
holding the balance OF power and pre-
pared to name not only the candidate,
but to dictate the platform. The action
OF tho Ohio Democracy has virtually de-
stroyed all hopes OF that much spoken
OF political coalition between the South
and West. and there Is, further. Il grow
ing determination to prevent such rag
money States rs Ohio and Indiana,
which are not classcd as certain Demo
cratic States, from saddling upon the
party any candidate like Allen or any
platform embodying his financial here
sizes. With the people OF the South
ID tA Ia
tain an honest, constitutional ad-
minstration OF the Federal Government,
and to go into the Presidential campaign
upon the platform Of the one word
reform. With them the financial issue
lis one of minor importance. Their sole
wish is to defeat Radicalism, and they
propose to throw overheard all other
considerations until that desirable end
is gained. Under this very bold view OF
the situation, it Is now believed to be
the veriest folly that the South, with
her $50 odd votes, should allow herself
to stand silently by and leave to the
doubtful West the entire management
and control Of the party and its candi-
date. Neither the East nor the West
can nominate the South can and will
vote; and it is proposed that its vote
shall be cast for that candidate whose
nomination will give the best assurance
OF victory in November next
Ancthervery startling indication here,
where until recently Hancock was the
strongest man, is the gain in popularity
OF Tilden. The defeat of Thurman is
considered to leave the New York Gov
ernor virtually the leading candidate in
the field. Bayard, whom they like and
would actively support, is too much of
Il Southern man to risk his nomination.
Hendricks is also regarded as behind in
the race, and Hancock, the man OF all
who would create the greatest enthusi
asm South, lacks the strength in the
North and East, which at this phase OF
the canvass is deemed SO essential to
success. The design here Is to go into
the fight regardless Of the West, rely
ing upon those States which can be
counted upon with certainty for the
Democratic party. Under such plan
Of campaign Tilden looms up far above
his competitors as the man to be the
standard bearer of the party, and as the
recognized pioneer OF reform the South
ern people are willing to enlist under his
banner and assist in carrying him tri-
umphantly into the White House on
the next 4th Of March.