Montgomery County sentinel., 1880-04-30
THE SYRACUSE CONTENTION.

THE SYRACUSE CONVENTION.
The Democracy of the Empire State coun-
ciled at Syracuse, on Tuesday Of last week,
and the council resulted in sending two sets
of delegates to the Cincinnati convention.
Whilst this result is not altogether a sur
prise, still it is deeply to be deplored
Every impartial and clear headed Democrat
throughout the country will recognize its
demoralizing tendency, to say nothing of
the serious consequences to which it may
perhaps finally lead.
Experience has fully shown that harmony
and unanimity of action constitute one of the
grand essentials to the successful workings
of all organizations, social, political, religious
or otherwise. Organization means not only
the coming together at public conventions
or meetings, men who believe in a common
cause or common policy, but the combina-
ton Of all elements which contribute to
make up the good sense, the quiet devotion
to principle and the enthusiasm of the party.
The personal association Of man with man,
of neighbor with neighbor, the friendly con-
verse on matters of public interest, the ex-
planation OF doubt here, or of difficulty
there, the hopeful communion of men having
in view the preservation Of the institutions of
this country as a common purpose, go further
tocreate success and enthusiasm in the party
than all other elements combined. Wemust
have firm faith in the principles which we
advocate For their successful accomplish
ment, there must be no division in the ranks,
no strife, no discord, no jealousies or ami
mosities.
What the party needs most for its triumph
ant success, is that harmony which comes
from the utter absence of all personal quar-
rels The preservation Of the party and the
good Of the people cannot be sacrificed at the
behest of the selfish ambition of few whose
aim is 10 rule or ruin. And the sooner such
men are made to know and feel this fact it
will be better for the country and better for
the party.
II cannot be denied that the past few years
have demonstrated that the people are tired
of political gamblers and speculators, polit-
ical technicalities and political side-shows.
Now that we have drifted away from
the sentimentality Of war issues, checked
the progress of fraud, corruption and ex-
travagance, our politics are growing daily
to be conspicuously practical in oil their
operations. Its ideas, its inspirations, its
hopes for the future are those of business
The people are shaping and making their
political views subservient to their wants.
The politics of the country as now crystal
lized, concerns itself "with tariff and taxes,
with public charities and public schools" the
obliteration of sectional animosities, "ques-
tions of corporations and the free discussion
of every subject which can contribute to the
growth, prosperity and comfort of the entire
people" These are truths which cannot be
denied, and 1t is more than passing strange
that men Of enlarged practical experience, OF
profcsscd patriotism, who have made the
policy of government and the importance
of political organizations a study as well as
a profession, cannot diyest themselves OF
selfish designs and aid in their general ad-
vancenent.
The result of last falls election in New
York, for Governor, seems to have produced
but little effect in healing the dissensions
existing in the Democracy of that State.
The very same element which conspired to
bring about the defeat of Governor Lucius
Robinson, the regularly nominated candi-
date, went TO Syracuse with full knowl-
edge of the fact that they were in a hopeless
minority, TO make certain propositions en-
tircly irreconcilable with the practices and
usages of all former conventions, which if
not acceded to, then in that case to form
aseparate and independent organization.
We do not hesitate TO say, that in our
opinion, the convention did right in reject
ing the overtures of the Tammany faction.
lts great high priest John Kelly, is nothing
more or less than political marauder, and
the Cincinnati convention would act wisely
ii il would brand him as such The man
who did not hesitate to betray his party from
ignobe purposes and bring about the defeat
of SO pure a man and able statesman Ms
Governor Robinson, would not hesitate in
this great crisis TO DO the same for mess of
pottagc.
Mr.. 1iiden Is national Democrat in the
bodest, broadest and most comprehensive
sense of the term. The National Democ-
racy have 50 declared him to be before and
since his election as President We are
aware of no act of his by which he has
lessened their confidence OF placed stain
upon his political integrity. The only ques-
ton which has agitaied the party in relation
10 Mr.. Tilden has been that of the availa-
bility of his denomination. II he desires
u denomination, he has u legitimate right to
do 50. If a majority OF the Democracy OF
his State, which he has so much honored
and served with such signal ability, desire
his candidacy for President, think proper to
submit his claims TO the Cincinnati conyen.
ton they have an equally legitimate right
TO do 80, and the howlngs and rawlings o.
such a piratical band us John Kelly and
his followers should not be regarded for 4
moment
The Vaccinations of such political usur
pers as John Kelly should be promptly pu
down. II has 10 be done. The better tn
sooner. Last fall he hoisted himself as M
Independent candidate for Governor, ant
by reason OF combination Of circum
stances he was able 10 bring about the de
feat Of the regular Democratic nominee
This WAS all he desired 10 do and so stated
throughout the canvass Now LET the Gin.
cinnnti convention throw this dsorganizer
and his crew overheard. His Independent
candidacy for President will carry but little
strength TO the Republican element, and
will bsse about. as much effect upon the
popular Democratic vote of the State Of
New York as that Of lucifer match upon
the polar icebergs.