New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-08-27
n1sAnYINT1GE or A SOLID SOUTH.

There seems to be disposition on the part of
some of the Southern Democrats, If the DEM
ocr. tic press of the South represents them
truly, 10 revolt against a state OF things In
the party which leaves them practically almost
powerless in its councils. During all the dis
cnssion of the Presidential nomination which
has been going on for the past few months in
Democratic circles very little consideration has
been given to the Southern wing of the party
very little account made of the possible prefer
ences of the Democrats of that section in the
selection of the candidate. Southern Demo-
Gratis see themselves ignored SD far as any in
fuence in the choice of candidates Is con-
cerned. Not only are no Southern Democrats
deemed eligible for nomination for either
first or second place. but it is hardly
permtted them to participate in the
choice of candidates from the North. Their
opinions are hardly asked, and If offered
are disrcgarded. SO it happens that the section
from which the party derives most of its
strength-the Solid Democratic South-has the
least voice and influence in its councils. Aud
the continuance of this condition of things is,
naturally enough, provoking a feeling of rest
lessness and discomfort. Southern Democrats
listening TO discussions concerning Presden
tial candidates find that while nearly every
Northern State has at least ore candidate and
Indiana something like a dozen, no Southern
State except Delaware is supposed to have one.
The ex Confederate States have only the priv
ilege of furnishing most of the votes for the
ticket-not the ticket or much hand in its Sc
lection.
The discomfort and restlessness are entirely
natural In the four National Conventions in
which the Southern Democrats have taken part
since the war they have done nothing but SUBJ
nit in the meekest possible manner to have
their Northern allies select their own Candidates.
They have been content to be left out, with
only the privilege of ratifying the ticket made
I'D for them. But during the past six years
they have been the mainstay, the sole depend
ence of the party. They have brought to its
support the Solid South, without which 1t
would hardly be formidable. And tLey are
beginning to think that they are entitled to
something besides the positions of hewcrs OF
wood and drawers of water that it is about time
that some of them were eligible for high places
themselves. At any rate. that they should have
a voice. and a somewhat Eeighty one, in the
choice of candidates But they will see, II they
give the subject moments reflection, that
there is yerv good reason for their lack OF influ-
ence in the party good reason why they are
not permitted to have Presidential candidates
themselves or much weight in the selection
from the raft of Northern candidates.. And II is
all their own fault. A solid Democratic South
EXPLAINS il all. So long as the Southern States
can be counted on as n certainty for the Dem
ocratic candidate, whoever he may be. there is
If FOL. tu1i 1t n
section nor of consulting its preferences in the
matter. In every Democratic National Conyen-
ton while this condition of affairs continues
10 exist. the whole Southern electoral vote is
discounted at the outset. That being set
down as sure under any circumstances for the
nominees, the remaining question is how to Sc
cure enough Northern votes to make with the
Solid South majority. He must be North
ern man, Of course. and naturally tho selection
Of Northern delegates to which the South must
defer.
A Solid South is not such great advantage
after all. Hardly worth resortng to violence,
intimidation and fraud to perpetuate. For so
long as the South is solidly Democratic, this
condition will continue. There can be no mo-
tive to take candidate for either of the two
high offices from that section. They must be
taken from doubtful States for the winning OF
doubtful votes. Witness Indiana, doubtful
and important State, furnishing more Demo-
cratic candidates than any other half-dozen
States and candidates too of the most wishy
washy character. We are glad tC see Southern
Democratic newspapers waking up to proper
sense of their party relations. For the highest
Offices in the Government they are now pract
cally DISTINGUISHED. And this will continue 80
long as the Democracy can count upon Solid
South with such certainty that they do not feel
the need of making the least account of South
ern opinions or preferences.