The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1892-02-23

southern democracy, as he was not thought to be
sound upon the slavery question, just as Grover
Cleveland is now somewhat unpopular, with some
of the democracy account Of his position on
the silver question.
After mature consultation the members Of the
convention thought it unwise and that it would
probably prove unsuccessful to nominate Van
Buren, after he had been defeated by the popular
vote, and in conformity to the usage OF the party
they determined not to do So TO avoid that
result, as Van Buren, had majority of the con-
ventiOn they adopted the two-thirds rule, ana
under the two thirds rule they took up James X.
Polk made him the nominee, and he was elected
Henry Clay the great leader of the wing
party
Here was case exactly in point. Van Buren
was the popular nominee in 1896 and was elected
democratic president. In 1910, the democratic
party III conformity to usage, again made him It's
leader and nominated him for q second term. He
was defeated as Mr.. Cleveland was In the last
election lie and his friends, rs is the case with
Mir. Cleveland and his friends, were not content
with the result, and determined to do all they
could to give him another chance to serve second
term. After mature reflection, however, 1t was
thought by majority Of the party that it was I'M
wise to violate usage and make such nomlna-
ton, and he was disposed OF by the two-thiros
rule and James X. Polk was nominated in his
place and elected.
If democratic usage amounts to anything or
democratic precedent is to be considered then
this inevitably Gisposes of Mr.. Cleveland for an
other term and it would be more in conformity
with the usage of the democratic party to nomi-
nate Senator Hill or some other good man as the
democratic candidate. And let 1t be remembered
that the government of the United States is now
hundred years old, and that this usage of both
great political parties not to nominate the same
man three successive times for president, whether
elected the second time or not, has been uniform
and without exception.
When we take into consideration the long and
valuable services of Senator Hill as governor OF
New York to the democracy, and the recent fact
that by master stroke of policy he secured q
democratic majority in the legislature OF New
York and redeemed the state from the rule OF the
republican party, and has placed it within the
control of the democratic party for many years
to come. 1t would seem that no other democrat has
done more for his party or has more richly mer-
tied its honors and emolumentS. Grover CleVe-
land being out of the way as candidate for the
nomination by the unbroken usage of the demo-
cratic party, Senator Hill, by his wisdom In coun-
Gil and his ability in execution looms up head
and shoulders above any other aspirant Ills NOM
ination by the democratic convention will be fol-
lowed by success at the ballot box, which Will
cause all the branches OF the federal government
to pass again under the control of the democratic
party.
At this iuncture of our affairs let me remark
that the division attempted to be gotten up in the
democratic party by the formation of third
party is most unfortunate, and if persisted in
and is successful win be most disastrous to the
democratic party and most unfortunate for the
southern people, and especially the white people
of the south, who understand very well the SUI
preme importance Of holding together and acting
together. l cannot think that the patriotic citI-
2ens of the southern section OF the union can al
ford to tolerate division III the face OF the disas
tiers which would necessarily result. If we stand
back as heretofore and present a solid SOUTH and
the democratic party in convention dominates a
candidate vino can carry what have been usually
known as the doubtful states already mentioned,
we have glorious triumph in reserve for Us. Let
US hope that unwise step will be taken, no I'M
fortunate division tolerated, but that every dem
ocrat viii be ready to make any and all sacrifices
which are necessary for the success Of his party
ard to defend tie great public interest involved.
| am, very respectfully, your obedent servant,
JOSEPH Il. BROWN.