Year: 1860

Such was the condition of things at Charles ton. The delegation from Georgia would not consent to the consummation of this threatened policy of the numerical majority of the convention. In common with the delegates from seven other southern States, they withdrew from the body. Their action should be sustained by the democracy of the State. They were true and loyal to the trust reposed in them, and deserved the cordial approval and renewed confidence of their constituents. If they had returned from Charleston, bearing to the people of Georgia the humiliating terms of surrender which the majority of the convention sought to put upon them in the platform and can dldate proposed, the people would have re- celved their report in sorrow, and spurned their candidate with indignation.

 It IS due to the democracy of the sixteen States, which l have designed as oppos- ton States, to say that use the term Cop position States '' in no spirit of disrespect, but simply intend to designate them as States in which, unfortunately for the country, the democratic party is in mi norlty. In many of their delegations at Charleston there were large minorities who condemned the course and policy of their colleagues as wrong in principle and unjust to their brethren of the South. This was particularly the case in Pennsylvania and other States to whose votes, in connection with the greatest confidence for the election of our candidates.

 The truth Is that the sound democracy of the North are determined to stand by the South in this hour of trial, if the South will only be true and faithful to herself. The unwise declaration e few southern men in favor of the nomination of Mir. Douglas as a matter of policy and expe diency, has contributed in no small degree to the present unhappy state of things. These eXceptionable cases have untortu- nately been mistaken in some quarters for public opinion, and will account for the otherwise unaccountable persistence with which the friends of Mir. Douglas press his nomination against the earnest protest of a united South

 1 have thus briefly alluded to the diff culties in the Charleston convention and the causes which produced them, as proper matter for consideration in determining upon the course of action which the de- mocracy of Georgia ought now to pursue. As the time is so short before the reas sembling of the convention at Baltimore, 1 would suggest the propriety of an imme- diate call by the State Executive Commit tee for the March convention to re-assemble. It affords the best opportunity at our com mand for ascertaining the democratic senti- ment of the State as to our future policy. When assembled 1 would urge upon that convention to give the action of our dele gates at Charleston their cordial approval, and authorize them, in cooperation with the delegates of those States with whom they acted at Charleston, to renew at Bal timore efforts for a settlement of the diff culties which led to the disruption at Charleston.

 The course of the delegation has been so true that they are entitled to the unqualified confidence of their constituents, and can be safely trusted without embarrassing their action with specie instructions. The en- dorsement of their past action will be the best instruction for their future conduct. The same delegation should be authorized to represent the State in the convention to be held in Richmond, and, if practicable, the time for the meeting of the latter con vention should be postponed to day sub seQuent to the convention at Baltimore. It would thus afford every opportunity for healing the dissensions in our party and bringing different portions once more into united and cordial corporation upon sound platform and in the support of sound candidate. 1 believe it can be ac- complished and it only requires frmness and decision on the part of the southern democracy to bring 1t about. You may rest assured that your true friends nt the North-the men who have never deserted you to save themselves-wll not force up on you terms of humiliation, and the rest will not venture 10 press them unless you first indicate ny your action that you are prepared to surrender at discretion.

 The democracy of Georgia must now choose between the two wings of the party at the North. The one has been true and faithful in the past, and offers you every assurance of their aid and support in the lutuIe. Ine Other aDanuoheU you III the hour of danger and trial, and invites the renewal of your confidence, with notice in advance that you may expect in the future no better faith or greater security than you have received in the past. With the first you will certainly maintain your honor and have fair prospect of preserving your rights. If an alliance with the latter promises any greater advantage, confess my inabilit, to see it.

 am, very respectfully, yonrs, etc,

 HOWELL COBB. Messrs. Robert Collins, John $. Gresham,

 James w. Armstrong, and others, Ma

 con, Georgia.