Year: 1860

It has been very unjustly charged that the friends of Col Johnson are responsible for the present bitter strife in the democratic party, that they in wishing to force him upon the people, and to rule or ruin, had generated all the strife and bitterness exist ing, and that the friends of the Old Line Democrat were really for harmony and op- posed to Reorganization.

 Let us see how this is. When the direct repudiation of the State convention and its nominee was talked of in caucus at Dover a warm personal and political friend of Col. Johnson, suggested that inasmuch as they professed desire to harmonize the discordant clements of the party, the fol- lowing preamble and resolution would be appropriate if adopted by the convention, to-wit.

 "WHEREAs, There is discord existing in the dem- ocratic ranks by reason of dtted99d frauds and grievances in the late State conventions; and where as the harmony of the party is necessaryt the sue cessful mantanance of our principles. Therefore

 

 to call upon the nominees of the late State conven- ton and representing to them the pervading dis cords, request them to join with said committee Tn d call for a new conventions in order that harmony may be restored and success made certain"

 This was the substance of the proposition made by particular friend of Col. John- son, who heartily indorsed his nomination, but who was willing to throw the whole matter before the people for the sake of har- mony; it was the olive branch held out to an enemy complaining of injustice and un- fair treatment. The proposal was made without previous consultation with Col. Johnson and entirely without his knowl- edge; but his most active friends and sup porters, and the bitterest opponents of Mir. Hindman acqueisced in it, and no obstacle was in the way to a unanimous acton Tn the matter, save the opposition from Col. Hindman's friends.

 Why was it not accepted? if they did not desire to disorganize the democratic party, why did they not agree to the proposition? While Col Johnson's friends at Dover believed, and still believe that the charges against the State convention were shame fully and hypocritically trumped up to serve selfish and vindictive ends, they were willing for the harmony of the party, to join in call for a new convention, even at the risk of the defeat of their favorte.

 Here was an opportunity presented that would have enabled the people to cleanse the Augean stables-here was plan pro- posed to remove every objection of fraud and corruption. Why we ask was it not accepted? the answer is obvious-it was feared by the disorganizers that if another convention was held Col. Johnson would be trinmphantly re-nominated-the felt that the honest people would rebuke in whitening terms their shallow disorganizing schemes; they preferred to oil their tongues with virtuous indignation, and prate about fraud and corruption, in the forlorn hope of gulling the dear people into an indorsemeut of their disorganizing course.

 The disorganizers wanted split in the ranks and they have got it. In the pride of their temporary strength, they were de- termined to rend the party, they have suc- ceeded to a certain extent, but have ostro- cised themselves. Whether the stubborn refusal to adopt the only plan which was likely to preserve the party intact, is at- tributable to the nominee of the Dover convention. we will not stop to enquire he is the nominee of the party, and it is not our province to go behind the nomina- ton, and seek for cause of complaint for the purpose of aiding and abetting the op- nosition