The New York Herald Newspaper, March 12, 1856, Page 1

THE NEW YORK HERALD... WHOLE NO. 17135. HOW OUR PRESIDENTS ARE MADE, ‘Klistory of the Old Caucus and Mcdern Convention Systems. TRUE ACCOUNT OF THE NOMINATIONS. The Rise and Progress of the Federal, Re- publican, National Republican, Democra- tle, Whig, Anti-Masonte, Abolition, Li- berty, Know Nothing aud Nigger Worshipping Parties, Interesting Chapter in the Political Annals of the United States, &o., &e, &e. It eoems to have been the po iey ofa certain number of ‘wirepullere near the seat of g-verament to monopollse for themselves the duty of selecting proper persons to fill the highest offices in the gi of the people. It is this policy which has removed the cnoice of Pre-ident almost entirely fcom the people and given coirr to the arsertion of ® competent foreign authority that the election of the supreme executive officer of thi: repuelic is a settled matter ‘ong before the votes ure cast. I+ is simply a matter of counting noses and parceiling off districts. In -order to give the people @ jistie insight into the political machinery by which they bave ben ruied, and #9 direst public attention to the necessity of doing away with the eonyenticn eystem altoge'her, we bave prepared an his- torical eketch of caucuses and coaven‘ions which had» ‘bearing upon the Presidential elections. ‘The origin of the present application of the word caucus 4s unknown. The first rogular caucusesin this sountry were of members of Congress, who borrowed the idea from the -whig members of the House of Commons, who as early as 1696 introducea the system by holding meetings at various taverns to perfect the crganization and discipline of the party, then an insolent mojority, flushed with prosperity end drunk with success. Irregular caucuses both of whigs acd tories were hold ‘here anterior to the Revolu’ivn, and the Green Dragon tavern in Boston has an historic fame as the place of meeting of the Otises, Warrecs, Hsncocks, Presovtts, :Pickerings and other leaders of the popular cause. From sthis time uniil after the Revolation, we hardly hear the name of caucus; and the term sonven:ion was never then used to designate tho collection of a mob of politicians, appelated by another mob of politicians, the sppoint- ing power holding no authority from the essence of all ,power—the people. ‘The last administration of President Washlogton was can exceedingly stormy one. He was during his second term, ina continual war with the democratic or repabli- can party in Congress, and tbe mos: important adminis- tration measures were o:ly carri:d through Congress by bare mejorities. For the third elec‘ion of President it dces not appear that there was aay set caucusing to put Meaera. Adams and Jeflereon before the people. Mr. Adama was recognized as tue g-eat leader of the federal- iste, and although the South cid prefer Mr. Plackney, there ceems to have been no great difficulty in combiaing the strength of the party by giviog the iast named gea- ‘teman the seccnd place on the ticket, Mr. Jefferson was beaten for the first plase, but obtained the second. ‘The usual process of naming candidates at that time was a trial of votes in the State Legislatures, Virginia belng then the Empire State, hada great deal to asy about the nomination, which may sccount for her being the Mosher of Presidents. The first Congressional caucus $9 nominate candidates for President and Vice Fresident that we have any ac- eount of, wad aid to bo he:d in Philadelpniain the year 1800. We quote from a newspaper of that day, which states that thirty seven represen’ ives and pine Senators wero pre‘ent, and nominated Messrs. Jefferson and Burr. Xt 1s important to note here that the system, which is so intensely exclusive and aristocratic, «as originated by the deaders of the democratic, then ea'led the republican party. It 1s also proper to say that the first cauchaen were more like info: mal mee ings of a certain number of gentlemen, to express their preferences for a candidate. It was not until tae Cemocratic party had bezome puffed up with continued success, that iis leaders dared to dic- ‘tate to the peop's. In later years the caucus whip was most effestively used, a:d if a democrat bolted from the Bomisation, he was ob‘iged to leave the party at the same time. The first regular caucus on record was hed at Wash. ington, on the 19th of Jonuary, 1808. The chiet cause of this meeting was a dispute in Vi-ginia as to the succes- sion. The Legislature of tat State was civided between ‘Mr. Madison, then Secretary of Sia‘e, and Mr. Monroe, then Minister to England. Our readers will notice that these were the ‘‘good cld times’’ when the Old Domi- maion furnished all the high cfficers of state, The cau- cus then met to decide whien Virginian should be Presi- dent of the United States, for Mr. Jeffarson went out of ‘office in such a blaze of glory that the nomination ot his party was equivalent to election, At this time the whole numter of members of Congress was 176, and of these only about 40 were fecerslists, The repubdiicans (demo- ‘erats now) numbered 136, Ot these 94, being a majority +f the two houses, attended the caucus. Some of those who staid away disapproved of the systom, and otbers were ‘atmost bold enongh to whisper that Virgiais had monopo- fized everything quite loug enough. Mr. Medison was the choice of the caucus, receiving 83 votes, the remain- der being given to Mr. Monroe and Mr. George Clinton. ‘The people also chose Mr. Madison, whose adminiatratiqn -was popular, although when his term nad nearly expired the North declared against him and in favor of De Witt Clinton, who was nominated oy the Legislature of New York. ‘The administration members of Congress, still largely in the majority, were called to meet {n caucus at Washing- ton on the 18th May, 1812. The whole number of mem- ‘ders was 176—democrata, 155. Prosent at the caucus 83, all of whom named Mr. Madison for re-election, One or two democratic members from Maryland, and the majori- ty of the New York and Mavsschusetts memters did not give in their adhesion to the eomination. In September of the same year, the first convention of the opposition or federalist party was hoid in New York, when seventy members from e.even States appeared and nominated Mr. Clintcn. The opposition exciied by the ant!-war eenti- ment proved very strong, but Mr. Madison was re-elected, receiving 128 votes in the electoral colleges, to 89 for Mr. *Clinton. After Mr. Madison’s second success there was a grow- ing prejudice against these caucuses in the mass of the party, and an unsuecersful attempt was maie in the first enucus held thereafter to declare tnat Presidential nomi- nations by members of Congress wero inexpedient. This was defeated by the friends of Mr, Monroe, who consider- ed that he had a natural right to the suczession, being a Virginian. He had been in Madison’s Cabinet during the whole of his administration. Mr. Monroe was denounced by a large number of the cemocratic leaders as incompe- tent, and the cancus system was declared exceptionable. ‘There was also a growiog feeling against the Virginia omination, which had already monopolized the entire ‘executive department of the government during twenty- four years out o1 the twenty-eight of tts existence, Colo- ~nel Burr desired General Andrew Jackson to be brought forward at that time, and said thet if he had hada re- epectable nomination the Virginia caucus would have been beaten. D. D. Tompkins, of New York, was also proposed. The members of Congress now numbered 218, of which Bumber 148 were republicans. The whole power of the administration was used to carry the caucus for Monroe, and no means were spared to procure that end. The opposition had united upon William I. Crawford, of Georgia, « sort of compromise candidate. He had sate in the Senate, was a repubiican, bat favored a bank, and was opposed to Mr. Madison, He had been Minister to France and Secretary at War, and was generally con- sidered to be ® man of much more ability than Mr, ‘Monroe. ‘The caucus wot on tho 11th of March, 1810, and 119 republican members answoved to their names. The nine- vfeeon absentees refused to attend, because thpy were op- pored to this method cf making neminations. Mr. Mon. roe received sixty-five votes, and Mr, Crawfore fifty-four. Mr. Monroe was chosen by the people, ant Mr. Crawford acoepted the post of Socretary of the ‘treasury. Mr. Mourve’s firm, prudent and altcge’her respectable MORNING EDITION—WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 1856. administration cozcilisted all parties, and there was no ‘one to oppose him for his secomd term, waen he received all the electorai votes but one. This brings us down to the memorable canous of the ‘4th of February, 1824, which was insisted upon by Mr. Van Buren and other frisnds of Mr. Crawford, aad which brought about severs! changes, First, it killed off Craw- ford and nearly all his frionds; second, it killed the caucus system, which had grown to be an intolerable despotism; and third, {t broke the back of the repub'ican party, which did not rise again until resuscitated by the name of Jackson, This caucus, so interesting, is worth attea- tien. Covgress new had 261 members, of which 216 held af finity with the repubiican democratis party, These were not all Cravford men, however, and were divided in opinion as to the propriety of making a Congressional nomination. Mr. Van Buren was especially indigasnt at this hesitation, and raised that cant ery of ‘“reg slat no- mirations,”’ to which he ehould have added, ‘when they please us,’’ Tho bullying system was adopted, and it was declared that any one who opposed the good old rule should be considered an enemy of the cemoeratio party. It was then stated on the othereide that 180 republican members were opposed to a caucus nomination, Notwithstanding all these warnings, comblaed with a strong popular clamor against the measure, @ meeting of the democratic members of the Legislature was called on the date above mentioned. Only 66 out of 216 at- tended, end King Caucus was dead at last. Mr. Craw- ford recetved 64 votes. The great majority of the party throughout the country indignantly repudiated the nomi- nation. Mr. Crawford had lost much of his popularity, and ho was in such bad health that it was doubtfal whether, if elected, be would live to take his seat. But Virginia, Gexpaiting of apything better, insisted upon having him. ‘Lhe members cf the caucus were nearly all Senat ora, and one paper says that only eight mombers of the popular branch of the Congress were in attendance, from twenty States out of the twenty-four. Everything was fixed by Van Buren and the Vi ginians, but the people refused to adopt the regular nominations, ana the majority sup- ported General Jackson, who had been twice nominated by the Legislature of Tennessee. Of the electoral votes, Jnczon had 99; J. Q. Adams, (federalist) 84; Crawford, 41; Clay, (then acting with the republicans,) 41, ‘The elec:ion going to the House, the friends of Mr. Clay voted for Adams to defeat Jackson, and succeeded in their ¢fforts, Thns was tho republican party broken up after an uninterrupted sway of twenty four years. It wae kilied by ita friends, and died from the effects of too much prosperity. A clique at Washing'on attempted to dietate to the peop'e, and reaped the reward of their folly. Bo little to be depended on are party chains. Wil the wirepullers of the present day be guided by the lamp of experionse? General Jackson was placed early in the field by the Leglalature of his own S:ate, and found it easy to organ- ize a strong opposition to Mr. Adams, who was only a minority President, afier all. There was n> more cau- cusirg. and General Jackson received @ large majority of electoral votes. He was again put 11 nomination by the Legislatures of Pennsylvania aud New York, and agein elected, and his admintstration brings us to a considora- tion of the CONVENTION SYSTEM. Tho first convention for the nomination of a President and Vice President was the anti-Masontc meeting held at Baltimore, in Sep‘ember, 1851, Tats party or faction ts an interesting ono, inasmuch as it brought Mr. Seward and Mr, Fillmore into public life. The party originated in the western part cf New York, and grew out of agreat and skilfully managed popular excitement. A man of the name ot William Morgan bad published what purport- ed to be an exposé of the three first degrees of the Masonic Order. He suddenly disappeared, and some ridiculous atory was circulated about his being murdered by the Free Masons. The politicians went so far as to trump up something rorembling « humsn body, which was asserted to be that of Morgan, and from this shallow imposture eroge a storm of anti-Masonic excitement which inflicted blow upon the (Order from which it has never entirely recovered. The humbug body was sald by Thurlow Weed to be ‘‘a good enough Morgen until after election.’’ Soit proved tobe. The anti-Masonic party, thus originat- ing in this State in 1826, achieved partial successes in 6c- veral of the Northern States in the looal elections of the next two or thiee years, and held a so-called Natioual Convention at Philadelphia in September, 1830, at which delegates were present from eleven States, Afier adopting wn anti-Masonic platform and calling a convention, t> meet at Baltimore in September, 1851, the Philadelphia meting dissolved. At this time the opposition looked to Mr. Clay as their loader in the contest so rocn to be commenced. He wis ‘the only man in the whig party whe was thought to be strong enough to cope with Old Hickory; bat Mc. Clay being an ardent supporter of, and an affiliated momber of the Mascni: Order, his nomination, by that section of the opposition which was organized on the basis of how tility to that Fraternity, was out of the question, and thus the enemies of General Jackson were divided at the mn opposition had now assumed the name of national republicans, and the Baltimore Convention was called +o concentrate all the factions egainst the democracy. John MieLean, cf Obio. lately a prominent Know Nothing can- didate, and now talxed of by the MGGER WworsuP rer, was the favorite of the anti-Magons, but was strongly opposed by the national republicans. He de- clined; and the Anti-Masonic Coavention nominated Witiiam Wirt, of Maryland, formorly Attorney General, for President, and Amos Ellmaker, of Pennsylvania, for Vice President. Here we may be pardoned for digresting so far as to point out a curious fact: Millard Fillmore, now the can- dida‘e of « secret political orier, was brought into publ c life on the basis of Lifter hostility to secret orders of u.! kinds, political and social, while Judge MoLean, who is the choice of the Northern Know Nothings, narrowly os- caped the nomination given to William Wirt, In December, 1831, the first National Republican Con- vention was held at Baltimore, and nominated Heary* Clay, ot Kentucky, for Presidont, and John Sergeant. of Pennaylvenia, for Vice President. Thus Mr, Clay and Mr. Wirt wore p'aced in the field to lead the opposition, and it was hoped that the election would be thrown in‘o the House. Gereral Jackson’s position was a strong one, and the administration party thought of no one elee for the aue- cerston. Mr. Calhoun, then Vieo President, had quar- relied with the President, and it was important to select tome strong men for the second place on the ticket for the succession. Mr.-Calhoun’s course in the Senate lad, it was thought, caused the rejection of Martin Van Bu- ren as Minister to England, and that wily politician, iv is believed, commenced operations as early as 1830, to tecure Jackzon’s 1e-nomination and his own asa rider for the ticket, and ass sort of hereditary candidate for the enccession, Jackson was accordingly nomiaated by tho administration members of the New York Legiala- ture, and the State of New Hampshire has, in ad- Aivion to the glory of presenting s President in the person of tho present incumbent, the further gem in her politi- cal crown ot having originated the system of National Conventions, one of the worst features of party despotism ever concocted even by the Van Buren Bourbons. The Legislature of Now Hampshire, doudtless at the suggea- tion cf Mr. Ven Buren, sent out the first call for a Democratic National Convention, to nominate » candi- date for Vico President. No number of delegates being memioned, each State sent as many as Could afford the time, and on the 2ist May, 1822, the democ acy mustered in great force at Baltimore, and this may be called the first National Conven- tion worthy of the name that was over held. Gene: ral Robert Lucar, of Ohio, presided over the delihs- rations of this bedy, which adopted the celebrated t 70- thirds rule, drawn up by Mr. Saunders, of North Caro lina, a6 follows:— Resolved, That each State be entitled, ia the nomina- tion to be made of a candiaate for the Vice residency, to a number of votes equal to the number that they will be entitled to in the Electoral Colleges under the new appointment in oy for President and Vive Pres! tent, and that two-thirds of the whole number of votes in the convention shall be nesessary to constitute a choice. This 1s the cetebrated machine which has been used to execute all the best men in the party, which has killed off Mr. Cass, and which bas brought about the ex- pedient of picking up unknown “outs dors,’’ like Mr, Pierce. A first rato man cannot escape having ene- mies; and if he has enemies, he cannot got the two-‘hir ix vote; #o the party has been obliged to take np mon who were of not sufficient consequence te have elthor frionda gr enemies, PRICE TWO CENTS. An opposition meoving at Haveisburg, Pa., put General W. H. Harrison, of Obio, im nomine- tion, The whigs in the Massachusetts Legis. Inture nominated Daniel Webster, and John Mclean was brought forward in the asme manner in Ohto. ‘The Convention questicn seriously agitated toe demo- cratio party. Mr. Van Buren and his friends were atrorg y in favor of a Convention. !t made @ good show, and the party waa 0 well in hand that it could be easily guided. Genora) Jackson, ia February, 1825, came out in favor of@ Natioral Convention to nominate candi- dates icr Preaideat and Vice Presidemt. None but the frierds of Yan Buren favored # National Convention, and none but his friends eppeared in the body whish met at Baltimcre on the 20th cf Mey 1835, More tham six hundred delegates were preeeat, representing twonty- two Staies. Mr. Van Buren was unanimously nominated, recetvieg all the votes, and being the first Presidontial nominee cf a Democratic National Convention, properly speakicg. ‘There was aome difficulty in getting the second place on the ticket for Rishard M. Johnson, of Ken- tucky, the Convention adhering to the two-thirds rule, but it waa setiled by a regular Van Busen movemen’ —a man from Tennessee being picked up from the street for the purpose of giving Mc. Johnson the fifteen votes of that. State, Virginia desired Mr, Rives, and bolied frum Johnson, who lost his eles ion by the peopic, but was chosen by the Senate. Mr. Van Buren was clect- ed by rathor a tight squeeze. Me was forced on the party by the Convention, and carried i on the strength of hay- ivg been assoctated wi h General Jackson, and by havlog the whole power of the administra ion a: bis back, TheDemccratic National Convention had now come to he considered a regular institu‘ion as much as Congress, and the third of these bodies was procksimed from Wash: ington to be. held at Baltimore, om the fifth of May, 1840. During the three years provious the opposition had gradually been gaining tremendous strength in Congrear, and the country rung with ac- counte, some true and some faise, of the corrup‘ions of the party which had now been in uninterrupted power since 1826. ‘The waigs gained great advantages in 1837- 188, and the voice cf the best portion of the party pointed to Mr. Clay as the man to be pitted against Van Biren, ‘who was determined to place himself be ore the peuple The abolitionists began their national political orgsni- zation in 1839, The New York Anti-Slavery Soclety met in Warsaw, N. ¥., n November of that year, and form. €¢ itself into a nominating convention, nud nominated James G. Birney, of Michigan, for Provident, auil Francis J. Lemoyne, of Pennsylvania, for Vice Premdent, They polled 7,000 votes at the ensuing election, receiving votes in every free Stato but Indiaza. The first National Convention of the whig party was held wt Harrisburg, Dee. 4. 1839. Twenty-two States were represented by about tour hundred delegates. On an informal ballot, er capia, Mr. Clay had» plurality, but no majority. Initating the example of the democracy, the whiga de- sired to put forward General Harrison or General Scott. nae epeech at Buffalo Mr. Clay came out in the most gallant mancer, and teld his party to pat his name away, if it was considered the slightest obstacle to harmony. Small politiciacs wore afraid that they could not lead him by the nose, atd therefore said that the anil Masons, the anti-tariff whigs, Xc. would not vote for him, and they spared no meens to prevent bis nomination. They aleo succeeded im killing off General Scott; and Genoral Garrison, in a vote by States, after the manner of the Democratic Conventions, recsived 148, Clay 90, and Scott 16, John Pyler, of Virginia, was nominated for Vice I’ro- sident. > It will be noticed that the whigs commenced in their first conventicn the same game which bad been played by the democrats. Gereral Harrison was an infirm old man, long retired from public life, and in his beat days incompetent for the Previdency. The peopie had never heard of him cx- cept as a military man. They wanted Clay or Scott, and any msn running upon the whig ticket in the campaiga of 1840 could bave been elected, such was tho feeling of he country against the Van Baren dynasty. The Democratic National Convention met at Baltimore, day 5, 1840. it was all fixed for Van Baron, and nearly all the members were officeacléers under him. Twenty- oue States cent delegates, Governor Wiliam Carroll, of Tennessee, presiced, In order to simplify business, » committee was appointed to report the names of candi dates. They reported the name of Mr. Van Buren for President, but made no roport on the eubject of a candi date for the Vice Presidency, as the Van Burenites were snxious to bill off Johnson, who received, however, the demecr! vote, Inthis convention there were about 250 delegates, representing twenty-one States, ‘The issue of this struggle is well known. Harrison and Tyler were carried into power by popular majorities, uv. preeedented siace Monroe’s second term. Bat, in 1844, the cemocratic party rallied stronger than ever, and the fourth Na‘ional Conyontion, held at Baltimore, May 27, 1844, was a curious, exciting, interesting and exsraordi- nary body, Every State, except South Carolina, was re- presented, The number of delegates was 325, entitled to 266 votes. The Hon. H. B. Wright, of Penasylvania, war chosen chairman. Saunders laid on the two-thirds rule of 1852, After a long debate it was carried—T48 to 18. ‘Thus was Mr. Van Buren, the author of the convention system, killed by his engine—“ hoist with his own petard”’ —kicked over by hia pet musket. He bad» majority on the first vote, but not two-thirds, He fell off on the fourth ballot and Mr. Cass had » msjority, On the ninth ballot James K. Polk, of Tennossee, received 44 votes, and on the tenth he was uzazimously nominates. The question of ‘Who is Jamos K, Polk?”’ was immedt- ately asked in all parts of the Union, except Tenaessee. It was answered on the ensuing 4th of March by the Chief Justice of the United States, ‘At Baltimore, then, on the 28th of May, 1844, died the Van Boren Bourbons, ‘‘anwept, unhonored and unsung.” ahey were killed, like Dr. Guillotine, by their own inven- tion. A; the same time that the democratic convention was held fn Baltimore, @ Ty!er convention was held in that city, and Mr, Tyler was put in nomination; but the struggle being # hopeless one, he retired from the field in August, and the patronage of the administration was used to help Mr. Polk. ‘The Whig Nationa! Convention was held at Baltimore, May 1. It was more like @ mass meeting, and the whigs came up resolved to give Mr. Clayachance. Ambrose Spencer, of New York, presided, and every State in tho Union was represented. There were two hundred and teventy-five delegates. Mr. Clay was nominated by ac- clamation for President, and Mr. Frelinghuysen, of New Jersey, for Vice President. The Texas question was the great issue in this canvass. Mr. Clay wrote a letter op- posing the annexation of that republic, and that killed him, while Mr, Polk was personally unpledged, but un- derstood to stand on the platform of the ‘‘ re-annexation of Texas at the earliest practicable moment,’ and to go for the whole of Oregon, or British blood must flow, Mr, Polk won on the rallying ory ot Oregon and Texas. The abolitionists took up the Texas question, and nomi- nated James G. Birney for the campaign of 1844. He re- ovived 62,140 votes. ‘We coms now to 1348, w memorable year in the history of conventions and pary nominations. The war with Mexico bad given the whigs end the democrats agora) This is one of the greatest evils of the system. We shall have more to any of it anon, ‘The total nuuber of e'ectoral votes at thattme wa: 288, of which 263 were represented. Mr. Van 3uren re- ceived 208; Mr. Barbour, of Virginia, 40; (both had assist. edin the obsequies of King Caucus, and bots were sin- cere mourners;) Richard M. Johnson, 26, The Conven- tion then adopted « platform, wich in point of brevity is ® model; it simply concurred in the various n mination which President Jackson had revived for the succession He was chosen, receiving 219 elestoral votes te 49 for Mr. Clay, The anti-Masonic ticket received the elec. toral vote of Vermont (7). South Carolina voted for Jobn Floyd, Pennsylvania could not stand Van Buren, and gave its vote for William Wilkins, In this election the cecond great democratic tyranny, pledged electora tickets became more firmly established, The party was now ‘well cisoiplined, and the remains of th's *4sm"’ rule are visible to this day. It was exzeedingly atrong when the time approached for the next National Convention, which was to nominate for the succesmon. The demo- cratic party was united, while the opposition, tnough numerically powerful, was politically weak, belag split up into various factions. The Southern anti Jacksoo candidate was Hugh L., White, of Tennessee, nominated by the Alabama Legislature, He was also supported by the Lennesace Legislature and by the delegation from that State in Congrens, except Messts, Polk and Johnson. heroes, but none appea ‘ed Fo forcibly to the public heart as General Tay or, whose vrocl-vi ies were believed to be whig, but who was innocent on the subject of politics. On the other hand stood Clay nd Webster, the lights of ‘he grea wh'g party, wich t ei” thousands of worship- pers. The whig leaders resolved cw the final ulaugh‘er of 4nd, on the 27th January, 1846, @ mesting of the whig memb« rs of Congress was held in Washiagton. This méotirg called » Nationa’ Nom nat ng Coureation, to be held at Philadelphia on the 7th of June. The democrats were called to meet in May. as utnal,at Baltimore. It as- ferbled on the £24, Andrew S‘avenron, of Virginia, im the chair, The New York dificul'ies were then for the first time intro¢uced into the councils of the party. Tne ftiends of Mr. Van Buren, (now called gofis,) were then denominated barnburners, asd the friends of Mr. Cass (now transferred to Dickimson, and called hards,) wero termed bunkers, All these terms are senseless and arbi- trary. Weare unable to see any difference in princ'ple at present between these fac ions. The quarrel is simoly ove about the division of power and the spoils. The Cou- vention yoted to admit both delegations, but both ¢o_ clined to take part in the discussions or the votes. The two-thirds rule (263 whule vote) was adopted, and Mr. Case was ncminated on the tourth ballot. General W. 0. Butler, of Tennessee, for Vics-President. ‘The Convention failed to restore harmony to the party in New York, and Mr, Van Buren’s friend» took ground in favor of prohibiting slavery in territory to be acquired horeatter. A Conver tion was held at Utica, N, Y., on the 224 and 2d of June, when Mr. Van Buren was nominated ‘or Vresident and Henry Dc dge for Vice President. Mr. Dodge subse- quently (June 29) deoiined, and # national convention was held at Buffalo im 1848, (August 9,) when nearly all tho free States wore ropres*nted, and some prominent po- liiclana of the present time, inleuding the Collector of shia port, (alr. Redfield,) the Surveyor, (Mr. Cocurane,) and the Postmaster, (Mr. Fowler,) appeared and acted with the entislavery, then called free soil party. A sirorg snti slavery platform was adopted, and the Con- vention then putin nomination Mr. Van Bureo and Mr. Acaws, (son of President J. Q. Adams.) This divided the voie in New York, and defeated the democratic party. Itis fdir to presume that had there be-n no National Convention to star up this bad blood Mr. Cass would have been elected—the vote of this State would bave done it—and the State would now have been in the bands of the democracy, who are now, as they always have veen, largely in the majority, By taking their quarrels up to Baltimore they weakened the party throughout the Union, and contributed more to its defeat than twenty battles of Buera Vista. The whigs met at Philadelphia on the 7th June, 1848, end heldwhat is cailed the ‘Slaughterhouse Conven- tion.!’ The political death of Clay, Webster and Scott bad long been resolved upon—at least they were to be put cut of the way fur that campaign. General Taylor was the man, and he was nomina'ced by a ma- jority vote on the third ballot. Mr. Webster's filen¢és were so badly slaughtered that his can- Gidate for the Vice Presidency (Mr. Abbott Lawrence, of Massachusetts,) could not have the second place on the ticket, which was given to Mr. Fillmore as a sop for the Northern sentiment, General Taylor owning numerous niggers. The success of this ticket we Lave accounted for above. ‘Ihe Cemocracy were early im the fleld in 1852, and the central oommittes (appointed for the purpose) blew the horn from Washington fer the faithful to gather at Bal- ‘imore cn tho first of June. Hon. John W. Davis, of In- diana presided. There was s trea:endous crowd cf dele- gates, and the old two-thirds rule was put on by a large vote. Its victuns this time were Cass, Buchanan, Doug- lag, Sam Houston and Marcy. kvery State, except South Carolina, was represented, and the number of de- legates was 288. « The Convention rat five days, most of which time was +pent in effectual ballottings. On the 20th Virginia changed from Bushaman, and gave fifteen votes to the hitherto unksown name of Pierce. On the 49th ballot Mr. Pierce received all the votes but six, and was noui- nated upon @ strong pro slavery platform. W. R. King, of Alabama, was named secord on the ticket. In order to preserve peace at future conventions, the following was adopted:— Voted, that the next Democratic National Convention be held at Cincinnati, in the S:ate of Ohi. Voted, That in consti:uting the future National Con- vention, in order to secure the respective rigats of the States, each State shall be entitled to twice the number of celegates it bas in the electoral college, and no more: emd the democratic commuttce, in making arrangements for the next democastic ccnven toa, P ribens such num- ver of seats and secure them for the delegates elect. ‘This is the rule for the Convention which is to be held in Cincinna’i on the first Monday of June next. It may be necessary to cay, that although South Caro: lina has genera'ly omitted to send de‘egates to the Demo- cratic Conventions, she has, with the exception above noted, given her electoral vote to the nominees of that party. ‘The last Convention of the whig party met at Balti- more on the 10th June, 1862, George Hvans, of Maine, presided. Webster and Fillmore died hard, but they finally were slavghtered on the fifth day—fifty third bal- lot—when Gereral Scott was nominated. This Couvon- ten was full—206 delegates from all the States. General Scott's platform did not materially differ from General Pierce’s, but Scott being sugported by the Sewsrdites, was deserted by the natioral whigs, ard Pierce walked over the course. In July, 1852, a Native American Convention was held at ‘trentcn, New Jersey, by which Jacob Broom, of Penn- eylyania, now a member cf Congress, was nominated for Precident on a ort of Know Nothiog platform. He received 2,485 votes in all, An aboliticn Convention (called national) was held at Buffalo, Sept. 1, 1852, wader the call of James G. Birney, Gerritt Broith and William Godel, The last named per- ton was ncmirated for President, and received 72 votes in this State. At a Convention held in Georgia in the summer of 1862, G, M. Troup was nominated as a Southera States rights candidate for President. He received about 100 votes in Georgia, and 2,000 in Alabama, The remnant of the Buffalo democracy, with some other remnants of various parties, met im National Convention at Pittsburg, August 11. The New York democracy being united on Pierce, this Convention excited no attention. If put in nomination John P, Hale, of New Hampshire, and George W. Julian, of Indfana, They did not carry the electoral vote of any Siate, but received about 166,000 popular votes. Since 1862 there have been several national conven- tions fo called. A great party based upon the Know No. thirg or native American idea sprung up, and was s10- cessful. Nothing would do for it but to hold a raticnal convention which met in Philadel- phia in June, 1845. It adopted a plat- form which was not ratisfactory to either sectlon, and which caused the North to belt and-bold a convention at Cincinnati in Nevember of the same year. The princi. pal business done by this last named body was endeavor- ing tomake arrangements te get back with decency to the party from which {t had bolted, and another Conven- tion was conrequentiy called, to meet at Philadelpbie on the 18th of February last past, whero the Know Noth- ings cast off the old platform altogether and adopted a new cne, which don’t mean anything in particular, On that they nominaced for President Millard Fillmore, (wh'g,) for Viee President A. J. Donelson, (democrat ané inherilor of Jackson’s sword.) Thin ticket bas not been received with any very dangerous amount of en- thuriaem. ‘The old free oilers, with some accessions from the Seward whigs, held a Convention at Pitteburg February £2. They did not do anything but talk, in the most tlood thiesty manner, about rifles and revolers, and calla Nominating Convention to meet at Philadelphia Juno 17, The Conventions to come off this year, #0 far as au- nounced, are:— National Democratic Convention—Cincinnsi!, June 2, Bolter’s Know Nothing Convention—New York, Jane 12, Nigger Worshippers ‘Nationa,’ Convection—Phila- delphia, June 17. June will be a lively month, ‘We have endeavored above to give a correct, auccinet history of the caucus and convention systems in the United States, and to show to the people how little they or their fathers have reauly had to do with nominating the Chrot Magistrates of the republic, dow much longer will three or four millions of voters consent to be passive instruments in the bands of « litte clique of desigaing politicians’ We hope soom to gee tne convention aystem fall aa utter!y as its corrupt progent- ter, the caucus humbxg. I, 't the electors of each State ame their man, There world be no difficulty about egrecing on the best man, if the people had something to do with it. Now, the poliicians pick ont the worst. Tme New City fall, The special committee of the Board of ANermea to whom waé referred the adoption of a suitab!e plan fora new City Hail, held their first mestipg in selaviom to the subject yesterday afternoon, at No, 8City Hall. Shere was a full attendance of the committes presen’, together with quite a numerous assembling 07 parties by whom different pians have been heretofore submitted to the Common Couneil, This subject, as is well known, has been lying dormant in the banda of the Common Coun- cil for nearly a year. ‘The case now stands as follows:—In the early part o’ last spring the Commmittes on Repairs and Supplies of the Councilmen, before whom the selection of a plan fora uw City Ball was under conrideration, after an inde- finite nunber of meetings and Mstening to tedious explaa- etuons of nearly an equally iniefinite number of plans, reported in favor of the plan submitted by Messrs Gilbert, Jackson and Stuart, the building to ve erected adjolring the present City Hail, Tuls repors as adopted by the Councilmen. The Board of Aldermen convurreo in locality, but took no further action last year. Thesudject, upon being brought betore the . went Board this year, was revered some, two woeks since, to especial commttes. This commitiee as anaounced alto bei their first meeting yesterday. The Chairwan, Alderman \AniAN, stated the intention of the committes to examine carefully and minutely the veuicus pisos that had been laid before the other Board unver whe regulsticus of the previous year. Irrespective of the action of this Board they should aim to decide upcp that p'an which, in their view, best wet the wishes ond nevessiti.s of toe city at sarge. The plans of Messrs. Gilpert, Jackson aud Stuart, of Trimble, of Schuyler wad Boston, of Martin E. Taompson and the Buckmans were separately taken up yesterday enc the opicivns of the various members of the commit ce expressed in relation thereto. A description of all these plons bas been given at length in the Hxrawp. Tne plaa of he Buckcans, howurer, Was nut vefore the Couneil- men last year, baving been submitted toolate. Tue com- mittee avjourned to Saturday afternoon, when thay will Pha into aturther examination of plans and specifica. ticns. Bonra of Tea Governors. ‘The Board met at4P.M. Absent, Washington Smith and Joa, s. Taylor. INCREASE OF SATARTES, After the transaction of a large quantity of unimpor- tant miscellaneous business, Mr. Temas, of the Committee on Salaries, made the following report:— ‘The Committee on Salaries, to whom was referred the va- rious applications for increase of salaries, respecttully report~ ‘abat ibey bave had @ number of meetings, and aQer hear fag the besos of the several Departments, and giving the sub- Ject a carefu' consideration, enbuait for ihe action ot the Board the tollowing change ot ralaries:— BELLEVUE HOSFITAT. John Wirg, engineer, from $850 te $700, he to board bim. Nicholas Slovenski, fom per month, meresse. Two gatekeevers, trom $20) eacn to $ per month and board, increase Total increase. PENITENTUAL pe resident physician, Dr. Sanger, trom $1,200 to $1,000, crease. ae J. Athiraon, apothecary, trom $526 to $600, increase. HOSPITAL, Total increase Legere K. Spoilman, to be $1,500 instead of $1,250, as now Geo. b. uiibort, to be $900 instead of $800, as nor Jon MoUrath, to he $606 instead c James Quackenbush, to be $900 instead Tames Marubali, to be $000 instead of #800, increase. Total increaso on sa’aries........... Porte Tn tee city prisons your Comuulitee wouidwecommend that the salaries cf the night watch, Mark ‘risley and ‘Thea, Laughiin, be tnereased from $125 to $600, increase... .. Mrs, ¥. Foster, matron, from $400 to $450, inerense. Miss 1. Phelps, night matron, from $250 to $300, ine wo 50 Total .sesecseerssses seveeteeeseeeeresene BHO PENITENTIARY. Joln Litch, werden, from $1 200 to $1 500, increase..,..... ‘The carpenters, shoemakers, blacksmiths, two quarry mas tei y engineer, from $670 7 in: g Nineteen keepers guards, quarders, &¢.. 1 ‘$650, Increase. Rory gi ‘the matzon, from 00 10 $400, increase Total incrense...... The Committee would recommen at Eadbolt be placed on a salary of $00, ALMSHOUSE. Air, ie jecrease. ¥, T. Simpeon, eogineer. trom Sah to $700, Increase. hiiza Featzn, matron, trom $32) to $100, increase. Kute Fyn, from $280 to 8300, increase. . Margaret Keating, trom $100 to $125, increase. Total increase. ‘ 7 In the Workhouco, ies, 7" Ty masicrs and masons salaries be fixed at $700 each, MDOTCABE.. sss sseeeresseeseee sees seen 6 BID On the reocmmendation of ibe Warden, A. D. Keaton be ap- potted mastermason, which duty be has performed sluce his appointment as keeper. 12 2eevers, including ine engineer, from $000 ea sh to $50, Decrease.... ‘Hiza, second asal Total decrease.......... stsee On Ranéall’s Island, your Committee ope keeper be dispensed with decroaae. The oiber keepers and farmers be incr 620 ard boa d themselves, increase. ‘The gasdener to be increased $5). Mr, hipley from $500 to $600, increase... J. Verder hott, boatewain, from $50) to $400; in Mrs. Brown 37 0; ® Mr. incroase .. Total, Less one keeper... Net increase..sseeeceeseeees Salaries. Office end cut door poor City prison « Penitentiary Total increase. oso $5,886, All ot which is ‘respecttuliv’ submitted, and the Committee beg to offer for adoption the follow iog resolution: — jescived, That hereafter all app cation for increase of sa- Juries. If rot granted by the Bow d, tLe sitaation to be cousi- ceed vacant, and necessar, an ‘aken to fill the aame, DANIEL FP, TIEMANN, ISAAC. J. OLIVER, Comunittes. ISAAC TOWNSEND, On this an exciting and personal debate arose, but the repert and accompanying resoiution were eventually carrier. after amending it 90 a3 to increase the salarics of ‘he wai ens to $1,500 per year and all the keepers $50 extra. Tue ive eased compenration to take effect on April Ist, Aejourned. WERKLY STATEMENT. The return frem tho several wardens show thaf there are 6,601 persons now in the institutions, being a de- crease of 35 since last week. During the week 1,180 have been admitted, 21 died, 1,089 discharged, 99 sent to Penitentiary and 6 to State prison. Whe Late Lieutenant C. G. Hunter. TO THE BDITOR OF THE HERALD. You are usually so correct in any historical statement that I was surprised in reacing your obituary on the late Lieut. Hunter, to see that you had fallen into error in relation to certain events fo recent as the Mexican war. You ray “The squadron under the command of Commodore Ferry bad twice rotired from Alvarado.’? ‘You will find by examination that Alvarado never was attacked but once, end that was by an expedition led by Com. Conner in person and not by Com. Perry, and the expedition would then have succeeded, but for a mishap which grounded more than one-half of his attactiag forces on the bar of the river, and the unexpested settii in cf “norther” which compelied the vessels to haul for safety. With Feference to the surrender of Alvarado in March, 1847, to the gallant oflicer for whose memory the highest rorpect is entertained fur the many noble qualities he was porsensed of, you are again in error. Lieut. Hunter led away y hus ardent nature, disobeyed the specific order of his Commander-in-Crief, for wish high miiitary offence he was brought to « court martial at Anton Livardo Roads. The court did not “acjult” him, but rentenced him to reprimand and dismissal from the squadron, which sentence was approved and carried irto execution. The question does not arise as to the correctness of the court’s decision, or whether the Com- mander-in-Chief was unnecessarily severe In carrying out the rentenee, but the facts you will find to be as is herein stated, ‘Again, Lieut. Hunter had not resided of “late years” in Nowoort, &. (., but im this city. Ww. Naw York, March 7, 1856, We give the above on the p'ea of hearing both aides, Lieut. Hanter was found guilty, but the “outside pres sure” restored him to the mavy soon after, Rip'ey’s in- teresting history confirms most of the statements mad» by us. pd Ae tat No Morr Scnvay Matts.—The Sunday mail trains on the [ludsom iver Rallroad have been disgoq. taued, Matters at Custle Gurien, EVIDENOE OF THE CASHI#R- EMIGRANTS’ TASTIMONT OF AMOUNTS CHARGRD FOR RMIGROMT TICKETS WEST — COMMISSIONER GAKKIGUE FROTHSIS AGAINSY BRING EXAMINED—EXAMINATION OLOSED, The spect) comm!ttee of the soard of Councilmen, Mr. Smith, chairman, to whom was referred inquiry ite the treatment of emigrants at Castle Gardem by the Consiunts sioners of Ewigration, held sa adjourned meeting yeater- day #42 P, M., at the chamber of the Board. Taere was quite @ large attendance present. Mr. K. J. Cugtenden was first sworn, and testified that be waa coshier a Castle Garden, omi had charge of af moneys received, Wien tickets are sold to emigrants for transpociation on tho different raifroad and steam- boat Jines he paid tke money over to the various compe- nies upcn w hove lines the tickets were bought; he reserved twenty per cen ot thisamount; this sum wos aed to de~ froy the expenr¢# at the Sarden; the arsouns thas revetwed. he could not stete since the D ; migkt cot be $10,000, and it Rents . not encughto ps7 the expenses at the Garden; the em- pentes include payof explores, exeapting the and dociors; rent of Gardea was exolusire; the I anc attaches, inciudteg clerks, weigisers, in’ and lice officers, were between Al’y and ixty won all told; john A. Kennedy acted as pederat ouperietendestt: he looked to bim for alloerders; others Commenetoners wi- sited the Garien, but geve no orders; none of the Com- missioners received anyeu.ary (hat he wat aware of he had not paid any; he does ‘not know any of the Com- missioners or cthers so Biting emigrants to ge by ‘cer- tain routes; no railroad that he was awure o! mee stationed at tho Garden ¢> look after the imterost cf their partiouiar Ine; the twenty per ceww: referred to 1s alee taken trom the bey and luggage of emigre: Thurlow Weea, to his kipwiedge, had no interest Castle Gerden; a broker bought ‘their fortige money; he allowed from twenty-two to twenty-four cents for am Ergiish shilling; for Pruseimn doliars he has allowed from six'y:six to seventy cents; for a French twenty frave piece he allowed $3 85; Ye bas recefved from $50 to” $75 premium per month on foreign coin; the majority of money bought was American coin; a large amber brought exchanges on New York: be could not state the total amount of foregn coin received; omigrants are al- ways asked how much money they have; a farthing hed never been charged to emogrants for sale of drafts im their posession, he was himself ta the employ of dit eat rallroad companies aad the Cyumiseioners combined, the Ente Raibead, the New York Central Katircad, the Hudson River Railrosd end the Pennsylvania Central Ratlroed were the roads they sent emigrants upon; he had nothizg to do with ren“ ing the emigrants; two mea— Robert Wentzel and Jobm shorts—were the partion hay- ing this in charge; Mr Corning. Premdent of tne New York Cenuwal Railread, informed him of hf ae cashier at Castle G Commissioners of Emigra ton; passengers are almost equally divided by the Erie Ruitroad and the Hedsom River and New Yerk Central roads; it wae rought, be be- lieved, to make the travel about equal between these reads. Mr. Cruttenden was susjected to « long-orvss- xemination, but nothing important additional te the above was elicited. » Frederick Hontelmer, a German emi it, was next sworn, pea an interpreter, and testified taat he er- rived in New York on the 4th of March; he was langed at Costie Garden, and was arked where he was goimg and bow much money he bad. A ticket was showa, which witness atated was given to him at Castle Garden, as w PE eee Opto; he paid for the ticket anc $2 25 fcrextra baggage; he hed but fifey pouads of baggage; he went out of the Garden and was induced to go 10 an emigrant bi arding house; he did not have to how bia ticket before going out of the Garden; he saw in the paper—the New York Demokrat—that he had pas@ more tor his ticket than was charged oatsi‘e the Garden; the price there given was $6 41 to Cresline, on the Penn- Ivania Central road; he then went to Castie Garden and jowed the difference in the priee to the man he bought ‘the ticket of; the answer he received was, ‘‘ He did not care for the papers;’’ he then arked to have the difference paid back to him, but was refused; the man niso refused to take the ticket back and return him the money he had paid. Mir. Radolph Garrigue, one of the Commissioners of Finigration, was next calles, but upon deiny asked to be sworn, gave his refural, and a3 an explanation of his rea- sons, «ubmitted the following written explanation to the committee:— ‘TO THe SPDUIAL COMMITTPE ON CASTLE CARDEN OF THR COMMOEE COUNCTL OF THY CIY OF NEW TORK, Grxrizwex—Having be-n served with a second -subpoma. to appear refore sou for examination, 1 beg leave respectfully to sige that I must decline to submit’ to any eXamioation em the part of Sour cormmi tee, or anz other commities of the Comwcn Council, reiative to my official duties in Oastfe den or elvewhere’ simply because { deem. it improper. as @ State officer, to be questioned by # local committee, ‘The « cmmmissioners, of w! lem one, bawe frankly lly responded to the call ot the Senate commitiee, have but lately reported to the Senate upon the ve which seems at pr sent to engage your at ention, co so sguin whenever the Bate Legisiature may see sileare new Inquiries But I velieva that 1 do oat diter inion with any of my col eaguer 101 Shere citer, toansner ary guiries cf a real” committee Whiist, therefore, T am yer desirous that accurate infors about Castle Garden shoud be spread before the public, whilst I stould saier enccuraze than dissuade any of tre em ploy és of Cast'e Garden whcm you migh’ vend for to appear nd say all they huew about the! beneficent institution. { mat respecitully deciine answering any <juestion of your commeft- tee myself, KUDOLPH GaRRIGUB, Commissioner of Emi Andrew Fleigel, another German emigrant, was next sworn, and corroborated the testimony of the previous emigrant witness. He bought a ticket a+ the same placa, and was chsrged the same price ($7); he hac to oe eighiy pounds of over the amount al- ed. Mr. Smit, the chairman, here stattd that all thet wae necessary to show robbery cf the emigrants the Oom- missiouers of Emigration had been proven by the emi- grant wilnerses just called. He was witing, upon the evidence thus received to ci-se the testimony, and pre- pare their report for speedy presentation to the Board, against further power er exietence of the Commissioners of Emigration and usurpation of Castle Garden, This was acquiesced in by the other members of the Committee, and the testimony declared close. Broadway Haliroad. The following is a copy of a bill now before our Legis lature:— An act to confirm the proceedings of the Comma Council of the city of New York relative tos rsitroad in Broadway and other streets of said city. The people of the State of New York, represented im Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:— Secticn 1. The resolution passed by the two Boards of the Cummon Council of the city of New ik, the final action on which in ssid Common Council, was had om about the th day of December, one thonssid cight hundred and fitty-two, giving the authority and consent of said Common Vouncil to Jacoo Sharp others to adcuble track for a railway in Bioadway and Whiel or Siate street, from the South ferry to Fitty-ninth street, and places pag! Sabre and the said Jacob Sharp and others named in ‘ assigns, are hereby authorized to construct, complete, extend and use such railway in and through the streets and road aforesaid ‘until otherwise provided by act of the Legislature, or until the right shell cease and terminate according to the provisions of the sec nd section of this act, notwithstanding any objec or ground of objection heretotore existing, or any action ecmmenced or injunction ‘isened cr adjudication had to the contrary; nothing herein con ained shall be construed as impairing or intending to impair in any maaner the obligation of any contract. See, 2, Fernando Wood, Cornelius W. Lawrence, James Harper, Jacob A. Westervelt, Stephen Whi'ney, Willians Kent, Edwin D. Morgan, Cyrus Curtis, Isaac 0. and Benjamin F. Pinckney, are hereby constituted @ Board of Commissioners, with power to decide as herein- after provided, on the effect cf the said railway upon the interests of the public, and of the owners of real estate Jying along the route thereof. If at the expiration of one ear from and after the time when the said railway chal completed, the said commissioners, or a majority of them, shall fle with the Secre ary of State a cerldeas in writing that they have examined into the working and effect of the said sallway, and that in their jad; it ‘has proved injurious to the aforesaid interests, ‘ane to wae said railway shell then and from thenceforth ocase ‘and determine, and this ae@aball become null and vid; Reg hp me bag be pin as aforeraid. Vacan- ies in aa ar leath, resignation, or o:herwise, shall be filled by the Governor. Sec. 8. Tho raid grantees or their sesigns shall groove ‘® space fourteen feet wide throogh that part of the ear- a my, ore nate tena block pave nent wr stall pave such 4; Tough stone, so as te Saetigeeee eo Sec. 4. This act +hall take effect immediately. Obttuary. DEATH OF CAPfAIN BAKER. The funeral of Capt. Exisia Bisse Bakar, one of the old- ost New Jersey pilota, and one of the originators of that corps, tock place from his late residence in Rrooklyn, yea erday afternoon, Ais death occurred on Saturday last, after an illzess of five weeks, The flags of the pilot boats nthe harbor were displayed at half mast during the éay, in respect to his memory. Tae funeral was largely attended, and many of the pilots were present, His re- mains were taken to Greenwood Cometery. Capt. Baker wasan experionced and skilfal man in his profesa! and the shipping merchants of New York, wich whom ‘he came {n contact more often than with any other ciass of the community, regarded him with the hi: esisem, and confidence. In his private jife he waa @ man reapect- ed by all who knew him. By his death the rofession to which he belonged loses one of its most in- Ruenttal members. Mr. James Tcrsrr, Sen., in the ninety. year at his age, a soldier of the Revolutiouary war, who fought at wrieon titon ma , ated Briar Croek and Guilford Court ‘and for several mcnths « 8 prison in Alamance county, N. O., om the 12ch ult. Mr. Ouiven Gramze, ® Pevolutionary Nortbboro’, Mass., ‘Sth, at the years. Mr. Glazier entered the army at theage and served in New Jersey, Rnode Iniand Point, He leaves eight obildren, dren, eighty-one great gread obuicea, great-great gracd ‘-