The Convention of the Democratic Party commenced its sittings at
Chicago on Tuesday, but up to Friday noon had not selected its candidate. Mr. Cleveland, of Ohio, had treble the number of votes of the highest next candidate ; but the old rule of the party requires a two-third nomination, and this will be difficult to secure. The Tammany Party in New York, sup- ported by the Irish in all States, are definitely opposed to Mr. Cleveland, and in favour of Senator Bayard or Mr. Randall. They rouse strong hostility in the West ; but great efforts are made to conciliate them by inserting in the " Platform" sentences binding the Government to " protect " American citizens in foreign lands. Upon the tariff question the Convention is a little vague, as it defends " Custom Houses "—that is, indirect as against direct taxation—but still it maintains the old prin- ciple that revenue should be collected only to supply the national needs. It should be noted that one part of Mr. Blaine's Jingo policy is more popular than was expected, and that the Democrats favour " closer' political and commercial relations " with the fifteen " sister Republics" of the two Americas,—a curious exception against Brazil.
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