sympathized, though he never approved the violent and indiscreet denunciations of the heated partisans among them, any more than he participated in the bitter and vindictive manner of the opposing faction, had declared their hostility to any extension of the slave territory; and therefore, the course pursued by the officers of the National Government, and those enjoying its patronage, produced new differences, and new collisions, which prevented the restoration of good feeling or harmony." The democratic state convention was held in October. Governor Wright had been urged to decline a re-nomination; but this would only have resulted in further divisions, and he did not attempt to influence the proceedings of the convention, either one way or the other. If the delegates desired him again to become a candidate, he was disposed to act in accordance with their wishes. He had not sought the office, but it rested with his party friends to say whether he should remain in it, since his original acceptance had been given in pursuance of their emphatic request. Those democratic journals in the state friendly to the unfinished canals, and disposed to advance the projects of the national administration, advised the selection of a new man as a candidate for governor. This movement met with very little favor, and but few scattering votes were given in the convention. Mr. Wright received one hundred and twelve votes out of one hundred and twenty-eight, on the informal ballot. His nomination was then made unanimous, except that a single delegate voted against the motion.

CHAPTER IX.

1846.-Opposition to the New Constitution-Anti-Renters-Integrity and Independence of Governor Wright-The November Election— The Constitution Adopted-Causes of Mr. Wright's Defeat-His Opinions-Adverse Influences at Washington-The National Administration-The Wilmot Proviso-New York Resolutions-The Missouri Compromise-Acquisition of New Territory and Extension of Slavery -Position of Mr. Wright-Retires to Private Life-Contented Disposition-His Name suggested for the Presidency-Letter-River and Harbor Bill-Veto of the President-The Chicago Convention-Letter of Mr. Wright-Popularity in the Northern States-Political Prospects-Mode of Life-Devotes his Time to his Farm-Agricultural Address-General Health-Sudden Illness-His Death-Letter of his Physician-Effect on the Public Mind-Testimonials of Respect -Meeting at Ogdensburgh-Tribute of Mr. Clay-The Merchants in New York-The Pilots-Proceedings of the State Legislature-Remarks of Mr. Spencer-The State Fair-Feeling throughout the Union-Personal Appearance and Habits-Character as a Citizen and a Friend-Style of Oratory-Mental Qualities-Career as a Statesman-His Memory.-1847.

THE decision of the state convention upon the financial questions, out of which had arisen the dissensions in the democratic party, was not entirely satisfactory to the friends of the public works that remained unfinished. The mode pointed out in the constitution for appropriating a portion of the surplus revenues to their completion appeared slow and tedious. Those persons, in particular, whose pecuniary interests were directly affected by the suspension of operations, did not conceal their objections to the article which had been adopted, and their intention to vote against the ratifica

tion. They were not pleased with the small sum which, in the most favorable condition of the finances, would probably be set apart for the prosecution of the works, nor with the prohibition against creating a new debt for other objects of the same character. It was suggested soon after the convention adjourned, that an amendment might be proposed to render these restrictions less severe, in case a majority of the people approved the constitution. This announcement contented the greater number of those who desired to see the canals speedily finished; but the contractors, and others bearing a similar relation to the works, were unwilling to vote in its favor, even with this prospect before them. Experience had shown, that a minority, though few in numbers, might prevent the adoption of an amendment; and notwithstanding the constitution was modified in that respect, they saw that it would still occupy two or three years to perfect an alteration, where there was any decided opposition manifested.

The changes in the judiciary system made by the amended constitution, were also unpopular in some sections of the state. The election of judges, and of 30 many other officers who had formerly been selected by the appointing power, by the people themselves, through the ballot boxes, was likewise a new feature that did not meet the approbation of many who felt attached to the old manner of appointment, and were not disposed to regard such innovations with much favor. These objections, however, were principally confined to the eastern part of the state; but in the middle and western counties the main difficulty was the financial article.

During the session of the Legislature in 1846, efforts were made to induce the governor to pardon the indi

viduals concerned in the disturbances in the counties of Columbia and Delaware, who had been sentenced to the state prison; but he declined any further interference, at that time, on their behalf, alleging as his reason for the refusal, that a proper regard for the dig nity of the law, the character of the state, and the security of its citizens, seemed to him to require that they should be kept in confinement, at least until a more healthy tone of sentiment prevailed in the districts where the difficulties had existed. These applications were renewed by the friends of the prisoners, at various intervals, in the course of the summer, and just before the fall election they were pressed with unusual warmth. A large number of the Anti-Renters originally belonged to the democratic party, and they were very anxious that Governor Wright should place himself in such a position as to obtain the votes of themselves and of all who thought with them. Although his official acts had appeared harsh and severe, they were forced to admire the unbending integrity and stern independence which he had displayed. His recommendations to the Legislature, and the prompt action that followed them, had softened, to a great extent, the angry feelings which had occasioned the outbreak, and they were by no means inclined to oppose his re-election. But the release of the prisoners was the object at which they aimed, and that would and must be the consideration for their votes. When they found that he would not yield to their petitions, they attempted to draw from him a promise, or a pledge, that at some future time their request would be granted. His answer was worthy of the man-worthy of the governor. He would give no promises, no pledges, save that his duty should be discharged to the best of his ability. Though unlike

the proud and haughty Roman, who could not sympathize with the people, and would have betrayed them to their foes-though unlike Coriolanus in all besides, yet, with him, he despised the vile means which demagogues employed to win the public favor. If he remained in office, none should complain that the executive clemency was withheld when it might be properly bestowed; but he would not sully his reputation with a blot that no honor or dignity could ever have effaced. When the Anti-Rent convention was held, the selection of Governor Wright, as their candidate for governor, was urged by many of his over-zealous friends; but the majority required something more tangible than mere expectations; they knew his character, and they were fearful that they might look to him in vain. The whig delegates were more positive in their pledges for the nominee of the whig convention, and the AntiRenters decided to support him at the election, together with the candidate for lieutenant-governor nominated by the democratic party.

At the November election in 1846, there were about four hundred thousand votes cast for the office of gov. ernor. In addition to the nominations of the two great parties, both the Abolitionists and the Native Americans had separate tickets, each of which received a considerable number of votes. The majority in favor of the amended constitution, was nearly one hundred and thirty thousand. John Young, the whig candidate for governor, who was also supported by the Anti-Renters, was elected over Mr. Wright, by upwards of eleven thousand majority.

It is as unpleasant a task, as it is ungracious, to attempt to explain away a political overthrow. If the people will not vote for a candidate in sufficient numbers to