For the first time in the history of national Democratic conventions the Northern delegates refused to submit to the exactions of the South.

Hitherto platforms had been constructed just as Southern men dictated.

Candidates had been taken as their preference directed.

But now the Northern men, pressed by the rising tide of Republicanism in every free State, demanded some ground on which they could stand and make a contest at home.
PROCEEDINGS OF CHARLESTON CONVENTION.
Caleb Cushing of Massachusetts was chosen President of the Convention.
The political career of Mr.Cushing had not been distinguished for steady adherence to party.

He was elected to Congress in 1834, as representative from the Essex district in Massachusetts.