The Hards were those who, under the leadership of Senator Benton, “Old Bullion,” were for hard money; while the Softs were for a paper currency.
1847. Hards, softs, whigs and Tylerites were represented.—Robb, ‘Streaks of Squatter Life,’ &c., p. 91–2 (Farmer) (Phila.).
1847. We knew who were disorganizers in Ohio; and there never was so broad a line drawn between the softs and the hards as there would have been, had not the softs reluctantly come in, &c.—Mr. Fries of Ohio, House of Repr., Feb. 17: Cong. Globe, p. 442.
1848. Barnburners and Hunkers, the “Hards” and the “Softs,” the “Chivalry” and Wilmot Proviso men found one subject on which all could agree.—Mr. Rockwell of Conn., the same, May 11: id., p. 759.
1854. Jan. 17. Mr. Cutting of N.Y. made a speech in the House of Repr., on the history of the Hards and the Softs, with special reference to the Baltimore Convention of 1848. They were opposing sections of the Democratic party.—Id., pp. 192–4.
1854. Jan. 20. Mr. Cutting and other speakers alluded to the Hards and Softs of the N.Y. democracy.—Id., pp. 84–7, &c., App.
