The New York herald., 1844-12-22
Washington.
Correspondence Of the Herald.l


In all human probability, there existeth not the
man in this region, whatever be his age, whose
memory serveth him sufficiently backward to point
to the period when parties and party feeling was in
such an interesting position as they are at this
present writing in the city Of Washington. per-
ceive that you are no idle observer of the daily
progress which is making in the important matters
now in agitation here bat being absent from the
scene, you cannot be SO conversant with the means
that are in operation to effect certain measures as
one who is on the epot, and who has access to the
thoughts and expressed views of the prominent ac-
tors. purpose to keep you advised of certain
movements, from time to time, which shall be in
teresting and accurate, and if mislead you or
your readers, tell me so at the end
1t 10 now settled fact" that there are at work,
with might and main, in Washington, three dis
tnc ciques or factions, each and all of which are
moving heaven and earth to carry their own points.
personally, and the prime object of each and all OF
which is to gain the ascendancy and establish them
selves (by sort OF political forestalne) In the af-
fections Of James X. Polk" the man ,oho." The
first but by far the weakest Of these, is the Benton
anti annexation-cligise The second, and by no
means an inconsiderable portion, is the Calhoun
Annexation Greg on State r. lehts-South Carolina
clique. The third, by odds the most powerful, and
the other two will serve its purposes the clique
which is composed OF the young democracy Of the
nation. which Is represented by the Northern and
Eastern portions of the democratic party proper,
and who are acting in conjunction with generous
sprinkling of "orginal Tyler and Calhoun men,"
now pure Polk-ites! Such is the rnateriale Of the
three ciques of the party Which is soon to be in
MThe bull-necked disposition and policy of Thos
Hart Benton-rght or wrong-wili never permit
him to give way while there exists the shadow to
hang a hope upon,, and though ne must die-he
will ssdie game" 1t there were nothing else to kill
him, politically, his determined and revengeful
opposition to the annexation of Texas alone,
would furnish his eventual quietus. But he has
scared above himself, and though his bitter and
ambitious spirit will struggle with, so long as he
has an opponent-yet his perseverance cannot
avail with the fearful odds which ere now IN league
against him. 1t is matter of universal admission,
that Immediately upon his late reelection to the
Senate, he declared that should Col. Polk 60 for
" immediate annexation" he would make his ad-
mistration considerably hotter than certain place
mot to pc mentioned to ears % polite Assuming
he will at once commence the onslaught, la Bots,
and his political fate will necessarily follow
in the footsteps Of that illustrous predecessorfor
Col. Polk is pledged to immediate annexation,
(should not that measure be consummated by the
present Congress,) and that pledge Col. Polk will
redeem. Thomas Hart Benton will most assuredly
I" "headed"-and il he is determined to /" head him
or die"-the remainder of Tom Bentons political
history is briefly told The objects Of this clique
seem to of little else but retaliation for ina.
they entertain the impression that the Calhoun
and Tyler influences were opposed to the resolution
Of their idol, (or which, it is said they may have
some foundation, though doubt it,) and Benton
now purposes to pay them off His acknowledged
talent, however unenviable it may be, willglve HIM
the position of powerful antagonist but be the
cause what it may, the line is drawn-the battle
must be fought-and, if indications are anything
w mi
best in the affray.
The high tone assumed by John c. Calhoun, in
this official correspondence, which has SO lately
ranspired, and his naturally lofty and proud SPIRIT
will at once carry conviction to the mind of the
impartial observer that he is no mean opponent to
contend Without his letter TO Colonel King has
lost him friends, and the sschvalrous Southroa'
will find It difficult task to maintain the position
with the next, that he occupies with the existing
administration. South Carolina desires this-but
the South, generally, oppose Il. The fact that
have the opportunity to quarrel and contend upon
their own accounts sufficient in itself to cause
the ssmiddle interest,"" or faction, to work the
harder to separate them Benton is re. elected for
six years Calhoun's term expires on the fourth Of
March next. The division is made-the issue has
arrived. There can be bu: little doubt that Cal
houn will see the policy of abdcating, rather than
continue in position which must necessarily be
to him, any thing but bed Of roses-while, at the
time. he has in view his chances for the prize
in '48 But to this course his friends demur
Should've retire, many OF the prominent Tyler ap-
pointments now in existence, and which have been
made either by Calhouns recommendation, or
with his advice, will fall with his retirement. The
objects OF this clique, then, is apparent Their de-
sire to serve the people, and pocket the affront,
overbalance all other considerations, and they
would have him remain, by all means, that they
may 60 and do likewise But to the third clique.
As remarked to you In my last, Or rather my
first letter, there Is an allpoweru under current
work here, made up from the smiddling interests"
which is destined to break down the old barrier
and party lines OF the great democratic-loco-foco
party-and which in less than four brief months
from the date of this letter-you shall see ride
tnumphantly over the ruins Of these old cliques OF
F" old hunkers." Enlisted in the ranks Of this fac
ton, are some of the most prominent and talented
men in every section of the land and amongst
whom an active, energetic, and constant cores
pondence is now being kept up. The object of
this last clique is to keep the best strength Of the
The leaders of this clique could name to you, and
at a suitable time, promise II; among whom /
shall point you to men OF integrity, TALENT influence,
and real worth-men who have at heart The best
Tor the spoils alone but who have assumed this as
the only course for the safety Of the party, now,
and hereafter; and whose policy is moderation,
iberaliiy, and liberation There can be no disguis
ing the fact that the election of Col Polk proved
matter of agreeable surprise TO the democratic par
tv-end no less disguise can be attached to the fact
that the "middle interests did more than all the
rest united, towards his elevation to the Pres-
dency. Can it then be doubted that this section
Of the party will gain and hold the supremacy in
the feelings OF the President elect?
In view OF the ground thus taken, what must be
the result ! To the observer who is familiar with
all this man@uverlng, there is but one result ap-
parently possible and the occurrences Of each day
confirms the opinion which follows below.
Pending the time which elapsed between the
nomination of James X Polk. at Baltimore, and
the withdrawal Of President Tyler, q now speak
by the card) certain communications of the
highest Importance passed between the friends of
the former and the friends Of the latter-proposals
were made, considered, and finally accepted The
shgh contracting parties," through those friends,
acceded to certain propositions, and it perfect
draw, and if Mr.. Polk was elected, (the end to be
accomplished ustifying the means) tie friends and
supporters Of both Mr. Polk and Mr.. Tyler, com.
prising the young democracy, should be looked
the new administration be first in consideration