The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-12-18

ming off by disertlop. 1t is, therefore, thought
that the Mexicans at San Luis will fall to pieces,
without the assistance Of Old Rough and Ready;
and that the occupation of all the Mexican sea.
ports: preparatory to the march to the city of
Mexico, is far better plan than to waste the en-.
ergies OF our army in long marches
All this is Interesting, and the news to come
from Mexico will, therefore, be highly interesting
and important
The Whis Movements for the presidency-
The Hour anu the Man.
We alluded, yesterday, to one or two political
rumors relative to the movements of the wings
IN this State. They may, probably, be of some
importance to the politicians of the country.
Ever since the defeat of Henry Clay, the wing
candidate for the presidency in the year 1874,
and the almost total overthrow of his party on the
accession Of Mr.. Polk, the wings have been in
comparative state of quiescence-keeping up
their Organization, with the view'of taking ad-
vantage of all the sins of omission or commits
sion that might be perpetrated by their oppo-
nents; and, In all other respects, acq uirng as
much capital as possible to bear upon the cleo
ton Of 1S4S.
This policy was dictated by reason and so und
judgment, because the issues with which thew
went before the people in that election, were
emphatcally decided against them; and all hopes
OF success in the election of 1S48, depended upon
what capital they might make from the course of
the democratic majority in Congress, and the
measures which they might carry thro ugh
Thus we have seen them oppose the annexa-
ton OF Texas-tle passage of the sub-treasury
bill the tariff bill OF l646-the acts of the Presi-
dent in anticipating the war with Mexico-insert.
ing the celebrated preamble which they affixed to
the bill appropratng means to carry on the war
after 1t was commenced. In all respects they
eagerly watched the course of their victorious CD.
ponents; and every measure they passed, in fact
every step they took, was closely scanned, and as
much capital made cut oft as could possibly be
done.
The results of this policy are apparent in the
late elections in the different States They entered
the arena with all the advantages they thus Sc
cured; and In almo.tevery State in which cleo,
lions have been held, they have partially or CON-
pietey triumphed over the democrats, ana ac-
CURED vast accession OF strength, with which to
carry on the next presidential campaign.
Having pursued this policy, and acquired these
advantages, the next step for them to take is the
selection of a candidate. This is no easy matter
under the present circumstances of that party
Although they were defeated in 1874, under the
auspices of Henry Clay, great many think that
that distinguished statesman is still the most DOB.
ular and available candidate with whom they
can be identified Although they were defeated
with him as their leader at that time they imagine
that it was caused mot by any personal unpopular
ty of his, by fair verdict on the principles of the
wing party, but by concurrence of unforeseen
circumstances arising from the nomination of
man then comparatively unknown in the world
of politics, and growing altogether from the Bal
I imore Convention. Many of the same party, on
the other hand, think that Mr.. Clay has outived
his popularity and his party. Having been their
leader for so many years, and having been de-
feated on several occasions, when there was ap.
parently a decided majority of the masses in ia
of the whigs they attribute their defeat in the
election of1S44 to Mr.. Clay, without reference to
the principles Of the party. Believing this, they
are unwilling again TO risk their prospects of sue
cess in the election of le%5, by marching under
Clay coors, and for some time past, have
eagerly scanned the political horizon, for
the purpose OF discovering man who possesses
the confidence OF the party throughout the coun-
ny, and that essential element of success personal
popularity, the want of which they attribute tn
Mr. Clay.
As may be expected, there is a considerable
amount of intrigue going on among the several
eliques and factions into which the wing party Is
divided, in relation to candidate; and as con-
gress is in session, the Capitol, rs a matter Of
course, is the grand laboratory. Each of these
factions and ciquss has its own favorite candidate,
whose claim on the party, they INSIST, is stronger
and under whose banner they insist the prospects
of success are better than with any other candi-
date As we have already said, Mr. Clay is the
favonte OF large portion of the wings.
but OF late there appears to be a coalition
among that branch of the wings generally
known as the fourierite left wing. toward,
M Mclean, of Ohio, whom they are DESTROYS
Oh having as the candidate Of the whole partv in
isis' provided the chance. of Mr.. Clay are ut,erv
hopeless. Accounts from the seat of tbe.. j..
srgues, published some time since. repre.ented
MI. Mclean as being decidedly the mos, ponular
candidate at the present time of thi. ism If ,vho.
GEM Mr.. Mclean is decidedly popular. and pro-