The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-12-13

WASHINGTON, Dec. III, 1876.
Suicidal Policy of the Vhigs-The Wdr-T
Tariff of DISQUALIFICATION Dispaired of
k--Ihe Standardization of Committees Chair
man of Committee on Foreign affairs.
A portion of the wings seem determined TO
pursue most suicidal policy in opposing the war.
Mr.. Davis's resolution has opened the way for
number Of attacks Oh the administration, and no
one knows whore this will end-the party evi :
IDENTITY wants drilling. The Hotspurs are going in
direct opposition TO the policy of their leader Mr.
Webster who, although he denounces the war
as unjust in its inception, nevertheless advises
that il be now prosecuted with vigor The as
saults on the wa. now made in Congress, will
damage the wing party with the people, who ar Q
nationally imbued with martial spirit, and
strongly in favor of the present war, they wer
in favor of the last.
The wings are throwing away glorious chance
of re-establishing themselves in power. At the
commencement of the war, mindful of the fate O
those who opposed the war of 1872, they seemed
determined to equal if not surpass their oppo-
nents in zeal and enthusiasm MIR. Webster veferis
memor belti, and grown wise by experience, re-
Trained from criminauon, and was silent The
wing press, with one single exception, sustained
the war. and for some time everything went on
well. But the spirit of opposition overcame their
prudence, and soon the wing press teemed with
denuncatons of the war as unjust, wicked, and
unholy Under the coercion OF the press the whig
Congressman are now beginning to denounce the
usurpation of the United States in this war, and
to reprehend the entire policy of the administra-
ton.
Now. nothing could more effectually conduce
to the ruin of the wings than this course. As
have said in one of my former letters, there are
grounds for believing that the Mexicans are at
present inclined TO peace Congress meets MS
md her mn ~ n successful effort made
to terminate the war. In this event, an honora-
BILE peace must be triumph for the administra-
ton, and will, to use well worn metaphor, take
the wind out OF the sails oil the opposihon. But
even should the Mexicans still hold out, the wa +
must be terminated before twelve months. 1t
cannot last longer; and then the volunteers CO.
ming home, will spread through the country
They will recount all their dangers, slight the
battles over again." and create such enthusiasm
throughout the country, that the anti.war party
will not venture to raise their heads. The demo-
Gratis will consequently retain the power mat they
have possessed, with little intermission, since the
last war
The exhibition of this party spirit is still more
more imprudent at this juncture, for another rea-
son. 1t will tend to unite scattered fragments OF
the democrats, who always rally for mutual de-
fence, when attacked The more violent the de-
nunciations of the war by the wings, the more
firmly will the democrats rally round the admins
tratlon. The external pressure VIII prove
strong cohesive.
There never has been better opportunity for
the achievement of a restoration to power by any
party, than the wings had six months ago, and
now they are in fair way to lose this grand OPP
portunity through sheer stupidity.
The tariff bin was unpopular-the sub treasury
was unpopular-the veto of the river and harbor
bill was unpopular-almost every act Of the adj
minisration was unpopular, except the war
and still, losing sight Of the many advantages
they possessed, they abandoned their hrst resoiu-
ton OF sustaining the war, and In the emo they
will find themselves beaten even on the tariff
A. vxsln rnGf IN fnf fhn
administration. For, it is a strange fact, that
those Pennsylvania democratic Congress I
who most strenuousy opposed the tariff OF 1870,
got most severely beaten at the last election,
full. We all know how small share the tariff
question had in the defeat of the democratic par
ty in the New York election, 50 that in the end
the wings will find themselves deprived Of even.
this last stay.
Before the appearance of the Presidents mes.
sage, strong hopes were entertained by the Penn
sylvania democrats that some modification would
be made in favor Of their State. Indeed, there
was an understanding to that effect at the close
of last session. But now there IS no longer amy
expectation Of such thing. Should Mr.. Web
ster make an onslaught on the tariff, modifca-
ton may be proposed in favor OF pennSyNa ana
interests But it will scarcely prevail. The fail
Of any modification OF the tarff this session,
will exercise most important influence on the
fate of the next Presidential election, and in
way that is not generally suspected.
There will be very little business transacted IN
either house of Congress until after the holidays.
The Senate transacts business SO much more ex-
pedtously than the House, that they never care
to hurry themselves. Hence they seldom SIT on
the two last days of the week, except towards the
close of the session.
On Monday next there will be an election oil
committees in the Senate. 1t is not known asyet
who will be elected chairman OF the COMMITTEE
on Foreign Affairs There four named
Gen. Cass, Mr.. Allen, Mr.. Benton, and Mr.. Sc
ver. Gen. Houston has also been talked OF: i
do not think M Benton will accept, as he has
long had the direction of the Committee on Mill
sary Affairs, with the business OF which he is well
acquainted, and he will, therefore,, scarcely be
wiling to undertake a new trust. GALvrENsis.