The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-07-10

that responsible stations; Dut we may
be allowed, as an independent journal
list, 10 indicate some Of the signs of the
times which point to the result just men
toned.
l.. The Presidential canvass OF l848
is in utter confusion. Among the
wings, a Pittsburgh meeting nominated
Judge Mclean, who is also understood
to be a general favorite with his party
in the North. western States-the anti.
war spirit of New England and the
Western Reserve indicates its prefer
ence for Senator Corwin--the South
ern and Middle States cherish a fancy
for Scott, which only requires a victory
at Perote to manifest itself; while, as
an undercurrent, deeper and perhaps
stronger than all, is the chivalric feel
ing in behalf of Henry Clay, now inten-
sified by the death Of his gallant son,
and which may yet determine the shape
of the conflicting element.
The democrats are in a condition e.
qually chaotic. In the West, General
Cass has many and warm friends-Mr.
Calhoun, with his compact and discip-
lined body-guard, stands ready to make
his Presidential fortune. or mar that of
other aspirants in the democratic ranks
--Silas Wright, if the New York re.
verse had not occurred, would have
been prominent in the field, and is still
the favorite Of many; while quietly, at
Lindenwald, sits the statesman Of the
party, who will probably never again
join the political melee, but might prove
more available, in a strict party trial,
than many men whose names are fire.
quently heard in the present connection.
In the general confusion, an apprehen-
sion prevails that the election will re-
vert 10 the House of Representatives.
a result greatly to be deplored--and
hence the popular impulse, which choos-
es to adjourn the strife of parties and
the struggles of their leaders, while the
country takes breath under the admin
istration Of an INDEPENDENT PRESIDENT.
2. A circumstance that may lead to
the election OF Gen. Taylor, by a sort
Of acclamation, is the fact that the pride
of the respective parties would be saved
neither authorized to claim a triumph,
and neither suffering the ignominy Of
defeat. A long intimacy between Mr..
Clay and Gen. Taylor r%econciles the
wings to the political orthodoxy of the
latter, although Gen. Taylor is said not
TO have voted for many years; while
MI. Polk, who is, and has been, as we
are aulhoritively informed, entirely free
from any intention or wish for a second
term Of service, may still be gratifed to
yield his seat 10 the successful General
Of the Mexican w~ar--closely identified
as that war is with the success of his
administration.
8. The above considerations are sub
ordinate. however. 10 the principles
which are involved in every Presiden n
tial canvass. The country has been d.
vided for fifteen years upon most excit-
ing topics, and If Gen. Taylor, immedi-
ately upon his Inauguration as Presi-
dent, was constrained to adopt either
extreme, the consequences might be ia
tai to the success of his administration.
1t so happens, however, that the results
Of Mexican hostilities will remove many
of those points of coilision--at least for
a few years. A debt oil n hundred
millions induces the necessity ola tariff,
sufficiently advanced in its rates to sat-
isfy New England and Pennsylvania.
and, at the same time, will prevent any
distribution ofthe proceeds of the public
lands. We cannot suppose that the
wings will again urge a Bank Of the u
nited States, and Congress will insist
on a fair trial of the Independent Urea
sury, removing some of the impractical
BILE restrictions which have embarrass-
ed the fiscal action of the government,
and are an annoyance to Individuals
So far, therefore, as the past contests
of the respective parties are concerned,
an administration composed OF the
leading minds Of all parties, and sup.
ported by the whole people, is not only
practicable, but may rebound to the
highest interests of the whole country.
Only ON one condition, however,
The Executive must no longer insist
upon Legislative influence. There are
questions approaching, which the peo-
pie must be allowed 10 settle in their
own way, without the interference Of
Executive patronage or p%rerogative.-
The old political issues may be post
poned, under the pressure of circum.
stances; and as for the new, those cam
ing events will cast their shadows be-
fore-let it be understood that the only
path for safety for those who may
hereafter fill the Presidential Office, is
to rest in the discharge Of Executive
functions. and let the Legislative will
~ ,Lo -aaola end rffaronca and anapt- |