Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1847-07-08
From the .Ns'c England Puritan, Congregational
Position Of Political Parties in regard t
Slavery,

One of the worst tendencies of the popular
mind, which the engagement of this nation in
war is wont to create, is that by which the war
is sure to make our Presidents. The glory of
splendid achievements on the battle field, real or
supposed, to which our wars give occasion, has
the power of resistless fascination upon the
popular mind and our most fortunate leaders of
armies become, almost cr-ofciO, our Presidents.
From present appearances, VIC are to have a new
instance of this experience The result seems
now inevitable, since the strength of both politi-
cal parties seems to be coming into it, and since
the popular will is indicating it, by voice above
that of all parties. Yet it may be well, calmly
and with the eye of an cnlghted conscience, to
survey the true character of movement which
We cannot resist.
To this movement there are two objections
which must bear with weight upon the mind con-
tempatng the moral and highest interests of the
country. The first of these has already been al
luded to- 1t is-that it goes to confirm the per-
nicious custom, which makes the way to the pres-
dency lie through course of military achieve
ments Here we say nothing to any supposed
incompatbility between excellence in the two de-
partments of service. We grant, there may be
cases, as that of Washington, in which greatness
in arms is blended with greatness in the cabinet.
While on the other hand we think that it will be
conceded, that as general rule, the best states
men are not to be found among the most success
full warriors. But the more grave objection lies
in the national spirit and policy, which this course
of Presldent-makng generates. 1t Is at all times
an easy matter for Congressman, to say nothing
of smaller men, to involve the country in war;
and when this course of President-making be-
comes fully established, and it is seen that no
man has chance of reaching the highest politi-
cal elevation who has gathered no trophies upon
the tented field, all the ambition of all aspirants
is committed to bring us in state of war often
enough to give them chance, with the sword to
work out the problem of their election, The
readiness with which Congressman and would be
Congressman, of all political parties have rushed
to the field, in this Mexican war, in spite of the
unpOpularity of the war In Its commencement
contributing not little to make it popular
should read us an effective lesson, now that the
popular feeling which responds to the spirit o.
ambition, and consents to give the Presidential
Chair to the most successful General is working
immense mischief 1t is shaping the destiny o.
this country to that of perpetual wars, and train
ing the rulers and people into work Of pundel
republic-a course more fitting hordes of bandit
than Christian nation.
Our other objection to this movement lies il
the fact that the man in this case to be elevated
is a Shareholder; and his elevation will, in one
view of it at least, be another added to the serie
of triumphs of shareholders in our national gov
ernment Previous to the commencement ofthi
popular enthusiasm gathering around the name G
Gen. Taylor, there had come up in the North
very general feeling Of repugnance, in both par
ties, against continueing an infinite series {
savehodin Presidents and strong probable
ty that that series had come to its finale But no,
another turn seems to be given to the state {
things. And unless the chivalrous General shoul
lose his life or experience disasters, which sha
obscure the lustre of his fame it seems very cleal
that the blessed day of ending that series is t
be postponed, at least one term. And thos
who had resolved never to vote for another slave
holding Presldent-and the number of them
very great-have now the alternative of falIin
in to swell the popular current, or discharging
good conscience in a small minority Many, "
are sure will prefer the latter course,
But while we seriously lament the postponemel
of the object of our desire we still see in the!
events the hand of wise Providence, whiC
for aught we know, may be working more eife
tually towards the object of our ultimate desir
the delverance of the country from the domin
tlon of Shareholders One of the strongest pro
OF the slaveholding dynasty, has been the streng
OF popular attachment to political parties. r.
south have ruled us through our love of the VIII
or the Democrat parties. But if Gen Taylor
to come into the presidency, he is to come up,
at least the temporary ruin of both of these pa
ties That fact will blend its influences wi
tht of several other causes, converging to t
same result, to dissolve the parties into their orr
ilal elements. And before these parties c
form again. There will be breathing time,
which the higher interests of the country IN
be consulted Though savehodng Preside
will be sure to construct his cabinet and ex
his patronage in such way as will best shit
tie peculiar domestic institution, yet the legis
ton in Congress will be more free to shape its