The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-09-05

Now that the summer is gradually drawing to a
close, although the weather is still pleasant and
agreeable, the politicians of all SIDES, and the
people themselves, are beginning to wake up to
the importance of the pproechng Presidential
election. As matters now stand throughout the
Union, with their several parties and their cand-
dates, the battle WILL no doubt, be to the most
gacIous, and the victory to the greatest number.
We have three important candidates for the Pre-
sidency before the country. General Taylor, Gen.
Cass and Mr.. Van Buren, Another gentleman,
Mr.. Gerlt Smith, who had been nominated last
winter by portion of the radical democracy in
favor of land reform, still insists occupying the
position he has been placed In, unless he should
be Withdrawn by the men who placed hun there
He sticks TO his text like man, but can have no
hope of any thing beyond his immediate friends
and private acquaintance, in the way of voting
The great contest of this election Is, no doubt,
between General Taylor and General Cass. 1t is
assumed by many of the friends and supporters of
Mr. Van Buren,, that he has been gaining ground
on the free soil movement in the North, that he
has the best chance for the vote of New York.
and probably of some other of the Northern States
but these CLAIMS, although they may be put forth
by impassioned leaders, from the stump, are by no
means admitted by the judIcrous and discreet po-
liticlans of the other parties, struggling in the
contest. The fight, in the present election, is
substantially between General Taylor and General
Cass, and the chances of those two eminent men
are so entirely covered with clouds and dark
ness that politician can tell exactly who
will be the victor. The present canvass is one
of the most varying ones, in the period of time
that has elapsed since its commencement, that
has ever taken place in this country. Since the
nominations in May and June last the prospects
have changed with every change Of the moon, and
during the next two months, before the seventh
OF November, we should not be surprised to see
as many changes, and perhaps more than what
that bright luminary of heaven will perpetrate
during the same time. At this particular moment
The chances of General Cass are undoubtedly in
the ascendant, arising more from the folly,
the weakness, the imbecili,y, the pride, and
impracticability of wing politicians, statesmen.
orators, and editors, than from any other cause
whatever.
General Taylor was brought forward more than
year ago, at independent meetings of indepen-
dent men, who wanted change in the platform
Of the old parties, who wanted revolution In the
political feelings Of the country, and who be-
lieyed that the prestige and honesty of General
iayiois coiholneu Wlul HIS experience anu lHuel-
lect, were favorable to such happy consumma-
ton In public affairs. General Taylor, in all his
correspondence, has invariably occupied the posi-
ton which he assumed at the commencement of
the canvass, more than year ago yet IN conse-
quence of his nomination by the wing conven-
ton in Philadelphia series of tn,eptes, or explo
sions, have taken place among the wing pollt-
clans of the North, which have been operating on
he public mind to such an extent will, If the
sober sense of the independent people do not rise
up at once, most assure dly defeat him in the com.
ing contest. Wing orators, wing journals, wing
manGuvres of all kinds, those protesting to be
opposed TO him. as well as those protesting TO be
his friends, h ave only been inluring the cause Of
General Taylor tor the last few months. The
wing journals of this city have been particularly
eenspicuous as elements Of mischief, ignorance
and presumption, calculated TO aid the cause Ct
A-nerd Cass, whom tbey deprecated NO much.