The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1848-11-11
The Les.o. Ta.sss BY the Late E,scsseu

The Lesson Ts.sss BY tine Late Election.
Every observing mind must have been struck
by the contrast between the campaign Just en-
ded and the campaign of ~.
Then the whole nation was alive. Every
soul was on fire. Men, women and children
We're excited almost to insanity. During the
last campaign, in large portion of the country,
instead Of enthusissm-there has been calm
mess, and almost lethargy.
To what Is the contrast owing7 Will any
say that it is owing TO the difference in the men
who have represented the respective parties D.
However 1t may appear to others, 10 US, who
have been "lookers on in Vienna" this expla
nation seems entirely unsatisfactory. Compare
the candidates Of ~ with those of As, and what
ever We may think Of them individuals, we
cannot see that, as party candidates, as araila-
Ole leaders, the standard bearers Of ~ had the
advantage of those of the present year. True,
Mr.. Clay has hold upon his friends such as
few men have ever had; but General Taylor
certainly has many elements of popularity
And when We look to the other party, probably
none of Mr.. Folks friends would regard him as
superior 10 Gen. Cass. The difference in the
candidates will not account for the different de-
grees Of interest manifested in the two cam
Paigns.
How then shall We account for the contrast
One very significant fact will help us in obtain
ing an explanation. With the exception Of
Louisiana, the only sections of the Union, in
which any real excitement has been manifested
are those in which the third party has been or
ganised and in active operations; and in these
sections the only intense and genuine enihusi-
asm has been found in the ranks of the third
party. The interest there felt by the other par
Ties has been exhibited rather in opposition to
the third party than in earnest, thrilling advo-
cacy Of their own aims and their own men.
This is very striking fact. We adduce il,
notss an indication Of the wisdom of the Free
Soil organisation. With that organisation, as a
party organisation, we have nothing to do. Ii
Is not for Us TO sit in judgment upon it,
Nor do we a6duce the fact a. evidence Of the
fitness OF Mr.. Van Buren, to be the representa-
tive Of this movement. Various opinions as TO
his fitness have existed even among those who
nave foNce Aoa htthg eNA4t him as the
very man demanded by the times, while others
have regretted tina. another was not selected as
the standard bearer.
We present the fact simply as sffording US a
clue 10 the explanation desired And IL does
seem 70 as 10 afford the clue. For what is the
factY
Why, simply this. That in an election Of
great importance, the election Of a man. to ELL
the responsible Office of President of this vast
Republic, with few exceptions the only intense
enthusiasm manifested, has been exhibited by
party which had not the most remote prospect
Of success, which, in truth. did not propose sue
cess, at least, present success, as iis end
This fact. we repeat, is very significant. IL
furnishes an explanation for the want of burn
ing enthusiasm in the two great political parties
Of our country. II shows that the public mind
and heart are deeply Interested in a cause, of
which neither Of the candidates of the two par. |
ties, however worthy as men, was regarded as |
the especial representative. That cause is the |
cause Of human freedom, the cause which |
makes the great heart of mankind throb with |
fearful pulsstions, and no man, whatever his
talents or distinction, can kinde intense, undy-
ing enthusiasm, unless he be regarded as its liv-
eng embodiment, its genuine representatives,
But the man, whom the heart of mankind can
instinctively recognise as truly identified with
the cause Of freedom, that heart will enshrne in
its holy of holies. II will not matter whence
he comes, or what name he bears. AS the man
of the age, he will be hailed and revered
In Europe and in America the question of
freedom is in truth the only question. Other
subjects may awaken temporary interest, but il
is altogether a secondary interest; while the en-
thusasm kindled by liberty burns with a con-
slant and ever-brigh,ening flame. That enthu-
siasm cannot be depressed. 1t must, il will
have manifestation. The day has gone by in
which the question Of bank or no bank, tariff
or free-trade can take precedence Of the cause
of freedom. That cause is henceforward 10 be
the leading cause, and all other subjects will be
as possessed Of value only according 10
their power to advance or retsrd the cause of
causes, the progress and triumph Of liberty. I
By this the organisation Of political parties is
hereafter to be determined, and according to {
their fidelity or want Of fidelity to this great 4
,suse, will leading men gain or lose the con-
idence OF their fellow-citizens. In truth, the q
men found faithful 10 the interests Of liberty I
will be the only trading men; all other men q
will be led OF left. e
We speak OF parties as destined to be organi- i
'ed on this new basis. We do not mean, for we U
10 not believe, that these newly organised par
lies viii be sectional parties, Northern and
Southern parties. The. cause Of liberty knows
not North South; and il has foes alike in one
md the other section, and it will invite TO lis
anks the true-hearted wherever they NAV be
ound. That invitation will be heard and re-
ponded TO with JOY by thousands and hun
reds Of thousands in every portion of our be- :
owed land, who, forgetful Of old associations, =
viii rejoice to hail as brother every genuine =
riend Of liberty and humanity.
Acts net Resslusisss.