Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1848-10-19

United States, is of itself almost conclusive, and
although we do not know that Gen. Taylor
would veto bill passed by considerable ma
tjority Of Congress containing the Free Soil pro-
!viso, on use any Of the power and patronage Of
the Government directlyt TO prevent its passage,
sfnnless, indeed be would be convinced it was
UNCONSTITUTIONAL yet the opinions, the advice,
the legitimate influence of man so eminent,
aai so strong in the affections Of his countrymen,
scoald not but have beneficial effect. in allay-
ing animosities softening prejudices. and thus
producing happy adjustment of this most dan
gerous question. Under all these favorable cir
eums'a nces we cannot for moment doubt tho
ion Of Gen. Taylor
! Amid all these hattefing prospects Of success
however, we must acknowledge our mortfica-
tion at the apparent apathy Of the Wings of yir-
ginia, and particularly in our good old County of
Berkeley and would bespeak the attention Of
our Wing friends, whilst we examine into the
alledged causes Of it.
Are they dissatisfied with the character, pri-
vate personal, ofGen. Taylor, Even polti-
cal malignity as for rs we have heard, has failed
even to produce charge against his fair fame.
In every relation in which he has heretofore
stood with his fellow dgnifed benevo-
lence, majestic integrity Of character, gives us
the surest pledge that his every word may be
implicitly relied on. Integrity seems so deeply
stamped on every action Of his life, that even
strangers willing to rely on his assurances as
to his opinions, with implicit confidence. Ev-
cry thing which has occurred during the can
vass, has increased our estimate of his good
sense, sound judgment unimpeachable integrity
and retiring modesty.
Are they dissatisfied because the name of
another most eminent citizen has not been pre-
scented to them' As an individual we should
have preferred him to any man living This
paper has been devoted to his interests for TWEEN
ty-five years. The people of this County have
supported him invariably for the same period
And why Because he has invariably suppor-
ted with pre-eminent abilities, the principles of
the Wing party. But have they placed no val
ne on those principles independent of the man
How then can they, when the reply of Mr.. Clay
to the New York nomination, must convince
them, that his name can under no circumstances
be before them for that high office, be content to
lose with him, the benefits also of their long
cherished principles, perhaps forever, in the ad-
mnistration of the Government? Can any man
doubt that Gen. Taylor is sincere, long-esiab
lshed Wing Ifso, what are likely to be the
prevailing principles of his administration p
Whilst it gives US, and we believe all who de-
pore the corrupting effects of prescription from
office for opinion sake, great pleasure to reflect,
that his former persuits in life, furnish hin with
no political favorites to crafty, no enmities to
satiate, yet we have no doubt that the moderate
and beneficial views of eminent Wings, will be
found generally to peryade his administration
Why then this apathy, which is but one step
short Of promoting the election of Gen. Cass,
who alone can succeed if Taylor be defeated
But perhaps we may be told, ''that the course
of events in the administration Of the Govern
ment has completely settled all these issues in
which we formerly took so deep an interest, and
therefore we see nothing now, anxiously to con-
tend for" But how have these issues been set
tied To your satisfaction 1t is true no party
would advocate Bank of the United States I'M
less some new crisis in our Affairs, should make
manifest its necessity. The extravagant expen-
dtWes Of the Government, in what we deem an
unnecessary, and therefore wicked war, has it is
true made it necessary to consult revenue rather
than policy in our Tariff, but in the new mod-
fcation of it, which must take place to meet our
increased expenditures, judicious protection of
our domestic industry, in many respects, may
mot be excluded. We may soften many of the
blows which the unmitigated spirit of Free |
Trade would otherwise bring upon us. Gladly
would we see the effects of Free Trade an iniu-
dicious protection. fairly tried by their effects,
without any disturbing cause to modify them
We should have no fear Of the result no doubt,
that in short time. the distress brought upon
the country by the destruction of our manufac-
lures, by the loss of the immense demand they !
occasion for our domestic products, and the /
dreadful embarrassment which would be inflicted |
on every department of business by the contin-
ued demand for specie, to pay for our immense
importations, would compel its friends to abandon
1t forever. Never was party more fortunate
than the Free Traders, in the accidents which
have served to modify its policy; the immense
demand for its breadstuffs last year afforded them
ample means not only Of carrying on the war,
but also OF meeting the great demands for specie
occasioned by our unexampled importation of
foreign goods. Bnt are you willing in view Of