The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-10-30

On the RubicOn.
We are now upon the edge of the election. In
a few days both the political armies must approach
the shores of the Rubicon. Every bodyis specu
latng upon the result, and endeavorlng to give an
impulse to his own particular predictions and
purposes. The Journalists and orators belonging
to all the parties are busy making their calcula-
lions from the results of the previous State cleo
tons. The free sollers even indulge in brilliant
antlcpauops of first victory in this State. The
democrats calculate, as certainty, upon the sue.
cess of General Cass. The wings and independents
are equally confident of General Taylor's triumph
In the midst Of so much confusion of arithmetic
and sentiment, of figures and fury, of calculations
and cunning, mind not acquainted with the game
would place dependence upon each political party
In succession.
General Cass is undoubtedly an eminent man, a
sound patriot, comprehensive statesman, and
honorable In every point of view, whatever those
opposed to HIM may say to the contrary. Yet we
doubt very much whether be can be elected, in
the confusion of the old elements, and the probable
character OF the new, which will be brought Into
the present conflict. One week from tomorrow
the people of the United States will vote On that
day, probably half million more votes will come
IHto lltIU tHdIl nave dppcdlcu dt duy previous
State or general election. There is a vast amount
OF new elements belonging to the rising genera.
ton which have been coming into political
power during the last four years. The result of
the contest will depend much upon the tendencies
and feelings of this large mass of fresh voters,
comprised chiefly of young men and naturalized
citizens. Amid such mass General Cass may
be popular; but we believe the peculiar character
and history of General Taylor will make him still
more popular, and hence, according to ordinary
calculations, considerable majority of the new
voting population will take the side of General
Taylor. This tendency towards General Taylor
among such class of voters, will not spring from
historical recolecuons accompanying the wing
party; indeed, it must be otherwise. General
Taylor has more strength than the wing party;
and if he is elected, 1t will be his personal popu-
ianty, and the belief entertained of his high cha
racter, which will give HIM the victory.
Another thing which lnclines an unprejudiced
spectator TO believe that General Taylor will sue
coed in this great contest, the strange spectacle
exhibited by the administration and its jour-
nalists in their treatment of the career,
character, and pretensions of General Taylor.
The columns OF abuse, Misrepresentation, false
hood, and scurrility which the Washington Union
pours upon the simple and majestic character
Of General Taylor, will be powerful weapon in
his favor, and lend very considerable degree of
disgust to the voters in their estimate of
party making such attacks in spite of the high
character OF General Cass, on whose behalf they
are made. Day after day the organ of the admins
tration, and its sub-organs in the States, have
poured out the most unmerited, most indecent and
beasy abuse upon the head of the hero of Buena
Vista. A similar description of tactics aided
greatly in the elevation of General Jackson; and
The like assertions and abuse operated with great
force in bringing about the election of Genera
Harrison. General Jackson, General Harrison,
and General Taylor have all been benefactors to
their country-patrots and high-princpled Anne
ricans. The people of this country will never sup
port any party, actively and energeucally, which
distinguishes itself by defaming Its heroes and
decrying the virtues of those who have been the
instruments of the power and progress of the re-
public
We have every reason to believe, therefore, that
In Pennsylvania and the West, and other States,
the terrible tide of abuse which has been poured
upon General Taylor by the journalists and orators
opposed TO HMM the teeth, too, of their praise
and appreciation Of him only two years ago--we are
convinced, we say, that this system OF warfare
Will BRING out vast portions of the generous and
enthusiastic, among the ne w voters, IN support of
General Taylor. week will tell If we are right.
Thus far, the only element mingling In this eec
ton which looks omInous to General TAYLOR.
may be discovered in the want of wisdom and
tact among the wings themselves, as displayed bv
the journalists and orators of the wing party, which
has been too often under the influence Of narrow
minded and selfish leaders, denying all sympathy
with the great spirit and purpose of the age, con-
'ractng their views of national affairs TO the ad-
yantages OF secis cliques, politicians, manufac-
turers, and spectators. During the recent cam
pagn, many OF these great leaders, in protesting to
advocate the claims of Gen Tay or, have by the ex
hiblton OF their discomfort at his nomination, per-
petrated great injury TO his cause, endangered his
success, and brought a certain degree of GOODNESS
into the minds of those who otherwise were IN
his favor Nothing but the spirit, the movements.
and the enthusiasm of the masses, as manifested
during the last few months, could have corrected
this fatal mistake OF the wing leaders and journal
lists. What amount Of damage the speeches and
editorials Of many Of these leaders may have pro-
duoed, IN the South and West, we have yet to
learn. But, if Gen. Taylor, in the midst of the
great demonstrations manifested in his favor,
should lose this election, that result would
be owing in great measure, to the folly, the OBJ
sunacy, the narrow-mlndedness, exclusiveness,
and wan, Of practlcablty In the wing leaders and
Journalists Of the Middle and Northern States.