The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-09-12

JOHN VAN buren, AND THE FREE Som MOVEMENT
When Martin Van Buren, was nominated by the
Buffalo convention, as the free soil candidate tor
the Presidency, John made one stirring speech,
replete with the eloquence, wit, and sarcasm
which characterize his discourses on political SUBJ
jects, and announced it to be his last. He cleo
pioneered in that convention, he said, against his
fathers nomination; but as he was unsuccessful,
and considering the relationship between HIM and
the nominee, to say nothing of that load of hay,
John said he could not consistently, take any fur
Their public interest the election Promises made
by politicians cannot, however, be much relied
upon History tells that faith is to be put IN
them, and those made by John are not an excep-
ton to the general rule.
Solar from Johns declining to make any speech
es since the nomination, he has made several IN
this city and in other parts of the State, and is
now, we are informed, on general mission
throughout the Northern States, instilling the free
soil principles into the people, TO the best OF his
ability. We hear of him here, there, and every
where; and, as usual he draws, in theatrical par
lance, crowded audiences
John Van Buren, is decidedly one of the most
extraordinary men of the present age. He is bent
on something. He commenced the free soil move
ment with the view of upsetung General Cass, but,
to all appearances the results of his efforts have
been more of tendency to sink himself and his
party. If General Cass should be elected, his
party and their platform are gone beyond redemp-
non. If General Taylor be elected, the free soil
movement may be forgotten. New issues will,
In the course of the administration of either
OF these gentlemen, spring up fro m the circum-
stance of the times and these, being the most
prominent, will of course, overshadow all others.
Political movements resemble, very much, news
paper enterprises. Start newspaper, devoted to
one single idea, and 1t will fail, no matter with
what talent it may be conducted. So it is with
political movements. Their platform must be
general, comprehensive, large enough for por-
ton of of all political creeds and distinctions
TO stand upon.
We hope that John sees his way in this matter
Let him stump Pennsylvania and explain himself
The FUNDS IN THE HANDS OF THE IRISH DREc-
ToRY.-How ARE THEY TO BE DISPOSED OF Ave
have been credibly informed that the Rev. Mr.. Bar
homes, of Kllenaule, in the county of Tipperary,
(and Kilenaue lies at the foot of Slievenamon, the
scene of the late Irish rebelllon) arrived in this city
by the last steamer, to collect funds to build
church in that parish; that he applied to the Irish
Directory, by the advice of friends, to hand him
over the money now IN their hands, or, at least, a
portion of it, for the purpose.
What answer the reverend gentleman has
received, or whether the Directory will, or
will not, comply with his modest request,
we are not informed; but we hold that the
undertaking is laudable one, and ought
to be encouraged. Although we are favorable to
the claims OF the reverend gentleman, and wish
HIM success, we think there are two objections,
which must be overcome, before these funds, or
any part ofthem, can be given to him. The first
ls-that, by the last accounts, we are informed,
second famine in Ireland is inevitable, and there
are many old-fashioned people here who believe it
to be easier in these days. to allay the whirlwind
OF rebellion, than to pray away famine or avert
Its horrors. They say, therefore, the funds
should be retained to meet the coming calamity.
as far as they will extend. The other, and most
weighty objection, is the want ofthe consent of the
subscribers to dispose of their money, for any pur-
pose but that for which it was subscribed. With
out such consent, we of opinion, the Directory
cannot appropriate it to any but the purpose for
which it was originally intended If they do, we
have no doubt they will subject themselves to ac-
tons at law by all or any of the subscribers; and
in the present temper of Irish fellow-cltizens,
we fear Will be difficult matter to procure their
consent TO apply their subscriptions either to build
churches in Ireland, or even to avert starvation,
Tor this class of people think that although the po-
lato crop has failed, the grain crop has not
hat there still plenty Of food IN the country, and
hat the Irish ought to fight for it, or starve.
We do not intend by this to throw any obstacle
,r impeachment in the way of the Rev Mr. b
and his mission on the. contrary, we would afford
him every facility, and we recommend our fellow
citizens, of every denominations to open wide their
and subscribe literally for the ercc-
ton Of church at the base of the far-famed
Slievenamon. Our friend, Bishop Hughes, now
that his aspirations for Irish freedom have been
frustrated will certainly consent to have the $500,
which he subscribed to purchase a shield, turned
INTO brick and mortar. We shall wait to see how
he bishop will act in the premises.
Our BRAVE VoLuNrEERs.-1he Herald was
lmong the foremost of the public press to appre,
,iate, and applaud with admiration and sincere
the noble deeds of our gallant soldiers
n Mexico, and especially of our brave volunteers.
Shall We forget and neglect them, now that they
home, sick, pale wan, aud poor! We
cannot do 1t our best sympathles are with them.
Never was there in the field drawer set of men,
never were more gallant deeds and exploits per-
formed than by our brave American volunteers in
his second conquest of Mexico. But, alas now
hat they returned home, after the tnlls of war,
row shamefully they are neglected
The following letter Is one Of hundreds which
ire daily sent to us, and we publish it in the hopes
If arousng the public authorities here atWasIi-
ngton TO a sense, and. we hope, to a quick per-
ormance, of their duties towards these brave men.
The fault lies mot with Congress, but with the
fficias at Washington Congress has done its
luty; but the men. In office who should execute
will L ihnir h.,r