The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-01-16
lyrELIiaEssE BssrnF MAILS,
4 -<.-s5'Fs.fs - -
AFFAIRS In WAsHIHG70s,
WASHINGTON, January Ia, 1919.
The Iwo Great Parties.


Both political parties are strangely confused
as TO their future course. There is one princ-
pie, however, which is every day becoming more
and more strongly recognized as one to be as
serted by the democratic party in the next cleo
ton-the principle of indemnity. On this doc
trlne the wing party is completely divided
Great efforts are being made to induce Mr.. Clay
to modify his views on this subject, and there ia
little doubt an opportunity may soon occur for
his dong so. The next election will be decided
by the Mexican question; and the wings know
that no man who is in favor of withdrawing our
army can have any chance of success
Although the democratic party is divided ss 10
the amount of indemnity, yet all sections agree
that indemnity must be had, and this is strongly
in their favor. Very shrewd politicians predict
that those IN favor of the largest amount OF in
demnlty will be victorious in the next contest
Indeed, there Is little doubt that the next Pres-
sident will, at all events, not be opposed to the
annexation of the whole of Mexico, should thas
measure prove, as 1t Is certain to prove, neces-
sary.
There is great deal said Of the prominence
OF certain candidates for the Presidency, and
computations made as to the relative strength
in the House, and in the States. All these state
menis aud calculations, 1t Is needless to say,
put forth by interested, and, In many cases, I'M
principed partZans OF those great men. The
truth Is, there Is no reliance to be placed
on any OF the statements or calculations put forth.
There is no possibility of computing correctly;
and blind man who should put down figures
and names of States at random, as indicative of
the strength of such and such man, would come
as near to the truth those who impose on the
public credulity in this way. know that no
man has n clear majority In the House, and no
man can have majority In the convention The
thing is impossible. The southern members are
not partsans of any one man. They have their
preferences, but will yield them for sake Of har-
mony. In several States, different candidates
are certain of support; but this is no indication
of the result in the convention. The friends of
Mr. Van Buren, will bring that gentleman forward
again; but with no hope of success. The fact of
his being brought forward will, however, have
strong Influence on the result. His views cam
not prevail, neither can the extreme views of the
South, and the consequence will be a compro-
mise of some sort.
The Southern men are very willing to agree to
a compromise, aud the North must come to that
at last The WIlmot proviso can never be resus-
ctated practical measure. 1t will, however,
have its in the final adjustment of the slave
nv que stlon.
The Wlmot proviso men can never be made
to support Mr.. Cass. There Is a terrible HOSTILE
ty to HIM on their part, from the tact that be
once acted with them with great zeal, aud was
even last session an advocate OF the doc rlne, al
though opposed to it's Immediate application to
the three mill peace bill One Of the reasons
assigned by him Tor voting against the proviso,
last session, was, that Legislation now Ohen)
tory, hereafter TO he acquired, can be- governed
without an act of Congress providing for Its CO.
vernment." In his recent letter he declares that
Congress has no mower to legsate for territories,
and in TINS The Wlimot provlso men see a great
discrepancy.
Mr. Casss friends expect that Tennessee and
Miss lssippi will send Cass delegates to the con-
ventlon. II the Tennessee delegates be Cass men,
there will be strong reason to believe that Mr..
Polk Is intriguing tor the Presidency himself.
If the Mississippi delegates be Cas- men, II will
indicate that the rumored coalition between MIR.
Cass and Mr.. Dallas has really taken place
That it has taken place is very generally believed
here.
The wings have acted wrong in coming TO the
determination TO refuse the Issue Of treasury
notes called for by Mr.. Walker. This will be
more ill-advised movement than Mr. Ashmun's
amendment of the vote of thanks 10 General
Taylor. 1t will act as refusal of supplies, and
Will be so accounted. 1t Is to be hoped the House
will not concur, although from the fact that the
committee will confidently report against the
treasury notes, there Is great apprehension felt
that the sense oil the majority has been taken be-
fore hand.
The diplomatic bill reported to the House
Wednesday, recommends, very properly, that
full mission be sent to China, Turkey, and Aus
tria. The bill, so far | understand Its prlncl-
pal features, Is unexceptlonable GALvIENsIs.