The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-07-19
T H E R E P u B Lie
WASH N GTON:
THURSDAY MORNING. JULY 10, ls4s.
THE UNION.

1t may well be imagined by even the
adopts in sounding the abyss of political
abasement, that the Union has reached
the bottom. In its invention of base mo-
tives for wise acts in its labored libels
upon the great and good {; in its ministry
to the worst passions of the worst people !;
in its venal justification of an infraction of
the law in supplying the King of Prussia
with navy out of the resources of our
ship-yards ; in the ribald jests with which
it met national recognition of national
calamity in its breathless alacrity in
arraying itself under foreign cabinets
against its own Government in its con-
slant efforts to inhame sectional irrita-
ton into civil strife, it has evinced an
ambition for bad notoriety which nothing
short of monopoly Of the vices pro-
scribed by human and Divine law can ap-
pease. Partisan readers are but too prone
to find, in the excitements of political
crisis, an apology for lapsing into barba-
rous modes of conflict. But the Union
has not this excuse for its justification.
1t has said and done what it pleased, with
scarcely contradiction to rouse its ma
lignant temper. 1t is its nature to do as
it has done. 1t cannot help itself. Its
elements are carelessness Of truth, incred-
ulousness of honorable impulses, obsequi-
BUSINESS to aristocratic pretension, impious-
ness in sentiment, and faithlessness to
principles and men, as treachery promises
thrift. To such compound of disloyal
attributes, no motive Of misrepresentation
or assault is required beyond the justifca-
ton of loss of the spoils. The spoils-
the honors or emoluments of ofice-are its
idolatry, and the loss Of these inAames in
it more violent than sectarian hatred, as
it is the expression of the only religion it
has got.
The manifestation of these ignoble lido
syncracies is the daily labor of the Union.
We will notice late exercise of some of
the lowest of them.
It seems that when General TAYLOR
came to Washington city to assume the
duties of the Presidency, he did so with
mind Invested of every feeling of jeal-
ousy or repugnance towards any of the
distinguished gentlemen whose names
were presented to the Philadelphia Ma
tional Wing Convention for nomination.
If there had been efforts made to the preiu-
dice of any individual of the party, or the
! friends of any Of its great leaders, they
were made in vain. From his exalted
position he regarded all as members of the
same political family, entitled alike to the
confidence of the Government and the
honors of official station. No one can
charge him with distributing the Offices
within his gift with a narrow and selfish
preference of his "peculiar friends" All
have shared alike. 1t is even urged as a
complaint against him that he has followed
out catholic and disinterested policy, to
the neglect of some who had claims upon
his gratitude. In this fair and equitable
spirit the friends of Mr.. WEBSTER and of
Mr.. CLAY were considered with the rest;
and kinsman of one, and the son of the
other, were assigned to responsible and
honorable trusts, Nay; more; it seems
that, in making appointments, the Presi-
dent has, when the public service required
it, made selections from the opposition
party, and Colonel Fremont has been
charged with running the boundary line
between Mexico and the United States
territories.
To any liberal and candid mind these
appointments would indicate, on the part
of the President, an exemption from paltry
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mote the public welfare. Every man,
woman, and child capable Of approaching
greatness in human intellect, or the respect
due to public services, recognises in Mr..
WEBSTER and Mr.. CLAY statesmen whom
it BELTS Wing President to hold in near
and confidential esteem. We are sure
that the appointment Of persons connected
with these renowned citizens will be every
where hailed as proper recognition OF
their merit. As indicative of harmony
and good understanding between the Cab
met and the party generally, it has filled
the Wings throughout the land with JOY
and confidence. The sppointees them.
selves are fit and capable men; so regarded
by the public. And who more qualified
than Col EpyMoNr for the nost assign or