The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-05-20

stances disclosed to its numerous readers
upon the retirement of its former able and
esteemed editors, we feel the deepest en-
barrassment and concern. Under such
circumstances, and at period in public
affairs when the abest and most expert
enced statesmen, it may be safely as
sumed, find their faculties taxed to the
utmost in settling upon course altoge-
Their satisfactory either to themselves or
to the country, we fear that, in the vol
untary assumption of the responsibilities
which attach to the conductor of po-
litical journal so largely trusted and
patronised, we may have subjected our
selves to the imputatiou Of objectionable
temerity and presumption. But however
difident of success, sincerely distrustful
of our ability, as we are, sensible Of the
full weight Of responsibility which rests
upon us, and Of the risk incurred to our
selves, yet, encouraged by the confidence
of friends, and conscious of the rectitude
of our purposes, we fearlessly enter upon
the discharge of our duties.
The Republic was intended by its enter
prising and patriotic proprietors to be de-
voted to the support Of Wing principles,
Wing men, and Wing policy. 1t was es-
tablished at Washington, not as the rival
of, nor to be in any way antagonistic to,
the National htelhgence, which has so
long, SO ably, and through SO many vicis-
STUDIES asserted and maintained the prin-
ciples of the Wing party; but with view
to more exclusive and concentrated sup
port of those principles, and to have the
equal advantages of location at the seat
of the National Government.
To carry out this design of the founders
of the Republic and its numerous patrons
is the trust committed to us, and we pro-
pose to execute it in all fidelity. What
ever doubts may perplex, or embarrass-
ments of any kind disturb us upon Incl
dental questions or points Of controversy,
the outlines of our course in regard to the
main object of the charge confded to us
are to our minds plain and unequivocal.
In stating these outlines, first in i'm
portance is our duty to the country, to the
Constitution, and to the Union. We
need scarcely say, that we regard all other
objects and purposes as subordinate, and
infinitely below the obligations we owe to
the country, and to the established organic
forms of its government We are content
with the Constitution as it is, and we be-
lieve that faithful observance of its pro-
visions will be found the safest guaranty
to the citizen of every section for the pro-
lection and preservation of all his rights,
in the power ofman to devise.
To preserve to the several departments
of the Government, in their practical oper-
alton, the powers vested in them by the
Constitution; and at the same time sternly
to resist every violation or abuse of them,
however urgent or expedient, at any time,
to party ascendency, or TO local and sec
tional interests; to concede liberal scope
TO the General Government in the devel-
opment of the resources of the country,
the encouragement Of all its industrial in
terests and pursuits, the promotion of the
general welfare and prosperity, within the
Constitution, fairly interpreted by its let
ter, spirit, and intent; resolutely to OPP
pose all tendencies to disorganization, So
cial or political, and all extravagant and
ambitious schemes Of territorial conquest,
or of a more extended dominion; to faith
fully fulfil every national trust and engage
ment, we take to be the cardinal and char
acteristic principles Of the Wing party.
Regarding the existing Administration,
brought into power by the voice of the
Wings of the Union, as the true and prac-
teal exponent of Wing principles and
policy, we shall give to it fair, just, and
earnest support. We have full confidence
in the soundness Of its principles, in the
integrity and patriotism Of its motives and
purposes, and in its ability to discharge
with success and advantage to the coun-
try all the duties devolved upon the Ex-
ecutive by the Constitution and laws. We
seek not for the Republic the representa-
ton of a "By-Authority' press, or to be-
come ourselves the recognised exponent
of the views of the Administration, any
further than full and just exposition of its
views and policy, as we find them devel-
oped in its official acts, or as we shall de-
rive them from an authoritative source,
shall entitle us to such consideration.
Thus far, and thus far only, will the Ad-
ministration be responsible for any matter
which may appear in our columns, and
thus far may we be regarded with any
lpropriety as the organ Of the Administra-
ton. We shall. doubtless, have frequent
occasion, in the advocacy Of the measures
and policy of the Administration, TO give