Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1850-10-02
The 18th Congressional District.

measure of strength between the rcspcc-
tive political parties; thing which can
not properly be said to have occurred for
some years past, and seemed to be doubt
full this time until within two or three
weeks back. Discussions more serious
than usual had sprung up in the Demo-
cratic party, and threatened disastrous
consequences, and another easy victory
seemed to await the Whigs-the crowning
one on their part during the present struc-
turc of the District. These i'll omcns,
however, have all disappeared, and there
do not appear to be any disturbances in
the ranks of either party to prevent full
developement of party strength on both
sides, and the popular force of the princi
pies involved in the contest.
The Democracy claim, and refer to the
records for proof, that the District belongs
to them This being the case, all that is
necessary on their part, at any time is to
close mp their ranks go through the
forms of an election, and enjoy the fruits
Of victory. So far as We can Judge from
our own observation in this county, du-
ring and since our two weeks court, and
reliable intelligence received from other
parts of the District, the Democratic party
is united and active, and will he able to
bring its full force into the field In al
dition 10 this, the Democratic nominee.
James Gamble, Esq, has been spending
some days in our county, extending his
personal acquaintance with our citizens: /:
and in his private intercourse with our
people, and his public addresses at New
Berlin, Mifflinhurg and this place, he has
left an impression highly favorable to him.
self among men of all parties, and well
calculated to strengthen the bonds of un-
ion between his political adherents, and
win their cordial cooperation in all honor
able efforts to ensure his success. We
NAV refer to his discussions of the Tariff
as especially interesting and satisfactory
TO every one, whom we have heard speak
of them. He favored the general princi-
pie on which the tariff of 1916 was foun-
ded, but said its detail. did injustice to
the coal and iron interests of Pcnnsylva-
MIA, and needed modification in this part-
cular, as well as further legislation to
guard against frauds upon the revenue.
He SAID it was unj Just to denominatc the
Democratic party the g free trade party
as no intelligent man could be found in
the community who advocated the doc
trinc Of absolute free trade, as direct tax
alton would be the only alternative The
first object of tariff was to create rcyc-
nue. To support the Government, and itS
details should be so adjusted us to bear
heaviest upon the luxuricS, and lightcst
upon the comforts and neccssarics of life,
with sIch other determinations Us would
afford proper support to the manufacturing
interests Of the country without infrn@-
ing unduly upon the interests Of Commerce
and Agriculture, all three Of which should
move in harmony, mutually Sustaining
each other.
lie then contrasted the al valorcm with
the specific and minimum system OF duties,
at considerable length showing the fair
ness Of the former, and the frequent harsh
hess and unjust operation Of the latter,
and fortifying his views by variety Of
forciblc and opposite illustrations. His
argument throughout was lucid aud prac-
teal, purposely avoiding al oratorical..llis
play, and addressing himself directly to
the understanding of his hearers with a.
clearncss and force that left no room to
misapprehenl his opinions, and proved his
thorough knowledge of the subject, as
well as his ability to furnish cogent and
convincing reasons L" for the faith tina: is
in him" Both the matter and manner
of his different speeches in this county
have been warmly commended by the
great majority, both Wings and Democrats,
of those who had the pleasure of listening
to them, and we speak advisedly when VIC
say that they will be found to have exert
cd a marked influence at the ballot box.
Mr.. Gamble possesses fine talents and a
sound Judgment, is plain and cordial in
his manners, and well worthy the respect
and confidence of the people Of the Dis
trict and in the present aspect of affairs
there can be, in our humble opinion, 10
reasonable doubt of his election by very
respectable, and perhaps triumphant ma
jority 1t is true that his opponent, James
Armstrong, Esq, is as formidable com
petitor as could well be "scared up" from
the Wing ranks, and personally is alto
gether q focman worthy Of his steel"
and the most energetic efforts are making
to carry him; but as he will be deprived
of the auxiliary force that the Democrats
have been in the habit of furnishing the