The republic., 1851-03-19
The Presidency.

We observe, in the leading Democratic
journals, suggestion of the importance OF
withholding expressions in favor of named can
ddates for the Presidency, by the public press
or in public resolutions, until the meeting of
the National Democratic Convention. These
expressions, they argue with much reason,
are too often uttered by men who, from selfish
motives, desire to acquire prominence as the
earfy friends of a candidate, regardless of the
obstacles which are thus thrown in the way Of
party success, and of the jealousies and factious
divisions which they excite in the ranks Of a
triumphant cause. 1t is well sometimes to
learn from the tuition of our adversaries and
the suggestion to which we refer naturally
leads to reflections as applicable to the WING
party as to the Opposition.
Early in 1889 discussion had arisen in the
WING journals, as to the relative merits of
three gentlemen who had been named by their
friends as candidates for the Presidency. Into
that discussion the Boston Atlas had entered
with some zeal, until it was satisfied that the
distraction it was exciting AMONG our friends
was likely to be fatal to the WHIG cause.
Thus persuaded, the Alias receded, from its po-
sition, proposed to terminate the contention,
and suggested to its WIG friends everywhere
the propriety Of pursuing similar course.
"Let us postpone the discussion" said that
leading and influential journal, ''wait the deci-
sion of the National Convention, and sustain
the nomination when made with whatever of
zeal or ability we can bring to its aid Dis
cussion leads almost necessarily to retort and
invective; and thus the wretched spectacle is
presented Of great party suffering itself to
be agitated and torn by intestine strifes, in
stead Of directing its undivided and unbroken
strength against the common enemy. So
soon as the foe perceives that we are united,
mot to be again divided, his hands will be pal
sled, and we can go forth conquering and to
conquer"
To this suggestion the Wing press in all
quarters responded with patriotic alacrty.
'We cordially respond, ]" said the New York
Courier and Enquirer, "to the sentiments thus
refectingly and patriotically expressed. They
fully accord with the views we have uni
formly taken of the subject, and will meet
with universal favor in all ranks of the
party. We have, ourselves, scrupulousy
citing question, in the full conviction that
every VINO press should hold itself in posi-
tion to render its most efficient support to the
nominee of the WHIG onvention--whether
6 that nominee should be Mr.. WEBSTER, Mr..
CLAY, or General HARRIsoN. We are per-
suaded that the friends of each of the candi-
dates, however urgently they may have de-
.,r xsyil1 ho NH fol
vinced that we have maintained the position
of all others best calculated to advance the in
e terests of the great cause"
The policy here recommended was acquiesced
in by the Wing party, and the result Of the
impending Presidential election demonstrated
its wisdom, in the triumphant success of Gene
raj HARRISON.
In our Judgment these sentiments are as
wise and as applicable now as they were
in 1889. 1t has been, therefore, with regret,
that we have observed the premature introduc-
tion Of the Presidential question into the news
papers. True it is that the journals run up
their respective flags with the proviso that
they hold their preferences in subordination to
the decision Of a National Convention-but
even this saving clause cannot obviate the just
objections to the expression Of any preferences
at this time. They are unpropitious to that
spirit of harmony and Cancellation which ought
to prevail in the WING ranks. They disturb
the unity of sentiment and action which is the
strength of party and of a cause. They en-
gender rivalry and contention, stimulate and
keep alive factions, and tend to prevent that
ultimate heariiness and cordiality Of co-opera-
ton which are the only guarantees OF success.
They embarrass WING administration. They
interfere with the Legislation of Congress, and
are fatal to measures Of the greatest interest
and importance to the country.
We think that with the exercise of ordinary
prudence and patriotism the WHIes will be
able to elect the candidate of their convention;
but we think, also, that any attempt TO forestall
opinion and to create antecedent combinations
will be fatal to the nominee and the WHIG
party. The Administration is strong in the
confidence Of the country. IL is strong in the
WING policy, which it has frankly proclaimed
and to which il has unflinchingly adhered. Il
is strong in the prudence, tranquility, dignity
and impartial justice with which il has executed
the laws in all sections Of the Republic. II II
strong in the wise liberality of its foreign poll