The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-04-05

between the various whig clements, and that
II will have y direct reference to the next
Presidency II is in vain for the administration at
Washington to cry out " stop thief "-"stcp thief
ito ask the anti-slavery whig newspapers OF the
North not to indulge in premature agitation OF the
President question, 70 beg that each faction
may not take time by the forelock for itself IL Is
too late. Michigan started the sectional ''prema-
ture nomination ut was followed up in Delaware,
months ago-and i now at the very heart of MIR.
Webster's ancient friend, the Boston 44has. The
bitterness of the ant-slaycry wings such as Seward
and bis organs represent, VIII vent itself towards
MIR. Fillmore and his adm nistration in an intense
discussion and agitation of the Presidential ques-
ton, and III every possible shape, to annoy and per-
MEX the administration. Already General Scott
has been brought into the field, ia order to upset
Mr.. Fillmore's Mr.. Wcbster's hopes in the APP
preaching contest.
The Presidential question, therefore, may be
sidered as fairly open, and Mr.. Wcbster's speech
at Annapolis is the first assurance we had Of the
fact. All that had preceded that event, till then
was shapelcss and unreliable. Now have the
political design in open view. The scatfoldng has
been knocked away; and it is certain that every
additional speech by Mr.. Webster, and every re-
moval from Office and every position taken BY the
administration, will be used by the anti-slavery
wings as SO much capital wherewith to carry on
their current campaign. The contest will be car
ned on by the wing party, in division, for time.
The Seward and Weed cabinet at Albany, which is
permanent cabinet, will be arrayed in hostility
against the transition administration ut Washing
ton. The strong and sweeping measures of the
former will do service, while the petty policy of the
latter in sticking pins into hostile newspaper edi-
tors, making nests for political friends, aud such
small business, will lead to overthrow, particu-
larly if holder action is not carried out II is now
/" neck or nothing" with the administration. They
are in the crisis of their destiny.
Altogether, the position of affairs is a very sim
gular one. The contest has commenced between
the wings the two great points which distract
their camp. Discussion and action will be carried
on with vigor; and it will be seen, in the struggle,
whether or not the Union, within the limits of the
constitution is to be surrendered to the anti-savery
wing sentiment, which, while it proposes nothing
in the shape Of a broad and comprehensive policy,
is calculated raise hostile sectional animosities,
4 which may give the country the most serious
i trouble ever known since the establishment OF the
original federation. In view of the whole matter,
we may well inquire what the sound thinking
! constitutional among about to do! Where
| is the Union Committee Of New York! What do
gerous influences which are at work everywhere, to
bring political panic that will derange trade
and commerce. and perhaps put the country back
60 where she twenty-five years ago, or at
least stop the wheels for that period of time 4