The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-03-03
Movements Of Parties, and che Next Prssl-
00ney.

0eneys
According 10 the appearance OF things in Wash
ington, the two old parties into which the country
has been always ded, but whose distinctive
marks and eharacteristies were temporarily lost
sight of during the recent agitation on the slavery
question. are assuming their ancient positions, and
endeavering to make capital for the Presidential |
election in 1852. They are now falling back upon |
such OF the old questions still remain In issue
between them, quick ly they can, for the pur-
pose OF giving form and shape TO the next Presa.
dental struggle, and having something of tangible
platform on which 10 conduct II. They are CON-
PEELED to adopt this course, otherwise the next
would be devoid of interest, and might
result IN a fusion in which the leading men Of
both the controlling spirits--the Clays, Cases,
Websters, and others-would be lost or forgotten
But for the passage of the compromise measures
OF the last session, the Union movement which was
set on foot some tire since, might have resulted
In the formation Of great party composed of wing
and democratic elements but the reaction which
look place In public opinion as soon as those mea.
sures were adopted rendered Union party unne-
cessary, for il was seen there would be no disu-
nionsts of any great number consequence to fight
against, and that the ammunition would be thrown
away in fighting with shadow. Another reason
for abandoning that movement the fact tn the
glory of settling the slavery agitation was equally
divided between the leading men of the wing and
democratic parties that neither could take more
than the other. II was no doubt, on this account /
that Mr.. Clay and other prominent statesmen and
party leaders in w Washington, discountenanced the
formation of Union party
In this condition of things, therefore, the course
which it was incumbent on those who direct the
parties TO pursue, to dig away the rubbish
which for year past ceaed the old party
landmarks, to bring them again to the light of day,
and to put them forward as dividing lines in the
contest which will take place in 1852. They have
accordingly exhumed the River and Harbour bill
which was vetoed by President Polk, on the ground
that the state of the national treasury would not
allow Of the expenditure OF such large sun of
money the bill proposed-,he country then being
engaged in a war with Mexico. This was a very
good beginning and the object ofthe members who
brought il forward seem. 10 have, in a great mea-
been accomplished, viz to drive parties ick to
their old positions, and place them where they
before the slavery agitation assumed an influences
superior 10 ell other questions Gen. Cass and Mr..
Clay, who were so lately closeted together, and
who go lately walked arm and arm discussing the
best means TO pursue 10 heal the bleeding wouads
of the country" and who joined their forces
in sitting agitation and in saving the Union,
have resumed their old positions, and stand opposed
10 each other this que stion. Mr.. Clay approves
the bill it was introduced iato the House of Rep
resenatiyes, and with the additions made to it by
that body; while, on the other hand, General Cass
falls back the Baltimore platform, ard assumes
The well nown democratic ground on the subject.
Ia this he is Joined by the Southern and Western
democrats. The bill will be taken up again to day
and will be passed, in all probability, unless lis
friends allow other business of an important cha
racter TO take precedence oft.
This is the first instance that we have seen since
the slavery agitation assumed an important aspect
Congress, OF the leading men OF the whig and de-
mocraic parties stlnding opposed to each other on
any OF The great principles and questions that have
for a long time past been in issue between them
TAls is only the commencement OF the presidsa-
tial game. to be followed up durn the sessoa
During the recess the leading spirits Of DO IN par.
tiss will no doubt be ndustriously engaged in po-
fishing and modelling their respective platforms,
so as 10 commence the game in earnest during next /
session. II the River ard Harbor bill should not /
be passed during the present session, il will afford
room for ample discu ssion at the ne xt, and, with
other measures, will enable the two old parties TO
resume their original positions. Gene raj Cas- and
Mr.. Clay, in consequence Of their efforts in saving
the republic from the danger which threatened it,
are more promine ntly before the public than they
ever were, aud more respected and beloved by the
whole country than ever before. Ii may be
that they will be the opposing nominees for the
Presidency. II such should be the case, the con-
test will be one of the most interesting that We /
have had and will draw out the whole force Of
their respective parties. A third candidate may be
stsrted in the North the slavery question, and
fourth in the South in opposition; bu. according to
present appearances, il is much 10 be doroted IL .
either would get the electoral vote of single
State The public generally are satisfied with the
Compromise me asur.s, and wish them to be final
settlement of the slave question.