The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-06-05
Democratic Presidential Candidates.

Democratic. Presidential Candidates.
II is clear enough that there is to be no
"plentifuI lack" of Democratic candidates for
the Presidency. There are at least dozen in
training as we write, and it may be not unin-
structive to consider the prospects and chances
of some of the most prominent. The Demo-
cratic journals are so free in their speculations
on the subject, that we suppose it will hardly
be considered intrusive if we should indulge in
few comments on what we see and hear.
General CAss is no doubt the favorite with a
large portion of his party. His position on the
Compromise is supposed to give him some
strength sfiis general requirements and abli-
ties as statesman entitle him to eminent con.
sideration. He has troops of friends, rallied in
the public service of long and distinguished
life. He is a good speaker, good writer, and
an adroit tactician. But General CAss has
been once beaten. In his letter accepting the
nomination Of the Baltimore Convention he in
timated that he should never be again candi-
date. He is esteemed by many timid politi-
clan, and it is thought that Colonel BESToN's
charge that he was trying "to ride both sides OF
the sapling." though used in particular sense,
is capable of general application. This dis
position was certainly evinced in his course on
the River and Harbor bill Of the last session,
when he acquiesced in the caucus decree for its
sacrifice.
Next in order of time and distinction comes
Mr.. BUCHANAN. 1t is thought that this gen
tleman can count confidently on Pennsylvania.
His experience in public life, his amiable per-
sonal character, his fidelity to the DEMOCRATIC
party since his apostacy from Federalism, and
his avowa of the Missouri Compromise doc
trine in relation to California-all these con-
siderations have combined to give him strength
and position as a candidate. But then
there are formidable drawbacks. His violent
attacks on the old Democratic administrations
and his strong opposition TO the war of 1912, are
calculated, when reproduced, to weaken him
with the older members of the party and it is
said that there are some resolutions Of his on
the matter of Free-soil uttered some time
about 1920, that are likely to do him damage
We apprehend that he will receive the nomi-
nation of the Baltimore Convention simultane-
ously with the discovery of that drop of Demo
cratic blood in his veins which he was at one
time so anxious to 'let out"
General HoUsToN comes next on the list
He was regarded at one time as very possible
person to receive the nomination. We think,
however, that after denouncing the River and
Harbor bill of the last session as "bil Of
u. a. Il = 4 L I
in the premises. He can make out no case.
With regard to Mr.. Justice WOODBURY., he
will be strong with all the old defaulting polit-
clans of General JAcKsoN's time and Nh.
VAN BUREN's. They will rally largely in
his behalf, and, as far as their votes 90, they
will present considerable number of adherents.
But we apprehend that their political influence
at present is not large. Then it is said that
the recent coalition of the DEMOCRATS and the
FREE-soILERs in Massachusetts was made with
the ultimate design of giving the vote of that
State to the Judge. There is some evidence
existing of such determination but we doubt
much if the Free-soil branch of that infa-
nous coalition would be altogether satisfied
with such an arrangement. IL they should be,
it would prejudice him in other quarters. Then
there is strong prejudice among our people
against political judges. Politics upon the
bench poison the fountains Of justice. There
is no doubt that Judge WOODBURY. would
make safe and conservative President, and
II he should succeed in obtaining the nomina-
ton of the convention, he would be a formula
be antagonist. The Executive Government
might be in worse hands.
Having thus disposed of the od-time candi-
dates, let us come little nearer 10 our own
days and the more recent demonstrations. And
here the canvass is pretty largely occupied
with Judge DoueLAs, Of Illinois, who is put
forward as the representative Of Young Anne
RIGA. The difficulty in his way is, that hi,
nomination would ALLEVIATE the older member
Of the party, who think that the Judge cal
take time TO wait, whereas they must hav,
their turn now or never. This conviction will
no doubt moderate and temper the aspiration
of the Judge; but then he will never forget tina
there is golden opportunity" not to be trlfle
with or postponed. IL he lose his chance now
ten thousand things may occur in four years :
drive him from the track. lie is man Of ex