The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-05-08


yesterdays paper, the signatures to the invitation
got up for Mr.. Webster, to attend public dinner
in this city 1t is stated that he will be here about
the middle of the month; and also that the Presi-
dent. Mr.. Fillmore, likewise will come on with him,
including three Of the cabinet to share in the
sion, and to witness the formal opening Of the Erie
Railroad, about to be given. Good!
Some singular circumstances are connected with
this invitation 1t is somewhat strange, that such
long list Of names could be procured-names of
persons OF the highest responsibility at time when
neither Of the old parties can draw respectable
meeting at their usual places Of rendezvous. This
shows, We think, the complete breaking up Of the
old factions and proves that they are near the
end of their days. Even the attempt to resusctate
one of the old party issues, by the recent explosion
of the Legislature in Albany, produces scarcely
ripple in this part Of the State.
Another singular feature connected with this sub
ject strikes our nervous system. On looking over
the list Of names, find is formed Of men Of the
highest responsibility for wealth and patriotism in
the city, belonging to both parties; that consider
able number of the signers also the supporters
of some of the leading abolition journals and
Seward organs in this city and State. If we look
over the advertising columns of the daily journals
which advocated Sewarriism, and still do so, we
find, Also great many of those who have signed
the invitation to Mr. Webster. Many Of them
likewise subscribers to abolition journals, both
weekly ana daily
These facts present singular discrepancy in
public sentiment and in the political opinions Of
the business of this great community. The
abolition movement, in all its various shades for
the last fifteen twenty years, has been gradually
making so much progress in society, as to have
drawn within its vortex some Of our purest
men and best patriots without their knowing or in
curing respecting the tendency of the opinions
which they had apparently formed, or that Of the
newspapers which they supported. The process of
correcting this state of things has only begun.
Nothing can thoroughly purify the political az
mosphere but continual agitation Of the slavery
question within the limits Of the law and the con-
stitution, and by supporting and backing such men
as Henry Clay and Daniel Webster. The respect
able and influential men Of this city, who, in times
past, formed the nucleus and strength and in
fuence Of the two old factions gradually coming
to their senses under the wholesome agita ion
which has been going on for some time past, for
patriotic purposes and for the preservation Of the
Union. We have already seen the recantation Of
Of the leading journals Of Wall street, and the
reputation by the senior editor, Of his associate,
who was weak enough to be duped and led astray
by the influence of such men William III. Sew
ard and Thurlow Weed, and their liqpe Of polti-
clans The merchants, mechanics, and other re-
spectacle people, who have signed the invitation to
Mr.. Webster, are, some Of them, in the same posi-
ton the Courier & Enquirer, and, like that
journal, are coming back to constitutional ground,
to the principles which were recommended by the
father Of bis country, in his farewell address, after
be left the first presidency Of the republic.
Looking at this invitation, at the circumstances
attending it, at the who have signed it, and at
the crisis into which We have been precipit ated-
the movement which is now going on North and
South-the approaching presidential ele,tion-and
the coming Of Messrs Fillmore and Webster to this
city in a few days-looking at all these matters
together, we think we can see little light ahead,
which, with care and attention, may yet be made
to enlghten and enyen the whole state Of New
York, heretofore 50 benghted by The two factions
Of agitators, headed. the one by Martin Van Buren,,
and the other by William ii. Seward, for a long
time past.