The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-04-15
lMTEREsTMG CORRESPONDENCE


81 INC CdSe-Stdy, FMmofe, ~ e6Ster dHiu9 C"to"
Us. 1bolltlos.isnl
The aspect and prospect of the administration
are not aninterestng topics for consideration at the
present time. 1t is evident that crisis has ar
rived, the result of which will have marked bear
ing not only upon the Of the existing eabI-
net but upon the Presidential contest OF next year
It is well known that towards the close Of the
last administration, the influence of William IL.
Seward and his clique was dominant. Seward was,
In fact, the President, and all honors or favors
flowed through him. The result of this was that
when General Taylor died, it was regarded by the
opponents of fanatcism throughout the country, as
almost mercful dispensaton of Providence
Under these circumstances, Willard Fillmore be-
came President. 1t cannot be denied that the
course he would adopt was the subject of deep
anxiety; for although his honesty of purpose was
mot called in question, it still believed he was
no match in dexterity or cunning for Seward, and
it feared he would fall with scarcely struggle,
into that wiley demagogue's hands The first
evidence which Mr.. Fillmore gave of his determi-
nation to avoid that false step, was in the selection
Of Daniel Webster, as the head of his cabinet, and
in the undisguised respect which he paid to the
eounsels and advice of the distinguished sage and
patriot Henry Clay.
The good effects Of this policy observed in
the withdrawal oil the administration settle
ment of the dstracting questions then before Con-
gress, and the speedy passage of the compromise
measures. They passed, aud the executive gave
every evidence OF his desire that they should be
carried out in good faith. This is understood to be
his platform, and yet il must be allowed he has
faithfully adhered to it.
The fight, however, far Seward was con-
eerned, had only commenced W it'll all that aga ,ity
which even his enenles allow him to possess in
remarkable degree MIR. Seward determined to
bring the administration over to him, if not by
coaAing, at least by intimidation. The first step
IN this move was to get hold of some popular
name as a whig candidate Tor the Presidency, and
working upon that capital to compel Mr.. Fillmore
either to give III, or to Tylerize him, By dividing
the wing party. Acting upon this plan, General
Scott Was nominated last fall by Stewards Phila-
DELI hia fugeman, Mr.. McNlichael. and the motion
was seconded by Mr.. Clayton. Whether General
Scott felt fattered or not BY this mark of distinc-
tion, is neither here nor there 1t may be that he
forgets that Mr.. Claytons respect and admiration
for him during Gen. Taylors administration,
neither very great nor very remarkable whatever
Gen. Seotts feelings in the matter may be-and We
-~are b5hnt In confess ln~ Nc n.s' VIII 2neaj by
showing that he intenas not to lnIurc liz cause by
too open display Of his views OF the unre asonable
and superintendent length of his letters. We have
only to look at the fact now, that he was started by
Stewards means a. check-maie TO Mr.. Fillmore.
he administration having taken "A stand upon
the compromise of loJ0, bound to notice the
saults which being made upon it by not only
portion Of the whig press, but by its own officials.
N II
speet have therefore been made, and conse-
quenee the President and his cabinet de-
nouneed by Greeley, Weed, and company, in all the
choice diction for which the first named partner in
the firm IL distinguished
1t is supposed by that the result Q! this will
be, that the administration viii - cave in, because
IT Il does not do so, the Sewardites and higher law
gentry being a majority il is affirmed, Of the
wings of New York Ohio, Massachusetts, and Yer
mont, will throw those states into the hands of the
democratsin 1852; and it is further urged that Mr..
fnimorc cannot expect, in such n conjuncture, 10
get any strength 70 compensate for this loss in the
South.
We think, however, that this is not very en-
hrged view Of the subject IL must be evident that
Gthe administration yields to &C yard, that al
though New York, Massachusetts, Ohio and Yer
mont may thereby come out whig, still it be
Of no service to Mr.. Fillmore or Mr.. Webster. 1t
will be essentially Seward triumph, and the votes
OF the other whig states will then only 20 70 swell
this victory. Clay, Fillmore, Webster, AID all
those wings who have now distinguished themselves
NJ Union men, will then merely serve as trophies
wbeIewith TO deck the triumphal of William
Ill. Seward. This is, supposing such ticket would
be successful. But which Of the Southern States
can be carried, with the banner Of abolitionsm
floating at the head Of the ticket The very idea i
absurdity. The adhesion to Seward might do no
haI m in the North 10 tho whig cause, but II would
damage il beyond all hope in the South; whilst in
any event il brushes Fillmore and Webster 10 the
dust.
On the other hand, if the President goes on-f
he refuses 70 retreat 1t the warlike blasts of the
7iituns. the AIs.ay Ercatng JouriH the Boston
dias and the scores Of satellites who watch these
papers their guides, in what position does he
lind him.elfl At the heal Of not only the Union
wings, but the Union men of the country. lie goes
into the convention upon the platform Of the com
promise; and in such position receives the sup
port Of Clay and all who admire that great states
man. lie loses nothing by his opposition to Sc
ward-that is certain because If he gives into him,
be at once becomes his tool, TO be used, and when
used, TO be kicked aside and despised. Come what
might, he has thrown away his chances; and all his
efforts, even if successful, would only result in
placing the Seward faction in power.
We have looked az this matter purely with refe-
20 is eNpcdtcncy and casting aside all th
high moral considerations which IL u but justice 70
believe will also govern the President. But "a n
matter Of high moral duty, and the dictates Of
sound policy, il II evident that the administration
must cut itself loose from demngogueism and
tionalism, and risk all by a firm adherence to the
broad policy Of patriotism, and love for the whole
Union.
such a may not lead to Office, or T. a CON
tinuancc q 20 II will, ri all events command
ruspect, and the free bestowal Of that uubid ten
homage 70 honesty, which never fail q be the
reward of the true patriot.