American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-06-04
AMERICAN TELEGRAPH


GENERAL WooL.--There is little doubt that
this gentleman is a candidate for the nomina-
ton of the Democratic party for the Presidency
of the United States. A sketch of his life and
services, therefore, cannot be without interest
to our readers, and that we to-day quote from
the Boston Post of Monday is graphic and con-
else. Senator's CAss, DICKINSON, HoUsToN,
and DoUGLAs, have great strength with the
same party; but none of them can compare a
military fame with that of General Wool. Nor
are we sure that, in general intelligence and
business talents, he is to be placed at a disad-
vantage in comparison with them.
1t may be thought in the Democratic party
that the prestige of General ScoTT's name would
prove too formidable in opposition to mere
civilian, and hence that a necessity for the
nomination of General Wool, the best hero on
their side, will arise, SO imperative as to over
shadow the claims of all others among their
great and distinguished men.
That General Wool is Democrat, good and
true, has always been well known; but we be-
Ieve he has not, in these latter days, been suf-
fciently identified with the current topics to
enable us to locate him in any of the battalions
or divisions of that great army. Is he higher
law, free soil, compromise, land reform, seces-
sion, or area extension? These are proper
questions, and the sooner they be answered the
better-unless, indeed, the General shall be
advised to the preservation of discreet silence.
7 If he adopt such advice, will his past polit-
ical history lead us to correct conclusions in the
premises?
I'll said that General ScoTT is to be silent
i as respects these matters; but then it is more
than probable that has political antecedents will
afford to both parties fair index to his true
position. Secretiveness has not hitherto been
weakness of his; and any attempt to practise
it now will profit him little. He has too long
"worn his heart upon his sleeve for davis to
peck at"
Behind General ScoTT stand at this moment
\ Messrs. Clay and Webster. Between the Gene
raj and Mr.. WEBSTER there may be for time
contest; but thus far the General has the
vantage ground Mr.. CLAY will, on this parti-
cular occasion, assume the attitude Of waiter
on Providence, and perhaps desire only the
voluntary offer Of that which he was in all
past times willing to stretch forth strong and
determined arm to obtain What an unclouded
glorious political reputation had been his, had
he never fixed upon the qualification of a
fruitless ambition as the recompense of his
labors! How often has that reward appeared
to invite the stretching forth his hand, and how
often, like the gaudy butterfly, has it flown
away as he would have pressed it The evening
is growing late with him, and even his great
rival-follower -" the Nullifer of the Multi
fers"-bends under the weight of cares and Of
years, and rests the glance of his now failing
eagle-eye upon the ground MEN OF THE
PREsENr surround them both, and are willing
to take their places in the very moment that
fortune shall favor the prospects of their party,
or of q new party-in the very moment in which
AVAILABILITY shall appear upon the standard,
borne by more youthful and more vigorous
hands Sic transit, and so forth.
What ample materials win not Congress at
its next session possess upon which to talk, to
write, to caucus, to intrigue, to carouse-to do
any thing but legislate. So interesting and
instructive will be the career of that august
body, that we rejoice in the prospect before us
Of witnessing its dignifed proceedings. In the
mean time, however, it will be well enough for
us to give watchful and prayerful attention
Z to the motions of the chaotic elements of all
parties that now float in vagrant disregard Of
the laws of combination, cohesion, attraction,
gravity, and sometimes of patriotism!
SERENADING PARTY AND AN ACCIDENT