The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-11-01


competsncy to the task. has had an opportunity
OF estimating them, and who will deal frankly
with the public in expressing his own honest con-
victions. But an acquaintance with General Scott
OF more than quarter of century, and frequent
and kindly intercourse with him during that De-
Rod, enable me to express the conviction that he
has talents Of high order, which not confined
to the profession TO which he has devoted his life
formed with eminent ability various public SER
vice., which are familiar to US all, 10 which the
skill Of the mere soldier would have been entirely
inadequate! He Is, indeed, a colder Of renown--
the pride Of the nation the leader of her armies
but venture uIhesitatingy to affirm, that he is
also more thoroughly conversant with the political
history OF his country, and has more accurate
knowledge Of the operation of the Government,
In its civil administration, than any infuriate par
tisan who has denounced him for the want of it.
1t Is also, in my opinion, very great mistake
to suppose that General Scott will be liable to
be affected by an undue influence in the admins
tTation OF the Executive office. Such is not the
character of the man. He has too just confidence
in his mental strength to be nisled by artiice
Free and frank in the interchange Of opinion he is
equally firm in the exercise of his judgment. Who
can point, in the long course of his public service,
to a solitary instance in which any sinister infu.
ence, however artfully exerted, has induced him
to swerve from the well-considercd purposes of hs
own mind? .,4... T.. ... ..7.
When turn to consideration of the conseuuen.
ces which will probably result from the election of
General Pierce, this reflection presses itself upon
my mind: The policy which will be forced upon
him by the leaderssof the party, looking to their
public avowals Of it, will, too probably, eventuate
in the extension Of our territory, and the conse
quent renewed agitation of the slavery question,
which not only southern men, but every real friend
Of the Union, ought to deplore. This is said to be
"the age of progress" and, to q certain extent,
this is true. But it may well be questioned whether
the science of republican government was not
well understood by our Revolutionary sires rs il Is
at this day; whether the Government was not as
wi daa adm mi nia bu hon, hui
those who have succeeded them. Certain it 10
that the vast extension of territory which we have
accomplished was not contemplated by them;
and, certainly, this has not been accomplished
bat at the expense of divided counseIs and alien
ated feelings between different portions of the
Confederacy. Still, the leaders Of the Democratic
party proclaim that their march is onward. The
distracted and hopeless condition Of Mexico tempts
The restlessness Of Creoles of Cuba invites
to aggression in that quarter. Will General
Pierce, if elected to the Presidency, resist these
movements of the party of progress, sustained as
they may be by Democratic majority in Con-
gress; or, yielding to them, must the renewed agi.
tation of the slavery question again leopard the
peace of the Union? fear the latter, and cannot
consent to contribute to it by Withholding my vote
from General Scott.
Thus far ! have said nothing of Mr. Graham.
His talents are not denied His public services
have made him familiar with the operations of the
Government, while his integrity and his patriot
ism are beyond the reach even of party impeach-
ments.
Briefly, then, in my judgment, the qualifications
of General Scott for the discharge of the duties of
the Executive office are greatly superior to those
of his competitor.
He has frmness of purpose which will insure
the independent exercise OF his talents for the pub
lie good.
His integrity is unquestionablc.
He is exemplary in all the relations of private
life.
Of his patriotism, his unfalterng devotion to the
Constitution, to the Union, and to the promotion
of his country's interests. no man can honestly
avow to himself a doubt. l fear the consequences
of the aggressive policy which will, think, be
forced on General Pierce, il he is elected.
These are some of the reasons which will induce
me to vote for the electoral ticket of General Scott
and William A. Graham, frankly submitted to
the consideration of the Wings of Georgia.
Respectfully, yours,
To Col. G. II. HANLEITER, Atlanta.