The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-06-10
From the Philadelphia Inguirtr.
General Franklin Pierce-His Characte
his Claims, aud his Prospects.

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1t will be seen by the resolutions and letter that
we give in another part of our paper, that General
Franklin Pierce himself had really no idea of be-
ing the candidate Of the Democratic party 1t ia
probable that he did not suppose he had the slight
est prospect, and hence his unwingness to ap-
pear IN the form of an applicant for the dstin-
guished post While the friends of Case, Bucha
nan, and Douglas were straining every effort
were pursuing every possible means to secure
votes, the gentleman of New Hampshire looked
upon the game with perfect indifference 30 far as
he was concerned, and regarded his chances as
less than one IN a thousand. Nevertheless, and
despite his positive refusal, as embodied in the
letter we copy, the honors of nomination have
been "buckcd on his back" and he will no
doubt stand the hazard Of the die. Our polti-
cal opponents will make a vigorous effort TO
unite the party in his behalf. But this will be
found an extremely difficult task. The leaders
have for ycars past been working for Caes, Bu-
chanan, and Douglas, their feelings and preju-
dices are warm and unequivocal; and although
they may, as a matter Of form and in obedience
TO party discipline, give nominal support TO
General Pierce, there will be but little heart in the
movement. And without heart without warmth.
without enthusiasm, it will be found almost inn
possible to bring the rank and file to the work
General Pierce Ii no doubt fair and respectable
ninn' Inc TACT tnht ne mas been Governor OF New
Hampshire and Senator in Congress places this
point beyond dispute. But, in matters Of this kind
every thing is relative and comparative The
office 10 which he has been named is the highest
in the eff OF the American people. II should be
the reward Of a life of 6hdoubted patriotism and
priceless services to the country either in the TO-
rum or the Held. The highest talent and the most
patriotic devotion should, and heretofore in almoit
every INSTANCE have been, the stepping stones to
q post so eminent. The question then recurs-Has
Franklin Pierce distinguished himself? Ia
he great man intellectually lie he one of the
remarkable men Of the nge2 Is he eminent as n
Statesman, or illustrious n general? Are his
name and fame identified with the glory of his
country! Are they familiar TO the masses Of the
people IA household words, Can he be compared.
for moment, with the illustrious men who have
heretofore filled the Executive chair; or with
Lewis Cass or James Buchanan, the two prominent
names that were at fret submitted to the conven-
ton, and that have been before the people of the
country in connection with the Presidency for
yearsS These are questions that are natural under
the circumstances They will be asked and di,-
cusscd, in all their bearings, by independent citi
sens Of all parties. To suppose that an individual
may dedicate his whole life to the service of his
country, and thereby secure a high place in the
affections Of the people, and yet may be thrown
aside for an inferior man, comparatively speaking,
without exciting surprise we'll as indignation
among the friends Of the former, is to have a very
mistaken opinion Of human nature. As a mat.
ter Of form, and the result Of party discipline,
such a nomination may be co.dly concurred in,
but the under current will be adverse, the heart
response will be hesitaing and reluctant II is
not purpose to abuse Gen. Pierce. Far from
it. Such is not policy, nor would such course
be in harmony with the dictates of propriety But
when great party meets together through its del
egates, with the names of distinguished men sub
mitted for the Chief Magistracy of the nation, and
when these men are oil thrown aside. and an indi-
vidonl is selected who never thought of before
for the snton, by The great mass of the American
people, il is but natural that surprise should be
everywhere expressed as well ms indignation bv
the friends Of the other prominent candidates.
What then 10 likely to be the result will General
Pierce unite tho Democratic party1 Will the friends
OF james Buchanan, Lewis Cass, Judge Douglas
Gov. Marcy, Gen. Houston, Gen. Butler, Gen.
Lane, respond cordially, warmly and enter into
thecampaign in rnest and energetic spirit We
reply-no! II is not in human nature. They may
deem IT wise or polite TO suppress their fecngs for
the moment, but many Of them will also withhold
their active support II would seem, then, that
General Pierce cannot unite his own party Ard
what are his prospects outside Of that patty, lie
has no national popularity, because he IT, compare
tlNely fpthklng, an unknown man, whose history
is not familiar to the great of the people In
this respect he will compare less favorably thai al
most any other individual whose name was before
the Baltimore Convention. 1t lie true that he was
in Mexico during the laie war; but it is not con-
tended that he was master spirit and while
the names OF scores OF gallant aud chivalric
men rise TO the memory in connection with the
various movements and campaigns, that of
Franklin Pierce hos certainly heretofore not
been regarded with any degree Of promincncy.
The South, too-bow will he stand in the SOUTH II
viii be remembered that, just before the meeting
OF the convention, delegate from Virgina-Mr.
Scott-addressed letter TO all the candidates, ask
ing their views upon the Compromise and its kin.
bred topios. The replies have since been published,
but that Of General Pierce does not appear among
them. The omission il singular, under the cir.
cumstsnces, and the Democrats OF the South who
are particularly sensitive, will not fail to notice il
with distrust. On the whole, therefore, we think
that the support Of General Pierce will be found an
up hill business. II will be n cold afTir from fire,
TO last. 10 this country a candidate who lacks the
great element OF popular enthusiasm in his favor.
who cannot claim distinction either in n civil or n
military capacity, is not likely TO rouse the hearts
secure the votes OF the masses,