The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-03-03
From the Richmond Wing.


Last week, the Republic, by way of illustrating
the distraction and weakness of the Democratic
majority in Congress, defed it to arraign singh
act OF Mr.. FILLmoRE's Administration. The de-
hance was too open and pointed to be disregarded.
TO remain silent was to confess the charge of die
cord and impotency, and at the same time to ad-
init that the factious imputations against Mr. Fill
more were without foundation. But still no mem.
Der of Congress ventured TO accept the challenge.
The Union, therefore, compelled TO come to
the rescue. 1t republished the challenge of the
Republic, and appealed to its party friends in Con-
gress, by suggestions to their pride and consist
ency, to take up the gauntlet. None, however,
has yet entered the lists.
This is a remarkable circumstance, and one that
tells more loudly than words in vindication of the
Administration. Assaulted and pursued by venom
Gus partisans eager for the spoiIs it's adversaries
with large maiorities in both branches of Con
gress, perplexed throughout in its existence by
domestic difhc ulties, and engaged in numerous
and important foreign negotiations, not measure
or policy can be selected by its btterest foes for
pubic censure or representative Reproduction.
This Is degree of felicity unknown TO any for
mer administration, not even excepting that of
Washington. 1t is not therefore wonderful that all
Wings should ardently desire the re- election of
WI. Il anu Il continuance OF The blessings
we now enjoy.
But some of the decamatory assailants Of the
Administration say ii is not brilliant ough-that it
Is marked by no bold and dazzling strokes of poll
cy-no seizure Of the public treasury for example,
or invasion of the rights Of Congress, or of the
States, us in the of General Jackson's protest
against the Senate, and his proclamation against
South Carolina-no general assault upon the cur
rpNhn Of m Ia I,,i,
houses, as under Mr.. Van Buren-no war of con-
quest and aggression without the authority of Con-
gross, as by Mr.. Polk-no high handed and daring
assaults OF any kind against public or private
rights But it has been too tame and unambitious;
and, when its term expires, it will leave no evil
dence OF Its existence on the page of history!
This will be a cruel fate! But the blessings of a
peaceful reign. which the moderation, and wis.
dom, and selfdenial Of Mr. Fillmore will have
showered upon the country, will compensate him
Tor being forgotten or unknown. Gibbon or some
other great man has observed that those periods in
history which supply the fewest and least inter
esting incidents for the historian, are those in
which the mass of mankind has enjoyed the
greatest amount Of substantial happiness. Wars
are the themes Of the historian. The great butch
ers OF the human race-the Ccsars and Napo-
leons-inscribc their names on the rolls of fame;
but they arc the men who enslave their country
II would have been very easy for Mr.. Fillmore, by
violating the Constitution and disregarding the
welfare of his fellow citizens, have plunged his
country into general war. He might thereby
have achieved great glory for himself and many
brave men in the army, and got his name and Id
n'nistrahon INTO history; but he would have done
1t at cost OF millions Of money 10 the public, and
OF thousands oil lives. He might, by warning upon
the co ordinate departments Of the Government
or the private interests of individuals. or by e1-
citing sectional discord, and involving the Union
in a civil war, have come to ELL the trumpet of
fame and large folio. But, fortunately for his
country, his patriotism and disnterestedness have
inclined him TO more peaceful and lees ambitious
role. lie was content 10 do his duty-to maintain
the peace and increase the prosperity of his coun
try-and leave the much ooyeted pages Of history
to General Jackson and Colonel Polk!