Daily American telegraph., 1852-07-03
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Our adversaries say that in selecting candi-
date for the Presidency, our search was for avail
ability: not for the most suitable person to pre-
side over the national administration, but for
one whose popularity with his countrymen would
give the strongest assurance of his election.
Wishing to deal literally and fairly with all
parties, we win in spirit Of frankness acknowl-
edge the truth Of just one-half of this statement
the people gave the most emphatic assurances OF
success But touching the other half of the
charge, we must in solemn truth plead inno-
cence We did not disregard the requisite quail
ifcations of the office; and the known and we'll
tried capabilities of our candidate attest the
truthfulness Of our assertion. He is one who has
well and nobly discharged every duty that has
ever devolyed upon him in life, whether Of civil
or military character; and in the latter career
his country has been often blessed by his posses
sion Of the qualities, in the highest degree, of the
most accomplished civilian. At every step in his
wonderful career, his profound knowledge of the
science Of, war, of the civil law Of history, and
of every collateral science, has reflected a safe
and unerring light upon his pathway, and re-
bounded to his country's honor and advantage.
Other generals have fought and conquered;
but in their eyes the severity Of military disci
pline and of martial law has been but too fire.
ouently deemed essential, and in them the hard
ness and austerity of the relentless soldier have
but too often prevailed over the better impulses
~. I,,h h;oh hraa tha cpirif Of
and oppression have never found a lurking place,
and bloody victory has never been achieved
when it was possible by skill and prudence to
save the men who followed him or those with
whom they had to contend; and to him the hour
of conquest and of triumph has ever been an
hour also of tears and sorrow
In every situation in which the slaughtering
sword could be arrested in its work of havoc, his
arm has stayed its downward blow, and his has
been the heart to prompt and the head to con-
ceive and execute all that the profoundest of di-
plomatists could suggest to achieve bloodless
termination of the conflict.
When the sixty Irish volunteers who were cap
tured with him at Queenstown were about to be
shipped off to England to be executed as traitors
any brave and chivalrous soldier might have
came forth as he did, and at his peril, demanded
that they should be recognised but as citizens OF
our country in arms. His, however, was the
knowledge, the skill, the sagacity, the courage,
and the true devotion to his country and the men
who fought for her, to hold his adversaries at
bay, and by the most appalling intimidations to
compel them to spare the lives of their captiyes.
- x4a1x L. a. xa14
this emergency, and through his own exertions
at the National Capitol he procured its enact
ment This was not the work of mere soldier,
but of an astute and well-skilled civilian, whose
exalted views of duty called into requsition every
noble requirement and attribute he possessed.
The duties of General Scott at Charleston, in
1882, committed to him by President Jackson,
(whose former quarrel with him is now magnani-
mously revived by General Scotts opponents y
were of the most important and delicate char
acter, and never would have been committed
by wise President to any other than most in
telligent and sagacious commander; yet in that
trying hour, when the passing breeze or ripple
upon the sea was almost enough to excite the
jealous anger of the people of South Carolina he
quietly accomplished his purposes, and re-
tired from Charleston with the respect the con-
fdence and the best wishes of its citizens.
In the difidulties that arose upon our North
western frontier, in 1888, he was sent to the
scene as military commander, and after q
laborious campaign, he left the scene accompanied
his success, not as warrior, but as civilian and
statesman.
The exhibition Of these qualities in Mexico
comprise an important feature in the events Of
that recent campaign. But they are familiar to
all. Certain 1t is that, with less enlightened
general in command, the war had not ended when
it did, nor would a treaty have been consummated
upon terms SO merciful 10 the enemy nor so ad-
yantageous to our own country.
For ourselves we are not of those who believe
that in modern warfare o great general can be
an inefficient administrative officer. He may mo-
always be an accomplished civilian; but when i
is proved that he is both soldier and civilian, thu
controversy respecting his capabity shoul'
close
But now for question to our opponents. Hal
their nomination not been made with sole refer
ence to availability? Before their Convention
were presented the names of Cass, Houston,
Douglas, Lane, Butler, Dickinson, and Others
and around each of them there then rallied a
goodly number Of partisans, jealous in their sup
port. The Democratic party had in fact sent its
delegates to Baltimore to express and urge these
preferences; but it was there found not that ma
jority Of that party could not be induced to rally
around any one Of their great men, but that the
party erresencs could not depressed in with the
main body. Then II was that the chase commenced
after nm AVAILABLE: and hence Ii was that Gen