The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-03-16
From the Albany (N. ~ Register.


tial election. II may be that the Wings cannot
elect their candidate, be he who he may; but II 10
absolutely certain that, regards Mr. Webster,
Mr.. Fillmore, and General Scott, Mr.. Webster IL
the only one that be elected under any con tin
gency which may arise. Nothing is more absolute
ly certain than that Mr.. Fillmore cannot receive the
vote of New York, Either Of the Democratic can
didates would beat him from oeventy TO hundred
thousand votes, while il is equally certain that New
York can be given to any other IVhfS. Tbs 10
plain language and not very palatable to MIR. Fiji
more and his riends; but he and they know, be-
yond all peradventure, that it is true; and, being
true, they should not object to its being promnl-
gated. We do not pretend to justify the hostility
which exists towards Mr.. Fillmore in this State
but we cannot shut eyes the fact that it does
exist nor will we be party to concealing it from
the Wing party Of the country"
fCowier and Enquirer.
We agree with the Courier and Enquirer
in thinking that Wings should come to dis
tinct understanding with each other, not as to
whom they will support for President, for that,
In advance of nomination by their authorized
representatives, is obviously impossible, but as
to the principles which the nomination shall be
made. This question is involved in the assump-
tons and assertions made in the above extract.
The raising of this question in turn involves other
considerations, the discussion of which we would
gladly avoid, if it possible; but they must be
discussed at some time, and no time, perhaps, Is
better than the present In making the remarks
we propose on this subject, would disc!aim at
the outset any imputation of personal partisan
ship, or the right to speak for any one but our
selves. Public men are of small account except as
representatives and opponents of important mea-
sures and principles AS such, any men in politi-
cal life should be supported and opposed Nothing
is more pernicious TO the interests of party, or
do 1tr,,, 10
prominent public to strive to build up
powerful faction merely personal, outside and in
dependent of the political party with which he is
Identified. Such efforts infuse new, heterogene-
ous and dangerous element in our politics; they
stimulate inordinate ambition, and result in the
creation Of obligations for personal support on the
part OF the leader that are properly looked upon
with suspicion by the public; for the discharge of
such obligations is often inconsistent with para
mount regard for the common veal.
Without further preface, let US look at some
facts MIR. FILLMORE, who, the Courier and En-
quTT says, will, If candidate, be beaten by from
seventy to hundred thousand votes, has twice
been a candidate for the SURFACES of the people
of New York. The first time was in 1874, when
he was the Wing candidate for Governor, and
received 23l ,O59 votes. That was the year of the
contest between Mr.. Clay and Mr.. Polk for the
Presidency. The electoral ticket ordinarily COM
mands more votes than the State ticket; and in
IA extraordinary efforts were made in behalf of
the electoral ticket in view of the certainty that
the vote of New York would be decisive of the
result in the Union. Mr.. Clay's VOTE therefore,
might naturally be expected to largely exceed
Mr.. Filmores; but in fact it was only ,3I9
greater. In 1910, though it was certain that
General Harrison would be elected, and there
was less motive for special exertion to secure the
electoral ticket, Governor Seward, candidate for
his second term, ran nearly five thousand behind
In lS47 Mr.. Fillmore was again a candidate for
Comptroller, and was elected by majority ex
ceeding that of any other man on the State ticket
though several of the Wing candidates profited by
antl-rent support. The vote for Fillmore, Fish
Lieutenant Governor, and Morgan, Secretary of
State, was as follows: Fillmore, IA 1866 Fish, no.
or; Morgan, l69, 40. No comment need be made on
this exhibit In lS4S Mr. Fillmore was again
but in conjunction with eneral Ia lor
and not 80 as TO receive votes for himself directly
Ii is well known that there were many thousands
of Wings in this and other States who supported
General Taylor reluctantly. They were grateful
for his eminent military services and had strong
confidence in his honesty Of purpose; but, inexpe-
renced as he was in civil administration. they felt
that 1t was great risk to make him President.
Many OF the most eminent men in the ma ton in
GLIDING Mr.. Webster, shared in this distrust; but
any objection arising from this feeling was in this
State, and TO large degree in others, obvated by
the nomination of Mr.. Fillmore, in whose judg-
ment, patriotism, and approved statesmanship
there was entire confidence. To those who ac-
quainted with New York politics il is needless to
say that the association Of Mr.. Fillmore with Cen
eral Taylor on the Presidential ticket secured its
success.
The foregoing will show the popuar estimate
of Mr.. Fillmore in his own State down TO the in
coming of General Taylor's administration lie
was, beyond oil comparison the strongest Wing
In New York. If he is not 50 now and the change
Is to be imputed to his course recent agtatine
subjects, or any cause other than persona malev-
olence, every object ion against him applies with
equal, II not greater force, to Mr. Webster Ii
will not, we presume, be contended by any one
that the President has been derclct Ia the dis |
charge OF his high public duties. His Admins.
traton has comma nded the appreciation of the
whole country, and has even e1torted the praise
OF political opponents for its ability and integrity.
Since the days OF Washington except during a
portion Of Monroe's term, when party lines were |
nearly obiterated, no administration has incurred
less OF public ccnsurc. The avowed ground OF OPP
position TO him on the part Of some Wings in this
State IL, that he has supported and caused to be ex
ecuted the laws called the Compromise measures |
Could he, President do lcssl Would he not have |
been faithlcss and perjured public servant if, |
sworn as he was to execute the laws, nc had done
otherwise?
We do not wish TO disguise or gloss over Mr. I.
lllulOIt atts anu OpllllODb III lDle COnncNlOn |
In both he has displayed entire good faith Mr. |
w ebster has done no less, and bas said much |
more. He took his ground carly as March, |
1850 four months before the death of General lay
Tor. Since that event he has been associated with
Mr. Fillmore in the Government, diseharging his |
official duties with eminent honor TO himself, and
great usefulness to the country but on NJ proper
occasion has he failed, with matches eloqucncc |
and argument, 70 enforce tho positions taken by |
the President in regard to the Compromise, and |
other measures OF public policy. For 30 doing he |
encountered storm OF obloquy and popular indig- |
nation in his own State, surprising all the Cou |
riu and Enquirer threatens Mr. Fillmore with IN |
New York. lie was shamefully insulted in a com |
monwe alth that he bad done more to honor and |
render illustrous than she could ever repay. But
the storm was of short duration. Dcmagoguism |
ianaticsrn, and personal hate have been rebuked |
by the popular sense ofjustice, prompted by calm |
aud sober judgment.
But why should Daniel Webster, or any other |
Wing, as the Courie 1ond Enquirer asserts, be able |
to carry this State, while Mr.. Fillmore would be |
beaten by from seventy 10 y hundred thoosand |
votes? We have shown that in every election |
when Mr.. Fillmore n candidate, he has re- |
ccived the undivided support of the Wing party |
Since his accession to the Presidency Mr. Webster
has been Of his council, and has been prominently |
identified with all the measures and policy of HE
The difference, if there DC any, |
uOlitcnllv hot ia hat