The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-06-09
The Candidates.

We have already taken occasion TO congratulate the
party and the country upon the harmony, the wisdom,
and the patriotism which characterized the proceedings
OF the late Democratic Convention at Baltimore Let US
now turn our attention for few moments to some Of
the results of its happy unannity OF sentiment and
ton, and first take brief glance the candidates the
causes OF their selection and their qualifications for the
Offices to which they have been named.
The idea that the presidency is reward due for emf
ncnt brilliant services in the council or in The field
though il has at times obtained extensively. and often
served either wholly in part TO elevate distinguished
statesmen and soldiers 10 that exalted sta,ions
roneous aud dangerous one. II is true that have
the presidential hair filled with marked ability
and universal accsp,ation by men 10 whose patriotic
and profound craftsmanship gallant achievements in
arms the country indebted for the acquisition, the
consolidation, and the preservation of lis liberties but il
is also true that have bad occasion observe with
deep regret in other instances, when The successful war;
rior, the cunning diplomat, the willy minister have
been elevated to the chief magistracy, total want of
high administrative talent, and Other equally essential
qualifications requisite to enable them satisfactorily to
fulfil the duties OF that lofty station. And then again.
were 10 be admitted that the presidency was the
due of any services, however important, how should
we pay the debt Look at the host OF claimants
bow many at every approaching election arc pressed
upon the party and the eountfy-how nanY deserving.
too, If tie merit OF past and important services were ad
med a perfect title To satisfy ALL il would be ne
cessary that The presidential should be abbreviated
from years down 10 months, days, or that the
life of should be proiracted to the aneduvian age
Of centuries Fortunately, however, we are no, reduced
TO this dilemma. There other claims besides those
which appeal solely to the gratitude OF the people, al
though the latter should by no means be overlooked
There those which challenge their confidence by the
exhibition OF peculiarly sound and patriotic principles
and the possession OF sufficient moral and intellectual
ability and force Of character to illustrate sibose pnc-
PIES There those which appeal the recognition Of
the people, by Of the especial fitness and adspa
ton to the exgencies of the times OF the individual in
whose behalf they are advanced,
Ii was in view Of all these considerations, with the
intent that The fundamental principles OF democracy
might be firmly established and thoroughly carried out
that The momentous exigeDcies Of the country for the
present might be met and for The future provided for
that the voice OF sectional agitation might be senced
and harmony and fraternity prevail throughout the
Unon--that the convention, made up il of The
sworn friends and supporters OF half of candi-
dates, all worthy, all well deserving. as they were,
merged oil their preferences for The general good and
made the choice they did
Have they chosen wisely! In relation 10 services
rendered, what claim for General Pierce is, that 10
any public land might add privaie) capacity which he
has filled he has faithfully and fully performed his duty
and although he has Stunned, for its own sake.
rather than couted Distinction save that which was 10
be gained the tented field the opportunities OF exhibit
ing his zeal for the public weare and his ability TO
promote It, which have fallen TO him. have been neither
few, unnportant, unmproved For the best efforts
for the perfect selfdevoon OF every citizen the country
has right 10 call, and the consciousness of having
wothy answered that appeal must be the patriots
best remuneration To that appeal General Pierce has
always noby responded that consciousness he possesses
and no higher reward has he sought His modesy
and dsinerestedness in resignng Office and declining
preferred donors are traits which embesb his character
10 common with those of Washington and jackson.
But !, was 10 one firmly radically grounded in the
pure principles Of democracy, and endowed with the
requisite Intellectual ability and moral force to act upon
and illustrate them in any capacity any contingency in
which he might be placed, that the convention came