The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-08-17
from the bib and tucker sstize, or tho number of

from the bib and tucker attire, or tho number Of
shirts that have passed through the laundry on their
account during the same period Of timc. A PAM
phlet, printed BY Congress- containing summary of
these returns, would be very interesting and make
valuable addendum to the history of their lives
and exploits, as sold through tho streets-two
cents n copy.
The fact is, there never has been such ludicrous,
ridiculous, and uninteresing Presidential campaign
in this country since it ceased to be British pro-
vince, the present one is although tae politicians
have been srainng every nerve TO get up an excite
ment and enlist the popular feelings in the strife.
They have been putting and blowing in every direc-
ton, but all they do they can't get mp the steam;
the people only laugh at them, and continue proof
against all their attempts TO bambooze them.
All the old experiments have been tried to
arouse them from their indifference; but all to
no purpose. second edition Of an old work
won't take by any means, and the journals the
orators, the politicians, and the cliqnes at Wash
iDgton, are condemned to see their ridiculous at
tempts dorded and laughed at, because there is
thing novel amusing il their style. The exciting
shout Of Old Hickory carried Gen Jackson into
tho White House. Cen Harrison was borne in on
the hurrnh Of
"oli Tippecauoe and Tyler too,o
backed by tho fun and enthusiasm got up by hard
cider and log cabins The Texas question made the
Polk campaign stirring one, and in the last Presi
dental election the expectation OF the renewal OF
war was the winning card for Gen. Taylor. But
the present campaign is horribly duh and stupid,
and has nothing whatever to recommend it to .
people fond of novelties and excitement The
attempt Of renoyating the military glory dodge,
in favor of Gen. SCOTT, was an absolute failure, as
attested by the Niagara exhibition; and, in fact,
the nearest approach to enthusiasm that has been
yet developed, was thatmanifestel n. the fammany
Hall ratification meeting. Wherever ono travels
through the country, in railroad cars, steamboats,,
other conyeyanees, the last topic Of conversation
that people think Of engaging in is that in reference
to the coming elections and it is perfectly apparent
that the subject is in which the Sigh est posi-
bic amount of interest is felt Macksrel and guano
possess infinitely more Importance, and occupy
greater share Of public attention, than Scott and
Pierce; and since the present campaign has no
amusing traits, or characteristics, to commend IT,
the people take no interest whatever in its progress
or probable results.
Now, there is lesson to be learned from all this
IT is an extraordinary circumstance to witness
such apathy and indifference manifested by any
people in tho Important matter Of elccting a
chief magistrate to preside over them, as we
now sec ispayed in the United States. The reason
of it is, that the great mass Of the people have
begun to recognise that, no matter how Office hold
ors, and place hunters, and rabid politicians, may
strive to magnify the importance of elections, it is
90 A.
rennial lease Of the White House, or what party is
let loose among the spoils They see that the coun-
try is rapidly progressing in wealth and greatness,
and know that it matters little who is President,
since his influence neither retard nor quicken the
onward march of this mighty nation. Within the
last Presidential term, our commercial interests
have attained high degree Of prosperity, and have
extended their influence throughout the community.
The wealth Of California has flowed into our ports
in an unceasing current, and has permeated all
rank andconditions OF lle and now, within the last
year. another FL Dorado has been discovered in the
Pacific, and Australia viii open up another great
market to our trade and commerce, and give still
mightier impulse to our progress.
The increase in population has kept pace with our
increase in wealth. despite Of the anti matrimonial
doctrines of tho Shaker communities, and our gen.
eral morality has not much deteriorated by the
tempting examples of the Fourrierite phalanxes
Fashionable life is still enjoyed and relshed, not
withstanding the attempts made by the hotel keep
ers in the watering places aided by their African
auxiaries, to drive people away, and in all portions
of the country prosperity and happiness enjoyed
by the people In this condition of things, it is not
to be wondered at that no one loses q thought on
the insignificant quarrels of parties or cares who will
be the next President. The people leave that mat
ter to be settled between the contendng factions,
and do not permit it to interfere with their own pur
suits and pleasures. 'Happy is the country that
is in such state"
THE HENRY CLAY DTsAsrER.-Communicat
on this melancholy subject are still being sent to
us, from all parts Of the country; some inquring as
to the responsibility of the owners Of the vessel
for the losses sustained by passengers; some exc
Grating them for causing the death Of parents,
friends or relatives; wanting to know whether
there is probability Of the officers and owners be-
ing proceeded against, detorminedly, by the public
prosecutors; and another class, exposing and cry
ing out against the continuance Of the racing prac-
tioe. We do not care to publish all these letters,
but we subjon two Of them, which may be taken as
specimens Of all
PEoRA, Illinois, August :, 1862
JANIS corpoS BENNETT. Esq
DEAR siR--Do not think intrusive for addressing
you these few lines Can you tell me, dear sir what will
be done for the sufferers Of the Henry Clay had two
sisters, brothern-law and two children as well as a
young lady. dear friend, board. have just got the
that after suffering the most dreadful pain they
made their escape by jumping oycrboard--the mother
with ono child the father with the Others but tho young
lady, orphan in charge Of my sister IL lost. They
the TO this place to settle. The savings Of
years Of hard toll goncand now after working hard
Tor years in Newbure their health Is ruined by being
burned by the vain pride Of captain in racing his boat
robber that stands on the highway, kills man and
robs bis victim tried for murder and perhaps hung
But here l. villain who calls himself captain an q
gentlemanhe stands his deck gives orders 10 fire up
get up steam, when he knows the lives Of his pas
sengera in danger. Good God which Of the two IL
the most guilty Of murder and robbery. world not
dear ir trouble you with these remarks but there arc so
many opinions about the of the boat being 70
sponsible to the passengers made bald to ask YOU
knowing from your bodnes Of telling the truth in your