Hannibal journal. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1852-1853, 1852-11-04


political arena. He became the leader of the
Opposite party, which position he occupied till
the day oil his death. Though this occurred
twenty-five years ago, there are many persons
now living who can testify to its truth in every
particular. These are the ways in which men
ortentlmes mistake the strfes Of party for the
honest vindication of principle, and sensible
men arc often misled into the commission of no.
litical sins.
IN speaking of platforms though, as stated
before, am no admirer of them, yet | can saw
the merit eHt q 6Sfhot TIE Wbs platform has at least
from us; they may deny the policy Of
our principles; but they cannot say that they do
not know what they are. We say distinctly
that Congress has not only the power under the
Constitution 10 make internal improvements, but
that it is also the duty of Congress to exercise
that power. 1t is also distinct and positive in
support OF the glorious doctrines which origina-
ted with the Fathers of the Revolution, design
ed by them to perpetuate the existence Of our
institutions, and which advise us TO keep unde-
filed and uncontaminated by the influence Of
foreign Governments, to stay at home, and in
the words Of the Father Of his Country, to avoid
alliances with foreign nations, to
pursue the even tenor Of our way, peaceful and
happy, as the only way to insure our own pros
perity, and guarantee to our successors the
blessings which we ourselves enjoy.
Before close will say few words about
the candidates that are respectively before the
people. Now, fellow citizens, it has hardly ev-
er happened since the days Of Washington, still
less since those of Jackson, that any one has
been elected President in virtue of his personal
popularity. But there reasons which should
induce every man to choose between the two
candidates--tO prefer one man over the other;
and he who does not exercise his own Judgment
in this matter is no freeman. In the approach
ing contest between Scott and Pierce, men will
vote for the one ovec the other because they be-
lieve him better qualified, and because they be-
lieve the principles with which he is identified
are superior to those Of his opponent. And if
IA mans reasons are of this sort he should act up
to them. If anybody expects ne TO denounce
General Pierce, here or elsewhere, he is mista-
ken. Six and twenty years ago, was a can
didate in opposition to Mr.. Scott, from the Boons
Lick country; and in making stump speeches
round the country, told them that Mr.. Scott
was one Of the cleverest fellows in the world
that he had served eight or ten years in Congress
and to my belief had done it to the very best of
his ability. And never knew man to lose
by rem nderng to political opponent strict JUS
tice and courtesy. Tremendous cheering.
General Pierce, Ihave no doubt, is gentleman;
man Of character and standing of good me-
docrity of talents. And the fact of his having
stumbled from his horse in Mexico, l think has
nothing TO do with his physical courage; though
it seems TO me that he did not meet with the best
of luck, and was particularly unfortunate in dis
playing his courage on the battle field. Certain
it is, that by towering genius or discriminating
judgment, he never won aurels in the halls of
legislation, though he has had excellent oppor-
tunities for distinction. But cannot fellow
citizens, admit that he is qualified to WELD the
destines Of mighty nation like this, and calm
the storms Of international discussion. But of
General Scott, who has been selected as the can
dIdate of the Wing party, it can be said that his
career has been marked. His brilliant military
exploits, the intrepidity Of his youth, the cool
and practical wisdom that has everywhere dis
tinguished him, and his characteristic qualities
Of courage, prompt obedience, subordination TO
law--are not these great virtues? Are they
not essential to the successful discharge Of the
duties incumbent upon that high office =?
General Scott was not educated soldier. He
never was a student at West Point, and the
walks OF civilian were these IN which his
youth was passed. He was taught the literature
and the law of his country. It's known TO you,
feliow-citzens, that he was not my first choice.
With most OF my Wing friends Of Missouri, l
entertained preference for Mr.. Fillmore,
though had with General Scott nearer ties of
and acquaintance. In the nett opols
of my native State, Virginia, he and my brother
were fellow-students, and when | first met him
and he learned that was brother Of his friend
he took Ine TO his bosom. Notwithstanding these
feelings of warm personal friendship, prefer
red another man.
But General Scott has given evidence Of his
capacity to fill the Presidential chair. 1t has
been urged that he must be deficient in states
manship, because he has not had practical sXPe-
ricnce in legislative halls. But it does not fol-
low that because a man has occupied seat in
Congress that he necessarily catches political
wisdom, and knowledge of Constitutional law,
as he would the measles-by contsct-and see
no reason why the fact that General Scott has
so successfully carried through every under
taking which has been committed to him, many
of them requiring qualities of the highest orIer
of talent, is not an evidence that he is competent
to fill the station where we seek to place him.
Aud in my conscience believe that ii he is cleo
ted, the event will insure peace and prosperity
at home, as well as pacific and honorable rela-
tons abroad. Great cheering
Ii is certain that he will carry out the princl-
pies of the party, as embodied IN the Wing
platform, that he will encourage the carrying on
a system of Internal improvements; that he will
particularly oppose the growth Of this morbid
sympathy which would lead off our armies on a
wild crusade, at the bidding of these spectators
in blood and freedom. say this matter OF In
tervention is identical with Abolitionism. For
if we allow our sympathy for four millions Of
Huns, who believe themselves oppressed, and
who without doubt are oppressed to make US
interfere in the relations existing between them