The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-03-03
Tho rre.sn. Posture OF tho Democratic Party.

''The democratic party in greater peril than
at present''-Mr. Buehanans Baltimore letter.
This declaration made by Mr. Buchanan after
having visited Washington city, and therefore with a
full knowledge of the elements of dscord and dissension
which have paralyzed the democratic party at the Capitol
II is deeply to be lamented that, with overwhelming
orties in both houses and within three months Of the
opening OF the presidential canvass. OF the most dis
,nguished members OF our party, and Of the most
prominent candidates for the presidential nomination.
should be forced by the necessities OF the make
such an avowal But is still more to be lamented that
the trath of the declaration cannot be gansaid. and
hence we have no fault TO find with its avowal. ltwere
better 10 look dangers full in the face and TO view them
in all their length and breadth at the very Threshold
rather than close eyes upon them until they become
rremedable After having carefully and painfully
veyed the whole ground, we are constrained declare
to the democracy throughout the Union that opn
ion, "he democratic party in greater peril
than at present" and gaihed that the warning
which the declaration implies comes from one whose
voice is so deservedly potent in our ranks
The fact being conceded that our party is in imminent
peril the duty of investigating the which have
produced such state OF things becomes imperative
We that il is delicate inquiry, but the dangers
which threaten overthrow not to be de-
our duty.
We think hazard nothing in the assertion that
party was stronger than when the present Con
gress assembled How has il happened that within three
months this strength has dwndled and diminished, until
our enemies exungly taunt US with absolute
weakness Our party has assumed no position for
which the people have Withdrawn their confidence:
have our opponents assumed any position by which
49, III baar NJ tha Tbera
many democrats now as there were hen-there are no
more wings now than then. Numerically now have
as overwhelming majority of the popular
had three months ago. Our danger then, is made mani
fest by the development of real weakness, but BY
the development OF the fact that do harmonic in
our preferences for men, and tina, there is and
union TO our future line OF policy.
was to be expected that numerical strength would
call forth unusual number Of aspirants for presden
al honors II 10 be expected, TOO. that The respec
tive friends OF the several aspranis would prosecute
animated and vigorous for the nomination. As
we had statesman in ranks whose claims lowered
so high above all others forbid competition.
could not complain that the claims OF more than
should be zealously urged II should rather be matter
OF congratuation that have many distinguished
democrats whose claims upon their country give them
ston Our party has not BEEN and eanno, be- weakened
by the number OF aspanis, unless the for the
nomination should be characterized by degree OF zeal
and ardor which nigh, degenerate into personal viru.
ence and thereby prevent cordial and united support Of
the nominee Whilst we cannot say that the canvass
has in all respects been prosecuted with the orbearance
and moderation which should have been dictated by wise
counses we are sl unable to discover that there have
~
entire and harmonious and jealous cooperation Of
whole strength when the nomination is made We hope
we may be psrdoned for earnestly suggesdng to the re
specve friends Of the several aspsEs, that. during the
future progress OF the canvass they will temper their
zeal with spirit Of wise moderation, and not allow
their personal preferences hurry them into aerimoni
Gus examinations and recriminations II this warning
shall be observed, the animation which may characterize
the preliminary for the nomination. instead OF
weakening party will only stir friends up to that
degree OF ador which will enable them TO enter mme-
datcy upon vigorous and effective cones, so soon as
the nomination is made The danger does not, there
FORE arise from the number of aspirants but from the
manner in which their claims may be urged.
Whilst we concede that it is essential 10 a united
support Of the nominee that there should be harmony of
preference during the canvass for the nomination. are
A
OF our party in The coming contest without concert
OF purpose and harmony oil sentiment than seem TO
exist in our ranks We know OF discod in our party
as to The essential and fundamental doctrines which il
has ever stood In the application Of these doctrines
the several which have from time TO time ag-
tated the country and divided the popular mind, there
the same degree OF unity OF sentiment, that has hereto
fore prevailed As matter OF course, the fundamental
doctrines OF our party will be rearmed by the National
Convention; and for the purpose OF avoiding miscon.
strucions and OF preserving consistency, il will also
be proper 10 adherence 10 those measures on
which we have in former contests concentrated our
strength We need no, specify those measures here
they are familiar to all they have become The perma.
policy OF the government, and under their influence
our country is enjoying unprecedented prosperity. II is
manifest that opponents will risk issue with
on any Of those The question, them ecurs
why is there dscord and dsunion in ranks To
our mind the answer Is obvious Democrats have failed
to act with proper wisdom in allowing their 10 be
controlled by the feelings and sentiments which guided
their conduct during the agaling scenes which charac
ierized the last Congress II was legitimate for demo
Gratis and for wings to entertain diversified opinions as to
The best mo Of adjusting the slavery question No one
was chargeabe with want OF fealIy TO his party merely
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