The Yazoo Democrat., 1852-09-15
From the Washington Union
The Military HurbaEis


The wings have nothing to comfort them but
the nope OF exciting the military ardor Of our
people In favor of their nominee. They know
that their principles are unpopular, and there
fore they have laid asIde their statesmen, and
passed over those who have been their most con-
spicuous champions, fora mere military chief ain
But they have reckoned unwisely. Gen Scott pos
sesses qualities which detract from his military
reputation; and he does not possess other quail
ties, without which successful soldier cannot
be popular with the masses. General Scott is
more unpopular with the officers who have serv-
ed with him than any other portion Of our peO-
pie. II the decision was left to the vote Of the
army, there is no question but that General-in-
chief would be defeated By an overwhelming ma
joritv. Under such circumstances, it is vain TO
expect military hurTah for even the military
will not join in it. The citizens Of New York
who wished TO present General Scott for the
presidency IN lS3O-when he assured them that
he was Jefferson-Jackson democrat; when he
assured them that he was hard money, indepene
dent-treasury democaat when he assured them
that he had carried General Jackson's administra-
ton through on his back, and when he assured
them that he looked alone to the democratic
party Tor his political futuTe-WeTe forced to
abandon him as soon as they became acquainted
with his character as public man. The officers
OF the army have gone through similar process.
They have been introduced to General Scott, and
have become acquainted with his vanity Sc lndi-
III.
face with his manifold weakness, his thirst for
authority, his boundless ptetension, and his
haughtiness, and they will join in no attemp 90
glorify him by a wild outbreak of military en-
thusiasm. Many of the officers Of the army have
suffered from his suspicious jealousy, his hasty
temper, and his eagerness for personal advance
ment. The common soldier has no syrnpathIes
with him. He is a stranger to their hearts, for
hls heart has no pulsation in common with
theirs. A military hurrah is therefore impOs-
slble for the coldness of those who served with
General Scott will prevent it. The failure of
the Lundy's Lane celebration, and the little
attention with which the proposition to Cele-
brate the capture of ChepHltepec has been recei-
we'd, prove that the people are not 70 be misled BY
banners, music, and military professions. 1t is
a great mistake to believe that General Taylor
was elected solely by his military fame. Many
were tired of the strife Of party and the machin-
cry OF party organiza tiOns and they wished to
see the chair of the Chief Magistrate filled by one
whose passions were not heated by party strife.
and who had never mingled in party intugues
Marry thought that they saw IN Gen. Taylor's
honest purposes and severe simplicity Of man
ner traits which would compensate for the want
of civil experience, while his affable and unpre-
tending demeanor, and his distaste for pomp,
parade, and ostentation won the hearts of thou
sands, who never would have been seduced by
the glitter of military pageantry or led astay by
mere military TenOwn. It was precisely those
points OF General lay lOr character Wllcu piaceu
him in striking contrast to General Scott winch
made him the favorite chieftain of the Mexican
war, and carried him into the presidency. Gen.
Taylor not only had qualities which Gen. Scott
did not have, but he did not POSSESS qualities
which Gen. Scott unfortunately has IN an emil
nent degree. no one expects by the elevation
of General Scott to soften party asperities OF 90
weaken the power Of party machinery, or give a
check to party intrigUes. No one sees in Gen.
Scott the sevefe simplicity, the afable and unpTe
tending demeanor the distaste for pOmp, parade
and ostentatiOn which characterized Gen. Taylor
Besides, the lesson which the last election taught
has not been forgotten. The use which cunning
and vindictive partisans made Of the power ol
the military President in l849 and 1890 Is fresh
in the public recollection: The people see that
the same cabal which abused the confidence OF
General Taylor, and used him TO carry out their
corrupt purposes, have brought forward Gen.
Scott as the means OF restoring themselves To
their former places, notwithstanding the con-
demnation which they have received in all quar-
tiers of country They know Gen. Scotts vanity
& his want of experience, & they regard him as
the best instrument to carry out their wicked
and if the people SHOULD be so soon
deceived second time, they will deserve the MS
which must fall upon the land, ''when vice pre-
walls and impious men bear sway"