The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-11-23
Political SpeculatiOns

"OBsERvER,o the Democratic correspond
ent of the Philadelph Ledger. makes sketch
of the field of politics, with hint or two as to
the initiation of the incoming administration.
which seems worthy Of being put upon record:
"WAsHINGToN, Nov. 10, 1852.
eve have quite a number of prominent politi
clans here, and Cabinet appointments continue to
be earnestly discussed if the fate of the patton
depended on the ministerial crisis. By the bye,
politicians always believe that the whole nation
concerned in their squabbles, and that their
success depends the welfare OF the State
"There Is some talk about reviving the old Polk
Cabinet, but on sober reflection the thing will not
answer; though the Cabinet good enough in
its way, and numbered among its members such
men as Governor Marcy, Robert J. Walker and
James Buchanan. But with the exceilency and
merit of that Cabinet is also associated the
brance Of some reverses, such as the surrender of
the line of 81 40. the Trst treaty and the loss of
the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Besides, restorations
are not very popular in this country; and the
breaking down Of 30 brilliant admnistr ton as
that of President Polk is solemn warning against
having too many Presidential aspirants in the
Cabinet
"It is clear that Presidential aspirant is more
anxious to earn for himself the reward Of his
tons than to swell the reputation and fame Of the
| President. Mr.. Polk obtained very little credit
| for the tariff Of 1876, which was Mr.. Walkers
tariff but he had to bear the responsibility of
| the war, and the odium which for while, at least
attached to the Trst treaty. The defeat of Mr..
Packenham by the pen, and Of General Scott by
the same weapon, was claimed respectively by
Messrs. Buchanan and Marcy. There is no doubt
that Marcy, Walker, and Buchanan are able men,
capable of filling any station creditably to them
| seIy tn he hutf hp allotin
nevertheless, embarrassed the administration of
a1r Polk, who, by his declaration in favor of one
| term, had thrown the doors wide open to all man
ner of Presidential combinations
"True, Franklin Pierce is in more hopeful con
dition. He has not declared in favor of one term,
and may, if his common sense and sterling charac-
ter are truly appreciated by the nation, be
didate for reelection; but, on sober reflection, it
may well be questioned whether, for this very rel
son his acts would not be liable greater scru.
tiny, if his Secretaries were competitors with him
for popular favor 1t was the Hon. Caleb Gushing,
Of Massachusetts. one Of the ablest men that
held seat in the House Of Representatives in Con
gress, who observed that the cabinet must be
unit and unit. according to the rules OF arithme-
| tic, cannot contain more than integer
'"rhose who disposed to distribute Secretary
ships rewards for honorable exertion, naturally
press gentlemen from the great States most
worthy Of such distn uished positions. Thus New
York presses Gov. Marcy, Daniel 8. Dickinson,
and John A. Dix; and, between the opposing claims
| Of Marcy and Dickinson, General Pierce hard
ly fail to consider the claims Of John A. Dix to a
seat in his Cabinet.
ain Pennsylvania, Messrs. Buchanan and Dallas
most prominent, yet not opposed to esch other
in the specific sense in which Gov. Marcy and Mr..
Dickinson have been opposed to each other.
There is no man in Pennsy lvania we'll
quained with national affairs, and the business of
Government, as either Mr.. Dallas or Mr.. Buchan-
Both have filled the highest stations, and both
have acquired that experience in Washington and
abroad which is required in a states" an in 30 i'm
portant position that of Cabinet Minister. If
member from Pennsylvania is to 60 into the
Cabinet, one the other of these eminent
must be the man.
"As to the Secretar yship of State, that ought to
be offered TO the man to whom the nation and the
civilized world point the most capable of repre-
senting our national policy. provided he will
cept it. Rumor says it has been offered him; but
doubt whether it will be accepted One thing ID
certnin-if Franklin Pierce attempts to satisfy the
people, he will have difficulty in forming Cab
net; if he endeavors to crafty the politicians, hs
troubles will be unceasng TO the end of his admin.
istration."