Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1853-05-26
THE ADMINISTRATION AND ITS PAR
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1t is pretty evident from the tone of the sub
joined article from the New York Herald, that
that sagacious journal is seriously appreEensive
that Gen. Pierces administration will prove a
failure after all. The Herald supported the Demo>
cratic ticket in the late Presidential canvass with
extraordinary zeal and ability, aud contributed
largely to its success. 1t has, therefore. good
right to complain, if it thanks fit, of the way in
which affairs are managed at Washington. This
right it appears disposed to exercise with
the utmost freedom and unreserve. No journal
in this country watches the manifestations of
public sentiment with keener sagacity than the
Herald, or is more prompt to follow its currents,
and whom we hear that paper giving utterance
to such distinct notes Of dissatisfaction and COM
plant. as those in which it now induges, we may
rest assured that it feels itself backed by popu-
lar opinion. 1t is plain the Herald thinks that
the President blundeled in the beginning, aud
has continued to bunder all the time-that he
acted on mistaken principles in the organization
Of his Cabinet, and that the false policy has
guided him in his other appointments. We have
not the slightest doubt that these sentiments are
shared by the great body of the Union Demos
racy OF this country, They may be unwilling,
at this early day, openly to admit that Gen.
Pierce has disappointed them, but it is imposs
BILE to conceive that they can view with ndffer-
ence the unmistakable evidences of the Presi-
dents partially for the Free Soil aud Secession
wings of his party. But time only can disclose
whether or not Gen. Pierce has committed
dur pas in not throwing himself on the Union
Democracy for his main support In the mean
time, however, let US hear what the great De-
mocratic organ of New York has to say on the
subject.
WhatMe Union Party think Of the Administra-
ton.
The sense of relief which the decision of the
last Baltimore Convention impaired to the coun-
try is vet fresh in the memory of our readers
Before all was suspense, uncertainty. Neither
party felt certain that its doctrines would have
fair trial. No one could say what principles were
70 decide the contest. After much random AZ
gument, all doubts were cleared away by the
Conventions, and the rival candidates were pac.
ed upon definite, we'll understood Platforms
Scott was we'll known to be the nominee of the
Seward faction-unsound on the slavery ques-
ton, the secret ally of Hale and Giddings an
opponent to the naturalization laws, and foe to
the extension of our territory. With equal
cearness Pierce's position was defined by his
nomination by the party whose motto is the pre-
servation of the integrity of the Union; he went
to the country as Union man, the champion of
the compromise, and the fufment of "mani-
fest destiny" Between candidates so plainly
identified, no citizen could did hesitate in the
disposal of his vote. All those who were OPP
posed to the compromise and Southern institu-
tions, ranged themselves under the banner OF
Scott; those who viewed minor questions of So
cia or political economy as utterly insignificant,
in comparison with the preservation oil the Union,
and the harmonious working OF the Constitution
handed down to US by our forefathers, looked to
Pierce as the man for the country.
Upon the issue thus laid before them, the peo-
pile rendered verdict unparalleled in point OF
unannity since the days of Monroe Out OF
296 electors. 254 registered their votes in favor
of the preservation of the Union, the Com
promise, and the fulfilment of manifest desti-
n.y."
The Union party were triumphant. They
saw their candidate victorious, and their enemies
Frustrated. They counted la ger number OF
adherents than had ever rallied around any pre-
vious standard since tho Independence. Even
their opponents were prepared to give the victor
a fair trial. The state of the country was IN his
favor. Commercial enterprise was thriving 10 an
unexamped extent. Prosperity spread content
neut among all classes Pence prevailed.
large surplus lay idle ia the treasury. No
internal dissensions agitntsd the public mind.
Viewing this extraordinary combination OF aus
pcious circumstances. the Union party loudly
predicted that the new administration would she'd