The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-11-26
From the Richmond Enquirer, Nov. ~.
Retren chment aud Reform

The immense vote cast for General Pierce by the
southern States 10 the presidential election OF 1882 was
not due exclusively to his position in respect 10 the ala
very question. II his opinions OF the constitutional
rights OF the South and his sentiments in regard 10 the
institution OF slavery, had been eQuvoca those oil
hs competitor his triumph would not have been the les<
secsve The result OF beeclion OF 50 in the south
Safes was determined by Issues o scarcely less
ment Than the slavery question, aad Mr. Pierce got the
support of southern men in consideration OF his WELL
known devotion to principles which were, no respect,
Of sectional character
The profsale rule OF the late whiz bad
usted the country The fsgrant Raad-
mnisralon OF the departments. the neglect oil the public
business, the waste Of the public money. the ideness
and corruption OF subordinstss. were exposed to the
country, and the consequence cry Tor reirench
and reform which resounded through the land 10
protect the treasury from the Gaphins, and TO put
end 10 schemes OF public punder-to introduce into the
administration OF the finances principles OF honesty pune
tuaty, and economy-was chiei end contemplated by
the people in substituting democratic for wbg Presi-
dent The personal character OF Mr. Pierce. not less
than his well known aversion 10 profgae expenditures
and his rigid principles OF ecoaomy IN the public service,
the propensity OF the wing party 10 squander the nalona Al
treasure either in corrupt argesses to dependents or in
Legitimate schemes of expenditure. determined The vote
Of people intent on purer and mote careful admiss-
traon OF the public finances II the election ot ls32 had
been made this issue OF reirenchment. The
triumph OF the democracy would have been scarcely
less signal and complete than II was with the advantage
OF every popular principle But there another Issue,
akin in its and effects TO administrative economy,
which contributed very much 10 the same grand result
RpltCOhA
pendure Of the public money, but they we're anxious
that there should be surplus revenue TO tempt the Gu
pdity of Gaphins, aad 10 sedace the government from
The stagh path Of s legitimate duty IL was their wish
that such system OF financial policy should be adopted
should impose The least burden on the country, and
should afford the least temptation and opportunity 10
federal ex,rsvagance and corruption II was their wish.
in short, that the eovernnen should be brought back
the sphere in which IL moved under the administration
of the old State Presdensihat the repioach OF
official corruption sboud longer dshonor the republic,
and that the federal expenditure shoad be reduced 10
the lowest possible figure 10 which might be brought
by the pures, most faithful, and most economical ad-
mbisiation The desire TO realize this result, much
any other motive. determined the people 10 nirus the
administration OF the government TO man whose pol,ti
cal lite Distinguished above all things by rigid and
underwriting adherence to The principles OF economy and
frugaliiy the public expenditure. Franklin Pierce,
then became President under the solemn instruction OF
the people execute their will by cleansing the Ausean
stable and giving 10 history the record OF another nd
mnlsration unslained by corruption and distinguished
by an honest and economical expenditure OF The public
money.
II may be too soon yet determine whether or not the
administration OF Mr. PIERCE will faithfully discharge iis
obligations and redeem It's pledges H. however, we
satisfaction on the past. and may riumphanty adduss
the of the administration 20 far in proof Of n pur
pose 10 meet the expectations o the country Since the
fourth OF March, there has been whisper, either OF
negligence corruption among the o6icale No money
has been lost the treasury and rerroaeh bronah, on
the country in consequences OF want 0f vigilance or
fidelity The part OF government. but the merit OF the
administration not merely OF this negative sort Pos.
tive haze been adopted and much energy bas
been displayed by the administration in uarding the
treasury, in reducing the public expenditure and IN d.
sinishrg the burden of taxation Under the viggnt
supervision OF Mr. Gnshrie foray has been made on
tbs ireasuy Vie gives earnest Of the disposon OF
he administration, in applying useess surplus 70 he