The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-06-28


pers represent the canvass unusually animated and
interesting, and induced TO hope that the Ashland
dislIc, will again be honored by representative worthy
OF her fame. Mr. Breckinridge made character in the
last Congress OF which Kentucky may well be proud
and cannot believe thai she will fail to appreciate
The merits Of so able and eloquent young man.
The Duties and Responsibilities OF the Admin
istration.
The elements which entered into the overwhelming
success OF the democratic party in the late presidential
election must be carefully studied to understand correctly
The high duties and heavy responsibilities Of the present
administration. That astounding result not pro-
duced solely by that union OF the party which
fortunately secured by the conca,ory action Of the Bal
,imore Convention; bu, ii was owing. in no small de-
gree, The prevalent conviction which had fastened il,
isra,ion Of the government, had become absolutely
essential 10 lis character and IFS prosperity The eeva
lion Of General Taylor the presidency soon seen
and felt to be which threatened the ruin of the
whg party, willis, every successive development of the
policy OF his administration, and disclosures Of
gIang cases of high official oblquy, tended to seal its
destiny. Mr. Fillmore succeeded 10 legacy heavily
burdened with public distrust that impossible for
Of Tie people. The and the hes, he could do was
TO temporize with the enharrassments of his position,
and by that means retain for himself aud his party
moderate share Of responsibility. Before he was called
the helm, the poison bad difused itself 10 such an ex
ten, that but The boldest and most skul operator
could arrest its fatal progress. Mr. Fillmore wa. moi,
such operator, and herce his only policy to
resort 10 sedave and palliative remedies. His good in
enons secured for him very general respect and obtained
from his polIcalopponents degree OF forbearance which
has seldom been exlended by party another But
he failed utterly TO from the popular mind the
impression that evils OF character had liked
themselves the vital parts of the body polite de-
mand change in the administration OF The government
This impression rested upon the widely prevang belief
that there general looseness and indifference in the
discharge OF public trusts, which strongly confirmed
by repeated disclosures OF frauds and agsressops upon
the public treasury, tba, allowed to pass with i'm
punty. The conviction was by limited thai
The facility with which the public money was reached
upon claims OF questionable merit, and The readiness Of
promlnen, politicians to share in the success OF such
claims, indicated want of vigilance the par, Of its
guardians which Inconsistent with that standard OF
official honesty that ought 10 characterize public servants
These impressions prepared the public mind for change
in the administration and contributed in some degree to
bring abou, that spirit Of concession and compromise
which united The democratic party satisfactory ma.
tional platform
II the Baltimore Convention bad nom mated either Of
the distinguished democrats whose were before it,
the nominee would have derived decided strength from
The impression that change necessary in order that
the evils believed 10 exist might be reformed Bo, we
intend disparas 10 those distinguished men when
say that there elements in The position and chat.
OF General Pierce and especially his demsanor
after hs election which made his nomination peculiarly
acceptable 10 those who felt The necessity OF change OF
administration He had been Tor many years in voluntary
retirement, removed IRON all the political schemes and
arrangements OF the lines; his course when in public
life had been marked by scrupulous discharge of the
duties imposed by his station and rigid adherence 10
constitutional Requirements; he was regarded as man
OF integrity and rigid honesty, whether in public OF
private life he known not TO have aspired to the
position 10 which be nominated and after his nom.
nation, there openness, direciness candor and
hmness in declaring bis sentiments and general pro-
prey dignity. and irankness 10 his deneanor whilst
candidate which readily concentrated upon him the pop
uar judgment and heart The man proper 10 work on,
the reforms in the government, which were believed to
union OF the democratic party was essential 10 The succe.s
Of its nominee, satisfied that the conviction in the
public mind that there radical evils in the admins
uation OF the government 10 be reformed, contributed
powerfully not only TO produce the union OF the party
but also TO give 10 General Pierce the over wheIming
vote by which he was elected.
III we are right in the positions laid down. come OF The
leading duties and responsibilities Of the
become manifest We have deemed it proper heretofore
TO show that tn. duty Of the President, in the dis
ribui'on OF the public patronage 10 have eye to the
preservation OF The harmony and union OF the democrat
&c party We have taken pains TO demonstrate the
popre'y OF The policy which he has pursued in III. dis
charge OF this duty But the duty OF preserving the in.
egriy OF the party was not the Only. nor indeed The
chief one, which devolyed upon the President He might
succeed, II such thing possible. ia keeping the
party unit by the nee of The appointing power and
stiIl his administration would be miserable failure I'M.
ess the reforms demanded by The public sentiment,
effected. The people win have gained barren victory
# The only result is that they hereafter TO be feeced
by democratic instead of wing office holders We sup