Washington sentinel., 1853-11-11
WHAT THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATS
THINK OF MIR. COOLEY's SPEECH.

entertained of Mr.. Cooley's speech by the ma.
tional democrats Of New York. An effort, as
unjust as it labored, is being made to impress
the country with the belief that the Dickinson
party have cut themselves off from the Presi-
dent and his entire administration, and have
gone into opposition:
Mr.. CooLEY's SrEEcH.-We copy from the
Washington Seatiael, of Friday, the following
remarks on the speech delivered few days
since by Senator Cooley, at Syracuse. We en-
tirely concur with the Sentinel in its estimate
of the senator's production. So far rs we have
heard, but one opinion prevails in reference to
it, and that is of unqualified disapproval. The.
national democracy, instead of attacking the
personal or political character of the President,
will stand firmly by and sustain him. Such is
the general sentiment here, and such we have
not doubt it is throughout the State and
country
No one reprobates the course of Mr.. Cooley
more than we do; but there is another thing
which is worthy Of notice in this connexion.
1t is, that whenever any of the chiefs and
leaders Of the New York national democrats
are provoked into structures on the course Of
those papers that have unjustly been re-
ported to be the organs of the President,
they are instantly accused Of waging war
against the President The impression is thus
indirectly sought to be made that these reputed
organs and the President are one-in the
same way that the President and his cabinet
are said to be one. They are attempted to be
scared off by the threat that by condemning
these reputed organs they will be regarded as
condemning the President.
We have always known that General Pierce
is eminent for a noble generosity Of character
but we protest against such constant and heavy
impostions and taxes on that generosity.
How brightly does his magnanimity and cour-
age contrast with their meanness and poverty
of spirit. lie is to be cruci6ed for the sins of
all, who have any sort Of connection, real or i'm
aginary, with him. They claim immunity from
all attack-they plead the privilege of sane
tuary, aud point to him as the great victim,
whose heart is to be pierced by every arrow in
tended for them. He is made the scape goat
for all the sins of his people. All that is to be
gained, they lay claim to- all of profit, all Of
honor; but when it comes to loss, when it comes
to censure, when it comes to punishment, they
claim exemption, and fix the responsibility on
him. So they can secure themselves under the
shadow of his wing, they are content. They
heed not the "pelting Of the pitiless Storm I
for it falls alone on him.
Such despicable meanness is unworthy of the
unworthiest man. He who commits crime, and
boldly courts responsibility, at least manifests
one of the attributes Of manhood; but the low
est depth Of meanness, is to doa deed Of shame
or violence, and bring down on the innocent
head of generous friend the punishment that
it merits.
Things have truly reached pretty pass. A
paper that is reputed to be an organ, shall be
privileged to attack any man or journal that il
pleases, and, if the assaled party retaliates he
is instantly to be crushed and annihilated by
the damning charge Of opposing the admins
tration. If AN officer Of the government commits
wrong, and disapprobation is expressed-this
also is a war upon the administration. If a
cabinet officer usurps authority, and is cen,
sured, it is censure Of the President. The
reputed organs, the officers Of the government,
down to the very scullions in the Presidents
kitchen--but especially and particularly the
cabinet--are amalgamated and condensed into
| great unit. They are distinct individuals, they
are distinct officers, but they have no eyes, nc
mouths, no hands, no feet no separate charac
ters or faculties all, no responsibilities
They may commit larcenies, burgaries, and al
manner of offences, and all the time it is mo-
them, but the President. &a
Now, We protest against any such perniciou:
doctrine as this. We protest against any sucf
immunity for these culprits, and will aid ir
dragging them forcibly from the horns of the
altar, which they pollute by touching. If ne
cessary, we viii set the example, follow who
may. If they do wrong7if they abuse the
| trusts confded to them--let them clamor as
| they may, let who will take offence, we vii
drag them from their place of refuge into the
light of day.
The mean, craven spirit that is manifested, II
the effort now being made to hold the honorec
Chief Magistrate of the nation responsible fo
all the misconduct Of reputed organs, officials
and menials, should not be tolerated by th'
nation. Let punishment and censure, say we
fall on the guilty offenders.
The President Of this great country has re
sponsibilities enough Of his own. 1t is orue
to impose new burdens and responsibilities
| upon him. Those who have been honored will
his confidence, and placed by him in positions
Of dignity and profit, should relieve him O
both care and responsibility, whenever they
can, instead Of perplexing and embarrassing
him as they do.
The President may sometimes commit an er
ror Of Judgment in approving what subordi
nate may do, and do from the worst motives
The motiyes are hid from him. His very rela
tons of personal and political intimacy may
blind the President 10 the motives, and dispose