Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1854-10-12
eastern Gimts.
BATH, OCTOBER IL, 1854.
The Administration.


press, that the session Of Congress which has
terminated, would serve to reveal the impo-
tency of the Administration, and lis want OF
authority with the democratic party. And in
truth these unamiable anticipations of our adj
versaries were not without some semblance OF
justification. The confusion and insubordina-
ton which always follow great victory, and
the jealousies and disaffection which the fair
est distribution of the patronage of government
never fails TO breed in party, threatened to
break up the Democratic organization and to
cmbarrass the Administration in Its measures
of public policy. Secret discomfort fostering
in the bosoms of individuals, respectable por-
ton of the party in open revolt, and no antag-
onistic political organization to induce har-
mony and vigilance by the pressure of opposi-
ton, it is not wonderful that few faithful
democrats grew respondent, while the wings
exulted in prospect of confusion and strife,
which promised their speedy restoration to
powef.
The session of Congress is at an end, and
we may now determine whether the event
iustifies either these gloomy apprehenslons on
the one side, or that insolent triumph on the
other. Has the administration suffered from
want Of respect and authority with its own
pariy1 Has it accomplished nothing for the
public welfare9
The Administration, we will admit, has
been embarrassed by the malignity of individ-
uals and the intrigues of factions. Washing
ton, even, with all the authority of his great
name and illustrious services, was often har-
raised and defeated by an opposition which he
could neither overawe nor conciliate. Jack
son, too, was more than once abandoned by
pretended friends and left at the mercy Of his
enemies on occasions Of extreme difficulty and
peril. The Administration of Polk was a
constant struggle against an opposition domi-
nant'in Congress and INSCRIPTIONS in its wei
fare. There is nothing then, exceptional in
the history of this Administration, if Mr..
Pierce has encountered the enmity of individ-
uals inflamed to resentment by personal dis
appointment, and Of partizans intent on the re-
covery of power without regard to the inter
ests of the country. He has been too uncom-
promising in his adherence TO principle, and
TOO defiant of opposition, not to provoke the
active hostility of political adversaries His
friends have not been wanting in loyalty and
devotion.
An ample illustration of the influence of
this Administration, is supplied in the history
of the recent session of Congress. 1t was pre-
dicted by the opposition press that no respect
would be shown to the official nominations of
the President, yet we doubt if under any Ad-
ministration, SO few Executive appointments
were rejected by the Senate. Tn the measures
of Congress the authority of the Adminstra-
ton has been abundantly indicated II Pres
ident Pierce had been content to stand aloof
from the struggle, much more if he had thrown
the weight of his influence against the South,
the Missouri restriction would still be upon
the statute book. The Nebraska bill is the
work of his Administration. Whatever share
others may have in the glory of the achieve
ment, 1t would have been impossible without
his support. Then again, there are the Six
Steamer bill, the bill TO give effect to the Re
ciprocity and the Gadsden treaties, the bill for
extending the Warehousing system, of which
Senator Hunter is author and other impor-
tant measures, which had their origin in Elk
ecutive recommendations-all of which attest
the friendly relations subsisting between the
Administration and the Legislative department
of the Government.
When Mr.. Pierce became President the
foreign relations of the country were in an
unsettled and critical condition. Disputes with
Mexico and Great Britain threatened US with
the possibility of hostile collision with these
nations. The Administration applied itself to
the adjustment of all controversies with for
eign powers. with an energy and success
without precedent in the history of the Gov
eminent. The skilful diplomacy of the ac-
plished Secretary of State has effected treaty
with Great Britain, which not only removes
every possible cause Of collision with that
Government, but which opens fresh fields of
adventure to the active spirit of commercial
enterprise, and achieves another triumph for
the principle of free trade. BY another treaty
he has extended the limits of the Republic,
and converted the sullen and jealous Govern
ment of Mexico into cordial and trusty ally.
BY the Convention with Russia he has consol-
idated our relations of friendship with that
great and growing empire, and procured an
authoritative recognition of the principle of
free ships, free goods. The negotiation with
Spain is not yet terminated, but we cannot
donbt, that here, too, the skill and energy of
Secretary Marcy will insure a successful is
sue. In the history of what Administration,
do we find so brilliant chapter as that which
records these achievements Of statemanship!
Are they the exploits of an ''mpbecile'' Execu-
tive.
But if we wish properly to appreciate the
services of the Administration, we must con-
template as well the evil which it has prevent
ed, as the good which it has accomplished.
For our part we value the veto of the Lunatic
Land and the River and Harbor bills, above
all the other achievements Of this Administra-
ton. BY these acts President Pierce has no
bly, redeemed his pledge of fidelity to the prin-