Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1854-04-29
Party Fortunes.
From the New York Sun.

AS Historians of passing events, we may not
overlook the rapid transformation going on in
the politics of neighboring States. Twelve
months ago, the old Wing party was consider.
ed so badly cut up and dispersed, that it would
never be able to take the field again with any
chances of success. The sweeping majorities
by which Franklin Pierce was elected Pre-
sident inspired those who believe that the
Government of 4 free country can never be
well and impartiaIly conducted upon a narrow,
exclusive, party basis, with the hope that the
elect OF the people would wisely recognise the
true causes and various elements of his success,
and SO conduct his Government that it would
appear, and be, the bold and consistent reflex
OF that broad and liberal spirit of union and
patriotism which animated the people.
The country had grown sick of a system of
politics which had degenerated into little more
honorable than a series of struggles between
two classes of men for the possession of office,
and the "spoils". The people longed for a
change. All the distinguished representatives
OF a party were rejected, and a new man, I'M
trammeled, as the people supposed, by previous
party pledges, was adopted. AuspiciousIy, in
all outward appearance, his Presidency com
menced. tie pledged himself before the coun.
try to high and noble aims. He confessed his
obligation to the whole people, and to be the
servant of the people and not to a party. His
words and promises were caught up and echoed
throughout the whole land. A bright day for
American Republicanism seemed to have dawn.
ed on the 4th OF March, 1853. But it was only
a meteor flash through the sickly atmosphere
OF washington, lighting up for a moment the
Solemn domes of the Capitol, and passing into
obscurlty near the banks of the hazy Potomac. I
1T is not merely those who look with little
confidence upon party-the independent mind.
ed men who constitute the great popular forces
which party cannot CONFEDERATION Presiden.
Pierce has disappointed. He has broken 10,
discouraged and disguised the great patty
which turned away from honored, vetean
leaders and placed him at their head in the hope
that they were securing Il young chief vho
would awaken a new enthusiasm, unite tier
ranks, and win lasting laurels for dem0rag.-
1t is a bitter thought for them that one hort
year has blighted all their expectations-that
victories a%uguring a long ascendancy are soon
followed by Illuminating r~everses; an. that
opponents so lately regarded powerles, are
now trlumphing without the necessity ofraising
a standard or boldly proclaiming L new pro.
gramme Of principles.
IL is all reaction and retribution 70 decep-
tons and shortcomings. |, is not an return
ing love Of the people for an etFete party, SO
discarded and declared BY its own
leaders as not worth resn>citatng. The !
people are not so tickle asto change
for the mere amusement of the thing. They
have good cause before they vote want of 1
confidence" in an administration Which, with
they placed il power; andif Franklin
Pierce and his advisers do not rightly interpret
The recent elections, and learn Olid wisdom
.heretrom, the country has noting bat shame
md total incapaeity to expec from their q
remaining tenure of office-of Pwer we can
rot say; for the power whirfis limited TO
furnishing Decentralization among UNDER
officials, is not worthy of so r~>rctabIe 4 name
a Republic of free men. A.