The Yazoo Democrat., 1854-09-20
The President and the OppO-
Sith0na

that necessarily influence bis administration
of public affairs, says the Unson, are so es.
sentially different from the position and the
influences that govern those who compose
the opposition to him, that they deserve a
careful and dispassionate examination to sub
serve the ends Of justice and to promote the
public veal.
The Presidents position il wholly nation
al made so by the character Of bis Office and
the duties it enjoins. lie represents in all
matters the national sovereignty and interest.
lie can limit no object or act to anything
less than its general bearing upon the coun-
try, directly or indirectly. There is a con-
nexion and continuity that must necessarily
extend to tAeehtire federal Union. lie must
IN all things official, be national.
His functions are derived from his Office
and their fulflment is the measure of his du-
y. lie has no authority to make them less
than the constitution has made them, nor to
make them more than the constitution linn
It's He is hedged in Oh all sides by the con-
stituton, and cannot take one step beyond
its boundary without iucurring its fearful
consequences.
lie holds this weighty trust in view Of the
great responsibihtiesit imposes, aud the mo-
Ementous accountability to which he is amen
able. He holds it under all the influences
Rat can stimulate honest ambition, and all
the incentives that can bind fidelity to duty.
He stands alone in the magnitude Of his
sphere and the limits of his obligations.
The opposition, as tbs termed, is, by the
forceof circumstances, composed of themost
heterogeneous materials. 1t is a concrete
without any of the affinities of permanent
cohesion, and must inevitably dissolve from
the nature of its elements.
It's phases are SO variable, and its body so
segregated, that it defies thorough classifca-
lttion. Its position is integral and local, with
out any national unity or recognized obfga-
ton. 1t is governed by volition, without
limit or restraint, and without accountability.
It exists in public and iu private life some
to one extent, and some to another; some up
on ope point and not upon others some for
Ivy object, aud some for others; without
concert or unity for purpose.
A section Of this opposition Is composed
Of politicians, Gnthe zoriinaHy acceptaton
Of the torn. They ate 50 surrounded by
mere personal considerations, aud 50 infuen-
Ieed by selfish objects, that national obliga-
tions and intssests.are only secondary. In
the absence ct all accountability, and prac-
tising.upon the largest liberty, their patriot
ism is the counterfeit preseutmento of their
character.
There arc some in tbs opposition, who
have scarcely ashabitation or a name, not less
than indignant and ciarrorous than the bold
est on the hustings They are. constantly
watching the direction of the currents, that
they may catch the drift-wood Of the fresh
cts and for the accomplishment of this float
'ng capital, they would sacrifice tho Presi
dent and the country.
a large portion OF the opposition is made
up of antagonism in the original formation
Of parties. They are there by sort Of po-
litical necessity of their own, under the d.
rect influence of party. And there arc null
titudes in the rank Of the opposition who
find themselves there by the sallurements of
hope, the speculations of ambition, and the
infrmities that carry some minds TO universal
oppugnation.
1t will thus be seen, in this matter OF great
public concern, the President, as a party to
the ISSUE is a unit in the federal centre, rep
lresenting the entirety of the nation, under
absolute and specified powers and the most
binding obligations. The opposition, the 9TH
er party to the issue, is composed of integrals
-indiyidualities without any defined powers,
responsibility, or obligations, partaking Of
every shade of opinion, variety of motive, and
latitude of action.
The President, from necessity, is acting
upon and within the constitution. The OPP
position act, ad libitu1a, without the iniunc-
tions of the constitution, or any recognized
obligation The President is acting for the
country, in obedience to his high commission.
The opposition may act against the country,
and they may act as they please.
Who will the sovereign people, holding
the appellate power, support! Will they
sustain the responsible head of the govern
rnent, who is there by their election, and who
can have no object separate from the best
interests and honor Of the country, and the