The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1854-08-18
From the Richmond Enquirer
The Administration.

From the Richmond Enquirer
The Administration.
The public have not forgotten the prediction OF
the Wing press that the session Of Congress when
has just terminated would serve TO reveal the I'm.
potency OF the Administration and its want OF
authority with the Democratic party. And 10
truth these unamiable anticipations OF our adVer-
saries were not without some sembance OF Jusu'
ica,ion The confusion and INSTRUMENTATION when
always follow great victory, and the !eaious'eS
and disaffection which the fairest distribution OF
the patronage Of government never fails to breed
in a party, threatened to break up tho Democratic
organization and to embarrass the Administrator
in its measures of public policy. Secret dIscon-
tent fostering in the 5osoms of individuals, re-
spectacle portion Of the party in open revolt. and
no antagonstic political organization to induce
harmony and vigilance by the pressure OF oPpo.,
sition, it is not wonderful that few faithful
Democrats grew respondent, while the Wings ex-
ulted in prospect of confusion and strife which
promised their speedy restoration to power.
The session OF Congress is at an end, and we
may now determine whether the event iusthes
either these gloomy apprehensons on the one side.
or that iEsolent triumph on the other. Has the
administration suffered from a want of respect
and authority with its own party? Has it accom-.
pIished nothing for the public welfare?
This Administration, we will admit, has been
the intrgues Of factions. Washington, even with
all the authority Of his great name and illusrious
services, was often harrassed and defeated by an
opposition which he could neither overawe nor
conciliate. Jackson, 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
constant struggle against an opposition
dominant n Congress and INSCRIPTIONS IN lts
warfare. There is nothing, then exceptional IN
the history OF this Administration, if Mr. Pierce has
encountered the enmity of individuals inflaned to
resentment by personal disappointment, and OF
partzans intent on the recovery of power without
regard to the interests of the country. He has
been too uncompromising IN his adherence to
principle, and too defiant of opposition, not to pro-
woke 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 predicted by
the opposition press that no respect would be
shown to the official nominations of the President,
yet we doubt if, under any Administration, SO few
Executive appointments were rejected by the
Senate. In the measures OF Congress the authority
of the Administration has been abundantly vindi-
Gated. If President 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 statue book. The Nebraska bill is the work
of his Administration. Whatever share others
may have in the glory of the achievement, it would
have been impossible without his support. Then,
again. there are the Six Steamer bill, the bill to
give effect to the Reciprocity and the Gadsden
treaties, the bill for extending the Warehousing
system, of which Senator Hunter is author. and
other important measures, which had their origin
in Executive recommendations-al OF which at.
test 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 unsettled and
critical condition. Disputes with Mexico and with
Great Britain threatened Us with the possibility of
hostile collision with these nations. The Admin
stration applied itself to the adjustment OF all con-
troversles with foreign Powers, with energy
and success without precedent in the history Of
the Government. The skllful diplomacy Of the
accomplished Secretary of State has effected a
treaty with Great Britain, which not only removes
every possible cause of collision with that Govern
,nent, but which opens fresh fields Of adventure
to the active spirit OF commercial enterprise, and
achlyes 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 Government of Mexico into cordial
and trusting ally. Oy tne COHVentlOu Win nuSSia
he has consolidated 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 vet terminated, blu. cannot doubt that here.
too, the skill and energy of Secretary Marcy will
insure a successful issue. In the history of what
do we find so brilliant character
ha. which records these achievements of states.
mauship2 Are they the exploits of an ''am6ecile'
Executive 7
But If We wish properly to appreciate the ser.
vices OF the Administration, we must contemplate
as we'll the evil which it has prevented, 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 achieve
ments of this Administration. By these acts
President Pierce has nobly redeemed his pledge of
fidelity to the principles Of the Democratic party,
and has arrested the march of Federal aggrandize.
ment and corruption.
England Under the War.
America is so deeply interested in the CONNER.
cisI condition of England. that il is imDortant to