, 1855-03-31
"Thc President and Country. ;

IOOln iOA thO iOllO"hB tiuiy oOiO olN'SiSt
from that reliable democratic Journal, the
Baltimore Republican and Argus, OF late
date. We can endorse it with hearty
good will, and ask for it, what it is well
worthy of-an attentive pcrHsal. 1t ispow-
erful, direct, plain and convincing.
1t is true that the people Of this terri
tory have been humbugged and their rights
grossly outraged through the parsimony
and imbecility of the Postmaster General,
in the management Of that branch Of tile
government, effecting this portion Of the
Pacific coast.
1t is also true, and is matter Of regret,
that since the organization Of this territory
presuming on the ground understood to be
occupied by the President, that in his ap-
pointments to Office in territories, he would
be governed more or less by the recommen-
dations Of the democratic members Of their
legislatures-that more satisfactory real
ization Of that proposition has not been
vouchsafed this territory thus far-know-
ing as we do full well, that from some
cause, little or no regard has been paid to
such recommendations, but appointments
from abroad substituted. As we cannot
forget these facts, we cannot but at the
same time remember, that the administra-
ton Of President Pierce is q national, not
Sectional one, and that Washington is a nelO,
and in some respects, perhaps, unfortunate
territory.
We are not Of that number, however,
who believe that the present administra-
tion is either weak, timid or erroneous, and
the time is not far distant when those who
speak disapprOvingly Of it and President
Pierce, in general terms, will acknowledge
their weakness and folly in being led of by
disappointed aspirants under him. This
administration is one Of the strongest we
have ever had-too strong for the aboli-
tionists, who pretend to believe that it is
corrupt and dishonest on the Nebraska
measure.
Will our adversaries name the acts Of
the President that are indicative Of bis
weakness, or want Of frmnessl In what
instance has he failed TO meet every ques-
ton with the utmost prOmptness and VigOr I
Has be been non-committal in any instancei
Has he withheld bis opinion when the pub
lie were entitled to know III Have not
bis messages been Of the first order Have
the Know Nothing conspirators received
any "aid or comfort" at his hands! Let
his opponents point out his acts, and des-
ignate his weakness.
The democratic party Of the United
States was never more firm, reliable or
promising for future good than at this mo-
ment this whirlwind Of nbolitionism and
knoW-nothingism has only blown the chat
away, and the party is now more firm and
healthy than ever.
" The attempt has been made by such papers as the
N. Y. Herald 70 hold the president Of the United
States and his cabinet responsible for such marked
changes as have occurred In recent elections in the
middle and western states. The course Of reasoning
pursued reminds US Of the cause assigned for the
Goodwin Sands BY the peasant, who accounted for
that growing obstruction. He said that "it was the
Salisbury steeple" for he had heard nothing Of the
Goodwin Sands until the steeple was built and there
fore the Salisbury steepe was the cause Of the Good
We belong to the democratic party, not only from
attachment 10 t principles but because we are Of the
opinion that is organization is best adapted 10 the
advancement Of the present and future prosperity Of
che whole country. But while members Of that
party, we are not is retainers and should upon
sufficient cause, exercise right 10 orticise freely
the action Of its Chiefs less than Of tssubordinae
The same freedom Of personal opinion which allows Of
such latitude Of censure, makes support duty when.
ever Il Is required or deserved. We propose to-day
In the very season OF party adversely 1t is fondy
regarded BY our ancient enemies and false friends 70
review calmly and dispassionatey the grave charges
Of its dsorganization which brought against the
president and his advisers before the great tribunal
the democratic party Of the country.
II has been said that the president committed vi
tai error in the construction Of his cabinet and in
originating or permitting the course to be taken after
wards in the distribution Of Official patronage. The
error As 70 his cabinet is not pretended to have been
the selection Of incompetent men. One and all they
possessed personal qualifications fully equal to the
cessities Of their several positions. The com
planned Of and out Of which, it is said grew the dv
sion in our ranks depended upon no question Of capa
city incapacity Indeed ii occurred before any ad
ministratve act had taken place which could have
won praise or disapprobaton for the cabinet or its
chief II originated confessedly, in the selection by
the president Of some Of his advisers and officers from
men who were bitterly opposed by section Of the
party. II in New York the naked result Of party
schism. No doubts that II the president had Sc
lected Daniel g. Dlckenson his secretary of state
but that the national democrats would have remained
hithfn 10 his administration, and have been the loud
est decaimers in his behalf No man doubts il every
man Of the opposite wing had been prescribed Il
haen rdad hy he Npvv hard
aworthy measure Of public justice. But will the
party OF the country, now free from the pressing in
nnenee OF personal sympathies hesitate to say thai
the president was right in endeavorng far hi.
action was concerned TO destroy the lines of division
In the party which had by its joint action elevated
him to power, when by common consent 1t had been
then agreed that in national affairs these two division.
should eoalesee and unite. Had he followed the bent
Of ms ponhea sympathies with the doctrines Of tho
hards, and osacised the sos for their local potic,
and action, would he not have eectually delivered
the state OF New York bound into the hands Of ouI
adverSares ~ Il can be in the approaching election