The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-05-01

tunities of forming correct judgment on
each others character. They are somewhat op-
posed now, and are likely to tell the truth. Aud
on the whole, they may really both he right in
what they say.
"THE LIFE OF SAM HousToN."-We have
before us neatly printed book of four hum
dred pages, bearing this title. Derby is the
publisher, and has brought 1t out with call the
modern improvements" Of maps and engrav-
iDgs The title page also informs us that it is
"the only authentic memoir" OF the hero sever
published" Upon comparing this book, how
ever, with another, entitled Sam Houston and
his Republic" by G. Edwards Lester, and pub
lished in 1876, we find the two substantially
the same. But the old bonnet, fixed up accord
ing to the new fashion, and tricked out with
liberal supply of ribbons and flowers, is just as
good as new
This work was brought outin 1916 to operate
upon the Democratic Baltimore Convention of
1S4S. But the General and the book at that
convention made but a feeble impression, for
his time had not come Gen. Cass was nomi
mated without much difficulty. Again IN 1852,
when the field was open to all the availables,
Gen. "Houston and his Republic" were brought
to bear upon the conflicting elements of the
anxious democracy but his time had not yet
come. The brave old General, with all his
gallant achievements, with all the romance of
his most extraordinary, patriotic and useful
career, remained among the scattering votes
for whole week. and towards the close of
Saturday afternoon, the convention nell,
neck or nothing-rallied upon Franklin Pierce.
But now the prospect looks brighter; the
Know Nothings are up and in motion, and Gen.
Houston has two or three strings to his bow. He
can again try the democracy at Baltimore, and
if they decline his services, the Know-Nothings
will probably accept them. With an eye uoon
the now-Nothings, we doubt not, his "life" is
now republished. It's engravings betray its
Office. 1t is designed as the electioneering
auant courier of the "hero of San Jacinto,"
for the great campaign of '56. tits an authea-
tic work-it is "by authority" As history
it is admir- ably adapted to electioneering pur-
poses, full of the most dashing, romantic and
fascinating adventures, battles, victories, Incl.
dents, accidents, privations, and heroic philos
ophy and endurance. It beats Amos Kendalls
AiV Va 0VA O0CAcOu, 0AO 0ACCACy CompoAku
life of Gen Scott, all hollow; and if it does not
secure its hero the Presidency in 1856, then he
will have to wait till 1860.
OF late we have been inclined to think that,
with all the other outstanding candidates, even
Gen. Houston will be set aside in 1856, for
something entirely fresh and new in the Presi-
Dental course 1t seems to us that the people
are getting this idea into their heads all over
the country. Hence the popular furore excit.
ed in every direction, with the calling out of
such practical, matter-of fact every day bust
ness men, as George Law and Cornelius
Vanderbilt. At this moment olive Oak
George" according to six or seven hundred of
cur domestic exchanges, is far ahead of all
competitors, and Commodore Vanderbilt is fol-
lowing close behind him at most tremendous
pace. Indeed, from present appearances all
the old and young lawyers and generals will
he superseded in 1856 by some available man
from the practical business and working class
es of the community, by way ola change
We perceive, however, that an appendix to
this Life of Sam Houston suggests the idea
of running him son his own hook" If we are to |
have miscellaneous scrub race, so be it, aud |
1.-THE devil take the hindmost;" but il the !
Know Nothings have but single candidate,
and if the democrats should re organize upon q
good footing, and upon good national ticket,
outsiders will stand no better chance than here
tofore. If General Houston cannot get some
national nomination in '56, he is young and
strong enough to wait till 1860. His fame will
keep The book will keep. Meantime, Derby
will probably make good thing of it; for,
without disparagement to the patriotic SER
vices of General Houston, we may say that
in point of romance and chair breadth escapes"
this Life" is scarcely second, in its thrilling
details, to the "Courtship of Chevalier Wi
koff.
Nor QUITE UP TO THE MARK.-The follow