Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-01-30
SPECTATOR.
---..-.~sTAUNT0N:-
WEDNESDAY. JANUARY 80, 1856.
presidential NIorements.

Although the Presidential election is more than
nine months in the future, both parties are making
the preparations necessary for the selection Of a
standard bearer and the proper marshalng of their
forces in battle array. The Democratic Conven-
ton will meet at Cincinnati in June next, and
the signs of the times indicate that the ful6ment
of their mission TO Porkopolis will not be unat-
tended by difficulties. Some OF the Southern
States have plainly declared that they are hot 10
be put off hereafter with cunningy devised plat
forms, made up Of unmeanng generalities, aud
adapted to the peculiar views of all sorts of poltl-
clans, and their delegates go to The Convention
instructed to withdraw unless platform distinct
and unequivscal on the subject of slavery is adop
ted prior 10 the nomination Of a candidate.
The Democracy Of Georgia and Florida have as
sumed this position, demanding platform which
no one can misinterpret, and which, if adopted,
large body of the party at the North will repudi-
ate. The New York Softs, those repentant sim
ners, who have been welcomed back into the
ranks Of the National Democracy by the Rich
mond Enquirer, as ''mOre sinsed against than
snning," have appointed delegates to the Cincin-
natl Convention, and on the score of their sudden
conversion, ask to be admitted into the councils
Of the National Democracy. Let those soft,shell
but hard faced hypocrites be admitted to seats,
and we shall! see whether the delegates from
Georgia, and other Southern States that have as
sumed similar position, can act with them har-
moniously aud with patience. II is truly NOR
iifying fact that while the "New York National
Democrat" the organ Of the National Democracy
at the North, denounces these disciples of Judas
as unworthy Of the slightest confidence, the
Richmond Enquirer Southern journal, wei
comes them warmly as returning prodigals, and
with the fsrgiving disposition of parent, freely
pardons all their delinquencies, and generously
forgets that they have ever wallowed in the mire
with the filthest Of free soil and abolition swine.
Who the Democrats will present to.the country
as their leader in the coming contest is aquestion
that excites much interest Pierce made sue
cessful coup de tat in his Message, and has
brought TO his support many in the South who new
for the Presidency. The State Convention of Ala
bama has declared in his favor, and he is proba-
bly,, at this moment more popular at the South
than any other man spoken of in connection with
the nomination. James Buchanan will be his
great competitor, and the struggle between them
will be severe. Mr.. Hunter may be the man,
but Governor Wise may be considered defunct.-
His letters have finished him. Mr.. Wise is too
sectional for the national Democracy.
The National American party will meet in Con-
vention at Philadelphia, on the 22d of February
we hope only to adjourn to later day. The
issue OF the election next November depends en-
treiy upon the kind of man nominated by the
American Convention and we confidently trust
that they may act with deep sense Of the re-
sponsbiity that rests upon them. We care not
the people care not-whether they say platform
once during the Convention, if they place the
American banner IN the hands of a "true and tried
statesman" known TO be loyal to the Constitution
and Laws of the country, and devoted to the
Union of the States. Such man we have In
Willard Fillmore, of New York, whose national
principles are known and read Of all men; whose
enlarged patriotism has been tried and found true
whose hands are accustomed to the helm, having
once piloted the ship of State safely through sea
more rough than, we trust, will ever threaten her
again with destruction. Several of the Northern
States have spoken in his favor, and at the South
no is the universal fayorite. five cannot have
him, however, let us have some man of the Fill
more stamp, and we can go into the contest with
hearty goodwill, and with bright prospects OF sue
cess. With third rate man-with halfway
man-with any other than first class statesman,
of national principles, we cannot hope to defeat
the Democratic party with Hunter. or Buch
auan, or even franklin Pierce at its head.