Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1856-04-29
PRESIDENT PIERcE AND MIR. BUCHANAN.

PRESIDENT PIERCE AND MIR. BUCHANAN.
1t is not at all inconsistent with the Independent
neutrality of this paper in the struggle tor the no.
mination of the Cincinnati Convention, TO defend
any eminent and worthy member Of the Democratic
Marty from fal,e and malignant accusation. On the
contrary, we recognise obligation, in virtue of our
allegiance to the party to guard the private and pub
lie character of every distinguished and trusted De-
mocra against the assaults Of treacherous friends as
| well as of open enemies. With this conception of
duty, we cannot hesitate to protest against the at
tacks on President Pierce, in which certain Journals
in the interest of Mr.. Buchanan necessarily indulge
President Pierce is the acknowledged chief and
representative of the Democratic party. His ac'
ministratiou is Democratic administrations. Every
blow at him or his administration, ia an assault upon
the Democratic party; and in proportion to its effect
viii; contribute to the defeat Of tho Democratic party
IN the approaching contest.
Whoever may be the candidate Of the Democratic
party his success will depend on the approval of this
Administration by the popular Judgment. The Cn-
| cipnat Convention will endorse President Pierce
aud the Democracy will 60 into the fight on the Is
sues presented by his Administration. The party
could not il it would, get rid of its responsibility for
! D
marty be robbed Of the credit OF its wise and patriot
ic policy. So then, just as We weaken the Admins
,raou. we weaken the Democratic party, and dimin
| ish It's chances of success.
! Again these attacks upon President Pierce will
inevitably provoke retaliation from his friends; thus
teud will be fomented in the bosom Of the Demo-
cracy; and besides their general discredlt with the
country, in consequence Of their own self accusa-
TONS their success will be farther hindered by inter-
nal quarrels and divisions.
But these assaults upon President Pierce will inevi
tahly defeat the nomination of the gentleman whose
interests they meant to promote They VIII ray
relentless oppositlun him, and compel his ulIi'
mate sacrifice by the Convention.
| The conduct of certain Of Mr. Buchanans frlendsis
80 obviously detrimental to his interests as to compel
SUSPICION of their good And this doubt strength
ened by the fact that the very men who now support
his fortunes with such ndscreet zea were four years
ago his nos, violent and imacable enemies. DO they
give him poisoned cup!
The assaults ON President Pierce especially in
| furious to Mr.. buchanan in Virginia. Everybody
appreciates Mr.. Buchansn's strength in this State ;
but the Democracy Of Virginia have over and over
endorsed Mr.. Pierce's Administration, and they will
not tolerate such impuatious on their own Judgment
and fidelity. Every blow struck at Pierce, hits the
democracy of Virginia. and tends to drive them from
all association with tue persons by whom they are
! thus censured and assailed,
The relations between Mr.. Pierce and Mr.. Buchan-
an forbid any active antagonism among their friends.
Mr.. Buchanan was an appointee of the Adminstra-
tion and is thoroughly identified with its interests.
He is part of the Administration. Between him and
Mr.. Pierce there subssts relation of mutual conf
Gence and esteem. Within the last twelve months
the writer of this article has heard Mr.. Buchanan
avow his approval of the Administration and his
gard for Mr.. Pierce.
These assaults, :hen, upon President Pierce and
his Administration, have countenance from Mr.
| Buchanan: and we doubt not he will promptly re
bukc the selfish and destructive zeal of pretended
friends. For the good Of the party, and Tor his own
sake, trust hs presence in the country will lniusc
less violent and vinc;ive spirit into the struggle Tor
the nomination of the Cincinnati Convention.