Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-11-19
s.B. ROW, EDlron Asp PRorRIEron.
CLEARPIELD. PA, NOV. 10, 1855
TROUBLE AHEAD!

James Buchanan, having majority of all
the electoral votes Of the various States CON-
prising the Union, (though not Of the popular
vote,) viii, If his life and health are spared be
inaugurated President on the Fourth Of March
next. Much anxiety is manifested relative to
the course he viii pursue on the slavery ques-
tion, and rlultifarious, indeed, are the specu-
latons upon this point. The Press Of his own
party are busy laying down the lines Of policy
which he will be called upon TO observe, and
es the North and South differ widely in their
demands, we may reasonably expect that the
incoming Administration will find itself con-
siderably perplexed and if Mr.. Buchanan
does not know what to do, il will not be from
any lack of advice. Immediately after his
nomination, as all will recollect, he expressed
his determination to plant himself on the Gin
cinnati platform-that he would neither add,
nor take fromit single plank. As the plat
form was made with especial view of pleas
ing the South, the latter is demanding the full
flment of his promises. They look for him
to redeem his pledges, and pursue such line
of policy as will make Kansas slave State.
The acquisition of Cuba, and the annexation
of Nicaragua, will also doubtless be urged,
and the revival OF the slave trade is even sug-
gested. Should Mr.. Buchanan favor the views
of his Southern friends, he will not only leave
his Northern ones, who held that Kansas would
be admitted as free State, in an embarrassing
situation, but will raise a general breeze among
the masses of the party, that will not be easily
quieied, and may end in its destruction.
At the North, it is expected that the new
President, in order to save the party, will be
forced to use his influence TO have Kansas ad-
mitted as free State. During the campaign
it was avowed that he would not interpose bis
influence to its admission as such; and it is
hinted that he is inclined TO favor its coming
in with free constitution, probably to pre-
pare the way, should he conclude to take that
course. The South has heretofore always sue
ceeded in her efforts to have territorial acqui- |
sitions inure to the benefit of her institutions
and If she lacked the requisite strength, sne
could in all such emergencies find crayens and
doughfaces enough among the representatives
of the northern Democracy, whom she ceuld
either wheedle or frighten into her service.
Mr.. Buchanan will find himself determinedly
beset by the South to induce him TO accede to
tlelr Dut IL 10 hopSu tH1t thS SHNA-
nous vote cast for Col. Fremont, will satisfy
him that the rights of the North cannot be
trifed away or trampled upon with impunity,
and induce him to resist their demands If
he should do so, the South will be up in arms,
threaten disunion, and, perhaps, may order
Preston s. Brooks with an army of men, vaiiant
as himself, TO forthwith 'smarch TO Washing
tan, and seize the archives and treasury of the
Government
Ii must, after viewing the whole ground, be
oi,yit,1,s that one section or the other will be
disappointed, let Mr.. Buchanan act as he may !;
ami the whole country will look forward to the
time when he shall enunciate the course he
intends pursuing, with no ordinary interest.
We hope that he viii act as to insure the
peace, welfare and prosperity of the country,
sa5 the perpetuity of the Union.