Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1856-06-12

II eeeted he would be much less likely to en-
broil the country with foreign nations than
either of the other prominent candidates"
The Herald, which expresses doubts of his
success aud declares its belief that the Demo
cratic party are in minority, says:
Mr. Buchanan is very respectable states
man, and seems TO be considered among the
wseacres of Wall street sort of guaranty for
the security Of all sorts of stock and specula-
tive operations"
Its meaning is, that parties interested IN
property have confidence that their interests
may be securely trusted to so wise, moderate
aud patriotic a statesman; and that IL is the
opinion of capitalists, that peace with foreign
nations, and domestic order and concord, are
likely to be established and maintained through
his influence and instrumentality, if elected to
administer the government. This is no doubt
the case.
From the annexed extract of The last letter
received from our venerable correspondent at
Paris, it would seem that the nomination of
Mr.. Buchanan is likely to be received with as
cordial qualification by our countrymen in Eu-
rope, as it has been in the different sections
heard from of the United States. 1t is un-
colbiedly true that the foreign estimate of the
prowess of the country, and Of its weight in
the scale of nations, is essentially affected by
the reputed character and ability Of the incum-
bent Of the Presidential chair There is no
danger indeed that other powers will ever pre-
sumo upon an assumed pusianimity in the
Executive, to count upon any forbearance of
the United States in asserting and maintaining
its Just rights and the policy of its choice. The
resources of the country and the spirit of the
people are too widely known to admit the pos
sibility of any such humiliating contingency.
But not the less on that account to be valued,
is the prestige of decision and energy prompt
to resent wrong and to repel aggression, and
Of capacity to perceive and skill to employ the
most effective nstrumentalities in the proven
ton and redress ofinjury. We well remember
the genial enthusiasm with which our country
men who CHANGED to travel abroad during Gen.
Jacksons Administration, were wont on their
return to accord to the cold Hero" praises
that would have sounded oddly in the mouths
Of some of them before they left home for
Gen. Jackson's support did not come chiefly
from the class to which pleasure travellers be-
longed, and there did not then SO large pro-
portion of Americans abroad belong to the
Democratic party" as Mr.. Walsh tells us are
now to be found there. 1t seemed as if our
countrymen in those days thought that Ian
guage could not be made to exaggerate the
advantages they derived, not only in exemp
ton from "ofca insolence,n and burdensome
exactions and vexatious delays at custom
house and quarantine, but in social consider
alton and respect, and in the facilities that
everywhere awaited their command, as belong
ing TO nation Of which General Jackson was
the type and characteristic embodiment. The
influence Of Gen. Jackson's name was not
more due to his martial exploits and renown,
tha,, IN No III l-al l,ot
Of civil affairs. Every act of his Administra-
ton that concerned foreign nations bore the
impress of decision, and seemed prompted
alike by confidence in the justice of its object
and sense Of power to accomplish it. He was
not less ready to make concessions required
by right than to exact indemnity for wrong; and
he showed equal judgement and executive
talent in the measures adopted to secure to our
commerce the advantages incident to partci-
patton in the British West India trade, as in
compelling a peremptory settlement of the
claims of the United States upon The govern
ments of France and Naples.
The candidate just selected by the unanimous
choice Of the Democratic party, to occupy the
exalted station which General Jackson filled
with capacity SO adequate 10 the proper dis
charge OF its functions, and so greatly to the
credit and advantage of the country, was the
warm political supporter and intimate personal
friend, and chosen and trusted counselor and
agent, of that renowned chief After service
of ten years in Congress- during which his in
fuence was periodically directed to shaping its
Legislation in way to reconcile the just de-
mands of sectional interests with the require
ments of the national policy, Mr.. Buchanan
was sent by President Jackson to represent this
country at the Court Of Russia. three years
residence in Europe served to confirm and
extend the reputation which so creditably dis
tinguished him at home. Subsequently, in the
capacity of United States Senator, his opinions
and influence possessed the weight and power
accorded to those Of Calhoun, Clay, Wright
Webster, and others Of his confederates whose
talents and character digni6ed and honored the
exalted body of which they were members
President Polk may be supposed to have been
greatly influenced by General Jackson's recon.
mendation in appointing Mr.. Buchanan to the
post of Secretary of State; for in the choice of
his Cabinet not less than in all the principal
measures of his administration, Mr.. Polk was
understood to have derived sound guidance
from the inspiration Of the Hermitage. Charged
thus with the foreign relations of the Govern
ment, Mr.. Buchanan added to the lustre Of his
fame abroad, no less than to the large measure
of his country's gratitude before deservedly be-
slowed upon him, by the happy adjustment Of
the controversy with Great Britain respecting
the Northern boundary Of the United States
Territory Of Oregon. His more recent diplo-
matte services in England command an I'M
qualified approval, and are still subject Of
public attention and interest. The prominence,
and well-earned reputation for ability, intimate
acquaintance with affairs, administrative capa-
city and energy, thus acquired by Mr.. Buch-
anan, give him, perhaps, more than any other
American statesman, those qualifications which
are most highly esteemed by our countrymen.
when abroad, in the President Of the Union
advantages which are worthily described and
judiciously estimated in THO annexed extract of
our correspondents letter.
PARIS, May %, 1856.
1t is said in letter from Paris dated the
9Th ultimo, inserted in the National Ltelii.
gencer: $50 far as / have an opportunity of
judging, the almost unanimous opinion of
Americans abroad is in favor of Mr.. Fillmore
for the Presidentship." The writer Of this SEN
tence is gentleman for whom have always