Nashville daily patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1855-1857, 1856-12-01
Gov. Wise,s visitto Nhea,Iand,

clSed over Governor Wise's visit to the
President elect. In the deep calm that fol-
lowed the election such an event was worth
any number of paragraphs to them, and
they have not failed to improve the oppor-
tunity. The interview between the fiery,
erratic and ultra Virginia and the phlegma-
tic, prudent and conservative Pennsylvan-
ian, was an incident over which they might
romance at viii. Accordingly we have
been told that there was not the harmony
that could have been expected from the
long personal friendship and intimate poll
teal relations existing between the parties
that Mr.. Buchanan met with cold impas-
stability or gentle ridicule the highly color
ed picture of an ultra Southern, filibuster-
ing administration sketched by the Cover
nor and that the latter, passing quickly from
disgust to anger, refused to eat his Thanks
giving dinner at Wheatand, and went back
to Richmond with flea in his carr
But these guesserS Of the press, however
shrewd they sometime show themselves,
seem to have gone altogether wrong in this
instance. Instead of the Governor hav-
ing gone off in huff, the persuasive elo,
quence and political wisdom of his chief
appear to have had a wonderful effect in
modifying his views. At least we so Judge
from the phenomenon, coincident with his
return to Richmond, of the appearance of
a moderate, conservative, and, to do it JUS
tice, wisely patriotic article, in the Rich
mond Enquirer. The Enquirer, with some
what Of Indian craft, conceals the motive
that induces this notable change. Though
the inspiration comes from Wheatland, it
seeks to disguise its trail, by going South
for the occasion. Turning suddenly on its
late allies in EXTREMIST counsels, the Charles
ton Mercury and the New Orleans Delta,
it objects to their course as throwing diff
cuIties in the way of Mr. Buchanan and as
seeking to commit his administration to "a
policy which in the nature of things he can
not undertake." The "bIunder of the De-
mocracy" says the Enquirer with true wis
dom, care to be the advantages of Black
Republicanism," and it proceeds to show
what will result from adoption of "blun-
ders" which the Mercury and Delta adVo-
cate:
1.-THE Democratic and Black Republican parties
are nearly balanced in respect OF power. The for
mer was victorious in the recent struggle but suc>
cess was hardly won with the aid Of important aec.
dental advantages. The latter has abated nothing
of its zeal and has suffered pause in its prepare
tons for another battle"
''In the next contest circumstances must be
against US. The Democratic party will be placed
in a very critical position, and will be subjected to
a trial that will tax its wisdom and its strength to
the utmost Under the best auspices an Admins,
tration hardly survive the vengeance of its foes
and the treachery of its friends. How difficult
then for President TO safely into the harbor
when his course lies among breakers, and be must
encounter the fury OF an inevitable storm Every
body foresees the difficulties aud dangers in Mr..
Buchanan's path. Everybody understands that his
Administration must stand the hazards ola section.
al controversy. But this is not all. The Black
Republican party will watch and waylay him at
every step of his progress will interpose al man
ner Of obstacles in his way; will harrass him bv
open assault will undermine him by secret treach-
cry, will aggravate his embarassments will oppose
his measures thwart his policy detect his blunders
in short will fight him with every weapon known
in political warfare. Can his administration tri>
umph over such an accumulation of obstacles? Can
Mr.. Buchanan conduct the Democratic party
through all these difficulties and dangers and bring
il into the field in 1860 with less Of prestige or
power2 The exploit would rival the retreat OF the
Russians after the fall of the Mslakof but the stra-
tegy of Gorschakoff is essential to its accomplish
ment. The most brilliant reputation for statesman.
ship will be the prize of success; the irreparabe
overthrow OF the party and the ruin of the country
will be the penalty Of failure"
To avoid this irreparablc overthrow, the
Enquirer truly says the Fidelity of the
party must be equal to the ability of the
leader" and it points out very clearly the
result of the extreme doctrines of the jour
mails referred to; and lectures them in this
wise:
"We are surprised, therefore, that though they
may care nothing for the exigencies of party, they
do not see how effectively they aid the cause of
Black Republication n repelling the sympathies
of the Northern Democracy and betraying a dis.
trust of the incoming Administration. Why des
pair, in advance Of Mr.. Buchanans ability to shield
the South from aggression, at least during the term
of his Presidency Why prescribe a policy TO
him which in the nature Of things be cannot under
take? This prophecy of evil contributes to the
iulhllment Of its own iorebodng; and these eXtrav.
Hgant specuations only end in disappointment.
Meanwhile, however, they animate the hopes Of
the enemies of the South and depress the spirit
of our Northern allies. Can we gain any adVan-
tage for the common cause, by beIaying an inor-
dinate am bi,ion and by rendering our support 20
Mr.. Buchanan on impossible conditions? Do we
not run the hazard Of alternating his confidence and
losing the influence Of his Administrations"
Whether this change in the spirit of the
Enquirer may be correctly attributed to
Gov. Wise's visit to Wheatland or not, we
note it with pleasure. 1t is an additional,
and 10y no means an unimportant indica-
ton, of a well formed purpose on Mr.. Blu
chanan'S part to distinguish his administra-
ton by a conservative policy that will seek
to repress the spirit of sectional antagonism
and TO Conquer a peace" by a refusal to
become a party to the quarrels Of either
section. Though such course may recon-
mend itself to the Enquirer principally as
necessary for the purpose of securing the
success Of the party in 1860. it will meet
the approval of others on higher grounds,
and on the honorable laurelS TO be thus
won Mr.. Buchanan will find friends and
supporters among those who have earnestly,
consistently and honestly opposed his par
ty.-BoSt. american.
Mr.. WebsteF's reply 10 "a Challenge.
Daniel Webster 10 yoAH Randolph Of RoaHoks.
WAsHiSGroS, April, 1856.
Sir. For having declined 10 comply with your
demand yesterday in the House. for an explanation
Of words OF q general nature, used 10 debele, you
nov demand OF me that satisfaction which your
insuted feelings require" and refer me 20 your
friend, Mr., presume, as be Is the bearer OF
your note, for such arrangements as are usual
This demand for explanation YOU, 10 my jadg-
pleut As matter OF right were rot entitled 10
maize on me, nor were the temper and style OF
YOUR Own reply 90 nv objection 10 the sugar tax OF
4 character 10 indace me 20 accord it as matter,
OF courtesy.
Neither can !, rnder the circumstances Of lhe
-. - 4