Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-04-23
Political Inconsistencies.

Our Democratic friends are always great al
platform-making. The Virginia Democracy, es-
peeially, plume themselves upon their skill N
this particular, and the tenacity with which they
adhere to the principles laid down. Yet every
principle is violated or disregarded whenever
occasion requires Shortly after the Inaugural
ton of Gen Pierce, the country was thunder
struck by the news that members OF the CABINET
strict constructionists of the straitest school
were publicly advocating grand government
railroad TO the Pacific. In common with other
opposition iournals,we commented upon this ana
other inconsistencies of the Executive, and the
Richmond Enquirer paid us the compliment OF
attempting to refute our positions. Since that
time, Senator Hunter, of the same rigid school,
has proposed bill virtually to give away the
public lands. He is nevertheless sustained by
his party, and q favorite candidate of a portion
of them for the Presidency. In the late contest
for the Speakership Of the House of Representa-
tiyes, also, Southern Democrats supported Mr.
Richardson,who believes in the Wilmot provlso,
s1uatter sovereignty, and internal Improvements
by the Federal Government; all OF which they
repudiate. So in regard to the Taritf.-Ihe
Virginia Democracy sickle for free Grade butsup-
port Mr.. Buchanan who advocates discrimina-
lion for the protection Of home interests. The
Richmond Examiner, in a recent article in favor
fold Buck admits some of these inconsistent
cies, aud pleads the past course of the party as
an apology for again disregarding professed prin-
cipleS in the selection of Presidential candidate
Speaking of an objection urged against Mr. Buc-
hanan in connection with the Tariff question, the
Examiner says: -s.r
Yet, the united voice of Virginia voted fol
him fifty times as candidate for the Presidency
at the last Baltimore Convention, when his tariff
opinions were precisely what they are now. Has
Virginia's stomach become a little more tasti-
dious sincel And if o,what on earth has caused
the qualma Why, our worthy anti-taritf gentle
men who ''can't go old Buck" advocate the
''elain,sn of Mr.. Pierce to reelection; whose
administration stands on the record as advocat
ing most obnoxious tariff through the Score
tary of the Treasury, Mr. Guthrie,and committed
both by the speeches and reports of the Secretary
or war, MI DaFlS W tlie poiioihS VI d Isahiost'
| TO the Pacific Ocean, at a cost, we should think
of at least five times that of the whole Ameri
can navy" 80 frs
The Examiner proceeds to advocate the ole
Wing doctrine of one Presidential term, ant
concludes with the following left-handed com
phment to Gen. Pierce: e5
''We cannot be mistaken in supposing that tn
| Presidential office for one term is ample reward
| for any and all the services which Mr.. Pierce
has ever rendered the country in all his life pu
together 'Gywtitude' of the South9 Why
good gracious, was not Mr.. p paid in adcanc
ten times over, by the nomination of 1852 2"
The sum and substance of the whole matter is
chat whatever else may keep the party together
it is not unity of principle. Mr.. Calhoun said i
was the cohesive power of the public spois.