Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1856-05-06

the following excellent translation from that
widely circulated journal the Courier DIES Etats
Unis, we avail ourselves of the kindness of
friend to give it to our readers
Translated from Courier des Etas- Umis, Apr 29.l
MIR. BUCHANAN.
One of the characteristic signs Of the new
political condition of affairs, which has been
more and more marked in the United States
for some years past, is the absence of all emf
nence of character of all durable popularity,
among the men who may have, the right or the
pretension to direct the affairs of the nation.
Up to l94S each party had its veterans, its
candidates designated in advance; and at the
opening of Presidential campaign it was easy
to point out, almost with certainty, the great
champions between whom the grand electoral
battle was to be fought. The face Of things is
completely changed. The disorganization of
the old political phalanxes, the absolute confu-
sion of principles which has been the conse-
quence thereof, the successive disappearance
of almost every man of acknowledged emf
hence, and still more than all else, the system
Of shameful intrigues to which the entire Union
is subjected, have ended by converting the
electoral arena into nameless chaos What
was formerly a pitched battle, between the two
armies with distinct colors, has become a
frightful pell-mell of undisciplined bands with
indescribable flags. Not only are there no
more leaders, but, to tell the truth, there are
no longer even any parties. On the eve Of
going into the combat, very few can say under
what standard they calculate to enroll them
selves, and into whose hands that standard will
be placed.
This is one Of the most lamentable condi-
tons in which free country can find itself;
for the experience of all times shows us the
reign of mediocrties and corruption as the al
most infallible result of political confusion.
What took place in 1852, and all that develop
ed itself after that time, only too we'll confirm
this experience. The election of 1856, if care
another example. Never were the aspirants
for the Presidential candidacy more numerous;
never was it more impossible to say on whom
the final choice will fall, and what reasons will
determine that choice-a double motive for
apprehending that the electoral campaign may
degenerate completely into intrigues, and have
a termination at once undignifed and danger
Gus.
In this state Of things, more serious for the
future than it seems to be considered, every
thing which tends to put forward common
dable name ought to be regarded as fortunate
symptom-we had almost said plank Of
safety. 1t was this which caused ms to salute
with certain alacrity the candidacy of Mr.
Fillmore, although il had emanated from Know.
nothingism, our natural and irreconcilable
enemy. 1t was this which caused US to salute
with still more lively satisfaction the recep-
ton lately given to Mr.. BUCHANAN, on bis re.
turn from England.
Like Mr. Fillmore, Mr. BUCHANAN has ante.
cedents and principles Of public notoriety;
like him, be has furnished his proofs in the &C.
tual exercise Of power; like him, finally, he is
a man Of practice and tradition, and not
dreamer Of theories and adventures. He
holds, in all respects, in the Democracy, the
same rank and the same place which Mr.. Fill.
more held in old Whiggery. He has the same
titles to the confidence of the country and
offers to it the same guarantees.
In times less exposed to subterranean move
ments the struggle for the Presidency would
benceiorth have to be circumscribed to these
two champions. Mr. Fillmore is already in
the lists and the Democratic party should es.
TEEN itself but too fortunate in having to OPP
pose to him such an adversary as Mr. BUcH-
ASAN. But we should be not at all surprised
though distant may il be, to see Pennsylvania
illustrious son put out Of the arena by the in.
trigues Of cliques. The magnitude Of such a
fault, and the evidence Of the disastrous re.
suits that It might draw upon the party, are
no longer considerations Of nature to arrest
the rivalries and ambitions at work. In the
hunt for place which now succeeds to the old
struggles on account Of opinions, each one
thinks only Of getting his share Of the quarry.
Common interest has become an idle word;
the question Of principles an illusion; the
brotherhood Of party falsehood. Every one
for himself, and Providence for all-such is the
motto Of the new politics
The matter is, nevertheless, worthy Of being
twice reflected upon.
In hosting any other flag than that of Mr..
the Democracy might indeed hoist
only the.signal Of its own defeat. -Four years
o. random marching and Of skirmishing in a
double sense have brought about reaction
haste the beaten road is sought, and confidence