Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-07-28
washington Hunt Declares for MIR. Fill

num- OF New ! Ork, 70 the non. JdnneS n. namh-
ton, in which he declares his preference for Mr.
Fillmore
The Hon. ID. d. Barnard, of Albany, late Minis
ter 10 the Court of Berlin, has also announced his
determination to support Mr.. Fillmore, in letter
to Mr.. Hamilton, which We find in the Albany
Statesman.
We give below the concluding portion of Gov
Hunts letter:
Intending no dsparagement OF the personal
merits of any candidate, / am impelled by clear
sense of duty to the country to give my vote for
Mr.. Fillmore. / accept him on national and con-
servative grounds, retaining all my independence,
yielding no Wing principle, and without profess
ing any adhesion or allegiance to the party which
dominates him. If our opinions do not accord on
all points, prefer him as the candidate whose po-
litical principles approximate nearest to my own.
Having sustained him for elevated trusts on seve-
raj occasions, am prepared TO try him again in
the present crisis.
In regard to the foreign and domestic policy of
the government our views have ever been sub
stantially the same. will vote for him because
he is man of moderation, and not an ultraist. He
stands midway between the violent agitators in
both extremes believe him to be governed by
an honest desire to render even-handed justice TO
both sections, according 10 the constitution, and
to keep the peace between free States and the
slave States without subecting either to dishonor
or humiliation. 1t is no objection to him, in my
opinion, that he is supported by q portion Of the
Southern people who did not approve the repeal
of the Missouri compact, and whose views are ra-
tional and concatory on the slavery question for
still maintain that there people South of the
Chesapeake who are worthy to be called fellow
citizens and who disposed to respect the rights
and feelings of the free States. What sort of an
Executive does the country need in the present
posture OF affairs!
Not representative Of extreme views, who
would regard nearly half the States as enemies
and aliens or political strategst who would Gre
ate or strengthen a party by keeping the North
and South in never ending controversy; but on
the contrary, statesman of calm temper, wise
Judgment, and honest frmness man imbued with
a genuine national spirit, who can be relied on to
cultivate friendly sentiments between the sections
by proper respect for the rights of each, and a
due observance Of the federative principles upon
which our political compact was formed. Above
all we require at the present juncture an Execu
tive who will enforce the laws with firm hand,
everywhere throughout the land, Kansas not ex-
cepted To this end it seems desirable to have a
man toward whom reasonable people in both Sec
tons can look with some confidence in his justice
and impartiality.
Mr.. Fillmore has given proof that he is capable
of executing law with energy and resolution. In
discharge Of the oath which requires the President
to see that the laws are executed, he enforced I'M
popular laws in each section, against powerful ex-
element and resistance. If he were now at the
head of affairs, who believes that so many out
RACES could have occurred, or that the prevailing
disorders would not be promptly repressed? His
election would be favorable to domestic peace and
tranquility. 1t would be fair warning to border
ruffians and libusters to stay at home and attend
to their own business. The fact that he is OPP
posed by extremists on both sides is calculated to
commend him to the conservative class, as the
best choice that can be made under existing cir
cumstances
1t is an expressive tribute to his moderation that
many of his assaants have found it expedient to
aver that they really aim at nothing more than to
put the slavery question where he left it at the
close of his official term. / will vote for him the
more cheerfuly because, at time when free
speech in favor of concord and forbearance is de-
nounced as high misdemeanor, he has had the
moral courage to utter bold words of warning and
expostuIation, in the face of strong popular tenn
pest. / am aware of the objection that is made to
Mr. Fillmore on the question of availability. We
are urged not to vote for him because he cannot
be elected.
If we were ambitious to ride upon a popular
wave, or to display our sagacity by joining the
strongest side perhaps this view of the case might
be decisive. But / am not seeking to discover
where the majority may be found. Fortunately
for our selfrespect, you and | must direct our
course by very different and more elevated consd-
erations. We must endeavor to discern the path
of duty, and pursue it regardless Of consequences
for which we are not responsible With me, the
only questions are, what ought to be done; what
is truly best for the country in the present cond-
ton of affairs, and by which alternative can we
most effcctually contribute to repress violence
correct abuses and revive healthy national spritY
If Colonel Fremonts election were more certain
than any assume it to be, my course would be the
same, for in that event | should consider it more
than ever important that there be body of citi-
zens in both sections of the country who shall
have adhered firmly to national position, and
who will still be able to counsel together as friends
and fellow -countrymen. Without giving way to
discouragng foreboding am free to say that if the
Northern States, by their own exclusive action,
are to make President for the whole country, it
is not advisable, in my judgment, that the North
ern people should participate in the work. On
the contrary, deem it of grave Importance to
the future peace and stability Of the Union, that
some of US should have stood aoof from any such
movement. Owing no allegiance to any of the
parties or candidates in the field IL is enough for
the old.line Wings to consider what course is most
consistent with their principles, their selErespect
and their patriotic convictions. Whether one or
another of the candidates shall be preferred, is
question for the whole people to decide. They
have more than three months left for discussion
and deliberation. To whom has it been given to
know in advance that calm reflection and just
view of consequences may not prevail over excited
passions and sectional animosites?
Whatever may be the result, let US endeavor to
discharge the duty of free and independent citizens
citude for its safety, prosperity, and happiness
Knowing no party but our country in the present
crisis, let US rise superior to temporary passions,
and uphold the political fabric which has made us
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