Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1856-12-17
Mr.. Buchanan-Misgivings Of the Southern Democrat!

IL In evident that the Southern Democracy already
begin to indulge in serious misgivngs in respect to
the exact position OF the President elect and the po
Icy OF his administration. The recent discussion in
the Senate, especially the speech Of Senator Biger
has served to open the eyes Of old Bucks supporters
in the South and forced them to the conclusion that
there is something rotten in Denmark. In word
the purposes Of Mr.. Buchanan in reference to Kan
and his views on the subject Of Squatter-Sove-
reignty, these purposes and views have been sha
dowcd forth by Mr.. Bigler, who is known to be the
confidential friend and advisor Of the President elect
have startled the Southern Democracy from their
dream OF security, and they are, consequently, in
state OF eversh anxiety to the probable course of
old Buck, which, as the novests say, may be better
imagined than described
Even the Enquirer is compelled to acknowledge
its apprehensons and fears and to utter stern note
of warning in advance to its new President We may
say just here that there is thing the Eaquirer
article which takes little by surprise, especially
when consider the nature Of the pledges and pro-
misses which the Enquirer and its party made to the
people Of the South pending the progress Of the
vass- 1t will be recollected that all told in
the language Of perfect confidence that the election
Of Mr.. Buchanan would 'crush out" agitation and
discord and restore the country to permanent peace
Buchanan and the Democratic party, it said, was
the only means Of putting down Black Republican
ism and arresting threatened aggression upon the
rights and honor Of the South. Mr.. Fillmore's cleo
ton, it argued would only increase the evils and
troubles to which the country was subjected-but
the triumph of "Buck and Brock" would inaugurate
an Of long and undisturbed repose! Such was
the argument addressed to the people Of the South
NV ha md NJ tha
And the people-good, honest, confding souls-put
faith in these hnciful representations and according
y gave their support to the nominees of the Cincin-
matt Convention. The Democratic candidates were
elected, and what is the result? Is agitation sup
pressed? Has peace dawned upon distracted land |,
Are the rights the interests, the honor of the South
secured against aggression and insultf
According to the lugubrious confessions of the
Enquirer, none of these pleasant things so conf
IDENTITY anticipated, have happened. The condition
of the country since the election precisely what
was before the election The agitation of the slave
~ question: instead of being quieted is still alive
is on the increase, and promises to become more
rampant than "After the repulse of Black
Republicansm in the recent canvass" SAYS the En-
quirer, eyen the most Respondent amongst us anti
cpated at least some brief pause in the progress
anti-slavery agitation" But proceeds the Enquirer
TO what extent the South was deceived in the pro-
mise of a cessation OF hostlities, any person may
ascertain by reference to the current debate in Con-
gress" True enough! The South has been ode
ceived"-wofully and egregiously deceived-by the
Eaquirers party in this important and vital matter
All their glowing promises Of peace and quiet have
come to nought The people are still annoyed and
alarmed by the agitation of question which they
had been induced to believe had been put to rest for
ever, by the election Of Buchanan. And pray, what
excuse can you offer to the people for thus sadly dis
appointing their expectations and their hopesi
But we pass ON. The Enquirer admits that tl,e
re-opening OF the slavery agitation in Congress
neutralizes the effect Of their he Black Republi-
cans) defeat, inames aresh the resentments of the
recent contest arrays the two section Of the confe-
deracy in angry controversy, and challenges another
trial of the great issues between the South and the
dominant party Of the North" And so, nothing
has been settled by the election and we have
70 light the battles OF the Constitution and the Union
over again. This, at least is not very encouraging
10 those who believed that the election of Buchanan
carried some significance with it, and would be pro
ductive Of beneficial results. The Enquirer mex
reads lecture to its President upon the impor
lance of making no concessions to the Black Repub
lican majority of the North and then though affect
ing to discaim entertaining such feeling espresso,
its distrust Of Buchanan and his policy in the follow
ing significant language:
n these suggestions it is very far from our purpose I,
Imply any distrust Of Mr.. Buchanans Intentions franz
aud toll understanding advance the relative posior
OF parties Is essential ultimate agreement and co,re
OF action And this explanation IN EaiHe on the part
the SOUTH Is the more necessary persons who ara
supposed TO speak the sentiment Of the President elect
have foreshadowed tue policy for the incoming admins
traon in which the Democracy OF this section will neve
thus concur Thus In the speech Of Senator Bic
cr u Is implied, rather than distinctly announced that M
buchanan has sympathy with the 'ertremst. of an,
South and that he intends direct his administration
with the view OF converting Kansas into free State
by the extremists Of the South Mr. Bgler refers only q
that small school Of statesmen who propose the reyiyao
the Aban slave trade and the immediate organization
tne slave states into independent republic then his de
clAation is equally harmless and supererogatorv But
We are TO understand that Mr. Buchanan means N sv
ms countenance from all who stand upon the rights Of I'M
south with the resolution TO resist rather than etrea
another step understand that the Cabinet Ar
70 pursue trimming policy, and be controlled bv IN
counsels OF men who effect the distinction of e1cusiv
moderaton-if We are 70 understand that any mpeJmen
~ 70 be opposed 70 the legitimate expansion OF slavery h
accordance with the principles Of the Kansas Neb,sL 40
then Is Senator Biglers speech distinct declaration
war against an irresistible majority Of The Southern Demo
enacy.
"fn harmony with this subdued tone Of the ssn,,or h
understood 10 enjoy Mr.. Buchanans intimate confidence
We observe portenous article which reported % b,
tho spec ia organ OF his opinions The -
Hart Benton Can IL be possible once erclaims ever
consderato friend OF Mr. Buchanan in the South that IA
apostate Benon-apostate Ia double sense both ror
hs party aud his section-can Il be possible that he il
restored 70 full fellowship with the Democracy aud 10
reiusiated In power by the incoming administration?
crtdtablo that Me- Buchanan intends 10 bosow his cor
hdence upon unwOrthy Of trust Il there dang,
that the impontcnt veteran Of the crusade against
VERY 10 enjoy the favor Of administration upon wic
Che South relies FOR the support ofs rghts''
The Inquirer being in 50 much doubt and pei
plexity as 70 Old Bucks real opinions in relation
Kansas and squaiter sovereignty, il occurs TO us
inquire OF u, why Il did not follow our advice durn
the canvass, and ascertain its candidates opinions
these important questions prior 10 his election.
Is now President partly by the aid Of the Baguir,
itsslf and yet what more does the Ba7uirer and il
Southern friends know Of his views on these sui
jects than We dot Is Buchanan an advocate OF N
doctrine Of squatter sovereignty or notP VIII
knowsf The Eaq~irer does not nor do any Of II
parry associates Everybody is in the dark on th