The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-09-21

HE MAIN QuESTlON.-A Maine quesuon MAS
just been put and carried in the most decided
manner. One of the most consistent Of the de-
mocratic Statcs-the q Star in the East" as the
democratic politicians used to style her-has
moved out of her former position, and now shines
brilliantly over our heads, to guide and cheer us
on our way. Nothing more startling to our po-
ltical magi could have occurred. 1t has upset
all their previous calculations. The sheep in
their fold, whom they have so long managed by
hook and by crook, are running about in all d.
rections jumping over the fences, hiding them
selves in the coverts and bleating in dlsmay. II
is very doubtful whether they can ever be col
lected together again in any numbers. The
green fields and pastures of Office are drying up,
and are not likely to furnish them with any more
nibbles. The rot has evidently made its appear
ance among them, nor pitch nor tar can cure
hem Of the malady.
The main question we allude to is of another
character, and still under consideration: 1t is
usual in parliamentary cases, when the real OBJ
ject and principle of measure are sought to be
obscured, kept out of sight, or defeated by new
propositions, to move the main question, and thus
reach a direct and prompt decision. The present
Presidential question has assumed this phase.
The public attention has been designedly
turned away from it by those who dread the final
calling Of the ayes and noes. They have hoped
to get over it by creating irrelevant issues-to
strangle it by uproar and disorder Thus every
thing has been discussed by this class Of polit
clans but the right one. Some exhaust their
lIo:. Is H.
others are lecturing on geography and the cha
racter Of the Rocky Mountains; others, like old
Mortality in Walter SCOTS novel, are dccypher-
ing the Inscriptions on grave stones, to detect the
antecedents Of the man they would iain lay un-
der the sod others are rumagDg among the sa-
cristies Of the Roman Catholic chapels to ascer-
tain whether he was ever partaker of the sa
crament Of MARRIAGE others go in promlscuous-
ly for whatever garbage they may rake up, with
the zeal Of scavengers. Private life, public ser
vices and personal character are the target at
which these ruffan marksmen take aim, looking
round occasionally to see if they are winning
baskets enough to hold slice Of the loaves and
fishes
All this electoneering is Of the most pitiful
character. The people Of this country are not TO
be humbugged by any such articles. What
they want is radical change in the administra-
ton OF the governmental return to honest and
honorable principles; they demand less corrup-
ton in Congress, more virtue in legislation and
a closer adherence to the constitution.
Above ais and this is now the main question
shall the army of the United States be employed
to enforce obedience to any laws which deprive
American citizens Of the liberty Of speech.
Of the press, and Of conscience? This il the
turning point Of the present election. In com
parison with this, everything else is heather and
prunella" Never before was so momentoas
question to be decided at any Presidential cleo
ton. Every other issue than this is trivial and I'M
important If the President and the party which
he has indorsed over to Mr.. Buchanan, can strike
down the great principles Of constitutional.
political and moral liberty. our republican gov
eminent is at an end. What remains of it will
be hut the empty skin of an inundated vic
tim" If the trial by jury be infrnged upon, on
the one hand. and test oaths be enforced as the
qualification Of Office on the other-if punishment
is TO follow opinions, and humanity be visited
with death-wc may bid farewell TO every safe
guard every guarantee Of personal liberty
Despotism in its worst forms will be at work
WIN be at work. did we say? II is already So in
Kansas. Within ten days journey from the CAPT
toll the sword, the bayonet and the scalping knife
are already rceking with the blood of our coun-
trymen, because they refuse to be gagged aud
drag the ball and chain for the utterance OF
sentiment and the expression Of an opinion. Let
the bloody laws OF Kansas be maintained as they
have been, first by Pierce, and next, as they viii
be, by Buchanan, and we are free people no
longer. Sordid, unprinciplcd and corrupt party
followers may be Indifferent to these consc-
quenccs; If they can only put their hands in the
treasure OF enjoy the spoils Of the vanquished
they do not care what governs or how they are
governed But there is large and oyerwhelm-
ing majority Of the people. possessing religious
and moral associations and convictions, who
cannot witness these enormities without alarm.
There are seventeen millions of persons in the
United States Of Protestant faith, differing about
non-essentials in doctrine, perhaps but unanimous
in the love Of moral and political liberty. They be-
long to no sec,ion--no geographical limits con-
fine their convictions-no party allegiance can
bind them 10 the horns Of an altar on which free
dom Of opinion il sacrificed and liberty expires.
This is the issue-tbis is the principle at stake.
This is what they are to consider and decide.
The main question is now put
------
ABANDONMENT or JAMES BUCHANAN BY THE