Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1856-03-13


BB' A correspondent of the Richmond Er.
aminer thus discourses on the Presidential
election. We wish we had room for the whole
communication, which is most able and almost
conclusive:
| Pennsylvania has placed the highest estimate
upon Virginia, and this appeal is not intended
to detract from the fulness of her great renown.
She is grateful for the distinguished honor
which Virginia and other Southern States paid
her in the last struggle for the Presidential
nomination, and hopes she has done nothing
to forfeit their confidence and respect.
If, then, you should agree, that, in choosing
a candidate for the Presidency, it is proper and
expedient to respect the claims and wishes of a
| State which has never furnished President,
the noble State of Pennsylvania is before you.
| Of the many States who have never furnished a
President, she is the largest, the most effective
and central. She is the mighty chain which
connects the great and growing interests of the
| Eastern and Western States, and stands as the
| great conseryator between the North and the
South. She is one of the old and famous
thirteen who freed this country from a foreign
yoke, and gave to mankind an immortal ex.
ample of patriotism and glory. With precious
recolections her memory is stored OF heroes
and sages she is the mother 1t was in her
famous metropolis that the glorious Declara-
| ton of Independence first saw the light moved
the world to respect our cause, and gave to
tyrants a terrible defiance. In the great
struggle of the Revolution, Pennsylvania never
| faltered. From the broad ocean to the noun
tain heath, her valor and services were always
conspicuous. And those who have conned her
annals well must know how often, in the hour
of trial and of need, she has rushed to the de-
cisive breach, and saved the fortunes and prn-
ciples of the Democratic party.
| This noble and neglected Commonwealth
now presents for the Presidency statesman,
whose talents, character, and services would
give safety, dignity, and lustre to any trust; and
she asks that the wishes of the mother and the
merits Of the son, may be duly respected.
The sterling worth, the commanding powers
the correct principles the faithful services, and
local position OF the Hon. James Buchanan,
justly entitle his pretensions to the highest
place. No statesman Of the present day has
welded an ADLER pen, or raised a stronger voice
than be for the rights Of the country and the
cause of good government. In the many ar.
duous stations in which he has acted, he always
rose to the magnitude of the crisis, and in.
creased the measure of his fame. Like the
firm arch which supports the superstructure,
he gathers strength from the pressure upon
him.
After the hearty and united support which
Virginia and Pennsylvania gave to Mr.. Buch-
anan in the last contest for the Presidential
nomination, it would be superhuous to discuss
his principles, or to bestow upon him prolix
and labored panegyric.
Longer than the third Of century Mr.. Blu.
chanan has figured upon the trying theatre of
national affairs, first in the House of Repre-.
sentatives next in the mission to Russia. un.
der the appointment Of Andrew jackson: next
in the Senate, to which body he was returned
by his native State for three successive terms;
next in the Department of State, under Presi.
dent Polk; and finally in the mission to Eng
land, from which he has lately retired, crowned
with as much distinction rs honor, patriotism.
and abilities could confer.
Hate, envy, and obloquy are indeed the
heavy tolls which a great man pays when. he
travels the rugged road to emnence; andihe
higher he ascends, the greater is the levyim-
posed upon him. No wonder, then, that efforts
have been sometimes made to cloud the pros.
pect and TO impede the career Of this able and
commanding statesman. Such efforts will be
made again; and would be made against
Washington, we're he alive, and recommended
for the Presidential Office. But the sun is
never impeded in his progress by the vapors
which the earth throws up In The midst of
the PEOPLE who raised him, who have known
him for the half Of century, and who have
never failed to honor him with private conf.
deHce and public trusts, Mr.. Buchanan has
risen above the paltry clouds which envy, zeal.
ously, and detraction too often collect around
great statesmen.
Let it be known throughout the country that
the triumph Of the Democratic party would
place Mr.. buchanan at the head If tie gorern.
ment, and the contest with our old and motley
enemy in new disguise can be waged TO a
glorious issue. But fsuccess is to hoist above
the crowd nothing but feeble man, the con.
test will be doubtful, and the danger terrible.
And, instead Of a triumph, we may live to wit.
ness the fragments Of the Constitution, a con.
fusion Of parties, the spoliation of property,
and dissolution Of the Union.
VIRGTNIUS.