The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-06-13
The Cincinnati Nominations.


James Buchanan of Pennsylvania, and
John @. Breckenridge Of Kentucky, are the
candidates of the Border Rulfan Party for
the Presidency and Vice Presidency of the
United States. Buchanan was nominated
on the 18th ballot, Pierce and Douglas hav-
Ing been withdrawn previously by their
friends, the supporters of the latter, it is
said, being assured of the support Of the
friends of Mr.. Buchanan for tn nomination
in 1880.
In another place we give summary of
the proceedings Of the Convention making
the nomination, including synopsis of the
principles contained in the platform Of the
party which has made Mr.. Buchanan its
leader. twill be perceived that doctrines
are asserted, Of the most ultra pro-slavery
stamp, such as have never before been incor-
porated into the creed Of the Democratic par
". Hereafter, we shall have more to say of
the platform and its character. 1t is our
purpose now, to speak more particularly of
the nominee, and of matters connected with
his selection.
First Of all, we desire to say that the
nomination of Mr.. Buchanan, under the cir.
cumstances, is a confession to the country
that the administration OF Mr.. Pierce has
become 50 obnoxious that it was not regard
ed as safe operation to place the name Of
FaNELN PIERCE before the people, and to
expect success under his banner. The con-
yention dared to adopt the principles which
have guided Mr.. Pierce, but it repudiated
the man in order to make il easier to cheat
the people into the support of his policy.
Mr.. Pierce is entitled to nosympathy. Like
every Northern man who has bowed in SER
Witty to the South, no matter to what party
they have been attached, he has been de-
serted in the hour of need. His fate is not
singular, nor will ii excite eommiscration.
The South likes treason, but itcares nothing
for traitors, when iancicd or real danger to
their institutions is apprchcndcd. In de-
sorting Mr.. Pierce, and adopting Mr.. Blu
chanan, the men Of the south only hope by
such iugratitude the better to perpetuate
the meanness and wickedneSs which have
characterized the administration Of Frank
lin Pierce. This is the secret of the action
of the delegation from Virginia in the con-
vention. The trlitOrism approved, and madea
distinctive feature Of the party creed, then
the question who, Of all the candidates,
would DO most likely to suecce and by such
success he enabled to direct the policy Of the
nation in accordance with Southern, ultra
prO-slavery views arose. JAMES Buchanan
was thought to be the man, and he owes his
nomination to the idea, that he alone Of all
the candidates named, could probably carry
Pennsylvania. The Southern States it was
argued would be a unit in its electoral vote
and il was necessary to have some candi-
date who would stand fair chance of OBJ
tanning just enough Of Northern votes to
secure his election. This consideration,
sufficient evidence Of the desperate straits of
the party, controlled the nomination. II is
not consideration that will be likely to
give Mr.. Buchanan strength in the canvass.
The very fac, that his hhercnts stand upon |
the presumption of obtaining the united
electoral votes Of the South, and have only
east about to obtain just enough votes from
the free States to secure success, will be q
powerful reason addressed to the people Of
the free States, to unite 50 as to give their
entire electoral vote in one direction also.
There is IN impression, existing to some
extent, that the Border Rulhan party, in
Mr.. Buchanan, has put forward
is strongest man. This slowing somewhat
10 the fact that Mr.. b. has, what is freely
granted, an unblemished private character,
,nd in his official career been tolerably OBJ
'ervant Of the proprieties of political life.
We have never been able to see that his
would be more likely TO insure
'ueeoss to Border Rgtfms than that Of
'Ome other man. Local pride may do some
hing for him in Pennsylvania, but even in
hat State hs cannot succeed against the
'ombined opposition Of the opponents of
he policy Of the administration. Mr.. Blu
.hanan has never been the objcc, Of admin
ion orthe masses. His name inspires no
because 1t is not coupled with
my act either Of browning craftsmanship,
II personal valor. Hcis cool, calculating {
vcrsed in political intrigues. and
N adept in trimming his sails to catch the
'opular breeze. There is not prominent
'ablic man living whose history shows great
r political tcryireration, or more frequent
inconsistencies and changes OF opinion. Let
IS refer briefly to his history. e
Entering political life in 1914, he signal
rcd his entrance by unusual devotion TO I
oderal principles. He was bitter oppo- e
ent Of the administration Of James Madison
nd the war, reyiler Of Thomas Jefferson, J
nd Of the principles rthcsc two republic g
ans. Same year he was elected by the Q
ederal party to the Legislature Of Pcnnsyl-
ania, and again in 1915. 81, 1 ~"
In 1870, 1924 and 1896, he was elected :
y fs'leralists to Congress Boating ut each
icoeSive time, though with reduced ma .
'rities, the democratic candidates. 1t was
uring this period. his fidelity to the party =