New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1856-08-04
Ez-eovernor Hunt on the state Of Parties


Governor Hunt, Of New York, has recently re.
viewed, in letter to the Hon. James A. Hamilton,
the political The three parties now
claiming the sufrages of the people, and thus gives
his reasons for his prediction for Mr. Fillmore
Intending no disparagement 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 conservative grounds,
retaining all my independence, yielding no Whig
principle and without protesting any adhesion or allie
glance to the party which nominates him. If our
opinions do not accord on all points prefer him as
the candidate whose political principles approximate
nearest to my own Having sustained him for eIe-
waited trusts on several occasions am prepared to
try him again in the present crisis.
Not representative OF extreme views, who would
regard nearly half tie States as enemies and aliens
orapotical strategis would create or strengthen
partyby keeping the North and South in never
ending controversy; but on the contrary, statesman
of calm temper, wise Judgment and honest firmness
man mbued with genuine national spirit, who can
be relied OH to cultivate friendly sentiments between
the sections by proper respect for the rights of EACH
and due observance Of the ederatVe principles upon
which our political compact was formed. Above all,
we require at the present uncture an Executive who
will enforce the laws with q firm hand everywhere
throughout the land, Kansas not excepted To this
end it seems desirable to have a man toward whom
reasonable people in both sections can look with some
confidence in his justice and impartialty.
In regard to the foreign and domestic policy of the
Government our views have ever been substantially
the same. will vote for him because he is a man Of
moderation and not an nltraist He stands midway
between the violent agitators in both extremes. be-
eve him to be governed by an honest desire to rem
der erevenharded justice to both sections according to
the constitution and to keep the peace betWeenthe
free States and the slave States without suhecting
either to dishonor or humiliation 1t sno objection to
him in my opinion that he is supported by portion
of the Southern people who did not approve of the
repeal of the Missouri compact, and whose views are
rational and eonciiatoy on the slavery question: for
still maintain that there are people south of the
zens and who are disposed to respect the rights and
feelings OF the free States. What sort of EXecu-
tive does the country need in the present posture of
affairs?
MFR. Fillmore has given proof that be is capable of
executing law with energy and resolution In dis
charge Of the oath which requires the President to
see that the laws are executed, he enforced unpnpu
lar laws in each section against powerful excitement
and resistance If he at the head Of affairs
who believes that so many outrages could have oc-
cured, or that the prevailing disorders would not
be promptly repressed? His election would be favor
able to domestic peace ard tranquility. 1t would
be fair warning to border rutians and flibusters to
stay at home and attend to their own business.
The fact that he is opposed by extremists on both
sides is calculated to commend him to the conserva
tive class as the best choice that can be made under
existing circumstances. 1t is expressive tribute to
his moderation that many of his assaants have found
it eXpedient to aver that they really aim at nothing
than to put the slavery question where he left il
at the close of his official term Iwi vote for him
the more cheerfully because, at a time when free
speech in favor of concord and forbearance is de,
nounGed as ahigh misdemeanor, he has had the moral
courage to utter bold words of warning and expostu
lation in the face of a strong popular tempest am
aware of the objection that is made to Mr.. Fillmore
on the question of availability. We are urged not tc
vote for him because he cannot be elected.
If we were ambitious to ride upon popular wave
or to display sagacity by joining the strongest
side perhaps this view Of the might be decisive
But am not seeking to discover where the majority
may be found Fortunately for our selkrespect, you
and / must direct our course very different and
| more elvated considerations. We must endeavor 10
discern the path of duty and pursue it regardless Of
consequences, for which we not Irresponsible With
me the only questions are what ought to be done
what is truly best for the country in the present con
don of Affairs and by which alternative can we most
effectuay contribute to control violence, correct
abuses and revive healthy national spirit ~"