The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-06-12
THE CINCINNATI NOMINATIONS.

IdE ClNClNNAIl NOMlNAIlONS.
A few weeks ago it was the prevailing opin-
ion among shrewd politicians, that the Cincin-
natl Convention would select, as its Presiden-
tial candidate, either General Pierce, or some
new man, and the chances of Buchanan were
considered almost hopeless. But the feelings
aroused in the free States by the outrages in
Kansas, and by the shocking assault on Sam
ner, for the exercise of his rights as Senator,
changed the aspect of affairs, and it became
evident that a powerful effort would be made
in the Convention, to frame its nominations
30 as TO conciiate the conservative classes of
the country.
The first ballot showed that majority of
the Convention was determined to throw over.
board both Pierce and Douglas-the former re-
ceiving about twofifths, the latter a little more
than one-sixth of all the votes cast, while Blu
chanan came within fourteen votes of a ma
jority. What a revelation to General Pierce
After all his marvellous services in behalf of
Slavery, he was able to command only l22
votes out of 295! Virginia, and Maryland, and
Louisiana, from beginning to end, voted against
him. Lower and lower became his vote, till,
on the fourteenth ballot, it was only IS, and on
the fifteenth, it had dwindled to 3, when he was
dragged from the arena by his friend, Harry
Hubbard! And Mr.. Douglas Jared no better.
Had the votes of the two been combined at
any time for either, they would have amounted
to los; but, as the Pierce vote went down,
Buchanan's went up; and at the last, Mr..
Douglas reached only l2l-one less than the
vote for General Pierce. OF the 100 votes
from the South, Pierce at one time received
gratitude for signal services.
Doubtless, however, the majority of the
votes cast on the first ballot for Pierce, and on
the last for Douglas, were simply compliment
airy. There is nothing in the proceedings indi-
eating jealous regard for them, much less
determined purpose to secure nomination
for either. A few ballotings decided the strug-
gle, and on the instant, with gladness scarcely
concealed, the great mass of the delegates
turned away from Pierce and Douglas, until
that moment the recognised leaders of the
Party, and rushed TO the support of Buchanan.
1t is easy to understand the considerations
that led to this nomination. To one hundred
and twenty electoral votes from the South, there
must be added twenty mine votes from the free
States, to elect President; but it was evident
that neither Pierce nor Douglas could COM
mand this number. Either might possibly Sc.
cure the votes of two or three Of the smaller
States, but neither could carry Pennsylvania !;
and in the present condition of the public mind
at the North, it would have been madness to
try Southern man. The Northern Democra-
cy demanded Buchanan, and he, it was hoped,
would carry, at least Pennsylvania and Califor-
MIA, which, with the electoral vote of the South,
would secure his election. And why should
the South hesitate? The service required by
it from President, if rendered, necessarily
disqualifes him for further use at Che end of
his term. This is well understood. 1t must
renew its instruments every four years. Why
not take Mr.. Buchanan? 1t had secured the
platform in advance, and, if nominated, he
would take his stand upon it. 1t had carried
Compromise, ignoring the principle of Popular
Sovereignty, stigmatizing as guilty of treason
the Free State settlers in Kansas, and pledging
the Party to maintain all the usurpations of
Slavery; and Mr.. Buchanan, if nominated,
would be bound by them.
Besides, what had he ever done to forfeit
the confidence of the Shareholders While
in the Senate of the United States, he
was distinguished for his uniform subservi.
ence to the Slave Interest. While a member
of the Cabinet, he had offered 5000, 600, ono for
the purchase of Cuba, a measure urged for
the purpose Of extending the Slave Empire.
During the Wilmot Proviso agitation, he made
his advent in Washington, and exerted himself
to procure a settlement of the controversy bv
the extension of the Missouri Compromise
line to the Pacific, which would have given the
Southern half of the Continent to Slavery. and
prevented the admission Of what is now the
Free State Of California policy then favored
by the South Carolina politicians and the ex.
| treme men of the South. While Minister to
London, he took part in getting up the famous
Ostend Conference, and signed his name to its
manifesto, urging upon the Administration the
seizure of Cuba on the plea of necessity And
since his return, he has repeatedly taken occa.
sion to endorse the repeal of the Missouri Com
promise, and the policy of the Kansas Nebraska
bill, as a just and final settlement of the CUES.
ton of Slavery. This was not ALL Mr.. Blu.
chanan, respectable and estimable in private
life, as we understand, has never given eyi.
dence of irmness of character, or power OF
controlling others. He has no more courage
than General Pierce, and, whatever may be his
indisposition TO new and aggressive measures
IN behalf of Slavery, he is not the man to resist
the pressure that will be brought to bear upon
him. This, too, the South understands, and
hence its prompt union with the North in his
| nomination.
VI the Vice Presidential candidate, little
need be said. He is gentlemanly parsonage
OF fair talents, dgnifed bearing, served in
Congress acceptably to his constituents, and
voted for the Nebraska bill. He, too, belongs
to the Conservative Democracy.
| The supporters of the nominations may fair
iy claim that they are highly respectable fol
character and ability, but it is sufficient for the
Opposition to know, that they are committed
thoroughly and completely to the Principles and
Policy which have brought the country TO th,
verge of civil and foreign war, and rendered
the Administration of General Pierce an intol
cradle curse.
1@~ Mr.. Summers Great Speech for Ere
Kansas can be had by addressing l.. Ciepbane
Secretary Republican Association, W Washington
ID. G. Price $3.50 per 100, free OF postage.