The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-11-06
Party Politics at Dead Low Water-SIgns OF
the Times.

The present condition of the political parties
of the country is like the ocean shore at dead
low water. after tremendous and protracted
storm. The water line has receded so far that
in some places numerous islands and tongues of
land are left exposed, around which frequent
relics of broken ships are scattered, aud dead
fish, and thirsty clans, and many varieties of
sea weed, and sea monsters, and curious remains
Of various sorts that have found Judgment, af-
ter having drifted for days weeks and months
upon the waves. Thus the great political agi-
tation eliminating in the last Presidential cleo
tion was the protracted storm, and the ebb tide
succeeding it has brought us to the dead low
water we have indicated, and it, interesting ex-
posures.
In 1852 General Pierce was elected almost by
the unanimous voice of the several States of the
Union; be came into power upon a swelling
wave of popularity, which promised an I'M
broken reign of the democracy for twenty years
to come. And yet within one short year
through his miserable spoils policy, his party
was split in twain in New York; and through
his wretched double-dcaling aud trcachcrous
crazy throughout the Union were reduced to a
minority exceeding three hundred thousand
upon the popular vote. This opposition major
ity was maintained in the late Presidential
election, but between the Fremont and Fillmore
divisions Mr.. Buchanan was elected, and thus
he commenced bis administration with balance
Of the popular vote of over three hundred thou
sand against him.
But mark what has been accomplished within
the brief margin Of nine months by the power.
full influences Of straightforward and honest
policy on the part Of Mr.. Buchanan. The left
wing of the opposition forces has been very
nearly annihlated, aud the right wing has suf
every sortie IL has attempted. The $4,000 plu-
rality for Fremont in this commonwealth. last
November, has vanished like shadow, and the
reunited democracy, resting tremendously upon
the administration OF their new President. arc
well nigh restored to their ascendancy In the
Empire State. In fact, from the results of this
and the other State elections this autumn. taken
all together, one would suppose that hcncefor
ward the administration and the party support
ing IL have nothing moro to fear from the dmin.
ished, disorganzed, dtmorali1ed and broken
fragments of tht late opposition camps
Let not the administration and the democra
cy, however, be deceived by any such false
ideas Of easy security. The honest Kansas
policy Of Mr.. Buchanan has had much to do
with the apparent upward tendency of the
democracy in our late Northern elections but
IN this State at least local issues and local cor
rup'ions exertcd paramount influence against
the Seward olgarchy at Albany. Admitting
too, that Mr.. Buchanan has made satisfactory
reparation in this State and 10 the North for
the plumbers and follies Of poor Pierce. and
that the substantial settlement Of the Kansas
fmbroglio in favor Of the free State cause. and
through a fair enforcement Of the law Of popu.
lar sovereignty, settles the last practical