The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1857-07-09
THE ADMINISTRATION.

The commencement OF administration is al
ways more or less embarrassing and difficult
government is great machine constantly in ope-
ration under the momentum Of its organization and
the direction of executive command. 1t viii admit
Of no pause and its direction has to be regulated
without ntermission This devolves upon new
administration the duty and necessity Of examining
and deciding promptly upon the affairs Of State as
they are left by its predecessors be adopted re-
pudiated, or modified, Judgment and duty may di-
rect, and the wants and exigencies of government
may require. Ia direct connexion with this is the
installation of the and policy of the admin
istration. Everything connected with the advent of
an administration is scrutmized with vigilant
eye, and public judgment waits upon every act
for approval or opposition A rigid accountable
ity to the exacons of popular feeling most active
at the early stages of every administration.
Applying these views to the Executive, il is pecu-
liarly gratifying to those who looked with a conf
dent reliance upon the eminent qualifications of Mr.
Buchanan for the exalted station of Chief Magistrate
and who supported his election under the full inHu
of that belief to find that he has met every de-
mand upon his high commission with an ability
frmness, and dignity worthy of all commendation.
Public opinion has been expressed with the indica
tons of q generous approval.
Mr. Buchalans long, intimate, and diversified
connexion with the national government has made
him familiar with its general operations and require
ments and enabled him to enter upon his great
task with most of its ordinary difficulties mastered
lie commenced his duties with the purposes of
statesman, regulated by sound conservative policy,
thoroughly national. He has placed himself upon
the constitution, and within its limits he looks for
the boundary Of all the powers of government and
all the obligations of duty. lie relies upon the con
stituton the shelter from the dangers of every
storm and the peacemaker in every difficulty. He
relies upon it as the sacred heritage that binds pa
riotism to the altar of country, and that alone in
strength and long life to the Union. This com
prehends the great outline Of his duty and fidelity to
it is his covenant to the people.
The country has guarantee for the fulGlmcnt Of
his great trust not only in the wisdom and experience
of his long public career, but in every strong and
controlling incentive that can regulate noble amb-
ton. lie looks to the applause Of grateful coun-
try the reward of his tolls and to history for the
proud record Of good name.
We believe that public opinion is taking tempe
rate and safe direction under the guidance of the adj
ministration. We believe that the asperties of par
ty strife are mcliorating. We believe that govern
ment is gaining strength by the relaxing hold of
great disturbing errors We believe that the love
of country is becoming more active and pervadng.
If these blessings be achieved, tho great objects Of
good government will be accomplished, and the wis
dom Of popular sovereignty be indicated.