American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1857-01-17
MoRoAMTowN:
From the Nctr Orleans Creole.
HAS AMI ERyNGCrPLH BEEN
vi. SNIENNN? ..Ln- n-n--

Nv oe'ol uiiuaVioi VI huttoIldl po-
litical contest has generally decided,
beyond all controversy, the policy of
the Government. But the late strug-
gle has left everything uncertain
The shout of triumph scarcely ceased
to echo in our ears before the partisans
of the successful candidate began to
speculate in regard to the opinions of
their chief; and, up to the present mo-
nent, it is question who has gained
any advantage from the victory? #
The extreme wing of the Southern
Democracy were startled, by the unex-
pected appearance, after tho announce
ment of the success Of Mr.. Buchanan,
of his extraordinary letter to the Cali
fornians, in favor Of building the Pacific
Railroad by the general government.
Is the old Democr attic doctrine of non
interference in works of internal i'm
provemcnt, by the direct action of
Congress, exploded or not2 This is u
question which seriously vexcs the
South, and they find no possibility of
relieving themselves of their difficulty.
The oraclcs of the party in the Nor
thcrn States, and the especial friends
Of the President elect, declare that the
popular vote which secured his triumph
will achieve freedom for Kansas. ,4.
Those who regard the Ostend mani
festo as the embodiment of the new
doctrine Of progress, claim tho an
nexation Of Cuba and an extension of
territory as inevitable, while the oppo-
nents of Cuban acquisition profess to
believe that Mr.. Buchanan was adroit-
ly entangled by Mr.. Soulc into posi-
tion obuoxious to his feelings, and at
war with his Judgment.
Even in the distribution of the hon
ors and the emoluments Of office, there
seems to be as much uncertainty as in
regard to the principles which will
characterize the new administration.
The Old Line Wings, by whose aid the
victory was won, are regarded, in many
quarters, as certain to exercise an in
iluence upon the distribution of public
favors, ifsthcy do not to some degree
direct the policy Of the Cabinet.
For the first time in tho history of
the republic we witness a victory which
decides no principle. What dependence
on the future for the South, or for the
Union, has been obtained ? Through
out the entire Southern States there
is kind of patient waiting for coming
events. There is no decided belief
that the issues raised in the late contest
are not to be revived with greater vigor
when four years shall have passed, or
even before the present presidential
term expires The present is but
rest.aftor the fierce struggle of sections,
unless the President elect shall exhibit
the wisdom of sage, the prudence of
long experience, and the yigor and de-
cision Of impetuous youth. 1t can
scarcely be expected under such cir
cumstanccs that we should do more
than be watchful Of political events,
prepared to act when circumstances
demand, so as best to conserve the in
torestS Of the South and the whole
country. .... ~, ....
The results Of the battle that was
fought in the civil arena between the
organized parties of the nation, have
so unsettled the reliance of men upon
their leaders, and, in some instances,
upon their own party, that for tho mo-
ment all party ties are apparently dis
regarded. we regard the American
party, however, as coming out Of the
contest with moro evidence Of national
ity, frmer adherence principle, more
power of rollying in the future, than
either of its opponents. Upon the
course Of Americans in tho North de.
.pcnds the decision Of the question
whether its flag is to float proudly
again over the whole country in anoth-
cr contest for principle.
1t is our duty to watch the progress
Of events, and to be governed, as tire
CARDS future action, by their develop
ment. At home, our organization