The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1857-10-20
Mas sachusetts Politics...Nathani
p. Banks.

ton, FAMILIAR with the politics OF MaSSa-
gives us the following account
Of the position and views Of the three
parties in the present canvas in that State:
A word or two on New England politics
or rather the present position of parties in
Massachusetts.
Until within the last few years, Massachu-
sets has been known throughout the Union |
as a Wing State-a Clay or Webster Wing
but in any event and under whatever leader,
monwealth. But even after the election of
Gen. Pierce. by so overwhelming majority,
the opposition to her administration took
new form and a new name ; old party ties
were sundered, and Americanism, leavened
with strong tincture Of Abolitionism, sud-
denly came into the ascendant throughout
New England, and under the name of Re-
publicanism has been the ruling power ever
since. In all the New England States, Amer
icanism has been swallowed up by Republic
canism, save only here in old Massachusetts,.
The two elements in the political compound,
which found little or no difficulty in coming
together in support Of Fremont, have taken
leave Of each other since his defeat, and each
of them has its representative in the field, as
a candidate for the Chief Magistracy of the
State viz: Henry Gardner, the present in
cumbent, representing the American princi
Piles, and N. p. Banks, late Speaker of the
national House of Representatives, represent
ing the so-called Republican principle. The
Democracy, also, have their candidate in the
| field, but the contest is between Gardner and
Banks, and very exciting one it is.
More than usual interest attaches to the
canvas, from the fact that Mr.. Banks has
occupied prominent place before the coun
| try, and that his friends claim that his sue
cess or defeat will have an important inhu-
ence in shaping the result of the next Presi-
Dental election. They say, in substance,
"As goes Massachusetts, now, so goes the
Union three years hence" Without admit
ting this, there can be no doubt that the ex-
Speakers defeat would have disastrous
effect upon the fortunes of his party in New
England, as well as upon his own. / say
his own, because his supporters give out that
he must be the Republican candidate for the
Presidency in 1860. Accordingly, in stump
ing the State at this time, he is extremely
non-committal, except on the general subject
CT slavery extension; and that he handles in
such a way as to give the least possible Of
fence to the South as he counts upon support
in that section should he receive the Presi-
dental nomination. He is popular, and from
his having once been a machinist, has re-
.ceived from his friends the designation OF
the "little iron man." think the "man of
the iron mask" would be more appropriate,
for certainly no politician ever wore more
masks or DISCUSSES than himself. 1 never
think of his shifting course without calling
to mind the answer of one of Walter SCOTS
personages, when reminded that he must be
careful not to talk his Jacobenism before
certain Wing ladies. "Thank my stars,
can hoist any cclors on a pinch"
Gov. Gardner is also very popular, and as
the phrase is, he always "goes in to win.'
He is very shrewd manager, and intends to
beat Banks high and dry. He claims tina,
there arc no national issues involved in the
canvas-that it is purely State affair, in
volving the subjects of retrenchment and
reform. But let politicians talk as they may
about national issues having nothing to dc
with such an exciting contest, they sciH have
much to do with it, and the result will be
claimed as involving other than merely To-
, cal issues. Mr.. Banks himself fixes a ma
tional issue upon tho consideration of the
people, and there is no lodging it.
The election takes place early in Novem.
Der, and cannot but think that Banks vii
be distanced. Gardner will rally all tn,
conservative interest, apart from the Democ
racy in the Commonwealth. His friends
Z claim for him $4,000 votes, in poll of $780,
600, giving the Democracy 5000, and tn,
balance to Banks. But we can rarely tel
who is Governor until after the election.
There are strong indications that the con
sentative sentiment Of the North is again t
resume the ascendency. The recent election
in New England, closing with that in Main
a month since shows decline of Republican
, ism, and l think Massachusetts,, Pennsylva
MIA, New York and New Hampshire in Marc
$ next will show that scctai ianism and SLAYER
), agitation are dying out. People are becom
= ing tired OF this constant hammering on on
Il subject. 1t has accomplished so little actua
d good in comparison with the positive evil re
suits, that people may well pause and thin
n rat ~ tbnsr g..