Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1857-10-23
THE RICHMOND Ey0TIRER.
BY RITCHIE 4, DIJNI.v.Nn
FRIDAY MORNING. OCTORRRa.
DIVISION OF Tur nr,,oon,ov

} DIVISION OF THE DEMOCRACY.
1t has Deen charged that the course of the "Er
qurer" towards Senator Hunter, bas n tendencv
division in the ranks of the Democracy Of yiron,,
, We hold that the suspected position of Mr.. Hun.s
if true, is we'll calculated to nroduca d.soro;on
ine I"4uief makes no war, either upon that ger
tleman or his adherests. Our object is the unity
the Democfanc party and hence, whenever @
wherever the spirit of disaifectiop is dsveloped W
never hesitate to rebuke it, and endeayor 10 nut
down. The Administration represents the views
the National Democracy. 1t embodies and enforce
the principles proclaimed at Cincinnati and adyocs
ted by unadulterated Democrats throughout tb
country IL mas been, and is still pursuing a policy
al once national, conservative constitutional, and +
with the strctest doctrine of State Right.
1t denies not the legitimate powers of the Fedora
Government and it unequivocaIly comedies the sove
re'gny OF the Sfstes Its object is to DO Justice
the ~hoie country regardless of the clanors of fac
lions or the prejudices of sections. Nevertheless
THIS Administration has been as.sled. and vii
doubtless be assailed again, by cap,ious clique o
ma'contents in the South. The great mass of tb.
National Democracy sustain Mr.. Buchanan. fat.
lon composed OF handful of fre-eaters is bittery
opposed TO him. The enquirer is enlisted earpe sy
ana zealousy in favor of the Administration, and its
undaunted defenders. II is suspected that Sen,tor
Hunter sympathses with thoss who oppose II. I,dsr
such circumstances We appeal to the Democrats of
virginia. and ask them, in all candor if it is no the
duty OF the Enquirer" to call upon Mr.. Hunur for
denlal or confirmation Of the suspicion upon bis
loyalty to the party7 We have expressed thshope,
and We still entertain it, that Mr.. Hunter is not a-
lated with the factionsts. We have warned aim of
the danger Of delay in denying it. Day aftr day.
ana week after week, have passed. The com
plant has been constantly kept before him. aud yet
be does not deign to answer.
This silence of Senator Hunter, in ITSELF W. fear,
begins to be seriously significant. And if he persists
IN refusing to dspe the suspicion that rests upon his
fealty to the Administration until the election comes
on the representatives of the people in the Leeisla
eof Virginia will owe il to the Democratic party to
elect some other gentleman in his stead. We sneak
thus OF MIR. Hunter in no spirit Of menace or dbre.
sPeot lie hos rendered service 10 bis State ant to
his country in the Senate: And if he will but de.
clare his condemnation Of the ultraiss and his CD.
proVal OF the policy pursued so far by Mr.. Bucbamn,
we Will cheerfuly enter the lists against any oppsi.
tion to bis reelection.
He is not committed either in favor of the Admin.
israton or against It. And we would frankly ash Of
the Democracy Of the State if such position i, in
keeping with the bold and determined attitude which
is expected Of every representative of the peoph of
virginia. 1t cannot be denied that the interroq,o.
rles OF the Enquirer have been perfectly respectful.
we have appealed to Mr.. Hunter in behalf of bis
own as we'll as the interests of his party and yet be
answers not. The suspicion that he is inimic.l to
the Administration is no secret. 1t has been made
known TO him repeatedly. The newspapers and the
people have discussed it. The public are in dorbi as
to its falsity or TRUTH The enquirer appeals 10
him TO deny or corroborate ii. Other Demo.
! cratic journals Of influence in the State, have
also called upon him for his views. Democrat.
lc correspondents, and among them member eject
OF the legislature, have demonstrated against his
lence, through our columns But despite all this, Mr..
Hunter Still refuses 10 say whether he s with the Ad
titn... ~ r-, -. 'o.oV y. ."v .--.~-- are
low the people to know their opinions on publ nat
ters it is time that they should retire from service III
Democratic country. II may be that Senator Hun
ter acuated neither by motives OF pride nor obs
macy, nor Of personal consideration. We would not
nov charge either upon him. For eught we know he
may have determined to relieve the anxious suspense
o. the Democrats who disrust him, before the frs'
Monday in December. We trust that it is so. But
as yet, there ia no indication Of any such purpose.
The efforts of the Enquirer" are directed to the
unity and harmony Of the Democratic party. And
as we'll might it be charged upon board OF health
for OBTAINING at quarantine ship suspected OF in
fecton, that the object was an obstruction of com
usrce, as to contend that our course towards Mr.
Hunter will be productive of division in the De
mocratc party. We do not ask that he shall pledge
himself in advance to support the Administration il
ANYTHING and everything it may do. That woult
bo exscting and unreasonable. But We have {
right to expect him to say whether lie approves it 81
far as it has gone, and if he is determined to defend
against all opposition, in the policy which it has pur
sued and is now pursuing.
Unless Mr.. Hunter answers, either one way or tn
other, he cannot expect the Democracy of Vrgini
TO continue their confidence in him. And as long
he submits to the suspicion upon his fidelity, tn
doubts of the people must naturally continue L
strengthen. He ia certainly ssgacous enough to ae
that he is nuring his own interests more than thos
of his party by such a course.
If the Senatorial election should lead to division
the ranks Of the Democracy, Mr.. Hunter and nc
the enquirer" must be held responsible. BE ha
had warning enough and even now he has only I
say yes or no, to quiet the trouble and render bis re
election sure Will be do itl
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