Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-07-29
The democracy and Robt. ]. Walker.

The Democracy and Robt. j. Walker.
The Democratic press especially in the South,
is still very much divided in opinion as to the
proprety of the policy adopted by Gov. Walker
in regard to the affairs of Kansas. The Enquirer,
Examiner and other papers in the immediate
confidence of the Administration, uphold, Win
all their strength, the measures oil WALKER
whilst The South, the Wytheville Telegraph,
the Warrenton Flag, and other journals OF aolll-
ty, are equally Jealous in their opposition. Inc
Walker men call his opponents "factious dis
unionists," and the anti Walker party retort BY
calling his adherents "servile plaeemen '-'ot-
fce-hunter" &c.
We are inclined to think that this feud is the
mere initiation of the quarrel for the succession
to the Presidency We have thought from the
moment that Mr.. Walker was appointed to bis
present position in Kansas, that the appoint
meut was made by Buchanan and accepted by
Walker with view to place him in position Tor
the Presidency in 1860. Mr.. Buchanan being
now over 20 years of age cannot expect 10 De
nominated for reelection; but he naturally de-
Sires to have hand in the selection OF his sue
eessor. Gen. Jackson nominated and elected
Mr.. Van Buren, as his successor, and Mr.. buc-
hanan expects to do the same kind ofhces LOT
Mr.. Walker. Mr.. Buchanan has sagacity enough
to perceive that the Northern and Western Sec
tions will be all powerful in the next contest,
and that the Northern and Western sentiment
must therefore be propitiated. He knows more
over that ip the next contest the Valley OF the
Mississippi viii be disposed to claim the candi-
date. lie has, therefore, made his arrangements
to meet these probable contingencies. MIR. Buc-
hanan and Mr.. Walker were old associates IN
Mr. Folks Cabinet They were ancient friends
and allies. They are natives of the same State,
and they concur generally in political sentiment
Mr.. Walker is therefore the man who would
naturally be most acceptable to Mr.. Buchanan
for the succession. When the Kansas difficulty
presented itself, Mr.. Buchanan, therefore, sent
for Walker and they had many private confer
ences. In these conferences MIR. Buchanan doubt
less suggested, and Mr.. Walker readily saw, the
fine field that would be opened for him, and the
capital he could make for himself by accepting
the Office of Governor. We can almost under
take to say what passed between the parties in
these interviews. Mr.. Buchanan said to Walk
err II wish you to take the place OF Governor,
not so much on my account as yours. You can
save me good deal of trouble and embarrass-
ment, and you can make your own political for
tune BY adroit management you can take the
wind out of the sails OF ell your rivals. The
Northwest will claim the candidate, and her
power is becoming potential in National Con-
ventions Douglas is now the prominent man
from that section, but Douglas is distastefnl to
me, and also to the anti-slayery men OF the
North. You can go to Kansas, and by bringing
her into the Union as Non-saveholding State,
you can conciliate the whole anti-slavery senti-
ment of the Union, and thereby get the weather
gage of Douglas. You can be returned as one
of the Senators from Kansas, and thus become
the representative of one of the great family Of
Northwestern States; and if, with these advant-
ages, you cannot get the nomination for the
Presidency, you are not the man take you to
be-" Thereupon Robert winked at James, and
said, "You need say nothing more-l am your
man-Tl go to Kansas. Verbun sap" And
so the matter was fixed. Walker went to Kan
sas to play game, and he is playing it success
fully. Douglas, Wise and Hunter may hang up
their fddles. Walker is the man for 1860. He
has the inside track. He is backed by the Adj
ministration. He is the anointed Of James, and
''the Kings name is @ tower of strength"
We advise all Democrats then-all who want
offices-to give in their adhesion al once to
Walker. Better now than hereafter. Better
give in with good grace than be whipped in
suddenly at the eleventh hour!
The South and its associates had better follow
the example of the Enquirer and its allies, and
"knock under" forthwith. Rumor says that
Gov. Wise has yielded. Whether he did so with
his eyes open to the whole game or not, we can
not say. Possibly he Knocked ander only sab
modo-with view to break Hunters neck, and
in the hope that being in the Senate be can then
knock Walker Ouer! Not being so entirely in
the confidence of Governor Wise Us our friend
Rdgway of the Wing, we appeal to him for &C
curate information on this point!