The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-12-17


and integrity of the government, aud more than sus
tain its comprehensive policy towards the States Of
America ait, of Europe We have taken occasion
quite recently to speak of the probable course Of the
British government in reference to Mexican aud Cen
trail American matters. 1t is therefore with some
satisfaction that we point TO the record of the
interview between Mr.. Dallas and Lord Malmesbury
which support the justice of our conclusions.
-
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE AND THE OPPOSE
TON.
The silence of the opposition in Congress is be-
coming painful if not alarming. Emerging from
victorious canvass, with banners unfured and their
forces in excellent discipline, we had reason to ex-
pect something formidable and startling from their
senators and representatives. is their tameness to
be attributed to the fact that they have not yet had
time to compare notes and fix upon line of policy
by which they may hope to maintain their present
ascendency? Have they been disturbed by Mr.. Sew
ards programme of "antagonisms :" Is it necessary
TO begin anewto wipe out old scores-to forget
the summer airing Of Mr.. Senator Crittenden and
obliterate the New York movement, On the other
hand may we not attribute the paralysis Of the OPP
position to the Presidents recent message to Con-
grcss? Mr. Hale alone had the courage to assail it
and pronounce it historically inaccurate in its sk.
ing and conclusive review of Kansas affairs
Mr.. Hale was not seconded and the country has
lost therefore, the whole benefit of his attack This
is significant. Who is ready to make issues upon
The Presidents recommendations Who oantago-
nizes" his positions in regard to Cuba, TO Central
A
America and Mexico? 1t is time for the rcpubi-
to speak out, The message has been before
Congress and the country for ten days. Nobody
questions its direcness, its ability, the inten-
tons of its author. 1t is not equvocal obscure OF
doubtful. 1t deals in obvious facts and is char
acterized by explicit recommendations. Its strength
lies in its plain statements and convincing logic Mr.
Seward, even, does not ''antagonze' it and if Mr.
Seward fails in this, who else can be expected to
open the warfare?
We are led to believe indeed that the message is
wholly unanswerable. The country endorses it with
singular unanimiy. A few bold newspapers have
assaied it at two or three immateral points, but we
are yet without the first sign from any authoritative
quarter of general opposition to it. What does
all this mean2 A year ago the country was vocal
with dennnciations of Mr.. Buchanan. lie was called
very hard names and threatened with utter ami.
hilation There was scarcely one Recommendation
of his first message which was not bitterly assailed
and denounced His motives were npugned, his
character rcvilcd his integrity questioned his ability
denied, and his administration pronounced a signal
and overwhelming failure. One single revolution of
the wheel has again brought him before the country,
fl,a, ,f1,n of,
sage, which his enemies dare not attack and which
his friends need not applaud Ii has gone out to the
people armed NY lis convincing Statements its ire
sistible logic, aud its plain SIMPLE satcsmaplikc
policy. 1t inaugurates new era in the progress Of
free institutions; it proposes the application of great
principles in strict harmony with the popular judg,
ment and the necessities of American industry, 1t
is simple truthful just, and explicit 1t foreshadows
the inevitable destiny of people whose rights
are protected by their own arms, and whose indus
try is at the shield and the strength of the
State. 1t is well, then, that the message of the
President should be chiefly occupied in the discus.
sion of those questions which bear directly
upon the future of such people Mr.. Blu hanan
had the wisdom to mark, in advance, upon the map
tion and the boldness to lay before the world his
Judgment upon the whole case All this was well
calculated to elicit praise or condemnation. When
have heretofore been made for the
tension Of the of orr institutions they have
been met by fierce and manly opposition. Why is
the President not assailed and his measures de-
The reply is obvious the republicans dare
ad take issue upon Me message That document is
original, progressive, and conservative. II they APP
prove it, let them keep silence if they antago
lize' it, let them say so. We need it is true, the
nd of theft opcn condemnation, but trust shall
be able to get along without it. They have always
opposed the expansion Of the Uniou why not oppose
he messageY They condemned the President last
year; why be content with Mr. IIales feeble assault
bisl
Mr.. Buchanan has demonstrated that the progress
IF free people is certain only when guided by the
aw. He does not believe that stimulants add to
he permanent energies of the system--that expan-
non can only be secured by excitement and spasms'
individual enterprise in the pursuits of labor is