The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-06-30

The PxssiSs ntaal Observation-Disclosures and
Movements OF Parties.
All men, Of all sections and all parties, we be-
lieve, entertain the presentiment that the cam
paign for the next Presidency will be the most
remarkable political struggle. and the most i'm
portant in its general results, of any Presiden-
tial contest of the last half century. Old parties
and party Issues have melted away-new par
ties and principles are in process of formation;
but as yet no party for 1860 has assumed de-
finite or tangible shape. There are two or three
well established points, however, from which
we may draw some profitable conclusions to all
parties concerned. And thus let us proceed to
business
We have, heretofore, shown from the records
that the democratic party. since the year 1886,
have been in popular minority in the Union
When the opposition united against them in
1910 the astonished democracy were borne
down as by an avalanche; in 1874 they car
ried MI. Polk, in consequence of the diversion of
the opposition balance of power from Clay to
Birney; in lS4S they were beaten in 1852,
the mission of the whig party having been full
filed, It was frittered away, and it disappeared
like the morning clouds from the mountains The
year 1853, however, betrayed the fact that the
vote cast for Pierce was q democratic de-
fusion. In 1854 the popular elections dis
closed the still more unwelcome truth that the
opposition forces throughout the country were
largely in the ascendancy; and in 1856, al
though the democracy cOntrived to secure the
election of Mr.. Buchanan, the record shows that
it was against popular majority of nearly
four hundred thousand votes.
And how stands the matter now? Unques-
tionably the opposition forces still command an
overwhelming popular majority of the Union
q majority so decisive that, with proper
handling of their cards, they may not only
carry the next House of Representatives, but
the Presidential succession, with the force of a
hurricane. The remains of the regular demo-
cratic party are now in a more crippled and
emaciated condition than at any time since the
organization of the party under Gen. Jackson.
Their leaders, instead of harmonizing upon
common object, are divided upon selfish schemes
and intrigues; and consequently the rank and
file. instead of presenting bold aud united
front, present us the melancholy scene of
beaten, disorganized and retresting army.
The administration has labored faithfully to
restore order and union in the camp; but
the factious leaders and demagogues
of the party, during the late session
Of Congress- in a spirit of reckless
folly and stupidity for which we cannot account
upon any basis of honesty or patriotism, would
have destroyed the administration itself-the
very last hope of the party-but for the inter
vention of some patriotic men from the oppo-
sition side upon this measure that measure and
the other. But though the administration and
its policy have thus been vindicated and carried
through by opposition votes, the sectional and
factiOus discords engendered in the democratic
camp at Washington have been difused, like
contagious disease, throughout the country, so
that at this juncture there is scarcely State in
the Union in which the late great democratic
party can hold up its head with any degree of
courage, confidence or hope.
AT this gloomy crisis in the fortunes of the
democracy we see that the money question, In
its mort comprehensive bearings and in all its
ramifcations, is rapidly becoming the para
mount issue before the people. And here, too
o combination Of causes and chapter of &C.
cidents, over which Mr.. Buchanan's administra-
ton has had no control, and for which it can
be charged with no responsibility, are ope-
rating and will operate, to strengthen and
solidify the opposition movements for the
succession. Mr.. Buchanan has substantially
settled the Kansas imbroglio; but it was legacy
uhf in bao m 81
rather than healed, the party disorders which
II had previously created in the North and
West The President had no alternative than
the Straightforward course which he adopted
and pursued; but the consequences were incvi-
table. Nor could he, in view Of bis constitu-
tional responsibilities and his representative
character as the head Of just and honest peo-
pie, pursue any other course than that which
he has pursued concerning the Walker filibus-
tiers; and yet this policy has resulted in
strengthening the hands ofthe reckless party dis
organizers of the South. We know that what
ever the party may suffer, North or South, from
such causes. the administration standing fast to
the principles Of law and impartial justice, has
nothing TO fear. But we are discussing the de-
moralizatioDs Of the party.
AT this crisis, then, and in the demoralized
condition we have described, the democracy
stand; and how, then, are they to resist the ad-
ditional pressure Of the increased government
expenditures-the Treasury notes and loans
for which they will be held accountable. We
all know that in regard to these things the
administration has had no alternative: but we
know, too, that the party representing the
administration will be held to answer for
them. In this connection, from all the facts re-
cited, and from all the signs Of the times, the
union Of the opposition in 1860 upon practical
candidate, and the practical issue OF retrench-
ment and reform, will sweep the country like
tornado. The only chances for the democracy