The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1858-02-17
From tie Evening A,gms, (PhtPa.)
The Position OF the President.

vaded the centre ranks of the Democratic
party, and shaken its hitherto impregnable
bulwarks, finds one statesman firm and
undismayed, whose ripe judgment, unclou.
ded vision, unsullied patriotism, and in
domitable will, fit him pre-eminendy for
the post he occupies. Calm, clear, and
confident, he stands at the helm of State,
and blanches not at the mutterings of the
storm highaims, and noble purposes, en-
dow him with courage equal TO The emer-
gency, which not only nerves his own soul
for the duties of his station, but inspires
trust, and sense of safety, in those who
would otherwise despond. Thousands of
honest and patriotic hearts now rejoice, as
will millions hereafter, that in this dark
hour for the Republic, this trial, as it were,
for national existence, the Executive Chair
is filled by statesman so wise and firm, q
patriot SO true and devoted, as James Bu-
chanan? With determination to fulfill, TO
the letter, his duties under the Constitution,
and his oath of office, which nothing can
shake, he has nobly disregarded all extran.
eous influences, and collateral issues, and
guided by a spirit of truth and justice, he
pu-sues, amid cavils and chickering's, the
open and even tenor of his way, mindful
only of the right, trusting only to God, and
his own conscience, for justification and re.
ward. Who can read those noble words,
in the concluding portion of his message
accompanying the Lecompton Constitution,
and not feel an exalted admiration and re.
specl for the MAN. He says:
81 have thus performed my duty on this
important question, under a deep sense oI
my responsibility to God and my country
My public life will terminate within briei
period, and have no other object of earthly
ambition than TO leave my country in a
peaceful, prosperous condition, and live in
the affections and respect of my country
men,"
And who can read that message, in our
| judgment unanswerable in lis positions and
argument, without acknowledging the hon.
esty and truthfuiness Of every sentiment
uttered, even though he be SC iaundiced by
opposing interests and views as 10 be unable
TO appreciate its conclusions? With what
power Aes he scatter TO the wind the dog
mas of Douglas, and tas fine-spun theories
of Walker, welding with the skillful hand
of master the very weapons of the latter
to overthrow and confound him
1t is true that in regard TO this perplexing
question " the end is not yet" but notwith-
standing the alarm it has created, we almost
deem the occasion providental which has
enabled MIR. Buchanan to stand forth as the
champion and defender of the representa-
tive principle in our government, the key TO
the preservation of order and harmony, the
only element which can save us from con-
fusion and anarchy. A true friend to "pop.
ular sovereignty" he would preserve the
rights of the people by inculcating obedi-
ence 10 the laws. He says:
"The sacred principle of popular sover-
eighty has been invoked in favor of the en-
emes of law and order in Kansas. But in
what manner is popular sovereignty TO be
exercised in this country, if not through the
instrumentality of established laws. In
certain small republics of ancient times,
people did assemble in primary meetings,
passed laws, and directed public affairs -
In our country, this is manifestly impossi.
BILE. Popular sovereignty can be exercised
here only through the tallot-box, and if the
people will refuse to exercise it, in this
| that LAM - tl
election of delegates, it is not for them tc
complain that their rights have been viola.
ted.n
If every irregular ebullution of popular
feeling, exerted and pandered 10 by dema
gogues, for base and selfish purposes, is tc
be taken rs the voice of the people, and to
control or aorogate acts and ordinances
passed and established in legal manner
by constitutional authority, then indeed may
we bid farewell TO liberty with its attendant
blessings, and prepare for the reign of an
archy and tyranny in IFS worst form.
Is it because Mr. Buchanan has been en-
abled 10 look beyond the mere questiqs o
temporary expediency which surround this
question, because his stand is more eleva
ted, and his vision more extended, that he
sees the consequences hereafter of the vic
lation, and probable destruction of the rep
resentative principle, as far more disastrous
to the whole country, and TO our republican
institutions, than any wrong which the ad
mission of Kansas under the Lecomptol
Constitution can possibly infict 1t is il
the character of statesman whose far
reaching vision perces the fature, and pre-
pares events which shape for good or evi
the destiny of nations, and not in that of
mere politician, whose excited hopes ant
lust of Office blinds him TO all but presen
success, that James Buchanan appears nov
before his countrymen and the world ant
whatever may be the issue OF The presen
contest, his truth and wisdom will assuredl
be vindicated and confessed.
We will scarcely permit ourselves tt
believe otherwise, then, that success mus
, attend his noble efforts in behalf of law, OF
der and our republican institutions, but tina
the triumph of his views and principles vii
, be ultimate and complete, we no more dout
than we do the benevolent purposes of Di
vine Providence in behalf of the libertie
| o,,I hax~ .F l.