The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1858-10-21
MORAL OF THE TRIUMPH.

Viewed in every aspect that may be properly
regarded, the result of the election on Tuesday
was one of the most extraordinary ever witness
ed Ia this State. That triumph was not
achieved by any excitement, parade, or the
common appliances which have been too much
in vogue on all sides. 1t was calm, delibe-
rate and decisive expression of the people
against the policy of the Administrations re-
buks of Mr.. Buchanan personally, and repro
baton Of the central despotism which he has
erected at Washington. And the emphasis OF
the opinion which was uttered through the bal
lot box is all the more imposing from having
proceeded upon firm belief that principles
with which the honor and the glory of Pennsyl-
vania we're always identified had been basely
surrendered, to propitiate the favor of an axact-
ing faction.
N, election was ever held here which 30
clearly reflected the honest sentiment of the
people, and none into which intelligent judg-
ment and reason entered 80 largely and exer-
cised 80 commanding an influence everywhere.
In our own city, there was no appearance of
excitement at the polls, and none of the usual
clap.trappery. The people turned. out, how.
ever, from solemn conviction of duty, and re-
corded their votes, as they would verdict, un-
der O sense of high moral responsibility.
And what is true here, is true also of the
whole interior. With the single exception of
Bedford, where the Administration has gained
few scattering votes, almost every district and
county and township and precinct have spoken
their condemnation in thunder tones.
The majorities come swelling in, like mighty
avalanche, sweeping through the old party
strongholds with the fury of storm of popular
Indignation, uprooting the ancient landmarks,
and soaring away even the pillars of the Tenth
Legion" which never yielded before. We ex-
pectsd grand victory, and predicted it conf
IDENTIFY, as our readers we'll know. That conf
dence was derived from observation and salts
factory intelligence but, we are free to say,
the triumph has surpassed our most ssnguine
hopes, Is we know it has entirely exceeded the
expectations of all the shrewd and experienced
tacticians, whose opinions have heretofore been
accepted as authority. None of us knew how
deeply and widely the feelings of disapproba-
ton had entered the popular heart, nor fully
appreciated the purpose to express it sternly
and enthusiastically.
Vsrious causes conspired and contributed to
produce this result. The sentiment which has
already taken possession of the public mind,
that the administration of the Government can
only be reformed by a great political revolution,
exerted its influence. Men look to change as
a remedy, and hence threw votes to aid it. Mr..
Bacbauan and his Cabinet invited judgment
upon their acts, and the people determined to
accept that invitation in such a manner that
no false Impressions should go ont to the coun.
try Of their real opinions. The fragrant corrup.
tioa at Washington. the appalling public ex-
penoitures, the prostitution of patronage to pc.
liticsl purposes, the outrage of all prepriety in
enforcing Executive dictation, and the open
abuse of power, in prescribing Democrats for
holding adverse opinions; these all entered into
the canvass. The tyranny practiced in Kansas
and the reign of terror established there by
Federal bsyonets, exercised the sympsthies and
stirred the resentment of the people.