Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1858-01-08

's'~~-1RIT NJ RITCHIE g. DUNNAvANT.
SP1DIY mORNING, JANUARY 8, 1865
TuE ADMINISTRATIONS AND THE oBSTA.
CLES,IN IT'S WAY.
Mr.. buchanan was selected for, and elevated to the
Presidency of the United Staes with reference to no
sectional interests faoous preudces AT The time
of his nomination, as now, the one great paramount
danger that threatened the continuance ofthe Union
was the unoeasing and hostility Of the ene
mics of slavery to that institution. The msnaces OF
the Abolitionsts seemed to be backed as they reay
were by powerful party, which would closely con-
test the ensuing election with the supporters
of the Constitution and defenders of the Union Ihe
most sangune men of the conservative schools North
and South, we're at last alarmed by the aspect of at
fairs. And the sntslavery fanatics betrayed
a degree of confidence and courage, whicn
the sequel showed not to be without reason
In such an emergency, it was inolspehsaoie
that the Democratic party should select
standard bearer who would not only be acceptable IN
the South, as in the North and in the North as IN
the South, but:whose distinguished services' whose
experience and patriotism, whose wisdom and mode
Ol.
tory, would commend him to the conservative sense
of the whole country with warmth, and awaken AMI
nation and zeal in behalf of bis cause Such man
must necessarily be above suspicion in the slave
States and free from all dstrust of his nationality IN
the North. He must be knewn not to be inimicsl 10
either section-not TO be In favor of forcing slavery
upon any people, nor reluctant 10 MAINTAIN II
spans. either the insidious or open encroach
ments of its opponents. 1t was no time Tor com.
promise. The crisis had come. The gauntlet was
thrown down with defiance by the Abolition leaders;
and the South must hurl it back in their faces with
determination to win the victory, or dissever the
Union. Under such circumstances, James Buchanan
was honored with the responsibility attaching to the
chosen chief Of movement the result OF which
must determine whether this glorious confederacy of
sovereign States should stand or fall-whether the
great political and moral monument erected by
Washington to his own and the memory Of his oom.
peers, should be broken in fragments by the hand of
dissertation or continue to tower as the landmark for
liberty in the old world.
The simple election Of Mr.. Buchanan could not, OF
COURSE accomplish Immediately, the salutary results
il promised, other than the defeat Of Fremont, and
the safety of the Union for four more years.
The utter overthrow Of the Black Republican par
~ s the great end to be attained in order to restore
peace aud quiet to the country. and to fas.
ten the Union firmly on its foundation. This
was impliedly promised in hs election; and bis
Administration may be enabled to accomplish 1t, il
i,s policy can be carried out freely and fully. The
Kansas controversy has presented the slavery ques.
ton plainly; and Mr. Buchanan has met ii, as the
70 He hAa m
the influence Of the Administration neither on
the side of the North nor the South. But, with un'
waverng adherence to the precepts Of the Constitution
and the principles Of the Government, he has conform
ed closely to the provisions of the Nebraska act and
fearessy vindcated the rights of the people OF the ter
ri.ores to decide for themselves whether when they
are prepared apply for admission into the Union they
will accept slavery or reject it. Such was his Impair
tisl positions such were his national, republican, Con-
sttutonsl sentiments at the time Of his nomination;
such they have been throughout the controversy and
such they are now, in despite of all menace, either
from abotonists in the North, disunionsts in the
South. He was nominated as a patriot, true to the
whole Union, prejudiced against no section, wise
enough to know the right, aud resolute enough to
maintain it, He was elected to protect the South by
lnrerposlug the constitution between slavery ana lrs
sssaants and we appeal to the Southern people and
confidently, proudly ask it, 80 far, he has not nobly
done his duty.
But the Administration still has obstacles in II,
way. Kansas is not yet withdrawn from the Halls
of Federal legislation. There is, however, reason
to believe that the disturbing question will soon be
settled and although it will leave behind it traces
of it's trouble, they will soon be swept awsy-giving
gratifying evidence that differences among Demo.
orats need not alwaya lead to divisions. The Utah
trouble affords no ground for party or sectional
disagreements in relation to it. And it must therefore
be regarded rather a. misfortune to the country
than counted among the difficulties Of the Admin
| istration. The arrest of General Walker, however
we cannot hut consider matter Of serious import
snoe to the President, involving, as We think
It does, practical eIemplcation Of the foreign po
licy of the Administration, and that too upon the
point which mos. intimately associates it with the
domestic and political relations between the free and
slave States. The South looks southwark for the eI
| pansion of her institutions. And if the American
navy is to be employed in paralyzng the energies Of
| our adventurous citizens who dare to throw them
selves upon foreign soil in behalf Of liberty, and in
crushing the hopes of those who would welcome them
a. deliverers from the bonds Of tyranny, by pursuing
to the ends of the earth every lawless bRnd which
may escape from our shores, 1T is idle Ia
talk of annexation Central America, Mexico
and Cuba, would then be forbidden fruit forever Fill
libustering should be countenanced by no Christian
government; and go should wars be avoided as much
a. possible, BY every Christian people. But let us
remember the French .fiibutcrism in the American
| revolution.
tits not our purpose to dwell on this topic at pre-
sent We adduce it only as one Of the difficulties re-
quirng the utmost discretion the part the Admin
stration and inevitably leading to dissatisfaction
In one section or the other. We have confidence in
the courage Of Mr.. Buchanan and his Cabinet. And
therefore, we think the decision will be in condem
nation of the course of Commodore Paulding, re-
gardless Of the clamor Of those who "hod up their
hands in holy horror" at the idea. The Administrs
ton, ss it should be, is avowedly opposed to iibus
teriug. But its foreign policy as foreshadowed is
conservative without being contracted. A repudia
ton Of Paudings conduct, on the part Of the Pres
dent, will imply no sort of sympathy either for Walk
| er or bis cause.
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