The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-01-06

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Mr. Buchanan has written from the White House, at
Washington letter. the contents of which at the present
time psess unusual importance on both sides Of the At
lantic. Mr.. Buchanan having by pressure of business
been compelled to decline taking part in the centennial
celebration Of the occupation of Forts Duquesne and Pitt
recently held at Pttsburg sent letter Of excuse, which,
If IL expressed nothing beyond complimentary phrases
usual such occasions, would in England at least fairly
escape criticism and notice Mr.. Buchanan, however
the existing condition of affairs in the American
Union which, we believe, many of his fellow citi-
zens will not receive either in very complacent
or thankful spirit. 1t is only natural that
American statesman, in recording gallant exploit
performed by provincial troops century ago, should
contrast the state Of affairs which then existed in North
America with the magnificent progress IN population and de-
vclopsmont OF power which hundred years. brief
period in the history Of nation exstence-has since
brought forth.
tion which the OF the United States has SO largely
tended TO the extension Of republican institutions in North
America, should now, by large section of the commu-
nv be treated with scarcely particle of that vencraton
and respect which animated the exertons OF the founders
Of American freedom and Independence. Mr.. Buchanan
asks "Wl our country, century hence, compose one
united nation more popuous, powerful and free than
any other which has exsted2 will the federacy
have been rent asunder and divided into groups of
hostile and jealous Statesy' The which Mr. Bu
cbanan himself supplies that he views the future
of country with considerable doubt and apprehension
He wres;"l regret to say that the present
far from proptious In the last age OF the republic was
considered almost reasonable TO pronounce the word
'dsunou.' Times have since sadly changed, and now
cent evils real or imaginary, which, et TO themselves
would speedily vanish away in the progress Of events"
surely great and almost irresistible cause has
stoned this change in the public opinion Of America.
On this point Mr.. Buchanan wisely silent; but every
body that the existence Of slavery has produced
that arrangement between the Northern and the
southern States, the result Of which at distant
period may be the dismemberment Of the powerful
public which Warrington, Hancock Adams and the other
famers Of the American constitution consistently Ia
bored to establish cannot be denied that the interests
and policy Of the free States have little in common with
those Of the South where slavery Is not only considered
an invaluable institution but sought to be extended by
the acquisition Of new slave holding Territories. But hero
is one point in Mr. Buchanans letter which must
commend 10 the attention Of those persons in this country
who not disposed accept absolute truth abso
luc wisdom every statement which Mr. Bright may have
the rashness not TO say the audacy to make when his
object to vfy England by his hyper audaton Of every
thing American What says Mr.. Buchanan Of that
general system Of corruption which is incident, II
not the necessary consequence Of the system Of unvcr
sal suffrage which exists IN the United Statesf In the
last age" he observes "athough fathers di
vded into political parties which often had
hcts with each other yet we never heard until within
recent period Of any employment Of money 10 corrupt
electors Should this practice increase until the voters
and their representatives the State and national egs
stures shall become infected the fountain Of free govern