The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1859-03-22
PENNSYLVANIA PoLrucs-DowNFAIn OF %

r#. AN
The convention which assembled at Hal. isburg
on Wednesday last renewed the vows of fidelity
which the democracy Of Pennsylvania have given 80
often to the great principles of tho parry. Again
they have expressed their afeotionate confidence in
the i~lustious citizen whom the nation honors as
her Chief Magistrate. From every county, of that
wide Commonwealth the delegates came up to speak
the viii of the people that James Buchanan should
be firmly suppor led against FL opposers inside and
out.
Gov. Packer had not a ftiend in the convention,
nor elsewhere, who denied the justice of this spon-
teneous aud unapimous tribute to tho President. To
tho Governor himself the convention was woling TO
accord the charity of It's silence but the open issue
was forced upon them by the offer of a resolution
which implied a continuance of tho public confidence
in his personal and political integrity. Such a reso-
luton being false in fact and wong in principle was
voted down by an overwhelming majority. OF the
thiriy-soven mon who gave their votes for it, not
moro than five or six are believed tc have done so
from any motive but that of mistaken expediency.
Gov. Packer was nominated in 1857 by a party
convention, and elected by a strict party vote over
David Wilmot, who was the black-republican can
didate. In consequence of his early cornexion with
Cameron, he was suspected by many, and in the
convention he was opposed by some on that ground.
"A painful suspicion that he might prove uufaithful
had gained some ground before his Inauguration,
which was increased by his gratulsous fling at the
Presidens in his inaugural speech. This might have
passed w;thout much observation, but simuliane-
ousIy the public mind was startled by the announce
ment that he had chosen for his attorney general and
confidential adviser Mr.. John G. Knox, O well-known
friend Of his own competitor in the canvass, a bitter
reyiler of the national administration, and an open
mouthed opponent of the democracy on every ques-
ton which divided it from the black-republinans and
aboiitionists. This movement was singular and IN
accountable. But Mr.. Knox was q man OF ability,
and had a good reputation for honesty. 1t was
therefore hoped that the appointment had been
made, not for political reasons, but N consequence
of Mr.. Packers belief that the public interest re-
CURED the appointment of Mr.. Knox in preference
to that of a democrat. Very soon, however, the at
torney general rushed into the political arena, WELD
ing all the influence of the governors patronage,
and apparently backed by the governor himself,
with the proclaimed purpose OF breaking dowl the
democratic organization, opposing its nominees, and
~trampIing its time-h onored principles rnder foot. Not
content even with this, the governor established an
organ at Harrisburg to justly ar. hnox In ABUSING
the President, and siandering oil who adhered to the
party OK stood up for the national ADMINISTRATION.
The patient and long-suferipg democracy of the
Keystone State might have borne all this. But Gov
Packer committed another offence which was alto
gether objectionable. He gave his influence end
his approval to the preparation of what is popularly
called in Pennsylvania 'ihs Sun5luy and Erie sum,
de-" by which the 4r.xpayers of the State were
plundered of many millions. 1t was to these mis-
deeds that the democracy in convention assembled
refused to give their appreciation and no right
minded or just man viii say that they could have
done otherwise.
The Harrisburg Patriot and Union, always con
Quoted with a moderation equal to its ability, has
strong editorial in the number of Saturday last
which we publish and commend to the perrsal o
our readers.