The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1859-11-15


When the Wing and Democratic parties were
arraycd against each other the humblest follower
ofeither had some comprehension of his own and
his opponents position. He was conscious,
though dmly and fcebly so perhaps, of the nature
of the cardinal principles for which he struggled
and had some not indefinite notions of the results
to be expected from a victory or defeat. Import
ant political theories, as well rs vital practical
questions, waited upon the doubtful issue when
the assailanrs and defenders Of Protection, Inter
nal improvements, and Government Banks met in
hot discussion Every section of the country was
divided upon questions more elevated than local
disputes can involve for they grew out Of the Com
slitution itself and were destined to give shape
and direction to our form of government for all
time to come Whether the Federal power was to
be enlarged or narrowed in its scope, vas a grave
matter for statesmen to ponder on and enlightened
constituencies to determine. The conflict about
these great points has now ceased, at least for
awhile. The storm no longer rolls maestcally over
thewhoc broad surface of the ocean, but innumer-
able tempests hiss and gurgle ina thousand teapots
Perhaps is a sign of our growing strength, that
have thus outlived so many constitutional doubts
and scruples, and can afford to employ ourselves
in the settlement Of differences less momentous in
their character than those we have already deatwith
However this may be, it is certain that with the
exception of the slavery question, which is purely
a sectional one we have arrived at an era Or
smaller things. The nation must occupy itself
with something, and as great events are not
always at hand, we have managed to find enter
toi f,rp and For l,o
cities of our Congressman in solving problems of
minor magnitude. They are serious enough
certainly, but as each stands on some peculiar
basis Of its own, they fall below the dignity Of
those controversies which spring from, and are
re'erable back to some one grand political prin-
cple. Whether Kansas should be free or slave
whether Cuba should be bought or stolen-whether
the Pacific Railroad should have a Northern or
Southern terminus, or rather whether these and
some half dozen other matters should have any
ternini at allare the inquiries that have latterly
engaged us in interminable discussions But as
the Presidential election approaches, the prepare
tons for which are rapidly progressing, the dearth
of those leading topics on which a party might
boldly appeal to the country, becomes glaringly
apparent. 1t IS curious to see with what activity
the various organizations are laborng TO lay
hold Of something that shall serve them in the
day of trial. They must bid for popularity.
and as yet they scarcely know what to
offer. The Republicans have their one idea
which although it means something, is extremely
narrow, and they despair of their ability to con-
struct platform broad enough to accommodate
the Union. The Americans say they have a creed
and if it be that in which they were indoctrnated
ut Philadelphia, half Of them are reluctant to own
it, and none Of them, when they had the power,
have attempted to cmbody lis intolerant teachings
in law. An embryo Peoples party lately I'M
fur!ed its flag bearing sundry inscriptions, which,
like the famous motto, ''Sailors Rights" meant
anything, aud everything, and nothing. Each OF
the three associations however appears to have
shrewd suspicious of the unseaworthineSs Of the
craft in which it is embarked and it is now pro-
posed for greater security to lash them a together
and try partnership adventure. This new no.
ton has found expression in what is pompouslv
annOunCed the ''uni0n of the opposition -
Should such an arrangement be perfected it would
secure unity Of action in one way, for it would
doubtless vote down many things with exceeding
unanimitv, but what it would substitute for them
afterwards it would he very hard to say. How
the principles Of It's members could be consolida-
ted without being dishonesty compromised is also
another troublesome query. Possibly some method
may yet be devised through which love for the
negro and hate for the Catholic may be made to
harmonic, and cnmty towards the planter be
neutralized by good will for the native mechanic
Meantime the programme does not seem to be a
promising one, and it remains to be seen whether
its advocates like the three wise men Of Gotham
will not put to sea in a bowl and come to a like
ending.