Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1859-12-05


TIE Pittsburgh Journal is still quite
bitter in its opposition to Simon Cameron
for the Presidential nomination. In ro-
cent article it comments upon "the degen-
eracy of our politics" and very justly CEN
sures the growing practice of bartering and
trading for ofice-a practice which has at
last extended itself to the office of the
Presidency, itself, We can heartily join
in this censure, believing as VIC do in the
maxim of the brilliant and incorruptible
Lowndes, that ''thc Presidency is an office
neither to be sought for nor declined =
The Journal processes its sorrow to see
ga clique of political gamblers openly in
the field in favor of a certnin aspirant, and
we cannot fail to perceive that Cameron is
the candidate alluded to. The editor of
that paper, it is asserted, was visited re-
Gently by gentleman from six hundred
miles west of that place, who informs him
that agents of the aforesaid clique have
been traversing his section of the Union,
palming off on Republican politicians, the
most incredible stories of the strength of
their favorite, (Gamerou;)i in Pennsylvania
They declare that she is a unit in demand
ing his nomination, and that unless he is
nominated, they will vote for no one else.
"Pennsylvania is not unit" says the
Journal, "for any one. She can be carried
more easily for some, and just as easily for
twenty others, as she can for the gentleman
mountaineering Cameron.
Now, if all this be true, as stated by the
Western informant of the Pittsburgh edi-
tor, the Journal has just grounds for its
structures. If in nothing else, in any way
connected with the selection of the Chief
Magistrate of this country, there should Mt
least be fairness in the nomination of can
didatcs by contending parties. If the
nomination be unfairly or unwisely made;
it will have the effect either of bringing
defeat upon the party, or of foisting an
unfit person into the high office of Presi-
dent. Parties should be left to make per-
fectly fair andun BIASED nominations. The
highest criterion for the election of condi-
dates is fitness and capacity. 1t is doubtful
whether any circumstances would ever
justify suceess; but even if such criterion
should be erected, there must still be fair
ness in making its application.
1t may be essential in the contest of
1860 to carry Pennsylvania, and Cameron
may be the mnn-thc only man-who can
carry that State Admitting the former,
(which is, at least, more likely to be truc.)
it by no means follows that the latter is
settled question. 1t is point, indeed,
about which the most sagacious politicians
of the country have differed and continue
to differ. If Pennsylvania must be car
ried, it is not absolutely required that :.
Pennsylvania, and none other, should
carry it. And even if it will take Penn
sylvanian to do so. it is question, certain
ly, whether Cameron is the man. If this
is to be the question to which the whole
suject of the nomination is to be reduced,
then let there be perfect fairness in set
! Ting it. Let it not go forth as forgonc
Aconclusion that such or sucha man is 10 be
3the candidate. Let there be no attempt to
brighten or force candidate upon the
party; but let the claims of each man be
fairly and fnl!y investigated. Unless this
be allowed, spirit of dissatisfaction and
disorganizNtion will be engendcrcd which
will seriously prejudice the chances of any
man that can be brought upon the track