The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-04-07
For the National Era.
THE NEXT PRESIDENCY.


THE NEXT PRESIDENCY.
The article published in The Tribune of the
18th instant, on the question, " Who shall be
the next President ?" and republished in the
Albany EreaiRg Journal, with comments has
with the comments of the Journal been extern
slvely republshed, and excited much discussion
among the people. Generally, the people ex-
press themselves gratlhed that the article and
comments have been published, but for rea-
sons somewhat diverse. Some because they
consider tho same as a virtual nomination. so
Tar as these two papers are concerned, of vii
liam ii. Seward. Others, because they think
that the Tribune article shows that Mr.. Seward
Is not Its favorte candidate, and that the com
ments of the journal show that it is willing
that some other one should be nominated pro-
vided only the nominee is a representative
man. Others, again, because they are in favor
OF high protective policy, and rejoice that il
Is made by these two papers question of par
amount portance-looking to it as the best
means of destroying Slavery, if not the only
practical way. Others rejoice that the ques-
ton OF protection has been raised at this early
day, believing that little discussion will show
that high protective tariff should not be made
by Republicans party question, and thus pre-
vent any mistake on this question by the Ma.
tional Convention.
/ certainly rejoice that the article and COM
ments have been published, and approve OF the
general tone Of the Tribune article and endorse
with my whole heart the position of the Albany
Ecening JoaI1tat, that the candidate, whoever
he may be, must be a representative man. and
a representative, too, of the Republican ideas.
on the subject of Slavery. ] rejoice, also. be
cause those articles, while the editors profess n
hat tha. Of II,
not be discussed until 1850, do in reality dis
cuss that question, and will, IN my opinion,
clpIes TO be put iortn ana sustani6d, bin OF the
question, who best represents the principles,
and is best calculated, all things considered, As
Chief Magistrate, to inaugurate permanent
and wholesome policy in accordance with our
principles.
have no doubt but that the nomination OF
Il representative man-aiS one of our repre-
sentative men--s the best policy, even on the
score of availability. The nomination of any
other kind of man would render lukewarm
those whose principles have given character to
the party, and whose enthusiastic support is
sential to success. have no doubt but that a
full and free discussion will make this so ap-
parent, that none but representative men will
he thought OF at the Republican National Con
veution. | think if you would allow the Err
time to time discuss the qualities of leading
Republicans, which fit them for the very grave
duties of the first Republican President, you
would do good service To the cause of Freedom,
and, hope, add TO the circulation of your eX-
oellent paper; for, in such case, all who would
be well posted would be under the necessity OF
reading the Era.
But my object in writing is 20 express dis
sent to some things in tho Tribune article.
do not like the form of expression in rela-
ton to Governor Chase, by which the editor
would seem TO imply that Governor Chase might
be selected, if the question was one Of reward
ing able service with the Presidency. instead OF
selecting that statesman most thoroughly i'm
bued with the Republican, idea. If the form OF
expression was deliberately chosen for the pur-
pose CT implying what the editor did not wish
to assume the responsibility of expressing.
naTnoiy, that Governor Chase was not states
man OF Republican principles, then IT should
be characterized as unjust and unfair. Gov
ernor Chase's friends, | believe, never will urge
his nomination simply as reward for able and
deserving service in the Republican cause, buI
because they believe him stateman OF emf
pent ability, OF great organizing powers Of
mind, thoroughly imbued with Republican
principles, and capable Of carrying them into
practical effect without producing disorder III
other regards And they viii seek his nomina-
ton, not to reward him for his great services,
Though in selecting a candidate these are not
to be overlooked but because they think that
his election Will tend to bring back the Govern
ment to permanent and wholesome policy, in
accordance with the principles of the Republi
can party. In seeking his nomination, they will
never do or say anything In disparagement OF
the standing of other candidates or Of their
friends
Again, DO not think that John p Hale
should have been omitted in the list Of Repub-
lican statesmen whose qualifications and ser
vices should be consdeEea in selecting a can
didate. He met alone the first brunt of the Dat
tie in the Senate-how well and nobly is known
to all, If disinterested and elfsacriGeing ser
vices are to decide the question, his claims
would be equal to the best, and Ear exceed some
whose names are mentioned IN the Tribune.
No one who has sustained himself as he has,
can be without the ability to fiji the Executive
chair, and if Nominated he viii be found to o.
cupy a warm place in the hearts Of the people
But the gravest objection TO the article ia
the avowal that the editor looks to tariff, and
a tariff only, as the means Establishing Slavery.
Let me quote few lines:
"But on a subject even graveg and more
vital than this" (he had been speaking of hon
esty and economy in the administration OF the
Government) Z" that Of the development and
diversifcation of Cur national industry as the
natural and necessary antidOte to human Sla-
very, we have no reason TO believe Gov. Chase's
views so nearly aecordant with our own con,
victions as are those of Gov. Seward.
"Slavery will be undermined and overthrovn
i'll this country as it was in Europe, and must
ultimately be everywhere. through that ripening
and perfection OF national industry which rem
ders the isfaS9ant human machine minus
quantity Hot worth the cost of Keeping in con-
dition for service" "Were this couil-
try to produce its own metals, cloths, and
wares, steadily, for even quarter of century,
there would be very few slaves left in ii at tho
close of that peyiod. Slavery would thus pass
away Without convulsion, without collision,
without spohation, by the simple process of
making the land aud machinery essential to its
cultivation worth more with free labor, than