The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1860-02-14
The Presidency.

The late abortive effort of few political lead
ers, whose prestige has passed away, TO give
birth to another third party" proves that the
public sentimen. of the nation is rapidly consoI.
dating into two grand divisions upon the great
question of the dsy-Protec,ion versus Restric-
ton Of Slavery in the Territories Of the United
States. This question demands ''fnal settle
ment in principle and substance" at the hands of
the peope, and the popular mind is fast ripenng
q decision that shall accord with justice and hu-
manity.
Meanwhile, it 10 curious to observe the effect.
upon individuals occupying different stand points,
OF the agitation, consequent upon the settlement
of question where great conflicting interests
involved The fre-eater Of the south, misled by
his own false theories, and by lying statements %
the northern locofoco press as to the purposes Of
the Republican party, suffers his prejudces to
lash him into an ungoyernable fury. To appease
his wrath, the Casses Of the north shed naudlin
tears, and sit up nights to suckle the Union-al-
ways at comfortable salary.
Heretofore, these two classes have played their
role with such success, that they have continued
to hold the reins of government in their own
hands, this being the principal object they all the
while had in view. But the signs of the times
indicate that We are on the eve of a change in
the administration of national affairs.
The Republican party, which had its birth in
our own beautiful peninsula, has grown to be-
giant, whose arms already embrace fifteen States,
while the business OF its principles its native vgor
and cohesive strength, foreshadow the truth that
the high places of power are soon to pass into its
possession.
Many there are, who, not having become as
yet identified with its interests. are now anxious
to be received into fellowship, provsded they can
haas seat at the head Of the table. Failing to
comprehend its mission, they only consent to
join the Republican party on condition that it
shall "ignore the principles which give it vital
ity, and the policy it has inherited from :he foun-
ders Of tn. government and shall nominate
man of their own peculiar views a candidate
for the Presidency. Their querulousness reminds
rs OF those VINO throw clubs into an apple tree
that they may help Themselves to the fruit. Those
who attempt TO divert the public sentiment OF
the free States from tangible and legitimate ob-
jects may as well understand at the outset that
their efforts will be unavailing. No man can re-
ceive the nomination for the Presidency at the
hands OF the Chicago Convention, who does not
fully sympathize with the views Of the Republ-
can party, and who will not surround himself
with cabinet that will fairly aud honestly apply
its principles in the administration of the govern
ment.
Mere political trimmers, who have not the
nerve to apply the remedies which the exigen-
cies of the nation require, will find their schemes
dispelsd by the steady current of public opinion,
a. are forest leaves when grasped by the strong
hands Of whirwind.
Without seeking to disparage the claims upon
public regard OF the many noble men who have
with signal ability defended our constitutional
liberty, and thus have contributed to redeem us
from disgrace in the eyes of the world, pre-emi.
nently, in our estimation, stands the name of
William IL. Seward, "a he exponent Of Repuh-
can principles. Our enemies, with an ntuitive |
perception of his far-seeing statesmanship, and |
fearing the gigantic power which he yields, |
leave untried no means that talsehood and malig- /
nifty can invent to strike him down. But un-
moved by the Obloquy which they seek to pour
upon him, and smiling at their insane rawlings, he
moves calmly and quietly on in the accomplish
ment of his great work, with his eye steadily
fixed on the glorious future that awaits his coun.
try, and which his own labors, more than those of
any other, are destined to achieve
That the delegates from Michigan to the Chi.
cago Convention will cast their votes for William
II. Seward We are certain. That the Chicago
Convention will tender him the nomination we
have as little doubt, and If he sees Mt to accept
sure.