New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-02-04
WINTER DAVIS,
vented.

We observe that the dogs of the Washington
Sham Democratic journals have been let looss upon
Mr.. Winter Davis, since that gentleman took the
liberty TO vote for Speaker, after the macner that
bis sense of duty dictated. What tbese papers say
on any subject is of very little weight, owing TO
their dependent position az mere organs Of various
factions and individuals in their party, whose orbit
is eonfDed to the Federal Capital. They say what
those who establish and support tbem for personal
or other equally good reasons desire them to say.
But not only are their utteIances Of no weight on
this account, they are so from their intrinsic char
acter In their assaults on Mr. Davis they EXHIBIT
nothing but the virulence of empty blaekguardism-
They simply call foul Iames. No man can possibly
be injured by assaults like these deetitnte as they
are Of argument of force of any intellectual qualty
whatever, Of all pth and point. Mr.. Davis has
dared to vote for Gov. Pennington for Speaker aud
for this act there is nothing to be done but TO assa
him with empty denunciaiion.
We leave the defense of Mr. Davis TO himself
knowing that he leeds no aid from u.s. When
those who are entitled to SAX shall call on him for
explanations, be will, no doubt, furnish them 10
maDper that will leave nothing 10 be desired. Bot
of his political position before the country we do
not hesitate to speak. Since the days of Pinkuey,
Mar lard has sent no ADLER man and no more 6u-
sbed orator to the Councils of tho nation than Mr.
Winter Davis. As q speaker of commanding
power ard elOquence he had no superiors 10 the
last Congress, and he has none in this. His char
scter, too, is above reproach and above suspicion.
Indeed, we may say, independent Of all political
considerations that we know no man in public life
Of Mr.. Davis's age whom we can place before him
in all those qualities that give promise of brilliant
career.
Standing as perhaps be now does, at turning
point in his political fortunes it is not for to pre-
Dict the future. All We can say is, that be seems
to us to manifest the sagacity to perceive, as we
know he has the ability to maintain, the demands
of bis position. Political exisences arise 10 the lie
of every man who holds distinguished place, and
upon his own prescience and comprehension must
depend the success with which he turns them to
account. We believe, from our knowledge of the
character and talents of Mr.. Davis, that he is
equal to his situation, and that he will not fail to
up 10 the high expectations Of his friends and
TO retain the confidence of the Constituency he so
we'll represents; while be will at the same time
challenge the respect Of the country. With this
lofty and inspiring prospect before him, be
can afford to disregard the yelpirg ours
who beset his heels. OF those who are
worthy 10 meet him in the open field of political
discussion, he will certainly entertain no apprehen-
sors There are but few, either in Congress or
out Of it, who will seek this contest 1t is not one
Of tie least marked, or least valuable Of Nc.
Davis's characteristics, that he possesses CON-
handing Influence with tie masses Of the people.
His greatest oratOrical triuwphs have been won
before promscuous crowds. In the scenes that are
before him, this quality will doubtless prove of
great service, as well in personal Is a political
point of view. We shall watch the future Of Mr..
Davis and of the political fortunes Of Maryland
under bis guidance, with an abiding interest He
is tie leader of his party, and he s the popular
fayorte Of the State, and, in the developments TO
VII Oh the times point, it may turn out to be his
fortune to play no ncOnsiderable part 10 the history
of the country.