The Weekly American Banner

The only Real National Candidate

Mr. Fillmore, says the Baltimore Clipper, in commenting on the Albany speech, is the only real national candidate now before the people. Mr. Buchanan is pledged, if elected, to carry out the filibustering views of a faction, whatever may be the effect upon the nation. He is tongue-tied, and when asked his opinion upon National subjects refers to the Cincinnati platform and is mum. He is no longer James Buchanan, an honest and independent citizen of the Union, but the tool of a faction, bound to do its bidding in all matters. How insignificant he appears when placed by the side of the patriot Fillmore, who, although a candidate for the same office, has the manliness to speak out his sentiments even if he were thereby to ruin his prospect of being elected. He rebuked sectionalism in the very seat of his power; and boldly proclaims that if either the North or the South desires to have a President who will act upon sectional principles, he will not answer the purpose, as he goes for sustaining the Union as it is, with all the compromises of the Constitution.

This is the language which should be used at the existing crisis in public affairs. The country requires a national man, who will administer public affairs with justice to all parts of the Union—and who will distribute public patronage in reference to talent and qualification and not according to locality—who will look to the welfare of the whole nation, and not to that of a particular part only. All real friends of the Union should unite in placing Mr. Fillmore in the Presidential chair. Buchanan is tied down to the planks of his platform, and must adhere to them though they bring himself and the country to ruin. Fremont is the candidate of one idea only—that of hostility to slavery—and his election would have the effect of widening still more the breach between the North and the South. Being elected upon sectional grounds he must act upon sectional views—and the safety of the Union might be endangered.

Fillmore would go into the Presidential chair upon purely American principles; and, like Washington, he would carry those principles into effect, to the salvation of his country. No man can read the address of Mr. Fillmore at Albany without being filled with admiration of the man. His boldness, honesty, fearlessness of consequences, and pure patriotism, must enlist the favor of all real patriots whether they reside at the North or at the South. He is a statesman of that school which has always taught that the preservation of the Union is superior to all other considerations. United with the great men who restored tranquility to the nation in 1850, he still acts upon the same principle, and desires to assist in healing a schism which was produced by reckless legislation and the most contemptible personal ambition. If elected he will have the confidence of men from all parts of the Union; and may, therefore do much towards promoting conciliation and harmony. This pleasing result would not follow the election of either Mr. Buchanan or Col. Fremont. They are both ultra and in opposition, and neither can win supporters from among his adversaries. Mr. Fillmore occupies the middle ground—the true American ground—stand with the olive branch in one hand and the Constitution in the other he can rally around him a band of patriots from the North and from the South, who will uphold the Union against all opposition and under all circumstances. What can the North or the South desire more, than to have such a man chosen President of the Union?

They will find peace and security in the administration of a national chief magistrate and they should be content in having public affairs restored to the condition in which they were designed to be placed by the Constitution. The blunder and corruption of the present administration would be rectified as far as practicable: and our country would be once again at peace with all nations, and prosperous and happy at home.