Martinsburg Gazette And Public Advertiser

(From the Cincinnati American, Feb. 7.)

THE NEXT PRESIDENCY.

Speculation is at an end on the question who will be the candidates. Gen. Jackson has been induced to consent to be a candidate for re-election, notwithstanding his recommendation to Congress, that the Constitution shall be so amended as to prohibit the second election of any President. It does not seem likely that Mr. Calhoun will venture the contest. Mr. Clay has been proclaimed throughout the Union, as the candidate of the National Republican party. The contest then is to be between Gen. Jackson and Mr. Clay—between the Military Chief and the untitled citizen.

It is well, when we are about to enter into battle, to calculate the probable issue. It is folly, it is madness to contend against an invincible force. It is the part of the insane to exhaust strength in hopeless struggles. It is the extreme of foolhardiness to go into a contest with the certainty of nothing but disgraceful and ruinous defeat. If such be the case with our party, let us retire from the field of contention—let us plead no longer in a desperate cause. Let us bow our necks with what resignation we can command, and receive again the yoke of misrule. Let us attend the funeral obsequies of our glorious system of Internal Improvement and Protection to Domestic Industry, with whatever of composure philosophy may enable us to assume. Let us contemplate the Supreme Court of the Union, the glory of our land in the eyes of all nations, yielding gradually for the want of Executive support, and finally sinking into absolute inefficiency; and, if we can, look on calmly. Let us see the Bank destroyed, and a tremendous engine of Executive power substituted in its place, and acquiesce with becoming humility, in the decree of the Imperial Caesar. If it must be so, let us prepare our hearts for these things; but first let us ask if there be no remedy? Is the case desperate as our adversaries tell us, and as one or two among ourselves seem ready to believe? Let us make the calculation.

Let us first see what States may be relied on as being friendly to Mr. Clay. We shall only set down those about which candid men make no question. These are Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, R. Island, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Louisiana. Gen. Jackson may count with confidence on all the States opposed to the Tariff and Internal Improvements; that is to say, on Maine, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi; and besides these on Tennessee. The doubtful States are New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Missouri. We have little doubt that New York and Missouri will go for Mr. Clay. Let the National Republicans in these two States exert themselves as they should and the victory is sure. Both of these states are decidedly attached to Mr. Clay's principles, and will be found finally supporting the man. Pennsylvania, also, is a thorough and staunch friend to the American System; but she is, also, a thorough and staunch friend to Gen. Jackson. It remains to be seen which she will abandon. She cannot adhere to both. New Hampshire and Illinois were friendly to the American System: but both these States have seen new light and are now hesitating betwixt two opinions. Both, however, will probably go for Jackson. This then is the result. There are 11 states certain for Mr. Clay. There are 8 states, of which two are the nullifying states, and the rest hostile to the American System, certain for General Jackson. Of the remaining five, two will probably support Mr. Clay; two General Jackson; and one is in a strait between her principles and her personal preferences.

Supposing each state to have as many electoral votes as at the last election, this calculation gives 96 certainly, and 59 probably, for Mr. Clay; 86 certainly and 11 probably, for Gen. Jackson; and 28 doubtful. Allowing these to be given where they cannot be given without a sacrifice of principle to prejudice, to Gen. Jackson, the result will be, for Mr. Clay, 135; for General Jackson, 126. Allowing these to be given to Mr. Clay, the great champion of the political faith, heretofore professed by Pennsylvania, and the result will be, for Mr. Clay 163, for General Jackson 98. If the apportionment of representation, under the new census, makes any difference, it will be manifestly in favor of Mr. Clay.

We have no fear then of defeat, if the National Republican party will do its duty. It is plain that our antagonists are very far from being confident of victory; else why does the thought of Mr. Clay haunt them so constantly? Why these unceasing efforts to bury his reputation under a load of filthy and calumnious abuse? We would say therefore to the friends of Mr. Clay, be up and doing. It is a great contest in which you are engaged. Vital principles are involved in it. Be firm, united, vigilant and active, and you will triumph,—and the country will be saved.