Constitutional Whig

Irish Meeting in Philadelphia—state of Public Opinion in Pennsylvania.

We refer the reader with particular satisfaction to the proceedings of the great Irish Meeting in Philadelphia, and to the letter of Alex. Cook, one of the fathers of Pennsylvania Democracy.

The Philadelphia Inquirer declares that those proceedings "should be considered abroad as containing the sentiments of a large majority of the Irish population who at the last election voted for Gen. Jackson—and that this change alone would be sufficient to turn the scale against Jackson in that vicinity." The Inquirer adds, "but we confidently assure our friends in the interior of the State, and throughout the U. States, that changes equally important have taken place in the sentiments of our native born citizens, not only in Philadelphia, but throughout Pennsylvania."

We know from many indications, that the changes in Pennsylvania have been extremely numerous, and the defection from Jackson in extent and celerity, beyond all example. We know too, that political change is catching, if not contagious; that one animates another, to declare his convictions, and express that disgust which may have long secretly found place in his breast; that those who know no higher motive than to be with the majority, are apt to change with the changing; that, in short, as Ney expressed it, "Revolutions never go backwards." The greatest popularity also, is destined like all sublunary things to fade, to burn out, even without being extinguished. Yet with all these encouraging indications and principles of human action, we hardly flattered ourselves, such was the great majority for Gen. Jackson in Pennsylvania in 1828, and so large was the amount of change, necessary to revolutionize her politics, that any other candidate could carry away her vote from him.

There is now, however, a reasonable prospect, that this will be done. We invite attention to what the Pennsylvania Inquirer says.

"Our hopes, too, with regard to the issue of the Presidential contest in this State, have been strengthening with the lapse of each day. But a few weeks since and we entertained the opinion, although desiring otherwise, that the electoral vote of Pennsylvania would unquestionably be given to Andrew Jackson. Since the circulation of the Veto Message, however, so decided and extensive has been the revolution in public opinion, that we now confidently cherish the belief that Pennsylvania is unequivocally lost to Jackson. The yeomanry of our commonwealth are rising up in all parts of the State, and avowing themselves friendly to the Tariff, the Bank, the Supreme Court, and the Constitution—and hence opposed to the policy of the National Administration. The changes that have already taken place, have been beyond our most sanguine anticipations—others are constantly occurring, and by the thirty-first of October next, the public mind will be in admirable condition to poll 100,000 votes throughout this commonwealth adverse to the present incumbent of the Presidential chair."