Richmond Daily Times

Buchanan, Cass, Douglas, &c.

A correspondent of the Enquirer earnestly presses the claims of Gen. Wm. O. Butler, as the Democratic candidate for the Presidency. The writer argues that neither Buchanan, nor Cass, nor Douglas, can be elected. We quote an extract from his communication.

Several distinguished men have been spoken of as Democratic candidates for the Presidency-among them James Buchanan stands conspicuous. He is popular in the South, and I am free to say, that I could cheerfully support him. He has been my first choice, and shall be so again, if he is nominated. He is a gentleman of high character, and a statesman of tried qualifications. At the head of an united Democratic party, he would give us an able and safe administration. But can he be elected? Can he carry his own State? Can he carry the North-West? I am constrained, from all that I can learn, to give a negative answer to all of these questions.

It cannot be disguised, that in regard to General Cass and Judge Douglas, heart-burnings exist which cannot be cured. They are identified with measures which the Democracy of the South cannot tolerate. The Democratic vote of the South cannot be concentrated upon either of them. Look to the signs now to be seen, and you must come to this conclusion. A critical review of their records would drive thousands of true Democrats, who never before baulked, from the polls. I will not now particularize votes. I do not desire to kill off any Democrat, while we have Whigs to fight; but make either Cass or Douglas your nominee, and I warn you that you will have to face records which will drive Southern Democrats from the polls.

As chroniclers of passing events we deem it our duty to note, from time to time, the progress of the strife among the harmonious and principle-loving Democracy. The Southside Democrat must excuse us for occasionally giving a small share of attention to the affairs of its party. We can assure the Editor, that we have ample leisure to do so, and that he need be under no apprehension that our own house-hold will suffer from neglect. The difficulties and dissensions in the Whig party, are far from being of so serious a character, as to require our constant attention. In this respect we are more pleasantly situated than the Democrat. Our sleeping and waking dreams are not haunted like his by the horrible apprehension of having a candidate palmed upon us, whom we loath and abhor--whom we have denounced as a "cheat" and a "counterfeit." and who, by our own admissions, is doomed to inevitable defeat. We have no dread of being compelled to "stagger to the polls" under the super-incumbent weight of an unworthy and unpopular candidate, and of having our "sensibilities lacerated" by sarcastic allusions to his past career. Can our contemporary of the Southside say as much?