Alexandria Gazette

"HOW THE WIND SITS."

One of the most fruitful and enduring topics of conversation which the politicians of all classes in this city have, just about these days, is the very great, deep and nervous—not to say spasmodic—concern the official organ evinces every day about the running of Gen. Taylor for the Presidency by the Whigs. It has great fears that some of the Locofocos may commit themselves to the Taylor cause without really knowing whether "Old Rough and Ready" is a Whig or not! In Friday evening's organ there is a long and curious reply to the Philadelphia North American, which commences thus: —

"We can despise the ribald attacks, or the empty menaces of the 'Philadelphia North American'—its scraps of poetry and fragments from novels. We only protest once more against the scurrility of its strictures, and its shameless degradation of the former dignity of the press of Philadelphia."

Now, most people would think that a pretty severe denunciation, and that its author would not again touch the "North American" with "a ten foot pole."

But in the same number of the same "North American" that contains so many things which the official organ "can despise," the latter finds something which it thinks squints as if the aforesaid "North American" might take ground against the running of General Taylor for the Presidency, and Presto! the official organ breaks forth in unsuppressed joy, as follows: —

"If the 'North American,' then, goes for its principles first, and then for no man who is not nominated by the Whig Convention, and who does not boldly avow the principles of the Whigs, we say frankly, at once, that we admire its manly course, and would recommend the same position to our own party!"

Here are two extracts from the same article in the official organ;—if they do not blow hot and cold, then it would be difficult to find a difference between the antipodes.

The official organ can despise the ribald attacks and empty menaces of its Philadelphia cotemporary—and also its scraps of poetry and fragments from novels;—but it can admire its manly course, if it will only go against General Taylor's running for the Presidency.—Baltimore Patriot.