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litfasjungtM t^trtiufl. BEVERLEY TUCKER, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR. TUfiSDAV M()1I.\IKG, tl'KIL 'i?, IMIi. FOR PRESIDENT, JAMES BUCHANAN, OF PENNSYLVANIA. Subject to the Derision <>/' the Xational Con vention. THE WASHINGTON SKNTIXKL. We have received so many letters of encour agement for our conduct of the Washington Sentinel during the last two months, that it would seem churlish not to respond to them. It would be vain to attempt to do so, by a sepa rate letter to each friend, and we therefore take this mo;le of returning them our thanks for their good will and efficient aid in our enter prise. The subscription list of the inline! has in creased in the last lew weeks bey Oil d our most sanguine expectations, and we have a confi dent expectation of bein<i enabled within a short time to return to our daily issue. In the mean time, we beg our friends to con tinue their kind ofiices towards us, and we promise our best efl'orts to deserve them. DEMORALIZATION. A nomination of a candidate for the Presi dency should be in harmony with the institu tions of the country?with the whole object, purpose and character of the Government. The constitution was adopted, and the Republic established, for great political ends?as a great public benefaction-to the people til* this coun try and the world. 1 pon us it. was intended to confer immediate, social, political, and religious benefits ; upon nil mankind it wns designed to be an example offrcenr.d orderly government. There was nothing selfish in the movement; ?? was indeed u ^reat patriotic, benevolent under taking, iu which the Fathers of the Republic pledged and hazarded "their live-, their for tunes. and their sacred honor.*' In that das there were few politicians, so to speak; there were many statesmen. Personal ambition was confined strictly to promoting public interests. It was not then that rewards were asked a* a peculiar consideration tor meritorious services; men were not thrust forward for what they had done at the expense of the cause they had ad vocated. The only notable instance, in the wholw war of the Revolution, and in all subse quent trials growing out of attempts to turn its triumphs to practical account, in which an individual put forth peculiar claims for per soual advancement, and, being overlooked, turned against his associates and his country, was that of Benedict Arnold. Perhaps the ca reer of Gen. Arnold as well illustrates as that of any other American, the stupendous folly of urging compensation to individuals beyond that which springs spontaneously from the hearts of the people. Gates achieved victories over the enemy and sought as a reward to be permitted to suppla-' the Father of his Country in the chief tomrr- r tlJe army. Van Bu ren deemed himtf Ay paid and made bis rejection by the pecpie in 1840, and hia over throw by the convention four years after, a suf ficient ground for abandoning a partv to which he was indebted for his political estates, and uniting his strength to that of the abolitionists. We have now the case of Gen. Pierce, urg ing his claims upon the country as a further reward for services performed in behalf of the State. lie entered the Presidential office, three years ago. as the almost uuanimous choice of the people. The slavery question had just closed, and everybody was fatigued with its agitation as an element of politics. Both branches of Congress were with him, the peo ple were with him?the country was quiet, prosperous, and pre-eminently patriotic. But three years have passed and the Executive, of whom much was expected, has not a real friend in the Senate, and, in the House, they are like angels visits, " few and far between." In ihe largest section of the Union he is not only without supporters, but is regarded with senti ments of unmingled contempt. He is, how ever, a candidate for the Presidency, and is nominally supported by men who know how unfit be is fi?r the office and how much he dishonors the American name. VN hat condition of thing*, more than this, is calculated to demoralize the politics of the conntry, and to cast upon its representatives such a stain of di?honor? Does it not make hypocricy a rule of conduct? Does it not de grade the legislative character of the nation ? What i* to be the train in defeating the nomi nation of Mr. Buchanan at Cincinnati? In it to build up the party? Is it to consolidate the Democrats sentiment of the Republic? Can tho?e ends be effected by his defeat and by the renomination of Pierce, or by the presentation of an individual whose character ia diluted hv the zealous support of the President. He has power only now to carry down all his a#sf>ciates to political perdition, and the descent is ea?y and the motion rapid. lie has no power to build up, no constructive material or genius, lie carried the Legislature of Connecticut against us and lost us a Senator. That Senator was his official apo'ogist; was he the Presi dent's friend? Rhode Island was swept away by the hooks and ladders of the Administra tion, by the dead-weight of endorsements forced from the Democracy through official de pendants. New Jersey, unanimous for BncH as as, freed from the fearful w? ight of coalition with the Executive, stands in the viyor of its Democratic power and pride. Pennsylvania, bold in denouncing (ienernl Pierce, unanimous, too, in endorsement of 01d Buck, gloriously triumphs over the combined foes of Democracy. Are these tokens of public sentiment to he for gotten, and is the Democratic party to lie forced into such a position at snch a time, as to com pel it to surrender its Senators in Pennsylva nia, in New Jersey, in Rhode Island, in Michi gan, in Maine, in Indiana, nnd Wisconsin? Is it not enough that we arc compelled to lose the Presidency, but mnst we superadd to this, defeat in the Senate, defeat in the House, arid be sunken into a permanent minority all over . the Union, because there is not moral firmness I enough in our representatives to reject at one? General Pierce and his paid associates, and to aid us to free the Democracy from the odium of his Administration, which has done so much to discredit us, and which has ho power to aid us? We say, again, that the Democracy is weighed down with the fearful dishonor of its , President, and he who unites with him will be an object of suspicion and be credited with no higher motive than that of attempting to ac complish euds of personal ambition at the ex pense of the party, at the imminent risk of its overthrow. The evideuces that the public sentiment of the party and of the country has settled upon James Buchanan as its candidate, are too strong to be resisted. It is the voice of the nation, which speaks in tones neither to be misunderstood or disregarded ; and it it is de feated by factious combinations, wo to the men who, at such a time, dare inflict upon the party 'their mad schemes ot ambition, and upon the country the deep curse of their man agement. Is there a Deniociat in either House of Con gress who aspires to the distinction of the Presidency of this great nation, and who would be promoted only on the basis of a true, un biased public sentiment, that man should seek the nomination of .Tames Buchanan? Is there a man who would promote the cause ot De mocracy, regardless of personal claims and ol individual interests?who would sustain the principles of the Federal Union nt the most critical period of our history, that man should sustain James Buchanan. He who would re | store the Chief Magistracy of the natii.n to its true dignity and its constitutional functions? who would redeem the State from the blight ot officii dishonor?who would repudiate and condemn the doctrine that public morals is a valueless ingredient in government, should aid the nomination of James Bii uanan. the van Til kr in the turky-pks, and the coon in the capital. That grand world within itselt?our North American continent?the land of material con trasts. animate and inanimate?with its mighty rivers, stupendous cataracts, or inland oceans ?with its tiny rills or washing-tub sized lakes ?with its terrible grissly hear, majestic buffa lo and moose?with its humming-bird and sand fly, reems intellectually and politically to olTer no less remarkable contrasts. But these divergencies in nature help to constitute a com pleteness which no unfitness mars, because nature locates in the right places all her crea tions, great and small, so that each in their proper tphere conduce to the harmony of her grand whole. In the political world, where "incapacity and feebleness might have their use as foils to vigor of mind and force of character, it happens unluckily that insignificance is sometimes raised to the summit of the political pyramid, while resolution and energy strain their overtaxed sinews to roll up rocks below to build up higher the future attitude of the aspiring edifice. We all profess an anxiety to see the right man in the right place, though we perhaps have never witnessed, and proba bly may never witness, the complete accom plishment of that political desideratum, but, at any rate, we have before us the unmistake able realization of its contrary iu the present occupant of the Presidential chair. History shows us every gradation iu its prominent ac tors between the extremes of those who, with small means, have done great things, and those who, with great means, have done little things. Has it never struck our readers bow aptly we can sec these contrasts illustrated, by glanciag from Nicaragua to the White House? Has it never struck our readers, that i? with small means, General Walker has, undeniably, done great things, that Franklin Pierce, with great means, cannot even be said to have done little things, unless by little things we understand mean ones? And does not herein lie, as we have already ventuied to suggest, the only pos sible solution to the un-American persecution to which he is subjected by the cabinet of Washington ? On the one hand, if to morrow the curtain should descend forever on the bold adventurer's career, will not some future Prescott, when he chronicles the New World s historic glories, have to give as prominent a place to W alker's deeds as to the story, rendered famous through all time, of the romantic darinjr (however va riously inspired, whether by ambition, love of glory, patriotism, or greed of gold) which has celebrated Piizaro, or Cortex, or the bold buccaneers who defied the power of Spain, or I Bolivar who broke it, or that handful of Ame j ricans who conquered* and made captive the despot Santa Anna on the territory they wrested from him and added to their own. That historian will have to reeord, that this remarkable man. Walker, made his first expe dition to Sonora, if without legitimate warrant, at least with a warrant a* legitimate as that of Cortez or Pizzaro. or Sir Walter Raleigh. For we cannot, as Americans, hold that ^he authorization of a Pope, or the commission of a king, to impose foreign servitude and reli gions enthralment on the aboriginal popula tion, was more justifiable than attempting with armed hand to siexe the territories of an effete race and force upon them free and enlightened institutions. He will hare to record that, in this expedition, with nowise inferior daring, Walker faced perils as frreat, and traversed distances as vast, with means not superior, and with numbers no larger, than the boldest of the Spanish conqni*tadnreM Victorious in the field, but abandoned by a force which disin tegrated when left without enemies to fight, be made good his retreat for hundreds of miles throngh inhospitable regions; and that discom fiture, which led the other adventurer, Raous set de Boulbon, to the scaffold, left the Ameri Cin, Walker, in safety, with increased experi ence and augmented reputation. From the filibuster? (that is to say, from the category of nearly all the first conquerors and occupants. Spanish 01 Anglo-Saxon, of the American continent)?the historian will next have to thow Walker assuming the more re spectable character, and, passing into the school of those who hare deroted their talents or their swords to the service of those strug gling in the cause of freedom, and as legiti mately rs Lafayette, Kosciusko, Pulaski, I)e Steuben and I'aul Jone*, only with an inllu ence far mure marked than their's on the for tunes of his adopted country, he will have to show that, in a few weeks, Walker put an end to the civil war which for months and years had desolated Nicaragua. Neither was this doue by one of those lucky accidents winch give fools their fortune, but after hard fighting j and after rough vicissitudes?by obstinate valor, iudomitable energy, and bold coiubina tion. Lauding with fitty-six followers, and abandoned by the natives, he cuts his way by sheer hard fighting, and re-embarks. Scarcely more successful in his second attempt, in his third he makes a still bolder move, and seiz ing the capital, which neither party had been able to wrest wholly from the other during a year, quells in a few days all opposition. On the other hand, of the Pierce administra tion what substantially can the historian say, except:?That he was elected to the Chief Magistracy of this great nation, at a time when it was more prosperous than it had ever been before, and at a period when the condition of foreign countries gave greater opportunities to further the interests of these United States, than had ever been the case since he was born, I or probably will ever be the case again belore he dies. That he was raised from such insig nificance as to have left him comparatively un trammelled by personal or party pledges, and elected by so overwhelming a majority as ren dered the opposing party powerless and pros trate, und left him, consequently, with freer hands than any of his predecessors, to profit by his unprecedented opportunities: That England and France were engaged in a desperate contest of doubtful issue and uncer tain duration, which, absorbing all their ener gies, left it obvious to the meanest understand ing that they could, less than ever, then have refused to our people its just rights, nor jealous ly have attempted to oppose the legitimate ex tension of its influence or territory: 1 hat it did uot require even common courage to ob tain the pacific solution of questions on which the mind of the great bulk ol the people is made up, because even the chicken-heartedness, which in a contest might have fallen fainting from the popular hobby, ueed never have been exposed where contest there could be none. These opportunities were let slip?the term of Franklin Pierce's Presidency draws to its close; they will certainly not recur within it. If it were to close now at home, he leaves the party which elected him in greater strength than it had ever before manifested, more divi ded now than it has ever been?he leaves the great constitutional question between the North and South worse embittered. Abroad:?We have the great errors ot omission and the little mean errors of commis sion?the Marcy Kosta letter, an indifferent plagiarism on Webster, under cover of which the Administration has surrendered rights that every State in Europe arrogates and that the United States always claimed before. We have Marcy's ordinance on court coats and breeches, which, puerile as it was, no one but Mr. Buchanan succeeded in enforcing, and lastly the recollection of Greytown, with all its ridiculous episode and absurd reminiscences. Its one policeman laid up with the chills and fever; its guns, without shot or carriages, first cautiously abstracted and conveyed away, and the incendiarism of its twenty reed houses which even a savage bombardment could not destroy, because the gunners could not hit the sticks, less thick than ordinary bed posts on which they were raised. It is true that ft short space is left?not enough to repair the n.ischief that has been done, but still unfortnnately sufficient to entail upon the party and the country fresh humilia tions, either the immediate result of recent or the consequence of past derelictions and weak ness. We trust that amongst these we shall not witness the failure of the gallant Walker, caused ' as it only can be by the unnatural sympathy of our Cabinet with his opponents, and by its aid ing and abetting the interception of those re sources with which the public spirit of his countrymen would willingly supply him. Give him only fair play and we have confidence in his head and in his hand, in his cause and in his sword?but you can pen up and starve out the lion or the tiger. But be this as it may we believe that America will feel as much pride at that panther Walker in his small pen of ' Nicaragua, as they will shame at the Coon who i has crept into that high placo of the Capital, j consecrated by the august memories of the 1 great men who have filled it. RXAC'I'LY SO. The Richmond Whig gives an immense list 1 of distinguished men once- in the ^ hig ranks, now prominent in the Democratic ranks, and finds great consolation in parading it forth as a stigma upon the Democratic party. Well, we cannot retort tipon the Whig a similar show of Democrats in the ranks with the Whigs; we are blessed with few of such causes of consola. tion, and are quite resigned to our fate. We will even go farther and quietly whisper a confession in the car of the II hig?it is this, the Democratic Party before long will exhibit an enormously iucreased number of Whigs who will be found in our ranks. It may give the Whig further opportunity of a parade of names once shining lights in the ^ hig Party, now doing patriot service in the ranks of the Democ racy. If the Whig can find consolation in the change, the Democratic Party can stand, with out flinching, the entrance into their ranks of many more just such Whigs as the If hig has published. It is queer from what curious sources some people can derive consolation. "The Whig" is most truly welcome to the pleasure it finds. If its list were of Demo crats gone over to the Whig line, we could un derstand the satisfaction of the Whig; but its rejoicing that the choicest spirits of its party have gone over to the Democracy, is passing strange. W e suppose, by a parity of reason ing, that if the hundreds of choice Wbigs who have gone over give it joy, that when the whole Whig party shall have gone over, its ecstacy will know no bounds. OKORUIA. This great Slate, as modest in her preten tions as she is ^rcHt, has claims upon the De mocracy second to none other. She has also a galaxy of song, any one of whom would do credit to any State, and to the whole Union. When the question of the Presidential Candi date shall have been settled, if a Northern man 1?e selected for it, we look forward to see foremost among the prominent for the Vic? nomination, a sun of Georgia. Georgia has received less notice from the Federal Government, less of what is called federal patronage, than any other State. THE PBBSIOICNOY. We have so frequently made known our views in regard to the selectiou of a candidate by the Convention at Cincinnati, that we would not repeat them, were it not that there are still parties at the South so injudicious as to be wil ling to jeopard the success of the Democratic party for the sake of mere personal preference. The state of the contest at the coming elec tion is simply this: a general and combined effort of the Abolitionists has brought about the single issue of the equal rights of Southern States with the Northern States?the rights of the Southern States are to be trampled on iu disregard of the protection of the Constitution. In this contest every Southern State is_in evitably on one side. No one heed trouble himself about them ; the question?the only question?is, who can most successfully gather together the National men of the North to the support of the Constitution and of Southern rights? There it no other question for the Cin cinnati Convention to determine. The issue has been made, and that alone is to be met. Who can best tfell who that man is who can most surely rally around him a band of Northern National men sufficient to defeat the Black Re publicans?the men of the South or the men of the Democratic States of the North? That the latter can best make the selection is a mat ter admitting of no doubt. This, then, being conclusive, is there any other safe course, any other sane course, than that the South should remain quiet and in full confidence that the Democratic States of the North will surely present for their acceptance at Cincinnati a standard-bearer who shall bear with him the sure augury of success. For the several States of the South to be now expressing their preference of men is not only to embarrass the Northern Democratic States, but, as we think, is to manifest a want of proper consideration for the respective sec tions in this most extraordinary coming con test. Mere expressions of confidence and regard, whether it be for General Piebce, Mr. Buch anan, Judge Douglas, Senator Hunter, Gov ernor Wise, or any other distinguished person age, is sufficiently allowable, but it must ap pear to every one that the Northern Democratic States should be allowed to judge of the candi date who most has their confidence and will receive the largest support. Without meaning to reflect on any other of the many distinguished men who have the con fidence of the whole country, including that sternest Roman of them all, Daniel S. Dick inson, we will give, in a very few lines, our reasons for the selection of Mr. Buchanan. With the South as a unit, thirty-four North ern votes will elect the Democratic candidate. Mr. Buchanan holds that number in Penn sylvania and New Jersey, and therefore his selection (without reference to other States in which he has equal chances and with any other candidate) will secure the triumph of the Democratic party and vindicate the rights of the South. What more can any man do? Who so surely can do that? But, in ad dition, Mr. Buchanan possesses in as high a degree as any man the confidence of the "solid men" of the country of all parties, and to that degree that demagogues could not mislead them with false statements. There is a per I vading belief throughout the length and breadth of the land that, while exceedingly firm in the maintenance of right, he is exempt from rashness, and the public would always expect prudence in all his actions, and no faith would be given to charges against his admin istration of doing acts of questionable pro priety. He would command respect alike at home and abroad. If we be right in what we have said above, we think we have given good and sufficient i reasons foronr own support for Mr. Buchanan, and have furnished them to all who seek, with a single eye, the triumph of constitutional right and the success of the Democratic party. Let others, who can, give better reasons for the support of any other man. If Gen. Pierce has the confidence of the northern Democratic States, let him have the benefit of it, and so with all others if General Pierce shall be found not to have it, why let him retire, consoled with such manifestations of regard from the South as his course shall seem to have merited. Of one party at the North Gen. Pierce is certainly the choice for the Democratic party. If the Black Republican party had the selection of the Democratic Candidate with whom they would prefer a contest, Gen. Pierce would be their choice to a man. Why is this ? Certain ly not because he is the strongest candidate the Democracy could select. Why then? Quien sabet TltK IlltB-TIIK Dl'TY OP TUB SOUTH. What i> the issue in the coming Presiden i tial contest? Has not that issue been made by the oppo pents of Democracy, conglomerating into one mass, and narrowing the issue to a single point for contest? Unquestionably such is the fact. A grand rally of every ism, and of all the stragglers of dismembered pArties have been and are being clucked together under the wings of the old Hen of Abolitionism, alike to degrade from equality Southern States and Southern people, in violation of constitutional right, and to break down the Democratic party. In a content upon this issue, the Democracy of the North have nothing at stake but the welfare and the rights of their Southern breth ren under the Constitution. The contest will be exclusively at the North; at the South there will be no fight, no division, but the front of a solid phaUnx will be pre sented. , Our Northern Democratic friends will have the severest struggle on record?they require their undivided strength and the exercise of their best discretion and firmest resolution. They know themselves best?they, and they alone, can wisely select a leader, true to the constitution*] rights of the South?of the whole Union?who shall most surely lead them to victory. Any interference on the part of the Booth with the Northern Democratic States in this matter can only We injurious. To our mind, it it is passing strange how any South ern State or Southern roan can feel authorized to intrude their personal partialities for individu als, the only effect of which can he to disturb the counsels and harmony of the Northern Democracy. Tbe zeal of pergonal attachment, which causes this unwise demonstration of partiality, its avowal with purpose to influence the Northern Democracy, is in the highest de gree injurious to the best interests of the South, and well calculated to endanger the success of the Democratic party in the coming contest. We will not accuse of improper motives all who have thus, inconsiderately, urged upon the North their special personal preferences, but we may say that indiscreet zeal is oft as dange rous as genuine treason. We hope to see an end of these demonstra tions, for to what possible good do they tend I What matters it to the Democratic States of the North, whether this Southern State pre fers Douglas, another Hunter, others Buciianan, some Rusk, some General Piercevfiome Colonel Davis, some Wise, and so on. None of these preferences should have any weight with the Democratic States of the North?for the ques tion of the contest is,?who do the Northern Democratic States prefer ? That and that alone is the question, because, no matter who is se lected, the entire South, without regard to per sonal preferences, will be unanimous in the support of any sound nominee; but it does matter who the Northern Democratic States prefer?for (heir preference hang victory or defeat. This being undeniable, what sound motive can actuate any Southern man to thrust his preference before the Northern Democracy, to influence their decision, their selection of a man who is to carry the North? In these demonstrations, one thing is very remarkable: the parties who are thus eager to proclaim their personal preferences, and to thrust it upon the notice of the Democracy of the North, as being a matter which should influence them in their selection of a man who can best command the Nortnern Democratic vote, are almost to a man in favor of the power that has the disposal of present patronage^, hey alone can reap immediate benefit in return lor their zeal, certain benefit. Far be it from us to charge upon all who are thus over-zealous, of being nctuated by a knowledge of this fact; but the coincidence is singular, and involves in one common distrust the calculating who do thus expect immediate reward, and the warm hearted, whose zeal and real personal prefer ence get control of their judgment. We have seen from no quarter, even a pre tended justification of this post dangerous policy on the part of Southern gentlemen. It is entirely immaterial to the success of the coming campaign, whether the South prefers Paul or A polios ; but it is of the very essence of success who the Democratic States of the North prefer. * If some of our Southern friends would bear this fact in mind, it might not only relieve themselves of a good deal of engineering to get a blast up, but would make them much more useful, and certainly would relieve our Northern frieuds of much untimely and dis ' trading suggestions. We may refer to this matter again. From the P?nn?ylvanian. ARRIVAL. OF MR. BUCHANAN. The safe return of Mr. Buchanan to his na tive land, after an absence of several yeara on an important diplomatic Mission, will doubtless afford sincere gratification to his many per sonal and political friends. That he has ably and forcibly represented our Republic at the Court of St. James, is admitted by all his fellow-citizens. It was his fortune to be obliged, during his official mission, to expose and unmcuk the rapacious and aggres sive policy evinced by Great Britain, in her commercial and political intercourse with the States of Central America, and that he tri umphantly succeeded, is everywhere conceeded. Of all living American Statesmen, Mr. Buc hanan assuredly possesses the utmost varied and thorough knowledge of the tortuous and aggressive policy adopted and pursued by the British Ministry, toward the feeble republics of Central America. Ilia able and unanswerable letters to Lord Clarendon establish the truth beyond cavil or controversy. The papers is sued by him in reference to English encroach menta and invasion in the region mentioned, conclusively demonstrate hia intimate famili arity with all the outrages perpetrated by Great Britain on the territorial sovereignty of the late Captain Generalcy of Gautemala, from the seizure of Roatan, in 1642, to the capture of San Juan del Norte, in 1848. Whether the particular subject under discus sion had reference to the unwarrantable exten sion'of the wood cutting and fruit-gathering settlement of Belize; or to the flagitous seizure and colonization of the " Bay Islands " on the northern coast of Honduras; or to the pre j tended protectorate ntc assumed by the Crown of Great Britain over the Mosquito Coast and its debauched savage inhabitants, our late En voy was ever prepared with high historical au thority, to checkmate and effectually defeat English rapacity and English diplomatic cun ning. That Mr. Buchanan is possessed of the varied knowledge we have ascribed to him is abundantly demonstrated in his late official correspondence with the British Foreign Office. Every statement put forth by Mr. Buchanan in his letters to Lord Clarendon, regarding English invasion and encroachment in Central America, rests securely on reliable historical data. Not one was shaken or invalidated by the British Minister. The prominent and most talented members of our National Senate, without a dissenting voice, have borne their testimony to the high and masterly ability evinced by our late En voy, in conducting his correspondence with Lord Clarendon. This is no common praise. In view, therefore, of the high appreciation placed upon hia merits as a statesman and diplomatist by the most enlightened of bis fel low countrymen, Mr. Buchanan may point to his recent official correspondence with Great Britain, respecting Central America, with the fullest confidence, that it will be found to con tain conclusive evidence of the many acts of wanton aggression committed by England on the dignity and sovereignty of the States of Central America. At the battle of Leipsic, which lasted three day*, Napoleon lost two marshals, twenty panerals, and about 60,000 men killed, wounded and missing. The allies lost 1,790 officers, and about 40,000 men. At the battle of Wa terloo, the allies lost 16,636 men, and the French about 30,000. About 300,000 men were killed in the various battles of the world in 1855. Froiu the New York Herald of Saturday, April 25 Movement* of Mr. Buchanan?>I1m Public Hcetptlon at I lie City Hall?Dinner at Mayor Wood'l ? berrnuilt ami April Hhow?n. Mr. Buchanan, accompanied by Alderman Ely and other members of the Committee of the Common Council, visited the Astor Library yesterduy morning, according to previous en gagement. Every attention was shown to the distinguished guest, and the details of that excellest institution explained to him. lie was also introduced to a number of friends while there, and altogether passed a very pleasant hour. At twelve o'clock, punctual to the minute, he was at the City Hall, and was escorted to the Governor's room by Alderman Ely. There were at least a thousand persons collected about the building, uwaiting an introduction, and the room itself was crowded with his friends and admirers. Soon after his entrance the Mayor made his appearance, and after pay ing his respects, addressed Mr. Buchanan as follows: Mr. Buchanan?In representing the public authorities upon this occasion, I perform a duty as gratifying to my personal feelings as I nin sure it is in unison with the wishes of the people. On their behalf I bid you welcome. We congratulate you upon your safe return to the country which has been so much benefitted and honored by your services abroad. Though belonging to another State, and personally identified with another community, the interests of the whole Union has been well taken care of in your hands, and in receiving you as we sentiment. Sir, New York, so dependent upon the talents, prudence and patriotism of the statesmen of the nation, can never be unmind ful of or iudifferent to the return that is due to those who thus distinguish themselves. Our great commercial interests, so completely as sociated with all dther industrial pursuits, and so intimately connected with the general pros perity, appreciate and acknowledge the obliga tions they are under to those who, like your self, have always stood up firmly in their sup port. Therefore, sir, in offering to you the hospitalities of the city, and in receiving you as out guest, we are conscious of doing nothing more than your fidelity to our welfare fully en titles you to receive at our hands. I have now the hgnor of presenting to you a copy of the preamble and resolutions which were unani mously adopted by the Common Council of this city, and beg your acceptance of them as expressive of the esteem and confidence of the city of New York. The Mayor here read the following resolu tions, which were very neatly engrossed on parchment, and ornamented with ribbons and other little decorations. lie then handed them to Mr. Buchanan. Whereas, it has been announced in the pub lic prints that the Hon. James Buchanan, lute American Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at London, wuuld embark for the United States on the 9th instant, and whereas there is reason to believe that this dis tinguished statesman will arrive in New York on or about the 21st instant ; and whereas, his patriotic, dignified and able courKe, as the rep resentative of his country at the British court, and especially the judgment and ability dis played in conducting the recent negotiations with Great Britain have commanded the admi ration and approval of tba American people; and whereas, the respect entertained by our citi zens, without distinction of party, for his exalt ed character and commanding tulents, as evinced in a long career of conspicuous public service, ought to find a fitting expression in the action of their representatives in the Common Council?therefore, be it Resolved, (if the Board ofT\.lderman concur)* That a selcct committee of five be appointed to receive the Hon. James Buchanan on his ar rival at this port, as the guest of the city, and tender to him the hospitalities thereof. To this, Mr. Buchanan replied in the follow ing words: now Mr. Mayor?I accept these resolutions with deep gratitude. I consider this one of the proudest moments of my life, and it shall al ways he cherished as a preen spot in my mem ory. In the United States a public man has many difficulties to contend with ; but such a scene as this, after a Ion# period of public ser vices, from an intelligent and patriotic popula tion. is reward enough for the whole. In for eign lands I have ever felt proud of New York; it is known throughout the world. The skill and industry of its mechanics; the energy and enterprise of its merchants; the benevolence displayed in its public and private institutions of charity?all combine to give it renown. My heart swelled yith emotion yesterday as our noble ship ascended your magnificent bay, I exulted in the opportunity afforded me of point ing out its beauties and thousands of vessels to thie strangers on board the steamer. What has given New York its proud pre-eminence? The blessed union of these Slates. (Applause.) Without that union what would become of its prosperity and power? But I am one of those who will never apprehend danger to the Union. (Applause.) Never! In its darkest day I never feared for its integrity or that the people would prove untrue to themselves and to their country, by severing the bonds which held them together iu one common nationality. (Ap plause.) All mankind are interested in the success of our glorious experiment?it is the hope of the world ; and while every portion of the country is dependent for its prosperity upon the preservation of the constitution, of all the spots on earth the city of New York is most in terested in its continuance. (Applause.) That the citizens of New York feel this truth in their heRrts I know full well, and I know, also, the enterprise and the patriotism with which they always act in a noble and righteous cause. In regard in my humble splf, 1 thank you, Mr. Mayor, most cordially for the appreciation which you have expressed for me and my hum ble services ; that it is too high only demands my deeper gratitude. However, I think it is the part of prudence for me not to add anything in addition to what you have been pleased to say?to let well enough alone; I cannot con clude without expressing my deep gratitude to the chairman and members of the joint com mittee, who have been appointed to be my com panions. We met as strangers?we shall part as friends. As for yourself, Mr. Mayor, you are an ancient friend of mine; our friendship isof"auld lang syne." Since on r first ac quaintance it has suffered no diminution or check, and I can say, while you have been my friend I have been no less a sincere friend of yours; and as we are both growing?I beg your pardon (laughter)?I mean, as / am growing old?the continuance of your friend ship is nothing more than I expected. (Laugh ter and applause.) I don't know, therefore, that I should thank you very much, for if I ha?l not met this cordial reception at your hands I should have been greatly disappointed. (Re newed laughter.) I now desire, (said Mr. Buchanan,) to salute the many friends by whom I am surrounded, and to whom you will do me the honor to introduce me. Mr. Buchanan now underwent the ceremony of introduction to several thousands of our citizens, all of whom, it is particularly worthy of notice, were introduced by name. Among the crowd we noticed many of our leading merchants. There were Ilcnry Orinnell, Mo ses Taylor, Peletiah Perit. There were politi cians of all parlies?Frank Granger, Senators Upham and Hall, of the State Senate, and others. This interesting ceremony over, and all having had u fair opportunity of seeing or 1 shaking hands with him, he retired, accom panied by the committee aud greeted with the most flattering demonstrations of regard from 1 the crowd. TUB MAYOR'S DINNER. At six o'clock Mr. Buchanan dined with the Mayor, the company consisting of the follow ing gentlemerw: Senator Slidell, of Louisiana; Senator. Thomson, of New Jersey; Judge Greene G. Bronson, Judge Samuel Beardsley, Hon. Geo. Bancroft, Hon. Charles 0 Conor, Hon. Dean Richmond, Hon. Nicholas Hill, Hon. Daniel E. Sickles, L. B. Shepard, esq., and others. THE SERENADE TO MR. BUCHANAN. At half-past 9 o'clock, the time at which the serenade was to take place, a large crowd as Bpmbled in front of the Everett House ; but it was not long after ten before Mr. Buchanan made his appearancc, having then only arrived from a private dinner given him by the Mayor. His reception was most enthusiastic. In addi tion to his political friends and adherents, there were a large number who were present to testify their high respect for his personal merits and worth. There were also a considerable nam ber of ladies, to whom he was introduced. It was feared that the storm would interfere with the arrangements which had been made for the serenade, but before the appointed time it cleared off, and between one aud two thou sand persons assembled before the hotel. At about half-past ten, Mr. Buchanan arrived, ac companied by the Mayor and a largo number of friends, and the crowd outside becoming rather impatient to get a view, he presented himself on the balcony. Three enthusiastic cheers greeted him as he stepped out and made his acknowledgment, to the people ; and when silence was restored, he addressed them as fol lows : Friends and Fellow-Citizens?I can scarcely describe the emotions which I feel at the pres ent moment, in view of the Vast crowd of my fellow-citizens of the great commercial empo rium of the Union. I have been for years abroad in a foreign land, and I like the noise of the Democracy. (Applause.) My heart responds to the acclamations of the noble citi zens of this favored country. I have been abroad in other lands ; I hate witnessed arbi trary power; I have contemplated the people of o'her countries ; but there is no country un der God's heavens where a man feels equal to his fellow man except in the United States. (Enthusiastic applause, and cries of "good, Old Buck.") And if you could feel how des potism looks on, how jealous the despotic powers of the world ase of our glorious institu tions, you would cherish the Constitution and the Union to your hearts next to your belief in the Christian religion. (Apjjjause.) The Bible for heaven, and the Constitution of our coun try for earth. (Renewed applause.) A voice?What nbdlit slavery? Mr. Buchanan?I came here without expect ing all this kindness. Although a citizen of a neighboring State, I have been very little ac quainted with my fellow-citizens of,New York; but they do everything upon a grand scale. Their commerce extends till over the world; they are known in every clime; their energy and enterprise have spread the American char acter pven into heathen lands, and when they undertake to give a humble individual like me a reception, it is of that grand character that suits the feelings of the people. You will not expect me to make a long speech. (Cries of "Go on?go on.") Go on! I should be very glad to address you by the hour, but when a man has said enough to express the feelings of his heart, I am sure so generous a people will permit me to retire and enjoy the delight ful music from which I expect to derive so much pleasure. Mr. Buchanan here left the balcony, when Mayor Wood came forward in response to the repeated call of the people, and addressed them to the following effect: Gentlemen, said he?I appear in obedience to your call, to express to yon in behalf of Mr. Buchanan, his cordial thanks for the kind reception he has received at your hands this evening. You may rest assured that, when the interest* of the country, both at home aud abroad, arc intrusted to such statesmen of the old school, we l ave nothing to fear, no matter what may be their pnrtizan character. With the principles of such ereat men as Clay, Webster, Calhoun and Jackson well carried out, we have nothing to apprehend for the per petuity of this great and glorious republic. At the close of the Mayor's remarks there were calls for Mr. Daniel E. Sickles, and other gentlemen, none of whom, however, made their appearapce. The people were then entertained with some of Dodworth's best selections, which were played by the full band, and played as Dodworth's band only knows how to play them. It was twelve o'clock before the crowd dis persed, but it was still later before Mr. Buch anan separated for the night from the many friends who had assembled to pay him their respects. He leaves this morning at seven o'clock for Philadelphia, on his return to his homain Lancaster couuty,Pennsylvania, where he will meet with still warmer welcome titan be received in New York, if that be possible. From the P*rnn?ylv?ni?n ?f April 2flth ARRIVAL. OP MR. BttllAKAS. Ilia Reception by the Merchants *n<l Cltl ccna. The enthusiastic reception of Mr. Buchanan, at New York, was calculated to incite every public officer to a faithful and zealous perform ance of his duty to his country. Ilia journey from New York to Philadelphia was a p?rfect oration. Mr. Buchanan left the wharf, in New York, for Jersey City, at 7J o'clock. While crossing the river, Alderman Ely, the Chairman of the New York Committee, de livered Mr? Buchanan over to the Philadelphia Committee of Citizens. In doing this, Alder man Ely made an appropriate and eloquent address to Mr. Buchanan, in which he thanked him for the High honor he had conferred tipou the city of New York, in consenting thus long to tarry amongst them as their guest. He re furred to the distinguished ability with which Mr. Buchanan, through a long life of useful ness, had discharged all his duties to the public, and especially in relation to the important ne gotiations which he has lately conducted at the Court of St. James, in which be has maintained the honor of his country, and respected the right of sister nations. Mr. Buchanan replied, by thanking Alder man Ely, as the representative of the citizens of New York, for the high honor with which be bad been greeted on his return to his nativa shores. Mr. Randall, the chairman of the citizens of Philadelphia, then received Mr. Buchanan in their name. AT JERSEY CITT, A large crowd was assembled, which cheered vociferously as Mr. Buchanan Q/itered the cars. Through the delay in starting, Mr. Buchanan