In 1854 James Pollock was chosen governor by the sudden uprising and astounding development of the Native- American excitement as organized by the _Know-Nothing_ party.

The repeal of the Missouri Compromise aided the canvass of Pollock, but that alone would not have loosened the strong moorings of the Pennsylvania Democracy.

Mr.Buchanan recovered the State two years afterwards, and would have held it firmly in his grasp but for the financial revulsion and the awakened demand for a protective tariff.
Dissociated from the question of protection, opposition to the extension of slavery was a weak issue in Pennsylvania.

This was conclusively shown in the gubernatorial contest of 1857, when David Wilmot, the personal embodiment of Free-soil principles, was the Republican candidate for governor.

Besides the general strength of the Territorial issue, Mr.Wilmot had the advantage of all the anti-slavery zeal which was aroused by the announcement of the Dred Scott decision, with the censurable connection therewith of President Buchanan.