Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-04-30

that employment by Mr.. Van Buren, and Mr. Barry
mas e)ected 49i Postmasters unfiendly to Gen. Jack
son. Tor an equal number of his friends. Uni,istifja
oie upon principle, and tending the introduction of
siavish principles disgust this despotic course is
exaggerated by its violation of the professions of
ten. Jackson and his friends. The removal of sew
en- publishers of the laws by Mr. Clay for cause and
the appointment of single editor as Postmaster at
NASHVILLE, were pathetica lily bewailed, especially by
ehe granny ofthc Richmond Enquirer, as subversive
OF the purity of the Post Office and integrity of the
rress- Appeal upon appeal lamentation after lamen
taton was poured out, especially by the aforesaid pa
ragon OF consistency, at the corruption which was
stealing into the Government, with Tarqun strides
Simple people were dismayed, and even men of sense
staggered by the loud confidence of the camor which
Mr. Richie set up on the occasion. Ifhe was ria hi
upon principle, how shall construc his present ST.
lencs: How can he justify it, With the execution
oil a single milk and water paragraph, which he in
stantiy recanted in effect, when menaced by Duff
1rdeh not one word, not one intimaton of disappro
val mas escaped him, during the fifteen months of mn,
reunited punishment of opponents, and rewarding of
inc friendly Press and packing the Post Office with
Paruzans, since Zen. Jackson wus President The
times nave changed, and MIR. Richie has as usual
turned his coat Yet the gentleman not seldom ks
OF political honesty and independence. He is fallen in
love 30 much with what he used to dislike that in
order to consecrate the precedents he unce condemn
ed he must even have the Hero for second term,
and the Secretary to succeed him.
''WAsHrNGroN CRY, March s.
Hon. Marlin Fan Buren, Sec of State.
"Sr:-l have recently been much surprised unon
tue reception OF letter from of my constituents
informing me that, without knowing why or where
ioTe' the printing OF the Laws of the u S. had been
taken from him and bestowed upon another. [ am
Sir the representative of the section of co otrv most
deeply Interested the matter and therefore feel
myself authorised to enter my protest against the
manner I'D which your authority has been exercised
am not inclined to take part Ill discussing the rcla
tive merits OF the individual removed and the gen,Ie
man appointed to succeed him. No. sir, / should |
blush to find myself drawing distinctions upon mere
party grounds. If were to do so should be COM |
PEELED to approve of your choice. The Editor up- |
on whom you have conferred the trust has been uni
formly my friend and to him acknowledge myselfl
under many political obligations But to witness so
uncertain state of things is calculated to weaken
the confidence OF the citizen his government or
the consistency of those who administer it.
For corruption and crime, for either, an officer
should be removed But, Sir, is the doctrine to be
established that for either former or an ancipa-
ted difference of opinion, IS be proscribed2
Ii so, the triumph of virtue is wholly doubtful and the
range offavoritlsm may be made wide as the Uni
verse.
"Sir, had supposed that before YOU would make
material changes in my district you would according
to custom condesend to consult me; I surely have
more opportunities of understanding the interests of
the people ofthe Western District in Tennessee than
yourself; hope that am sufficiently devoted to
these interests not to misrepresent them.
You have removed man who was the first Ed
tor of newspaper within that District, and warm
friend TO the present Chief Magistrate and appon-
ed one who had junior claims. am friendly to each
but protest against such an unwarrantable inter
ference.
| 81 am, Sir with due consideration
Your obedient servant,
DAVID CROCKETT"