Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-04-01
For VINO.
Remarks on the State Of Public Affairs.

For WING.
Remarks on the State of Public Affairs.
NO. III.
There are few things in which the wisdom of a ruler
more distinctly ed, than in the choice of his
councillors, and know that great rulers have COM
mcnly had great for their advisers II was
no douot owing, in great degree, to the sound udg-
ment OF most of Preridents, in this respect that
our affairs have, in general been administered with so
much discretion and ability. Burleigh or Wash,
ington IS not to be found i'll every hamlet though DOS,
sibly such men might be found in every age but dis
cernment, discrimination and Judgment, are required
to nix just estimate upon their talents. There not
perhaps, more disparity between the talents of Cen
eral Washington Mr.. jefferson and those of orr
present chief magistrate than between their cabinets
1t would be idle to attempt comparison, between
things which have resemblance or PROMOTION to
other, and should do injustice to Mr. Madison and
MIR Gallatin, to compare them with RIr. Van Buren
nd Mr.. Ingham. Who would compare the Amazon
with his thousand streams, to Tiber Greek, the Mis-
sSsIppi waiting the wealth of millions, and swelling
the ocean with his waters, to the little Brooke Of
Shockoe, that murmurs through the city of Richmond
Previous to the election of General Jackson his friends
lndused themselves with the deceptive hope of sh>
ming and able cabinet, which would do honour to the
country and shed lustre his administration; and
their chagrin and disappointment manifest when
the names of those who compose 1T, were announced
to the public. 1t is, indeed, a rare assemblaqer such
as this nation has never before witnessed!
To dellneate the true representation of Mr. Van
Buren, would be task, believe, too great for
the Presidents Plutarch, who could easily unwind
the Gordan knot, hold Proteus in his grasp as to
unfold the perpexities of character, the subety of
which, bewilders the understanding, objects seen
by moonlight perpeX the sight Such is the lubrici-
ty with which he gdes through the mazes of his ar
tces, almost to elude observations yet he des,i-
tute of the wisdom of design and mastery of execu.
cution, which belong to real statesman. He is adj.
mraby adroit in intrigue and party discipline supply
ing the deficiency of strength, by the dexterity of
management, and practising the crafness of the fox
for the majestic boldness of the lion.
If man TO be selected to barter the patron.
age of government, in exchange for the support of
corrupted press there is who de- more sue.
cessfuIly with either Gentle, than Score
tary of State. For works of this kind his genius and
practice particularly adapted, and in conducting
them, all his native grace and sinuosy appropri-
ately displayed.
When Wosey stopped to the practice of intrigue,
and courted the favour of corrupt and unprncipIed
men-Wolsey had an object in view-he wished for
Cardinals hat-hs heart was set upon the papal
throne. If may be allowed to compare great things
with small, Wolsey not intent upon the ho-
nour of being Pope, than Mr. Secretary Van Buren,
is ambitious of the Presidential Char However, the
stream may wind through weeds & filth and mre, we
it still pursuing its way the sea; and like it, we
perceive the Secretary of State, through of in
trgue, and subtle articles, seeking his way with
steady purpose, to the Presidency But unless "the
eyes of the people dim, and their dull of
hearng, there is good reason to hope, that this
lamity will be averted 1t appears to be ordinance
of nature for the security and protection of mankind,
that prudence should rarely be united with
guile; the very effort to conceal, often exposes
the true character, and the of fraudulent
dcXeIIty will III be known Robert WalpOe well
known countrymen while he mniste. the true
character of Cardinal MaZarne has escaped detection;
nor Mr. Van Buren, always remain in conceament.
Though undistngulshed for abilities statesman gen
tleman, fully qualified be minister of prescription,
hunter of gltives Mark Anthony AfchIas could not
have TeOced IN the fall OF Cicero DemOsihene than
he does the overthrow of every and distinguished
man. who through the veil that INN, and can
him the Of his His conpeers the
administration, from whom he has nothing to fear,
either from their sagacy their principles and thus lie enjoys
ample the mind of the President, al.
but small share of the responsibility.
If qualifications of Mr. lngham superinend the fiscal
affairs of this be examined, what do they consist?
No specimen of his talents either finance politics has
been exhed TO ne world His reports are examples of his
abour tedious and of his Proxy in duness Should
admire the sagaciy of the President who could dis
Germ in the mind of this gentleman latent fires of peni
which have always hidden from the public eye and poba
bly, always viii be We should be grateful to him for thus
bringing modest meHtino notice. which, Without his patronage
re are not little at to discover a reason ormakns
Mr. Branch Secretary of the Navy for have heard
that this officer particularly distinguished for his knowledge
of maritime affairs Naval operations, for any kind of
talents We have read of Peer of France who
held The Office Of admiral Of that kingdom who sometimes
gallant general OF the ana forces or an ape minister oil STATE
but who perhaps had never seen days service at 1t
might be in imitation Of the title of this great officer France
mat the land admiral OF North Carolina was made secretary
of the Navy Since his appointment TO Office have under
stood he upon voyage odcovcy, III serch ofmaritme
knowledge and acquired all that could be learned III cruze
form Norfolk New York for this commend his industry,
gencs the head OF the naval department. may we not eE
pec the glory of Navy elevated to tine highest state
and the removal Of Commodore Warrington from the Navy
Board, than compensated by the active zeal and cnh
cned judgment Of the Secretary.
Mr., Eaton the Secretary of War the Presidents friend
and favoune other great men have ~ this respect rea
bed the hero Henry Of Navarro had his ayounie oowas
the Duke Of Suily That Mr. Eaton the iayoure pro
badly his only recommendation FOR though iefven his hos
ly his adyersanes President warm sincere and
liberal towards his friends With intolerance approaching
persecution he pursues his political opponents while TO his
advocates humble their pctensous, i've Is pfodga Of
his favours Hence may account Tor the appointment OF
Ir Eaton | nothing say as 10 the qualifications Of
tlpua M ElaS
ask what respect has the public good Deen promoted by his
appointment Great men, indeed have generally sought the
friendship OF the learned SCipD who destroyed Carthage
sought that of Poyous and the President may very well o
low such AN example choosing so learned Panegyr for his
friend cannot hot believe Nj Van Buren, OF his coad
TUTORS had principal ageucyin forming the presidents cabinet
Neither of the other secretaries could stand in the Of his
advancement follow him through the vmdmgs OF his ma
nuuvre Tie Presidents wishes grated by retaining bis