Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-05-07

ResoiUed. That it is the duty OF all patriotic
citizens to support as a candidate for the next
Presidency, the man whom they may Judge to DE
best qualified for that high Office and most ike
ly to concentrate on himself the suifrages oil the
People. >.
Lesolued. That among the distinguished cltl-
zens Of the United States, we consider HENRY
Clay as pre-emnent in his qualifications tor the
Presidency that his life has been series OF splen-
did services to his country; that by his lusriouS
fame in the forum, in the Senate, and IN the walks
of diplomacy, he has reflected imperishable glo-
ry on the American name; that his eXertions IN
the cause of human liberty have endeared him to
its advocates all over the globe; that his 'nfeM-
BILE integrity, his generous spirit, his frankness,
and his magnanmity place HIM on an exalted mo-
raj eminence; that his manly bearing throughout
persecution of unequalled maIignity, and his
triumphant passage through It's perils, have gwen
him additional claims, though none were wanted,
on the admiration and affection OF his fellow-cl-
tlzens; and that on his experience, sagaclty, and
frmness the best hopes OF the Republic depend,
for reforming the abuses which characterize the
present weak and mischlevous Administra-
ton.
Resolyed, That we will cordially cooperate
with the friends of Henry Clay in the seve-
raj States, in promoting, by all honorable and
constitutional means, his election to the Presl-
dency at the next term; and that in part execu-
ton of this determination, a standing Committee
of twenty five persons Gnciudins the President
and Vice Presidents of this meetng) be appoint
ed by the President. whose duty it shall be to
correspond and communicate with the friends OF
HENRY CLAY through out the Union; and TO pro-
muigate such facts and reasons. as may most clear
" demonstrate the absolute necessity of radical
change IN the persons and characters entrusted
with the executive administration. and the great
principles of sound constitutional policy, OF pub
lie safety, and general morals which should con-
centraie public opinion in the choice of success
sor to the next Presidential term of Office.
On motion of Mr.. Thomas Stanley,
ResolUed, That the standing committee have
power to fill up all vacancies that may occur, in
their own body, and be authorised to appoint a
Delegate to the National Convention to be held
at Baltimore, in December next.
On motion of Mr.. S. Hyatt,
Resolred. That the proceedings of this meet
Ing be published in the papers of the District
friendly to the election of Henry Clay.
In accordance with the 9th resolution, the fol-
lowing were appointed A General Committee Of
Vigilance and Correspondence.
Nathan Smith, George Sweeny,
Jacob A. Bender, Philip Mauro,
Roger C.. Weshtman, Richard Wallach,
Richard s. Coke, Raphael Jones,
Walter Jones, ID. A. Hall.
Ignatus Mudd, Seth Hyatt,
Peter Force. Philip R. Fendall,
William A. Bradley, Willard Drake,
William NIL. Grips, William Browne,
George Watterson, Joseph Harbaugh,
Charles Pryse, Aaron Van COble.
H. T. Weightman, BENJAMIN p. Smith,
William NJ. MCaulcy,
Aud then the meeting adjourned.
NATHAN SMITH. President
> n1 a: BE END r, }Ep's.
P nnoasa Fs s~saxr. Secretaries.
-ssas9qse-
On no point was the last Administration more
unjusty censursd, than in the appointment of
larger numberof officers, civil and military than,
as was alleged, the exigencies of the public SER
vice required. We believe that if a comparison
were instituted, the present Administration will
be found to have exceeded the last IN this parti-
cular; yet no cry from the ''sentinels on the
watch tower" who were then so faithful to sound
the alarm when they supposed the citadel was in
danger. Their vigilance has been lulled to sleep,
not by the music of Orpheus, but by the finger of
Midas.
We had the curiosity to examine late number
of the Naval Register, by which and from other
sources of information. we learn that Mr.. Branch,
in little more than two years, has appointed no
less than eleven Pursers, vz:-Niegrs. Cooper,
Stockton, McCauly, Slacum, Wilson, White,
Cahoone, Ramsey, Bates, Dunn and Watson.
During the five years and half that Mr..
Southland administered the affairs of the Navy De-
partment. he appointed but ten Pursers. and two
of these can hardly be considered new appoint |
ments; they were left out by the operation of
law of Congress of 1916 or 1917, relative to a
renewal of bonds, but upon farther examination
of their cases, it was found that they did not
come strictly within the provisions of the law
and they were re-appoin,ed; so that it may be
SAID that Mr.. Southland appointed only eight, or
at the rate of one and half each year; while
Mr.. Branch, since he has been in Office, has ap-
pointed at the rate of fire a year! We do not
say that these appointments were unnecessary or
improper, but we wish to expose the injustice and
fallacy of the charge of extravaganza against the
last Administration. which, even if it were true,
would be applicable with tenfod force to the pre-
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