Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-03-23

and REFORM" still it is possible that these
additional expenditures may become nee
essary from the increased duties of the
Department. But should think that to
displace experience, and substitute in
experience, would sufficiently account
for it. II is impossible, if you remove
the most experienced and faithful officers
in Department so complex and ramitied
that the business can be done SO expe-
ditiousIy or correctly. 1t is impossible
that the men the most intelligent, practi-
cal, and faithful, can perform duties SO
well as those who have been trained and
disciplined by long practice.
1t is possible, though | cannot admit
that it is probable, that all these six or
seven hundred removals were for good
cause. The late Postmaster General
was faithful and yigilant officer, and a
rigid disciolinarian. 1t would seem, at Il
first glance, that he could not have over
looked all these unworthy men, or that,
if he knew them, he would have permit
ted them to remain. The friends Of the
present incumbent profess to respect the
character and merits of the late Post
master General, and we hope they are
sincere. But surely, it is poor compli-
ment to his talents or integrity, to imputo
to him the employment of such regi-
ment of bad officers, either from igno-
rance or design. Sir, it is my prima ja-
c,a opinion, that scarcely one in hum
dred has been removed for sufficient
cause but still if, upon inquiry, it should
be otherwise, will be the first to retract,
and eXonerate the Postmaster General
from all prescription.
The Senator from Tennessee (Mr
GRUNDY,) thinks it drudgcry, small
business, to make this inquiry. lie sure
ly cannot mean this as reflection upon
the Senate for directing it. If the Post
master General shall have prostituted his
Office for purposes of proscri ptlon, and
shall have descended to an inquiry into
the party preferences of every obscure
deputy in the United States for the pur-
pose of fixing the seal Of reprobafion up
on every one who would not sacrifice to
this modern Moloch, is it humlliating to fol.
low him, and expose him in his degrading
occupation No, sir; if an officer vii
descend to petty contemplate persecu.
ton, (ow as the business Isl it is proper
to ferret him out.
/ cast no imputation upon the men,
bcrs of the committee who think different
ly. They probably beliere themselves
to be right, and we are satisfied that we
are right, and thus the account is balan-
ced between US.
For myself, | cannot indulge doubt
that this inquiry is not only legitimate,
but necessary, and demanded by the A
merican People.
Since the committee was appointed
not only have the public papers, but pri-
vatc letters from respectable individuals,
urged on the inquiry. And, just as we
are commencing it with adequate power
and authority, the achole is 10 be suppress
sed!
l hold in my hand letter from igh-
ly respectable Nirginian to one Of its
Senators here, making high charges OF
corruption and fraud in mail contracts,
and naming the witness to be called to
prove them. 1t was my opinion and that
of the Chairman, that the Witnesses
should be Immediately summoned to testi-
fy. But majority thought that we ought
first to seek for evidence at the Depart
ment, thus expecting that, II any thing
was wrong, the Postmaster General
would furnish the necessary evidence to
convict himself Now, if it be proper to
inquire at all, why proceed in this cir
cuitous way? When respectable citi-
zen alleges fraud, or that he believes it,
and names the witnesses by whom he
would prove it, why not send for them
when our powers are 50 ample! IT seems
to me, that so cautious procedure as
this is to induce premature suspicion OF
error of guilt.
The Postmaster General is in no dan
ger of injustice by the inquiry into the
causes of removal. If a man is remov-
ed for good cause, he would not be very
forward to complain or to testify, when
he would know that thereby his own de-
merits would be made manifest. Ii these
removals have been made as a punish
ment for the exercise ofthe freedom Of o.
pinion, remedy should be promptly pro-
vidcd. Sir, the People of the United
States will never tamely suffer Depart
ment of such power and influence TO be-
come an engine which may, one day
batter down their liberties. Sir, the sup
preston of inquiry is among the ne'o fash
IONS introduced by this Administrations.
Inquiry hitherto has been always popu.
lar, so much so that member would
scarcely hazard his reputation in suppos.
ing it. No apprehension that we NIGH
meet with impeachable matter could de-
ter us. Indeed, such an argument would