Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1833-12-05
miscellaneous.
JUDGE MCLEAN.
othc Editors of he Columbus Sentinel


conversation as early as Semtember,
ls25.--In 1927, believing that he was
wrongfully assailed, wrote to him in
such way as to obtain his sentiments
on public affairs fully, without appris-
ing him of my object. lie came out
boldly and frankly on the subject.
Finding that Judge Mclean is again
assailed in the same way, ! send you
the extract of the letter. The original
may be seen, and if required, will be
deposited with you.
feel no disposition to enter the field
of political strife; my feelings are a.
verse to it. Were it even an enemy
that was assailed unjustly, and docu-
ments were in my hands disproviug
the charges, would exhibit them for
his acquttal.
| have only to add, that was a
warm supporter of Mr.. ]. @. Adams
administration, and do not now regret
it. | think it will stand high in the
estimation of the present generation.
We must recur to many of the leading
measures of that administration to en-.
sure the safety, happiness, and pros
perity of the United States.
With this view of the subject, | give
you the extract, embracing nearly the
whole letter; and this | do from a firm
conviction of duty, on independent
principles. Very respectfully, &c.
Ohio, Aug. Is, 1893.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18th, 1927
My DEAR SIR:-I have just recciy-
ed your friendly letter, and feel truly
thankful, as shall always be, for your
advice. My position is taken, and will
be maintained, or will fall in the at
tempt. 1t is one founded on the pur-
est principles of patriotism, and essen
TALLY connected with the best interests
of the country. Has it, indeed, come
to this, that the patronage of the Go.
eminent must be prostituted for the
personal advantage of individuals
Whatever may be the opinions of
individuals in opposition, they have
rights that shall be respected, and in
my official character, whatever may
be their feelings towards me person
ally, will respect them. | do not
hold patronage for any other purpose
than to promote the general good.
There shall be as little of selfshness in
my course as possible.
| wish you not to suppose that
pursue a course in the present contest,
which shall not in future pursue. My
course has no reference to individuals.
Humble as my ambition may be, it is
too lofty to render myself useful to any
individual appropriating to him, what
properly belongs to the public. No
when that shall become necessary to
sustain a public officer, a private sta.
ton will be the post of honor.
No man has heard me express a
wish for the election of General Jack
son, or that Mr.. Adams might fail. |
have done nothing to embarrass the
administration; but, on the contrary,
have given it the most efficient support
in my power, by an energetic dis
charge of my public dutics.-l defend
Mr.. Adams when hear him uniustly
assailed; do the same thing when
General Jackson is abused in my pre-
sence.
My policy is truth, and fairness, and
an energetic discharge of my duty.
Let the administration be felt in bene-
fits conferred, rather than in dinner
speeches. 1t is my impression, that if
every officer of the Government had
pursued the course | have, that the
administration would have been twice
as strong, nearly, as it now is. Rely
upon what ! say, that my course is
the only one that will enable any adj
mlnistraton in this country to triumph.
If the Officers Of Government must
become partlzans, and it shall be con-
sIdered as a part of their duty to use
the influence Of official stations, and
the patronage in their hands, to re.
elect the President, it will at once re-
duce this great contest into personal
scramble for office, between the outs
and the ms. The officers will become
corrupt, because they will use the sa-
cred trust contided for the public in
terest, to promote their personal views:
and the people will be corrupted so far
as such an influence can extend: and,
it may be asked, who can limit this
lnfiuence!-But few are proof against
the temptations of office.
My impression is, that the public
good Is the greatest object, to attain
which should be the first and the last
OF every officers excrtions. His pa.
tronage should be dispensed with
single eye to this object. Then will
the most virtuous and meritorous per.
sons be called into the public service;