Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1834-03-20

sion 10 communicate, what contradlcted
so many of our neutrality-suspicious..
The prominent characteristics Of Cen
eral Jackson, according to my represen-
tations in 1923 and 1923, were purity Of
purpose, and steadiness in execution
But in 1893, / became satisfied, that his
principles, even on cardinal points, were
not fixed; that purposes were created for
him, the true nature of which was con-
cealed by artiul management; and that,
in carrying them into execution, impulse
and passion impressed character of OBJ
stnacy on his conduct, which, under the
exercise of mind, would have been stead
mess in execution.
1T is true, that, before my entrance in
TO Office, i was aware that the President
had been imposed upon IN relation to ap-
pointments. also knew that he had
been unsteady in his course, as to do
mestic industry, internal improvement,
and national bank. But, what was
my duty, when the President invited me
as his friend, to become one of his advi-
sers? If i could reconcile the accep-
tance of Office, with the doubt which /
felt as to my ability, and with private OBJ
legations, ] considered it my duty to do
so, in the hope that might render some
service, by striving to reconcile hls prac-
tice with former profession; by trying TO
persuade him to abandon a vacillating
course as to manufactures, since nothing
could be more pernicious to this interest
than uncertainty in Legislation and by
urging him to adhere to strict lnterpre-
tation of the constitution, instead IVAN
dering in the mazes of construction, in
relation to the United States Bank, or
other disputed subjects.
| Such are the remarks which | consi-
der myself called upon to make, in rela-
ton to one Of the pretexts for the asper-
sion, that l entered the Presidents cab
met to thwart him. But, lest any doubt
should exist on your minds as to my dis
interestedness or to the manner in which
the appointment Of secretary Of the trea-
sury was conferred on MP, think IL pro
per to make you acquainted with the
following details bearing on these points.
Although l never directly or Indirect
ly asked any personal favor Of the Pre-
sioent, l do him the justice TO say, that
he manifested desire on several occa-
sions to promote what he, doubtless, con-
sidered my advancement. With the ad-
vice and consent Of the Senate, he ap-
pointed me director Of the Bank ofthe
!, United States, but declined the trust
/ lie afterwards rendered me the office OF
| Attorney for the eastern distract Of Penn
sylvania, which also refused. With
out my knowledge, he appointed me, with
the concurrence of the Senate, a com
missioner under the eonve ntion with Den.
mark; and, when ] hesitated to accept
| he pressed the trust upon me, on the
ground that to accept would be duty to
the public, and relief to himself from
embarrassment.
Before had executed the duty unde
the CONVEX ntion with Denmark, was, or
the 4th December, 1892, unexpectedly
invited TO accept the office of Secretary
of the Treasury. And lest any repre-
sentation ofthe circumstances, attending
the offer, should be open TO cavil on.tha
account shall not trust to my memo
ry, but present the following statemen
extracted from a confidential letter
wrote on the 9th Of December last.
/ EXTRACTS. "The President has in
formal, kind and pressing manner, aske'
me to accept seat in his cabinet.
confess l was surprised, and not onl
surprised but distressed; but it is best
whilst the incidents are all fresh in m,
memory, that should give you a sketch
A member of the cabinet, said-"Mr
Duane, have been particularly desire
by the President, to seek this intervie,
with you, on matters Of much conse
quence, not only to himself, but TO th
country. The President has for som
time past meditated change in his cab
I met; it has been deferred until after tn
termination ofthe elections in the states
and, as they are now over, the propose
i change is urged anew. The preser
f secretary Of state is to 60 to France; tn
r present secretary of the treasury is I
take his place in the department Of state
and the question is, who is to 60 into tn
|, treasury? 1t is settled, that a citizen {
Pennsylvania is to be appointed; tn
4, President and his friends have sought
that state, for a person in all respect!
n competent as an officer, and faithful q
I a friend. A list Of names has been look
ed at, and, after due inquiry, the Pres
dent is convinced that you, Sir, prescr
. the fairest claims to official and persona
> consideration. You are ofthe old den
. ocratic party Of Pennsylvania, and hav
r grown with its growth; you are known q
: a mild but unvarying friend Of the gre'
n political principles which PennsylvaDi
!. cherishes; your personal reputation, to'
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