Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1834-06-27
Extracts from Mr.. Ritchie's letters, occoinpamy-
inc W. B, Us letter to Mr. Stevenson.

inc W b. Us letter to Mr.. Stevenson.
am about to address you on subject which
has caused much speculation among our friends,
and great uneasiness in my own bosom. l
speak to you as Il friend, and without the slight
est reserve. The papers have recently spoken
of batch of appointments, which the Presi-
dent is about to make, embracing the two high
est missions to European courts, and the two
highest seats in his cabinet l have conversed
freely with our friend Stevenson upon them,
and have this day communicated to him my
intention to write to you, and to lay before you
my own views of the matter.
We have the utmost confidence in the virtue
of Gen. Jackson. We have no idea that he
would arrogate to himself new powers, at the
expense of the other departments OF the Gov
ernment. His generous ambition has been full
ly satisfied! He has nothing more to ask OF his
country than her verdict of appreciation when
he lays down the high and difficult office with
which he is entrusted! We all know it, and
every candid individual admits it, We believe
that the course he may pursue will be with
single eye to the public interests But while we
dismiss all apprehensions that he will designed
ly abuse his authority, we wish, at the same
time that he should do no act which may be
plead hereafter, by an unworthy successor, IN
justification of his acts! In this last term OF his
administration, we wish to see no precedent
set, which may be perverted in future times: we
our country! We wish to see our country ben
Gifted in all time to come, by his pure example!
But this cannot be, if any error should be com
mtted against principle, even from the best OF
motives; if any authority should be assumed
which does not fairly belongt to him. or even ii
any doubtful power should be exercised upon
any delicate branch of the Constitution. His
high popularity would only make 1t more cur
rent.
One of the highest powers which attaches to
the Executive is that Of appointments over its
exercise is accordingly thrown, and wisely
THROWN the check ofconcurrence by the Senate.
Now, sir, doubts do exist whether the vacan-
cy in the missions to London and Paris did
not originally occur during the recess of the
Senate. Secondly, whether the vacancy does
not still exist; and thirdly, whether it ought
now to be filled without consultation with the
Senate.
1t is, them respectfully asked whether it would
not be best to call the Senate together and lay
the nomination before them? Where is the OBJ
lection? 1st The erpenSe Of $4,000? Who
cares for that sum compared with the pre-
servation of great constitutional principle?
The Inconvenience to the Members? They ought
to be the last to complain, when the desire is
to preserve their rights beyond the reach of sus-
picion. Sd. The Senate IS not full; a member
is wanting in, Pennsylvania, one in Tennessee,
and, believe, third in Mississippi But can
not the Executive of those States make tenn
porary appointment?
l understand, from unquestionable authority
that--has said majority of the Senate
were prepared to negative any nomination
which was not made IN the strictest regard to
the Senates rights
To one who has thought SO much on this
subject as you have done, it is unnecessary fol-
me to develobe all the details of my opinions.
Do inform me Of as much as you may be at lib
erty to communicate; and put my mind at ease
about it. &c.