Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1837-04-06
NJ SECRETARY OF STATE.

0F SECRETARY OF STATE.
1t is so seldom that we find any thing
in the columns Of our opponents Of po-
litical character in which we can
fully agree, that when we do, we take
pleasure in laying it before our readers.
The following article in relation to the
election of Secretary of State, we copy
from the Providence Republican Her
aid, the organ Of the Administration par
ty in this State. MIR. George Turner,
Of Newport, has been nominated by the
Anti masons in opposition to the present
incumbent, and with the Providence
Journal, we rejoice to see the Herald
take the independent ground which it
has in opposition to that nomination. Its
sentiments are such as will meet the cor
dial appreciation Of "tho rejecting men Of
all parties"
"Petcciving by the Antimasonic Prox,
that an opposition is intended TO the re-
election of the Secretary Of State 1T may
not bs improper to submit a few remarks
on this subject, to the rejecting men Of
all parties. AS no suggestions are made
OH the score Of honesty or ability, the
opposition it is presumed, originates from
party feelings.
! Since the first settlement of Rhode Is
land, more than tro hundred years, no
instance has occurred Of the removal Of
the Secretary; yet it cannot be supposed,
that he, unlike all other men, had no po-
litical predictions. 1t is very well
known that Henry Ward, who held the
office thirty-eight years in succession,
was warm partisan; he not only thought,
but acted So of Samuel Eddy, who
was in office upwards of twenty years
no man was more decided and frank in
his opinions; but he adopted course
which was undoubtedly judicious one,
and which has been followed by his re-
spected predecessor MIR. Eddy, from
courtesy to the different parties which
nominated him, forbore to manifest his
opinions by his vote, with either. Thus
he was enable to avoid the heat Of party
conflict, and to maintain that official i'm
Partially, which secured the confidence
of his iellow-citizens. The Secretary
of State has ever been considered the
officer ofthe People, and not of Party.
The only questions seem to have been
"ls he honest lis he capable?"
His duties are various and IMPoR-
iTANT. He is the keeper Of the Public
Records-aU monies o, dsred By Me Gen
eral assembly 10 te paid out Of the Trea-
sury, amounting 10 thousands of dollars
annually, are paid upon his ceriifcaie.-
He is Director in all the Banks,
wherein the State is a Stockholder-He
is one Of the Commissioners of the Public
Money-he'Is sole superintendent of the
School Fund Lotteries-Yet he gives
no bond-the State relies upon his ofiic
ial oath and personal character for its
security. The mere recital of these du-
ties should teach US always TO be cautious
to whom this responsible trust is commit
ted. Besides, by long experience the
Secretary becomes acquainted with all
our laws and usagcs, and is constantly
referred to, as hring inder, for infor-
nation.
Suppose then, that to retain his place,
the Secretary should, camelion-like, as
sumo the hue of each party, that in its
turn may be triumphant What conf
dence could you repose in his principles
as man? What pride would you feel,
IN his character as an officeri
That the station is at present WELL
FILLED, is universally agreed. What
possible benefit then, can the people de-
rive from n changer They would to he
sure, have a new man, and lose the ex-
perience, industry, and acknowledged
fidelity Of tried one. Let the prece-
dent be but once established, and this
office which has always been removed
from the atmosphere ofpariy will become
involved in its vortex. Some one might
for brief period reap the fruits, but
eventually THE INTERESTS OF