The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-01-10

well knew that the department required reform and
we anticipated in Mr.. Paudlng Sufficient ssgacily to
comprehend its defects end 10 devise the best remedies,
suicient hrmness Of purpose TO perseyere in bis plans
sufficient elevation Of character inspire Confidence in
the nation and sufficient dignity OF department to IN
splre respect in the navy.
10 each Of these anlicipatons have we been rather
disappointed. We recur TO our 6rss judgment cor
rect for the opinion which formed Of Mr. Psulding
as an orerrafed man, has been fully sustained by his
whole since his appointment to the Navy De-
partment He seems more Of the book worm than the
politician; better qualified for sportive gambos the
smooth and flower decked path OF periodical literature,
than dignhed march over the rough and rocky road
Of the statesman. So he entered upon his
duous and complicated duties the public
tanned with seurrlous libel upon the officers Of the
navy, which excited resentment not only among them,
but among the most consderate portion Of the
NIFTY As this assault appeared in journal which is
than any other in the confidence OF high execu-
tive officers at Washington, il supposed, by some
to bear the sembsnce Of authority Though we did
not subscribe 10 this opinion and are still unwilling to
believe that he had any agency in this exceptionabe
publication. yet think that it imposed upon him the
necessity OF making every effort, both convince the
public Of his innocence Of such Device and Of lis
pacity for his responsible station All now had their
eyes upon him, and many with unfayorable suspisons;
and these suspicious not well fired, as he must
have known TO inspire respect for him among the OFF,
GERS OF the navy. Under such circumstances, man
OF bold and comprehensive mind would have taken
position inspiring both respect and Conscience. he
would have published proclamation Of his views con-
corning the duties Of the officers and of the navy,
IN general order conceived in the style Of man who
knew the duties Of his own station and resolved
TO discharge them, and who knew the obligations Of his
subordinates, and resolved to enforce them.
The principal point Of complaint N this exceptionabe
publication, want Of discipline in the navy. He
ough, to have known that discipline would not be en-
forced by against its chief OF having toera
ed or recognized anonymous and scurrilous attacks
upon the officers and therefore he should have repeed
any such injurious suspicious, by speaking ont boldly
and plainly and delivering his opinions in the language
Of command He should have convinced the country
that he not the TO strike the dark, bit that
he the 10 strike openly. and in every thing,
even the most minute, relating discipline and deport-
men to insist upon prompt aud unqualified obedience
We admit that the faults mentioned in thar publication
TO be found in few officers Of the navy, But
fit to be its chief Mould have openly insisted upon
the alternative of instant reformation instant expulsion
and never would have submitted 10 the tnpu'atIon OF
limiting surreptitiousy what right authorized him TO
command openly.
Another exceptonabe point in this exceptonable
publication, was an ungracious and needless attack
upon the late Secretary Of the Navy If Mr. Pauldlng
were ITS author he esor,ed to the highly dishonorable
expedient Of building his own fame upon the ruin Of
predecessor. A great man always relies upon the
strength OF his own case and not the weakness Of his
adversary's. We admit that Mr.. D,ekerson wanted
energy; but insist that Mr.. Pauldng's proclama-
tion Of this to the world in unfavorable with
himself was neither very courteous TO his predecessor
faithful TO his party respectful to his country useful to
his department., honorable TO himself 1t indicated
more the envy of the cowardy detractor than the proud
independence Of the statesman the justice and mag
nanmity OF the honorable But if Mr.. Pauding
were not its author, he least accused Of being
so, and therefore bound by every consideration Of
respect to his predecessor and himself repe the nju
rious imputaton. head Of department should
never rest under the charge Of retailing anonymous
gossip against his predecessors in Office. No geate-
man will gossip in private life, and real statesman
will tolerate gossip in public relations. The mode Of
casting of this odious suspicion easy A few words
concerning his predecessor in general order, would
have convinced the country that Mr. Pauding not
the to build his fame upon the rotten founda-
,ior Of professional deracton