The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-05-01

'at'on as now pretendsd to be pmctised upon
Tor the most selfish and yindic,iye purposes.
lie resisted the powerful appeals 10 him for
The removal Of Colonel Mc Lane, upon the
grounds OF his having so long and faiihfuly
discharged the duties Of the Office. How
unlike Mr.. Van Buren,! When his friends
protested against his removing faithful and
long tried officers, they are told in the most
cold and hearless manner that he has been
imporfuned TO do the deed, and that it is
part Of his system, which must be carried out.
Indications from all quarters Of tho country,
however, justify US in the confident belief that
the people are preparing to carry out system
that will sweep from the Executive chair, one
who has reached il by false professions, and
who now, dsregarding all the obligations of
iavors conferred, is daily sacrificing those
friends, but for whose efforts in the darkest
days Of his political life, he would never have
had the power Of displaying so much base in
gratitude.
"WAsHISGros, July g, 1909
SIR received in due time your fayors OF May
3ls and June o, The former covering address from
democratic republican meeting at Dover the latter
one from the grand and general nres OF the circuit
OF the United States h, Id at Dover both Of them
praying removal Of Allen McLane from the Office Of
collector Of customs at Wilmington
When hrst came into the administration, complaints
were exhibited against Col McIane. and an inquiry
Immediately directed 10 be made into his conduct
Every opportunity which could be desired was given,
on both sides, TO the producing Of testimony and on
full he "a iiv cd Ha
had right TO consider that acqual as bar to every
thing anterior; and certainly according sound pn-
cipes, il must be considered am persuaded that
the republican citizens who have cooenrcd in these ad.
dresses would he incapable Of wishing me 10 do any
thing which should bring just the admins
raiion as should be from yielding TO such wish
We have no interest passions different from those
Of our fellow citizens We have the same object, the
success Of representative government Nor are we
acting for ourselves alone but for the whole human
The event OF our experiment is to show whether man
can be trusted with ssfgovernment. The eyes Of su
fering humanity fixed us with anxiety their
only hope, and such theatre and for such GAUGE,
we suppress all smaller passion and local considerations
The leaders OF federalism say. that cannot be
trusted with his government. We must do no act
which shall replace them in the direction Of the expert
ment. We must not, by any departure from principle
dshearten the mass of our fellow citizens who have
conhded to Us this Interesting cause,
H. since the date Of the acqutal, Col McLane has
done any new act Inconsistent with his duty Off
Ger. or agent Of the adm nisration this would be
legitimate ground for new inquiry, into which should
consider myself free to enter No particular fact Of
this kind is charged in the address, but Only that he is
dsagreeabe to the citizens Of the place. This would
be among the proper considerations the appointment
OF officer, aud ought, before appointment to have
weight, but after many years possession Of an office,
and an exact discharge Of Its duties rcmDrai for this
reason would not be approved by those beyond the pale
of his unpopularlty. .~
Our opponents disposed to make malignant
use Of whaever from me, to torture every VOID
into meanings intended, IN order veil their
passions and principles that must ask the favor Of you
to communicate verbally the sentiments of this letter,
to those who forwarded their addresses through you,
not permitting the letter any copy to go out Of your
hands ] pray you TO accept assurances OF my high
consideration and respect THOS: JEFFERSON.
Gov. Hall.