Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1839-09-24
DEFAULTERS.

THE WAY THEY ARE TREATED By THE DEPARTMENT
The Globe referring to tho deialcation of the
postmaster at Mobile, says
ave authorized to state the facts in the case
10 be as follows, viz
The postmaster at Mobile called at the Depart
ment few weeks since, and stated that ne was on
journey for his death, which had been feeble for
some months. On the evening of the same day he
called on the Postmaster General at his house, and
stated that he had been TO the Auditors office, and
found that large amount of drafts had been drawn
upon him, which he feared could not all be met
lie was asked whether he had been over1rawn. He
answered in the negative but said that during his
sickness some time ago, his agent had applied por-
ton Of the funds OF his office to his private RESPONSE
hiites and desired to know what would be the con-
sequences if the drafts not paid. He was told
that il single draft protested there would I'M
doubleday be change Of postmaster at Mobile that
his name would be assurejy presented to the Pres
lent. with the facts Of the case, and that the course
of the President could not be doubted. He said he
would return Immediately and endeavor to meet the
drafts but expressed doubts of his ability do so.
This is the substance Of what passed. Although
the object OF the posmasers call seemed to be "a
obtain indulgence, he did not directly ask it, prob
ably because the language of the Postmaster Gen
eral gave him no hope Of obtaining it.
The next morning instructions were sent TO an
agent 10 go to Mobile for,hwith-if any draft was
protested, take the Office of the possession
the postmaster, and endeavor to secure prompt
payment of the money due TO the government.
This i, undoubtedly, the best face that can be
put the matter and what is the real aspect of it
\ receiving officer sworn, and having given the Sc
curities require by law for the faithful discharge
his duties tells his official superior that the public
funds have been used for his private benefit
and asks--not what will be the penalty of such
breach Of trus-but what the penalty of not paying
the drafts of the government upon the public monies
that should have been in his hands The reply is
not that the unlathfu officer must at once be dis
missed for breach Of uust-but that if any of III,
drafts were protested he would be dismissed. Th
u the true Spartan morality-thai the discovery o
tho theft, and not the theft Itself is the crime II il
plain iutimaton 10 all receivers and collectors
that so only that they manage TO pay the government
drafts, as presented, they may use, as they please
IN the interim, the funds of which they trustees
And yet with such practice before us, the ma
ton IS called upon TO support the SOb-TTelsury, 0
which one Of the chief provisions is, that all th
monies collected or received for account ofthe Uni
ted States, are TO be safely kept BY individuals Re
ceiyefss General. and others who are to be bount
up by all SORTS Of forms and securities, but who II
tic precedenis bf tho Treasury Department, vii
find proof upon proof, that long they are faith
lul and active pariisans tile Secretary will not b.
rigorous as 10 their punctuaty in complying witt
instructions, OF their fidelity IN keeping safely, an
no, using or lending, the monies committed 10 thei
f charge.
!, would really seem that there is no limi, to TN
assurance OF the leaders Of the democracy in seek
ing 10 impose upon the credulity ofihc people, who's
intelligence they profess 80 much 10 prize. VIII
their promises and proies conradcied by ihei
iias0al praciice, they yet 60 on, ircm day 70 day
ea!oliag ~ public oar with marirns OF economy