The North-Carolina standard., 1839-06-26
FROM THE RICHMOND (vIReINtA) ENQUIRER.
i5 THE DEFALCATIONS. gsaa


81 THE DEFALCATIONS. ge1a2-z
THE inVeterate policy of Federalism, whatever
garb it assumes is that of popular deception
1t is driven to this by its want of. solid grounds
of action, as we'll as by its incurable disbelief in
the virtue and intelligence oil the people. One
delusion succeeds another. panic follows panic
or, to use its own favorite phrase so descriptive
of itself. one humbug gives place to another, un-
til the whole circle of folly and falsehood has
been described. 1t sometimes happens that, for
a short time, these devices succeed; but never
after they have been once understood In the
time OF the elder Adams, Democracy was de.
cried as inimical to religion, morals and proper
ty; but this ciamor, which has been lately re-
peated, soon lost lis charm. cite this only as
a specimen. During Gen. Jacksons triumphant
administration, the same tricks were resorted to,
but with short lived success Ofthese the most
onspicuous was the panic raised on account OF
the removal of the deposites, which was quickly
dispeled by the invncible reasons in favor Of the
Legality and propriety of that bold act without
which, the Bank would certainly have prevailed
Mr.. Van Buren's administration once as
sailed by The accusation of hostility 10 credit, en-
terprise and property, of which. however, we hear
very little at present The latest devices of the
enemies of the Republican Administration, are
to be found in the camor about the expenditures
and the defalcations. Of the former, we have
already disposed, with what success it is for you
to say. On the latter topic, [ propose to make
some cursory observations to-day Compelled
as am, to limit myself to the narrow range of
a newspaper article, it will not be in my power
to give to the subject the space and the details
which its importance and amplitude deserve
| And first l will make few remarks about the
Swartwout defalcation, which has excited most
interest, and may be regarded as The very "head
and 'front.' of this indictment against the admins
ttratIon Mr. Swartwout, as he is so respectful
liz denominated by the famous committee of IN.
vestigaton, or the Conservative Whig scoun-
drel Swartwout" as he is more crudely, though
Justly, characterized by DR.. Duncan, who so
cruelty demolished the refined Whig swagge-
rers with their own favorite weapons was un-
fortunately appointed collector of the customs at
New York. shortly after the commencement OF
General Jackson's administration. He had been
an old Federalist, and, when young man. was
seduced into some sort Of cooperation, was
supposed, at least, with the plans Of Aaron Burr
Il was not believed that he was entirely privy to
the design; but the general impression was, that
his young aud ardent mind had been seduced
by brilliant promises and the temptation of ro-
mantle enterprise. In the last war he signallzed
himself at least, by his patriotic enthusiasm, and
ne always bore, up to within few months the
reputation OF gallant, generous, and honorable
man. Strong testimony to this effect was Civ
en- by Mr.. Hoffman. Wing Representative of
the city Of New York, In a speech delivered in
Congress last winter, which does honor to his
courage and manliness Swartwout, with no
stain upon his integrity, was just the kind of a
man to win the confidence OF the brave and con-
fding Jackson and he accordingly appointed
him to the situation which he lately held much,
however, to the dissatisfaction of some Of his De-
mocratc friends, and especially OF Mr. Van Bu-
Tsn who demonstrated against the appointment
upon the ground of his unftness, personal and po-
litical, though not for reasons derogatory to the
character of the new incumbent. He was ena-
bled get six of the respectable il not veal
thy, citizens of New York to become his sure
ties for considerable amount. The report OF
the majority of the Investigating Committee
dwells strongly upon the wealth and respectable
ty of his first securities. Gen. Jackson was not
the only person deceived by him; for, it will ap-
pear directly, that be enjoyed in an eminent de-
gree, the confidence and applause of the mer-
camille community. He was renominated, with
general appreciation in 1884, and confirmed by
Wing Senate, alter an examination OF his ac-
counts by Whig committee Of " hich Mr.. Sis,
bee. of Massachusetts, chairman. He was
then already defauter to considerable amount.
About that time or shortly after, he became dis
affected to the Administration, and began to min
gle in political intrigues. His hostility gradu-
aIy increased until the suspension of specie pay
ments, when he gave some indications of refu-
sal to execute the law, for which ne was nalleu
with rapturous applause, especially by the mer-
camille portion OF the Opposition. 1t is to be re-
GREETED that the President did not at once dismiss
him. as sound principle and policy enjoin should
be done with every dIsaffected officer holding
high station. Perhaps an honorable delicacy
towards the supposed friend of his predecessor,
and the consciousness of his own want of CordI-
aIity towards the incumbent induced the Presl-
dent TO exhibit more patience and indulgence than
were justified by the circumstances OF the case.
Be that as il may, Swartwout was already pro-
claimed a martyr, and became at once hero OF
the Opposition. He was the leader of the Con-
servatives. presiding at their celebrated meeting.
whose address. burning with indignation at the
alledged corruptions of the Administration and
wrongs ofthe nation, was circulated in thousands
throug hout the country. He was spoken OF as
the Wing Conservative candidate for Congress.
and when, finally he was not nominated by the
President for re-appointment. splendid service
OF plate was presented to him. in the most atter:
ing manner, by way of compensation for his
&" prosecutions" 1t was impossible to be more
popular, or more praised than was the " coura-
geous and independent" chief of the Conserva-
tives. Mr. Samuel Swartwout, who had made
such great sacrifices from devotion to the real an
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