The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-02-16
THE CABINET.

tutIonal council seems TO meet with general APP
probation II is regarded as strong and able IN
the aggregate, as well as in each individual cha
gree of confidence which the country has reposed
in the capacity and judgment Of General Har-
rison. 1t is not surprising that he should have
found difficulties in fixing upon choice which
should be most acceptable, when we consider
the interests to be consulted, and the rich and
comprehensive field which invited his attention.
Every one has his standard of fitness--each one
his beau ideal Craftsmanship, and though some
may feel disappointed that particular favorite
was not selected, yet all must be aware that ma
ny may be presented, but only a few chosen,
and that the disappointment one may feel must
of necessity be the lot of multitudes Of Others
But those who, in reality, regard the interests Of
the whole country as paramount to all personal
considerations, will readily sacrifice each private
grief upon the common altar, recollecting that,
after all, what is the greatest good of the country
will ultimately prove his own.
When, therefore, we put these selections to
the Jeflersonan test, are they honest are they
ledge we have, that the answer is affirmative
and triumphant? If we turn TO the Cabinet
history Of the country, shall we any where find
one equal TO this, take il all in all, since the COM
mencement OF the present country? Are they
not all high-minded gentlemen, eminent in their
several walks Of life, possessing the confidence
of their constituents and for the most part, of
the whole country, and attached by the firrnest
ties OF patriotic friendship to the American soil
and the American Constitution? In all the
branches OF service to which they have been
called, and they have been various and conspi-
cuous, and the service long and faithful, have
they not given the strongest guaranty that wher-
ever duty may call them, they will be constant
and true2
But whatever may be the measure of favor
with which either or all of them are regarded,
it cannot be denied that their several and aggre-
gate capacities for efficient labor are not inferior
to any six men in the country With General
Harrison at the head, ardent in his patriotism,
liberal and comprehensive in his views, and De-
mocratc in all his feelings and sympathies, we
cannot but expect, from the united wisdom and
concurrent action of the whole the most benefi-
cent and glorious results.
OF most Of the Cabinet the public have had
familiar and almost daily knowledge. The gen
teman selected for the Navy Department is an
exception, and the question within few days
past, has been often asked, "who is George E.
Badger2" Although it is uncertain whether
that gentleman can be prevailed on to accept the
Office, yet readers NAV be interested in know
ing something more about him than many OF
them probably do. "A Republican Of North
Carolina" in yesterdays Integencer, supplies
us with the following particulars:
Who is George +. BADGER, the gentleman propos-
ed for the office of Secretary of the Navy He is
native of Newbern, in North Carolina. His father
died poor when he small boy. He possessed
fine talents and his friends aided him in acquiring
education. He obtained license to practice the law
before he Fl wears old His vigorous and dis
crlmin alive intellect Immediately gave him high rank
in the community. He was at an early age, elected
Member of the Legislature of North Carolina, but
his limited circumstances compelled him at once to
abandon politics, because he poor and had wi
dowed mother and two sisters TO support. He devoted
himself the profession Of the law, and acquired a
large and lucrative practice. The Legislature, when
he was yet very young man. elected him Judge, and
he discharged his duties on the bench with great ability
and impartialy giving entire satisfaction to the pro
ession and the people. sense of duty TO himself,
his mother and sisters required that he should
main on the bench at small salary when his splendid
talents and extensive requirements would command
the most lucrative practice. He resigned his seat
the bench, and returned to his practice at the bar.
Mr. Badger is justly regarded of the very ablest
lawyers in the United States. He rarely ever speaks
longer than one hour any subject, and IN that space
of time he will do ample justice to his client, and often
demolish three days speech Of his adversary
hat had orhnlar nd "A uriat
VIM CASTOR, was at the bar, Mr.. Badger, though a
much younger man, was his formidable rival Ii |
had in any court in the United States would
employ George t. Badger as any lawyer in
America. During the last war, when the British in
vaded the eastern shore Of North Carolina, Governor
Hawkins, with large number of volunteer militia,
marched quickly to the defence of the seaboard. In
that expedition, George Z. Badger then about 10 years
old, volunteered was appointed by Major General
Jones one Of his aids and remained in public service
until the enemy rctreated, took water, and sailed from
North Carolina.
Mr. Badger was an active and ardent supporter Of
General Jackson for the Presidency he was, indeed
the leader OF the jackson party of North Carolina and
the address containing their political creed prior
to the elevation of Gen. jackson TO the Presidency.
The same party in North Carolina, generally nom-
mated him gentleman e-emlnenty qualIfed to
be ATTORNEY General in President Jacksons Cabinet
So ALSO the Wing members of the last Legislature Of
North Carolina (whose active associate he has been
for several years) unanimously nominated and recon-
mended Mi Badger eminently qualified TO make
an able Attorney General in President Harrisons adj
ministration.
In the foregoing, il is not designed TO represent Mr.
Badger as mere lawyer. There is region OF
thought to which his mind has been directed in Which
he has not exhibited the highest and most command
ing powers of intellect lfhe shall accept the appoint
ment rendered 10 him, have not the slightest doubt
nor need his friends entertain the least msgving, that
he will take the most mastery, commanding, and
staesmanke views OF all the Interests of the Navy
and far do it, elevate it to that posi-
ton that our rapidly increasing resources, extending
commerce. and the present state of the world may re-
quire.
While he will bring these large and comprehensive
views 10 the subject with capacity for business