The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-05-01

Mr.. Webster did feather his nest by first turning
Quit the accomplished Martin and putting in his place
bis own son, now called an under Secretary Of State
Whether this first act Of his Ministry was consistent
with the dsnterestedness Of the head of party which
disclaimed all the spoils of Office is le the per
pie TO decide. Such devotion 10 your relations finds
no countenance in the examples Of Washington and
Jefferson.
The above is apart Of an editorial in the Richmond
Enquirer of the 23d Of April.
|" The accomplished Martin got into office by wri-
ting vituperatve articles for the Globe He retained
Thy employing time which should have been devoted to
public business in scrbng vndictve Trades for the
Richmond Enquirer.
Mr.. ID. F. Webster is appointed in his place. Heis
nowhere called IAN under Secretary OF State" we
have SEEN except in the very Ingenious columns Of the
Richmond Enquirer. The only official printed des-
patch in which he has been alluded to- the letter
addressed to Mr. Tyler by the Cabinet informing him
of the death of the Pr esident. eve lose no time
said the letter. " in despatching the Chief Clerk Of the
State Department (Mr. Webster jr.) as special mes
senger to bear to you these melancholy tidings."
But an act which seems SO Objectionable to Mr. Rit-
chic, when it is done by Mr.. Webster, was virtue,
we presume, when performed by Mr.. Van Buren, or
any Of his cabinet It cannot, therefore, be much
the act that is DONE but the who doest which of
tends the very scrupulous and reverend editor.
1t was no plea to be allowed in extenuation Of the
act that Mr.. Webster stated in his speech at Rich
mond that no relation of his had to his knowledge
received dollar Of the public money from the General
Government. TWAS inexcusable in Mr.. Webster to
select his own son as Chief Clerk in his de-
parment, and with whom he would have constant and
confidential intercourse, but Gen. jackson, Mr.. Van
Buren,, Mr.. Woodbury., Mr.. Poinsett, Mr.. Forsyth,
and Mr.. Kendall, could manifest preference forther
relations for great variety of empoyments without
provoking solitary remark from the Richmond En-
quirer. .~
Gen. Jackson had several relations in Office.
Mr.. Pan Barren appointed his son Martin, jr. pr-
vate Secretary for signing land patents Salary $500
Mr.. Woodbury's brother in law, J. O. Barnes, was
Naval officer at Boston. Salary $4,000.
His uncle in law A. HI. Quincy, was clerk. Sala-
ry$ 400. -sa. .s...,.. a .r 4
F. Bunnell, Deputy Naval officer. Another con-
nexion. i gs .T t ,a. W. ALL
His son Charles Woodbury., Secretary to the Com
mittee on public buildings. Salary $500 to- 800. r
His father in law, special agent to Havana
Mr.. Poinsett promoted brotherin law. a
Mr. Forsyth appointed son in law to office.
Mr. Kendall brought the following relations of his
into office:
g Alexander Kyle, fatherin law. Salary not known.
Alexander Kyle jr., brother in law Salary $1,000.
Samuel Kendall jr., nephew. Salary $14OO.
George M. Kendall, brother. Salary $1,000.
John E. Kendall travelling P. M. Salary $500.
Most Of these persons are yet in Office.
During the whole of the last three Presidential
terms, Mr. Richie with knowledge Of these facts,
thought necessary to remind these gentle
that such devotion to your relations, finds nc
countenance in the examples Of jefferson and Madi
son. That charity was reserved for Mr. Webster.