The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-11-06

NOT by sIprsss aw-to be also removed at pleasure
and B. To the assistants allowed by law to very many
Of the principals included above which assistants are
generally called cLsrks-sone Of them deputies ap
Prasers weghers, gaugers subinspectors store keep
ers, lighthouse keepers, &c, &c-all appointed and
subject to removal under the second head.
| am asked--Whether lin my poor opinion) all those
functonaries (amounting to many thousands) or any
of them ought to DO periodically superseded by oigl
nal aptointmentsl If yes When? And if part
only--Which?
We have seen that great number of Offices are
filled for a term of years, and without any mi-
taton as to term |, however, can draw no line of
just distinction between the claims of the two classes
upon the favor of country Government.
Promising that regular periodical changes in the
subordinate servants Of the country merely for the
sake Of change would necessarily swell Executive pa
tronage, already too much swollen-l am obliged to
add that more than doubt, other grounds the po
Icy and justice Of such changes. Because for the
able and prompt execution Of public business, much
official experience, in great number Of particular
stations, known TO be necessary; 2. Because many
office holders appointed under even reckless admins
trations (such as we have seen will always, after
time be found oftried integrity and Of equal industry
and abilities; s. Because, again, may be found
in state of honorable poverty the result no less of
stern integrity than of long and exclusive devotion
to the interests Of the public; and Because to
move such servants not to re-appoint them at the
end Of term, would not only discourage in
faithful discharge Of duty but could not fail to out
rage the moral sense Of entire communities | speak
on this head from what witnessed in l82930, OF the
cruel experiments on large scale then made upon the
sensibes of the country, and the mischiefs to the
public interests which early ensued.
What would, therefore, humbly advise is this to
turn out, not only on change of President but in
any and every week of the year, all offce-holders
known TO be deficient in either honesty, capacity or
industry, and to appoint in their stead known to
possess those qualities. Without anxious atten-
ton to this rule Government Of the people, resting
on virtue and intelligence cannot long be successfully
maintained; for blind or vicious distribution Of
enormous patronage would soon, by the force of the
highest example, beat down all that is taught in the
church, the schoolhouse, and the college.
One Presidential term.-Of the eight Chief Ma
gstrates that preceded General Harrison-whom
nation yet mourns-the first, third, fourth, fifth, and
seventh presided this Union, respe. lively two
successive terms the other three but four each
and every one of the eight, uhilst in office became
candidate for second term.
consider the sublime example, set by the father Of
his country in declining third election-which has
been duly followed by four popular Presidents, and
would doubt, have been observed with equal good
faith by the other three under like
establishing barrier against third term, impas-
sable if it were imbodied in the Constitution itself
But do not consider it respectful to the people,
otherwise proper in candidate to solicit favor ON
pledge, that If elected, he will not accept a second
nomination. 1t looks too much like bargain tender
cd to other asprants-yield to noo; shall be
| out Of your 1ody-too much like the interest that
| sometimes governs the Cardinals in the choice of a
Pope-many voting for themselves first, and if with
out success, finally for the most superannuaed, in
der that the election may the round again
am, however in favor OF an amendment of the Con-
stitu.ion in OF the erpss MISUNDERSTANDING
that no etsr1sna shall BE sgee ~ reelection to the
Presidency and also. IT an sISsasssa Of the terms
10 sSaa Of Saaab,r-a Reri.,d of sly years
ASsncs Qfaia R'esia6nE IN AagaaitG1ane - / am
Rsrsiaded that this should Do stgsGtdS ln1Jai 2 To
Raa sstSt, 4.salihsl an ssiggasiad above 8 To the
counaI al ila Constellation, "ia snail from IBa ~
nna. give tn the Congres iniurnatiun ri the OF
ma uaio anu neeomtnsasi ~ their cuasilnaa1n staeA
nsasres al ns snail Judge necessary and sspe6eaE;T
and To furnishing, Gbroagh the seprosrt,as Exc
cutiss Departments, such decades Eer bills 40 aay epr
mittss Of either House Of Cengrsss ay specially cali
for.
Loading utsasarss 9ftis tate Extra session Of Con-
grsss-n had had the honor OF u vote on the coca
sion, It would have been given in favor OF the Land
Distrt6utioa bill, the Bankrupt 6Il and the second
bill for creating FSseal Corporation-having long
been under q conviction that, in peace, in war,
something efficient, in the nature of a Bank of the
United Stafes is not only necessary and proper but
indispensable to the successful operations Of the Trea
suy, a. well a. " many Of the wants Of our commerce
and currency.
Secret, oa1l-bound Societiss Il have not been
member Of masonic lodge in thirty odd years, nor
visiter OF any lodge since, except once--now more
than sixteen years ago. There are, at many acade-
mics and colleges, well known, associations of
Students tutors and professors for purely literary pur
poses, and their meetings. generally for aught that
know, may be secret. Twenty eight years ago, was
once present with such association and never since;
and have, within five years, received many fatter
ing notices my having been enrolled honorary
member OF as many such associations l am sorry 10
be reminded that, by some strange neglect have fail
ed 10 accept one of those honorable distinctions.
Finally, am asked, If nominated as candidate
for the Presidency, aoould you accept the nomination.
beg leave respectfully to reply, yes; provided that
be not required to renounce any principle professed
above. My principles convictions.
Hoping that you who have done me the honor to
invite this general reply may with the millions, be
enabled in year or two to fix on some other citizen
as your candidate more worthy, and therefore,
likely to conciliate the majority of popular sufrages
remain, gentlemen,
Your friend and fellow citizen.