Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1841-12-31

nature Of thincs. possess complete monopoly
and the Department is therefore liable to hea-
Wv and unreasonable charges. The evil IS
destined to greatly increase IN futpre' ana some
timely measure may become necessary 10
guard against it.
Executive Patronage.
I feel it nv duty to bring under your con-
sideration, practice which has grown up IN
the administration of the Government, and
which, am deeply convinced, ought to be
corrected. Iallude to the exercise OF the pow
er, which usage, rather than reason, has ves-
ted in the President, of removing incumbents
from office, in order to substitute others more
in favor of the dominant party. NY own
conduct, in this respect, has been governed
by conscientious purpose to exercise the re-
moving power, only in cases OF unfalthfulness
or inability; or in those in which its exercise
appeared necessary, in order to discountenance
and suppress that spirit'of active craftsmanship
on the part of holders Of Office, which not on
" withdraws them from the steady and I'M
partial discharge of their official duties, but
exerts an undue and injurious influence over
elections, and degrades the character OF the
Government itself, inasmuch az it exhibits
the Chief Magistrate as being party, through
his agents, in the secret plots or open work
logs Of political parties.
In respect to the exercise of this power,
nothing should be left to discretion, winch
may safely be regulated by law :; and 1t IS OF
high importance to restrain. as tar as possible,
the stimulus Of personal interests IN pubic e.
lections. Considering the great increase which
has been made in public offices. In the last
quarter of century, and the probability OF
further increse, we incur the haZatd OF Wit
Messing violent political contests, directed too
often to the single object Of retaining office by
those who are in, or obtaining il by those who
are out. Under the influence of these convic-
tons, shall cordially concur in any constitu-
tional measure for regulating, and by regula-
ting, restraining the power OF removal.
Smithsonian Request.
suggest to your consideration, the propre-
ty of making, without further delay, some
specific application of the funds under the will
of Mr.. Smithson, of England, for the diffusion
of knowledge; and which have, heretofore,
been vested in public stocks, until such time
az Congress should think proper to give them
specific direction. Nor will you, feel con-
fident, permit any abatement Of the principal
of the legacy to be made, should it turn out
that the stocks, In which the investments have
been made, have undergone depreciation.
District Of Columbia.
In conclusion, | commend to your care the
interests of this District, for which you are
the exclusive Legislators. Considering that
this city is the residence of the Government,
and, for large hart of the year of Congress,
and considerinU also the great cost of the
public buildings, and the propriety of afford
ing them a. all times careful protection, it
seems not unreasonable that Congress should
contribute towards the expenses of an efficient
police.
JOHN TYLER.
Washington, Dec. 7, l64l.