The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-04-01
Communications.
FoR the MADIsoNIAN.
SECRETARY BELL.

SECRETARY BELL.
The labors Of the new Cabinet seem TO be uncea-
sing. The business 10 be transacted has been Of
most pressing character Secretary Bell, with those
habits of industry which have always characterised
him-spends almost his whole time in the War De
parment TO the head of which he has been appointed
The Florida war, the condition Of the Indians-he
affair Of McLeod-the reform in his department, &C.,
have engrossed almost his whole attention, and he is
found early in the morning and late in the evening in
his Office, engaged in the discharge of his duties Col
Bell to mind of great cearness and ygor, unites in
deiatigable industry and business habits. While
Speaker oflhe House of Representatives he dis
nguished for his prompttude impartiality and cor
RICHNESS of judgment; and while chairman of the
Committee of Indian Affairs, was active, laborious
and efficient As member of Congress, his deport-
ment was geniemanly and dignifed never giving Of
fence by any personal remark but always replying to
ms opponent IN style the most courteous and par
lamentary. The logical character of MIR Bells mind
led him TO prefer reasoning to defamation and to
deavor 10 convince the judgment rather than to please
the ear His mind Is essentially analytical and log-
cal and he enters into the investigation Of subject
however complex, with perfect GOODNESS, candour and
freedom from prejudice and passion These powers
he has carried with him into the War Department, and
the beneficial result will be experienced Secre-
tary Bell has ambition to make figure by sugges-
ting wild and visionary schemes and projects which
can never be carried into effect and will nnly psnra-.
such as can be subjected TO the test of
and are founded the basis Of experience His capa
city is large and comprehensive, and his judgment coo
and discriminating He will not be swerved from the
linz nf. lptv hu
the glitter of untried experiments His intimacy with
our Indian relations for years past his strict Of
justice and Of what is due the claims of the unfor
tunatc aborigncs, eminently qualify him for the sta
ton to which he has been judciously appointed
| His able report made last summer is evidence OF
his acquaintance with the fthe tribes
have received from the Government, and Of his ability
and disposition to do them justice They may expcc,
what they will doubtless receive from him, that care
kindness and attention which their helpless conditions
and the faith othe nation require, and which have hi
heIto, been too long and unjusiy withheld. The en-
arged mind business habits, and great industry Of Sc
cretary Bell, fit him for the situation he holds and
il will not be long before he succeeds in bringing
der out of chaos and rendering the operations OF the
department over which he presdes, ineligible, fec
tive and salutary. The sphere is to him. and the
duties arduous but he has mind which is accustom-
ed to wreste with, and surmount all difficulties and
these, whatever they may be, he will overcome, il
properly aided by efficient agents and and assisted by
his coadjutors in the administration. Mr. Bells man
ners are not such to render him forbdding and
pulsive he is quiet placid and gentlemanly, never
peuent ractous but always cool, dspassionate ant
selfcomposcd, in the midst Of annoyance, ane
when most would be inclined TO feel some rrita
tons Such is the new Secretary of War, and thu
nation will find him able, active and useful minis
| ter w.