Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1841-03-25

HE BEGINNING or REPORM.-The
following Circular" from tho State De-
pnrtmeni, says Tho New York CONNER
cial Advertiser, twill be read with de-
liph ht by NIL good citizens and true lovers
Of their country. II is the first step in
that great work Of reform which the peo-
pie Of the Union had found to be indis-
pensable, which they determined to hiring
about, and as the instrument for efectins
which made William Henry Harrison
their chief magistrate. Public opinion
expected 1.-THE public voice demanded
and we have in this circular a pledge
that under the administration Of Prcsi-
dent Harrison it will he carried out.
The injunciions and requirements Of
the circular are all that we could wish.
They strike directly at the root Of an
evil which had grown up to fearful
magnitude, and threatened utter ruin,
as il had already caused serious mis-
chief, TO tho beneficeut action Of our po-
lilical institutions.
CIRCULAR.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
March go, 1871.
To the Hon. Thomas EWING,
Secretary Of the Treasury:
Sir:-Ihe PRESIDENT is Of opinion
that it is a great abuse to bring the pat
ronage Of the General Government into
conflict with the freedom of elections;
and that this abuse ought to be correct
cd wherever it may have been permit
ted TO exist, and to be prevented for
the future.
He therefore direct that information
be given to all officers and agents 10
your department Of the public service,
that partisan interference in popular
elections, whether of state officers or
officers of this Government, and for
whomsoover or against whomsoever it
may be exercised, or the payment Of
any contribution or assessment OH sal
aries or official compensation for party
or election purposes, will be regarded
by him as cause of removal.
1t is not intended that any officer
shall be restrained in the free and prop
or expression and maintenance of his
opinions respecting public men or pub
lie measures, or in the fullest degree,
of the constitutional right Of suffrage.
But persons employed under the Gov
ernment, and paid for their services
ont Of the public Treasury, are not ex-
pected to take an active or oflicious
part in attempts TO influence the minds
or votes Of others: such conduct being
deemed inconsistent with the spirit of
the constitution and the duties Of public
agents acting under it; and the Presi-
dent is resolved, SO far as depends upon
him that while the exercise Of the ell
ectve franchise by the people shall be
free from undue influences Of official
station and authority, opinion shall also
Le free among the officers and agents
Of the Government.
The President wishes it farther to be
announced and distinctly understood,
that from all collecting and disbursing
counts, and entire punciuality in paying
balances, will be vigorously exacted.
In his opinion it is time to return, in
this respect, to the early practice Of
the Government, and to hold any de-
gree delinquency on the part of those
entrusted with the public money just
cause ofilnmediatc removal. He deems
the severe observance of this rule to be
essential to the public service, as every
dollar lost to the Treasury by unfaithinl-
ness in Office creates a necessity for d
new charge upon the people.
have the honor to be, sir, your obe-
dient servant,
DANIEL WEBSTER.
Similar letters have been addressed
to other heads Of Departments.