The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-04-05

States, to draw imaginary distinctions between
American citizens.
So much for the duties attaching to the Elk
ecutive but we would go further and ask
whether there be not also duties that
attach not only TO those who are invest
ed with the confirming poper, but to every
honest man and good citizen2 1t may be very
convenient to shift responsibility, and TO place
at the door of the Executive Administration
any odium that may arise, but is such course
fair or just2 The trainers of our noble Con-
stitution, whilst they gave to the President the
power Of nominating, also gave 10 the Senate
that of confirming or rejecting has nonaind-
tons, power the exercise of which has been
most earnestly inpohed by Mr.. Tyler, and that
too, at time, when the invoca ton was mali
ciousy construed into desire that certain
nominations might be rejected. If then inquiry
is TO be made, does it not devolve on the Senate
to examine the claims of nominees, more espe-
cialIy as it is to be presumed that tfty-t,0o IN
telligent aad upright men acting aoith rete-
renee to a single candidate aoould haze an an
fnitely better opportunity Of ascertaining the
truth than one or even sic could possibly haze,
where there are sometimes hundreds of appli-
cants concerned. Such being the case, we say
that it is just as much the business of Senators
to look TO the fitness of men nominated, as 1t is
that Of the President to examine into the
qualifications Of applicants, and that where
bad appointments are made, they are entitled
tha,~ f,l oho &c aI,
tach.
There is another and most powerful reason
why the Senate should participate IN the re-
sponsa6ahty belonging to appointments
Owing to causes already known to the public,
and worthy of its most deliberate and serious con-
sideration, certain Senators and members of the
House of Representatives aoho call themselves
Wigs, have thought proper not only to abuse
the President but in the fulness of their wrath,
to acithdraa0 themselves from all political COM
nltaion Nth him. Now we say that, however
gratifying this indulgence Of spleen may have
been to the honorable gentlemen concerned, it
amounted 10 gross abandonment of the duty
which they owe to their constituents and the
country al large, for which they should be held
responsible by the People These gentlemen
were sent here to represent the party to which
they belong as constituting majority of the
voters of their districts respectively, and it IS
their solemn and imperative duty to see that
the Republic shall sustain no injury, as well in
the matter of appointments as that of legisla-
ton. With what show of propriety, we would
| elr do III th,
responsibility, and cast blame elsewhere, when
they withhold their presence and their counsel
from the Executive? Admitting, for the sake
of the argument, that bad appointments are
made, hop can these gentlemen COM
plain, i, IN the absence Of their aduice,
of other men, who have patriotism enough to
make them do their duty to their country By
dfordimg the best lights that they possess, in
accordance with their particular political senti-
ments. The President of the United States,
as such, can and should knoa0 no difference be-
tpeen American citizens, be they members of
Congress or priuate individuals, and however
proper and desirable it may be that those en-
gagged in the public service shall be the friends
of the policy which he deems best for the coun-
try, other things being equal, he has no right to
reject applications backed by high intelligence
and moral worth. Without intending to med
die ourselves with the concerns of politicians
who by the indulgence Of personal pique, vo-
UNFAIRLY deprive their constituents of the weight
of their influence with those invested with the
appointing ROVER, they should be held account
able By those constituents for the injustice thus
here, and a,otcontented Nth attacking and dis
paraging q coordinate branch of the Govern
nent, to stand aloof with folded arms, aohilst
their constituents are deprived of the share of
benefits to which they are justly entitled, mere
ly for the qualification of their personal pique
BY what right do members Of Congress assume
the right to abandon the privileges conferred by
their commissions and their elevated position,
when, in so doing, they inyure the public SER
uice? And aohere did they learn that to in
suit and to degrade mere the readiest means
by 1Dhich to ensure just consideration and re-
spect? The PRESIDENT will respect those
who respect his station, and looking to the best
aid at command, will continue to devote him
self to the good of the COUNTRY, and the
WHOLE COUNTRY.
LORD ASHBURTON'S ARRIVAL-HIS MIS-
SION
Lord Ashburton arrived at Annapolis in the
Warspits on Sunday. His suite proceeded dl-
rectly to this city, and his Lordship's arrival at
the Capitol may be expected Immediately. In
asmuch as fears had been entertained of the
loss of the Warspite, growing out of the long
passage, (some AZ days,) we doubt not that
general qualification will be felt when his Lord