The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-03-25

ofice aud for what Offices, distinguishing between
those who have applied in person, and lhoc who's,
applications were made by friends, whether IN person
by writing" has been transmitted me lol my
slderation,
II II were consistent with the rights and duties o
the Executive Department, il would ailyrd me grea
pleasure 10 furnish in this, as in all cases in which
proper niornt lon Is demanded, ready compliance
with the wishes of the House OF Representatives
But since in my view, general considerations ofpolicy
and propHety, as well as proper defence of he rights
and safeguards of the Executive Department require
of me, the Chief Magistrate, refuse compliance
with the terms of this resolution it is incumbent on
TO urge for the consideration Of the House OF Rep
reseniatives my for declining 10 give the de-
sired information.
All appointments TO Office made by President be-
come, from the date of their nomination to the Sen
ate, official acts which are matter of record, and are
at the proper time made known 10 the House OF Rep
resentatives and 10 the country But applications for
office, letters respecting appointments, OF conversa-
tons held with individuals on such subjects, are
not official proceedings, and cannot by any means be
made TO parake OF the character Of official proceed
ngs unless, after the nomination OF such person so
writing conversing, the President shall think pro
per 10 lay such correspondence OF such conversations
before the Senate. Applications for office are in their
very natu confidential; and if the reasons assigned
for such applications, the names of the applicants
were communicated, not only would such implied con-
fdence be wantony violated, but, in addition, il i.
quite obvious that mass of vague, incoherent, and
pei sona matter would be made public at a vast
sumption Of time money, and trouble, without ac-
complishing, tending in any accomplish,
as il appears 10 me, any useful object connected with
sound and constitutional administration of the Gov
eminent in any OF its branches.
But there is consideration of still more effective
and lofty character, which is with entirely decl
sve of the correctness of the view that have taken
of this question. While shall ever evince the great
est readiness to communicate TO the House of Repr'-
seniatives all proper information which the House
shall deem necessary 10 due discharge of its constr
utona obligations aud functions, yet it becomes me-,
defence of the Constitution and laws Of the Uni
Ted States protect the Executive Department from
all encroachment its powers rights, and duties. In
my judgment, compliance with the resolution which
has been nted To me would be surrender OF
duties and powers which the Constitution has con-
TERED exclusively on the Executive and therefore,
such compliance cannot be made by me- nor by the
Heads of Departments by my direction. The APP
pointing power SO far il is bestowed the Presi
dent by the Constitution is conferred without
or qualification. The reasons oi the appointment
and the responsibility of the appointment, rest with
him alone. cannot perceive any where in the Con
tuition of The United States any right conferred
the House of Representatives. to hear the reasons
which an applicant may urge for appointment ia
Office under the Executive Department or any duty
resting upon the Ilouseof Representatives by which
1t may become responsible for any such appointment
Any assumption or misrepresentation the part o
the House of Representatives Of its duties and pow
in respect to appointments by which il encroache.
on the rights and duties of the Executive Depart
ment is to the extent to which reaches, dangerous
impolltic and unconstitutional.
For these reasons, perfectly nvincing to IN,
mind, beg leave respectfully to repeat in conclusion
that cannot comply with the request contained II
the above resolution.
JOHN Tyler