Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1840-1842, 1842-09-16
TIE COLLECTORSHIP OF THE PORT
OF PHLADELP uIA.

The work is umm at length, and Jona-
than Roberts has been dismissed from the office Of
Collector Of the Port OF Philadelphia, 10 spite of the
Ssnate of the United States and in spite TO the
citizens of Philadelphia. So soon as Mr.. Tyler
could &c, clear of the regulating power OF the Sc
nate, he goes 10 work to do an act which he knew
that neither the Senate nor the people would APP
But why has Jonathan Roberts been removed
from the office Of Collector Was he incapable .
No one asserts il-no one pretends that ne lacks
either ability, industry, or integrity. Mcn who have
been the longest in the Custom House. will assert
that MIR. R.. hs shown an attention to the true bu-
siness of the ofice-a personal devotion TO all the
details that should come under his eye, which no
other Collector within their knowledge has ever
exhibited.
Has Jonathan Roberts wasted the funds of the
Government entrusted TO his care7 No one believes
thst-it is not asserted by any one. He is, then,
honest and capable.
But perhaps, Jonathan Roberts was found occu-
pying a place which MIR. Tyler had marked for ano.
Iherf Not 50. The citizens OF Philadelp hia were
pressing upon the notice OF the Executive some Of
their number, from whom a selection might be
made. But turning aside from the wishes Of the
merchants, and others, MIR. Tyler selected MIR. Ros
bsrts from the interior. and placed him in the re-
sponsible position of Collector. The people submit
tod-they had not asked for, nor indeed thought Of,
MIR. Roberts; but knowing him TO be a good man,
OF great abilities and Of stern integrity, and one
who had nided in the nomination and election OF
Mr.. Tyler, they bid the Collector welcome, and
found him worthy.
Mr.. Roberts has, so far as we know or hear, alb
stained from all party action, and devoted himself 10
his official duties. Why, then, is MIR. Roberts dis
missed-and dismissed at a time, when tho faithful
discharge OF his duties, and his stIlc, and honorable
adherence 10 the law Of the land, makes his dIsms-
sal not only a public Outrage, but a deep private
wrong, involving a chance OF immense pecuniaIy
loss7 Mr. Roberts was appointed by Mr. Tyler,
with a perfect knowledge Of his talents and views;
and these talents have been we'll exercised, and
these views have never been changed.
Why, then, has Jonathan Roberts been dismissedl
no reason can be assigned Tor the act, which are
not personal, selfish, and unbecoming the position
which MIR Tyler occupies.
No considerable portion Of our citizens have de-
manded the change, and no Considerable numbtr
approve OF il. We have nothing TO say about his
successor. His qualities, or his character, have no,
thing TO do with the violence to MIR. Roberts. The
dismissil Of Mr.. Roberts, and no, the appointment
OF MIR Smith, should excite a feeling Of indignation,
which should, Mt least, bTing before the public eye
the petty tyranny against which Mr. Roberts has
stood up. When the letters and messages from
Washington, debating, with most minute end ir-
sulting Interference, a course with reference TO the
subordinate officers, designating individuals, and re.
fening to peculiar political opinions, &c.-when
these shall be made public, the people will then I've
able to Judge Of the foul wrong which the Executive
OF the nation has done them. And We ttus, that not
miny days will %transpiro before more light will be
thrown on the subject.