The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1844-02-13
Prom lhe WTeestef F"itol
MIR. HENSHA WIS LETTER.

MIR. HENSHAW'S LETTER
We publish to-day the letter Of Hon David Hen
shaw, and adopt the language Of the Post in relation
to it, when il says II breathss the spirit OF con
scous integrity and Of highmnded purpose, while II
EXHIBITS the authors ASSISTANTS IN The contemplate
light in which those always appear whose conduct
is governed by grovelling meanness, envy ialsehood
aud malice"
"Any Democrat who takes Office under John Iy-
er ought to be read out Of the Democratic party -
said 10 have been the language OF prominent De
moerai in this State about the time that Mr.. Hen
shaw accepted a seat in the Cabinet Whether sucl
remark made by the gentleman to whom
IT has been attributed, know not but we do know
that the spirit Of has been adopted and acted upon
by portion OF the party
We quote the declaration in this connection but 10
condemn it. II does not belong to the large and libe-
raj creed OF Democracy the Democratic principle
dsowns II and its tone and temper are unworthy OF
men who contend for the largest liberty" OF person
al rights aud privileges for every citizen.
We condemn il also for its total restitution OF
patriotism. If have faith IN our principles, that
they best for the country, and will contribute
most TO our nationol welfare we should seize every
opportunity that presents itself 10 incorporate those
principles into the action of the Government, that
they may become benign reality, No matter who
may be President, If a Democrat can carry out the
Democratic principe III any Department Of the Gov.
crnment he should not hesitate to avail hrmsef Of
the opportunity TO do so. Ii II Is important to give
the Government, or any part OF it, Democratic
tendency II is as important at one time at another
1t is important at all times, and never TO be delayed
by such ,try iderations the influence II may
have for against this that mans election to the
Presidency!
We condemn the spirit of such declaration, be-
cause of its destructive tendency. II strikes down
public virtue aud sbakcs the frmest pillars Of pop
ular freedom. 1t perverts public sentiment, and
feeds the groyelling passion oil narrow selfishness
Ii has been fully illustrated IN the Of Mr. Hen
shaw Here man every way qualified Ia Nil
the post of Secretary Of the Navy with signal advan-
age 10 the country. He entered upon ts duties with
perfect freedom from all enaugIing alliance al lib
erty to conduct the affairs of the department he
believed would be b. st for the government and best
for the people. he carried to the service uncom-
mon share of experience in all matters of business,
and an indonitabe energy and perseverance. he did
not, many others have done, 81. down que ly
in the Office and leave things 10 go in a .ns-es-
tablishea routine. But with characteristic inquist,e-
ness, he looked into every hingand gave personal
exam nation to whatever properly came within the
province of his SUPERVISION.
L he action of the depat ment was simpiified it's
ergy increased, its expenses materially reduced, and
abuses that bad been long creeping into il were a.
once reformed; and he met with the fate of all
who attempt to correct public abuses--thc hostility of
those who have lived upon them. Extra allowances.
not sanctioned by law, services ndered the pub
lie were cut of and payments for supplies at the
most extravagant rat s, than double the value Of
the a.tcles in any market, he refused 10 make. 10
the navy yardf, in obedience to the requirements of
the law, he caused the wages of the worknon to be
revised, 10 make them espond with The wages of
the sane class of workmen in the community at large
All this it was his duty TO do; for the money at his
disposal was the peoples oey, to be pended in the
mos prudent manner; and the good common sense #
the workmcn W. ud have submitted TO The operation
of the law wi hoAt murmuI had they beeh left to
themselves But the mrn who had Numbered forth
the anathema ,hht "any democra Who takes office
der John 1 Ter ought t. be read out of the democrat
party, went among them, bent only upon ,tuing up
spIit of dscontent for the purpose cjecting Mr.
Henshaw from The democratic party As the penalty
for non conformity with the edicts OF ce tain who
act upon the idea hat he people are born be led
and tn y ordained TO lead them This was but
specimen OF the kind rhlebce that was brought tn
bear against Mir. Hei shaw. IL was persisted ia with
such audacity as TO reach the Senate ofhe Union ard
exact the fcay of Senators L. the miserable spirit Of
party dogmatism. There party ,rumphed over palri
otsn and Senate al Ike regard $, fhe true interests
the country and the solemn oatLs that were upon
them, rendered their conduct infamous by Their open
and shameless disregard of 10 h.
II Is said by those who startled at The nsmy Of
their own acts, that Mr.. Henshaw was rejected b.
cause of his personal chara ter Such declaration
ialsehood let v no will put forth such miserable
apology Tor motives they are ashamed to avow.
The Democra &c Senators acted from high mo.
tiyes. II was TO carry out the vindctiye spirit Of
prescription which prompted the declaration, that
any Democrat who took Office under John Tyler
ought to be read out Of the Democratic party" And
yet We doubt not that if the truth could be known
would be found 10 be fact that Mr. Ienshaw mi ght
have been confirmed If lie would have consented to
degrade himself in his estimation by piedgiag the
influence Of M office for The election Of particular
indiuidiioi 10 the Presidency
The times, indeed pOrtend evil, when Senat
have so little regard 10 principle, TO patriotism to the
honor, stability, and permanence Of the Government
as to cxalt poll lca considerations above the solemn
responsibilities Of their onths Of office 10 prescribe
a faithful and competent officer, because his personal
preferences will mol correspond with their own to
sacrifice the lofty consideration Of the public welfare
10 low PEI soua conflicts for Office
From por ion OF the community those Senators
received at once the homage due their acts ia bon
fires, sautes, In staggering PROFESSIONS in tumuuous
meetings IN the puulIc Streets conclusion b,fiing
their commencement Of the scene Let them take such
homage, and cherish IT as a fit compliment for such
service as theirs 10 the country. But let them know
also, that for such profgacy Of sentiment as they
have exhibed-suoh utter disregard Of the interests
Of the People and the honor and efficiency of the
Goyernmen,-sucb an open prostitution Of patriotism
to party, they can receive nothing but indignant
rebuke from an honest, intelligent, and virtuous
People.
From The BqGIIo Gazette.