Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1845-07-03
THE QUESTION ANSWERED.

We alluded last week to the trouble existing in
the wigwam at Washington, and also to the scath
ing letter which Gen. VAN Ness had addressed to
the President. The letter will be found below as
well as one from Gen. JACKSON to WIN. B. LEW
is, which we think answers the question very sat
i.faciorily-" Who is James X. Polk2" Father
Richie, we understand, refuses admission to these
documents into the columns of the "Union,' for
fear the Democracy will get TO see them; but for
tuna,ely the "faiihful' sometimes take peep into
other papers besides their Party Organs, and will
therefore see and learn all about the "actings and
doings" of the GaiUotine at Head Quarters. -
What delightful thing i, is for brethren of the
same faith to dwell in harmony together. But to
the "doeuments if they will be set down
as Wig hesl Verify this Administration will be
handed down to posterity as the "IETRiouE AID.
MIsIsrRATIos."
TO JAMES X. POLK.
President Of the United States:
SIR:-It is understood tina, you are about
to remove from the office of Collector of
the port of New York, c. P. Van Ness,
Esq. beg leave to say few words TO
you on that subject. This shall be done
10 forms Of respect; whilst boast, with
pride trust not unbecoming, that have
righ, TO speak when behold serious
menace Of impending wrong to one in
whose fate am not without some person.
al interest, and in whose ruin there is TO
be G violation. you will find not only of
sound policy. but also of the sacred prin.
ciples OF both private and public justice.
fortunately need. and therefore ask, no.
thing for myself; and you will bear me
witness that never annoyed or troubled
you in relation TO appointments, except
for, perhaps, about fifteen minutes in this
case. You then treated me patiently and
courteously, not saying any thing Of your
candor.
The Collector, il seems is to be reno
we'd. This being, from the importance of
the port, subject of some distinction, and
rather more Than ordinary public note, as
is obvious from numerous demonstrations,
in variods quarters, no! limited by, or as
cribable TO-, personal Partially, there are
anxious inquiries for the reasons Of the pro-
posed step. Is there any dedication in
thO P"oAiS "ohh VI AoiShtf
dustry, or efficiency in the management
OF the public businessl-any injustice or
oppression TO or upon private individuals
In short any administration or official
misconduct To all these inquiries there
is an universal negative response. will
no. dwell on what others say; but you say
yourself, unreservedly, that he is an able
and upright officer; that he discharges the
arduous duties OF his trust without i'm.
parchment and exception; and that there
is not a more efficient Executive agent
under the Government. Excuse me for
what may possibly be considered some
what aggressive. Now, Sir, functiona-
ry of your high station, power and respon-
sibility, in this Government, is not to act
without reason. You are the moral and
political head of a great country. need
not tell you that, whilst it is your duty 10
promote Its physical and political i'm
provement, you are equally responsible