The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1845-04-28
FOR THE MADIsoNIAH
FOR THE MADisosIks.
HON. JUDGE SHIELDS, THE NEW COM.
MISSIONER OF THE GENERAL LAND

MISSIONER OF The GENEhAL LAND
OFFICE
MrssRs. EprroRs II our Democratic President
should continue make such judcious appointments
as he has done so far the Old Ship of State will sson
be put upon her Republican tack, the redeemlng
spirit Of reform will dtuse its renovatng influence
throughout our borders and great and happy peo-
pie, possessing the fairest and proudest Republic on
earth, will ejoce that they in their wisdom have
bestowed their unsought suffrages" upon modest,
unpretending and undetermined Patriot. In desiring
Judge Shields Of Illinois, to take charge OF the Cen
eral and Office, Mr. Polk has made selection from
the wide circle Of his friends, that will do himself
honor and give the highest satisfaction 10 the gallant
and Democratic West-the most fourishng and
powerful portion Of the Union.
The new Commissioner has already made very
favorable impression upon all who are connected with
his extensive Bureau. And how could IT be other
wise with honest and accomplished Democrat, oil
pure principles, the finest social qualities, and the
most patriotic feelings? When he entered upon his
duties he did not wait to himself in coat Of
mail or to assume swelling airs of official impor-
lance, before he could deign to give audience to
those who are placed under his direction; but
without the least formality, and with the utmost
suaper in modo he passed from room to room, on the
second day. and became acquainted with all the
clerks without discrimination. He sometimes entered
a room unattended, and Familiarity introduced himself
as the "new Commissioner -femarking that he was
DESTROYS to learn early possible, the particular
duties of every branch of the business. He has been
heard to say that the head of the Bureau, he re-
garded every one associated with him as his equal IN
point of merit although subordinate in position. This
Is the generous spirit and these the manly sentiments
of a polished gentleman and thoroughbred Repub-
licac
In the Land Office, at all events, am warranted
in saying that substantial and long-desrcd reform
has commenced at its head. Purify the fountain, and
the streams flowing from it will be pure. Judge
Shields will scarcely be in office three years,
rounded by seventy or eighty clerks, without know
ing one-thrd when he sees them in the Department
or meets them in the street. He will hardly closter
himself in sulen and social secusion from those
with whom he must necessarily mpgle in daily Off
cia intercourse and thereby cast blight upon all
the generous and kindly feelings which should be
cultivated by gentlemen hsbtualIy thrown together
and regularly engaged in similar duties under the Co
vernment. And still less, am sure, when the pro-
per time arrives for him to give place to SUCCESSOR
will he turn his back ungraceuy upon the establish
ment and all his associates in office, and march off
SOLITARY and alone" "unwept, unhonored and I'M
sungi" Such mode of retiring from public sta
ton would not be in unison with the frank, dpniied
and magnanimous bearing of the new Commissioner
it could only remind us, in small ,ca, of the meme,
rable exit of certain great man from power, whose
"reign of terror" had almost established gloomy
despotsm over the land and whose odous principles
would have been revived in their biterest concentra-
ton, under the iron rule of the Federal Dictator
Judge Shields. however, drank early and freely of
the living waters of Democracy. He is really one of
Natures nobemen; acknowledging no superior,
and looking upon every gentleman his equal in So
cal principles and personal claims He is no quasi
nor eleventh-hour Democrat The sterling prnci-
pies of the immortal Jefferson have "grown with his
growth and strengthened with his strength" He has
always stood forth in the lowering front" of battle
one of the most fearless, able and uncompromising
champions of Western rights. His gallant services
in the peoples cause, have given him solid claims
upon the present Administration, and those claims
have not been overlooked. He is distinguished
son Of noble State, and she has reason to be
proud Of his increasing popularity and fame
He brings great energy and promptitude to the dis
charge of his important duties and his social virtues
and liberal attainmoats will attach TO him "roops of
friends" Such efficient officer will grow rapidly
upon the public esteem Such accomplished Repub-
can destined hereafter to be one of the brilliant
stars of the West. -
Gentlemen, allow me TO offer you my warm salu.
tatons and my best wishes for your health, happi-
ness, and triumphant success. You have cleared the
Capes under press Of canvas, to the tune of "a
wet sheet and flowing sea y and may the dawn
ing Constellation" in its meridian spendor shed n
glorious light upon the Constitution and the Globe
itself.
A JACKSON DEMOCRAT