The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1845-03-11
REMOVALS AND APPOINTMENTS.

REMOVALS AND APPOINTMENTS
We deem the present fitting occasion TO
speak plainly, and in an independent tone, on
the subject of prescription, which is soon des-
tned to be the prevailing topic in those particular
sections of the Union where Office is the object,
and principle the mere prelence, in modern po-
lrcsl contests.
Among the many errors Of the past, which
we both acknowledge aud lament, those who
know US best will bear US witness that we were
neve the advocate of prescription for opinion
sake and we can bear solemn testimony to the
fact that the appointing patronage Of the Gov
eminent, when flowing copiously, adds no
strength TO the Executiye-for where one indi-
yidual is successful, an hundred expectants are
disappointed and, while the one but too fire.
quenlly becomes an migrate, the hundred very
generally become enemies. Ii diminishes the
forces Of the party TO which the President be-
longs, (for many that are dissatisfied will de-
ser,) and increases the numbers of the enemy
10 the same proportion. Ii introduces baneful
abuses 10 official stations, and tends to the cor
IupNOu VI NAit VI tue community. In
short, if the pernicous system be adhered
to, 1t must inevitably prove disastrous
both to the Government and the People
OF the past we speak without reference TO any
particular President-we merely denounce the
practice. Indeed the circumstances IN which
Mr.. Tyler was paced during the last years of
his Administration, almost compelled him 10
use such weapons-lor he was himself merci-
lesslY prescribed by party. But the number of
removals under MIR. Ty Ter has never been cor
rectly stated-on the contrary, he has been
the victim Of shameful misrepresentation. Each
case has been magni6ed into ten; but we pre-
sumo he is destined never to be vndicated. fer
truth now seems TO be crushed under the earth,
and there is no certain resurrection in politics
Whenever indscriminate removals are deter
mined upon, it would be no worse, in our opinsn
for the appointing power to select by lot, from
among the applicants, than TO be governed by
the advice OF the leading politicians who are
intent on securing places for their clients. We
speak particularly Of the Northern clique lead
ers. These politicians always expect, in the
a
certain number of appointments as compensa-
ton for their services. Then it is natural for
them to confer the offices on those who will
give the largest remuneration, and it is natural
for those who bid the highest TO be the most
profligate, the worst qualified, and the least hon.
est, Thus it is, provided the Chief Magistrate
be not proof against importantly, that defauters
and thieves creep into the Government, and bring
disgrace and dishonor upon the Administrations
II a President yields an inch the clique cormo-
rants will take an ell and the evil work once
begun, however reluctant he may be, however
honest he may be, no President can arrest it.
How different it is in the South and South
west A Chief Magistrate is rarely annoyed
by importantly for patronage" by the People
of those States. They go for principle-the
Northern cliqnes for plumber. A President may
cast off the cque-eaders with impunity and
without the least danger-for their own hocks
will cease to follow them the moment they be-
come powerless, and cannot be driven from the
Administration they contributed to place in
power. But it is not so with the People of the
South and Southwest They support their
leaders for the sake of their princip les--and
when their leaders are cast aside they go with
them en- masse, and will fight under their ban
ners TO the death.
Such is a brief picture of the perils that may
be apprehended from the restoration of the
'Hunker Clique" set of desperate men who
make politics trade, and resemble in character
and tendency some of the worst features of the
Jacobin Clubs Destitute of prnciple--often
moral as well as political-they manage to ride
upon the popular current, for The sake of sue
cess; and when the good cause for which alone
the true Republicans commended, is triumphant,
they claim all the credit, and demand all the
spoils"
We have every reason TO believe that the
President is fully conversant with these facts,
and it is to be hoped he will become a party to-,
rather than party against, the necessary re-
formation