Mississippi Democrat. (Carrollton, Miss.) 1844-18??, 1845-05-21

MINISTER TO SPAIN. - A rumor pre-
walls that the Hon. Washington Irving,
Minister 10 Spain, is to be removed aud
his place supplied by the Hon. Amos
Kendall Whether this is but the fabri-
cation of newsmongers who haunt the cap
ital, or has its foundation in the expressed
intention Of the President, we do not
know. The assigned ground Of the re-
moyal is the unftness of Mr.. Irving for
his position. His literary abilities none
will question, or the distinguished reputa-
ton he has won for himself and his coun-
try, in the European world. But man
may weave skiliuly the web Of fiction,
and yet be inefficient in unweaving the ac-
tual tangled web of diplomacy. He may,
sitting in his library with his pen for a
scalpel, dissect the human heart with sci
entifc accuracy, and yet from the seclu-
sion Of his habits, be but very child in
the arti6ce of life, and the chicanery of
courts. Scholars make generally but in
efficient Statesmen; though no Statesman
can bearthe name worthily, especially in
the presentjunc,ure when interests aresso
various, so intricate and so important,
without rich tncture of that learning
which gives the mind prescience Of the
future. No man is equal to all things;
and the structure oc Mr.. lrving's mind and
the frame Of his habits, may impair his
fitness for the struggle, the excitement and
the perplexiiy of Office. But we would
not be understood to attempt a disparage-
ment Of Mr.. Irving. We do not advocate
his removal--we do not know his politics.
We do not assert his incompelency. We
only suggest its possibility; the possibility
that with rare genius, pure character, and
ripe scholarship, he may not be so well
! fitted as some others 10 the place he holds;
that perhaps, executive partially has de-
stroyed a first rate aulhop to make Sc
cond rate Minister.
Yet we do not know that there is any IN
tenlion TO remove Mr.. Irving; or that a
doubt Of his entire fitness for the office he
holds has Seen excited. But, we do know,
that If he should be displaced, there will
be mighty outcry Of prescription, and
the political guillotine will be said 10 be
falling upon the worthiest and failhiulest
servants Of the Republic.
By our fern Of government, no direct
patronage to men of letters MS such, is al
lowed the executive. There is no "ciyil
listr at his command with its long train Of
dependent pensioners 40 fund at his dis
erection 10 Be Iavished upon those whom
| genius and fortune have combined 10 make
al once meritorious and destitute. Yet
the power as substantially exists, aud is as
treaty. exercised by the executive, as
though il were granted in clause Of the
constitution, or appropriated by vote Of
Congress. The mode Of its exercise is
BY the appointment Of men Of genius TO
stations Of trust, honor, and emolument,
| within the executive gin. This give II
wing his appointment 10 Spain; this sent
! Wheaton 10 Prussia, with Fay, the novel
| isl for his Secretary; i gave Walsh bis
nosition ofcharge to France, and TO Brantz
| Macr, his of Secretary to the Mexican ie-
4 ualion. Il is an amiablc and becoming
exercise Of political power for literary
patronage, and is happy instance OF
/ granting with safety as incidental 70 an
\ other power, one, which conferred direct
Iy, might be pregnnhl Of IL consequences.
| Ii shows too, that If all the duties Of 60
vornment are no, provided for. directly,
the duty overlooked and uncared for, VIII
either, make for itself means apd minis