American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1846-08-27

APPOINTMENTS 20 OFFICE. The selection
from number of candidates, is q delicate task
which the appointing power has TO exercise, if
the,duty be conscentjously discharged, as it
should be-but il too often occurs, that no at
tention whatever is paid to responsibility of
character, or to peculiar fitness for the station
sought, the Office being conferred on party
ground alone, and the preference given to the
most brawling politician. There are in all
parties, men who may be appropriately desig-
mated destructives; who go for ultra measures,
without reference to their effect upon society;
but who have an especial eye to their own in
teresis. These are the men who are generally
most forward at public meetings, and who ma
nufacture public sentlment-who have no be-
lief in the purity or honesty of a political oppo-
nen.; and who will unhesitatingly sacrifice a
political friend. should he exhibit any thing
Ike independence of spirit, or determination
regulate the movements Of parties-to control
ppointments--and, in fact, to govern the coun-
try, by making party puppets dance as they
pull the wires. Unfortunately for the nation,
the influence of these destructiyes generally
gives direction to public affairs, whether in
matters ofegislation, or in reference to appoint
ments to office. Their doctrine is-''to the VIC
tors belong the spoils"-aud they are careful
in the first instance, to seize upon the most lu-
cratiye stations for themselves and then to dis
tribute the balance amongst dependents. The
hands; and is used, not TO secure the services of
the most upright and competent, but too often
to reward those who would be disgrace to any
party. That President, Governor or Mayor,
should select persons of their own party TO fill
vacancies, is to be expected, and cannot be OBJ
jected to; but then, iii the selection, due regard
should be had to character and qualification
The President, Governor, or Mayor, Gas the
case may be, should act with the independence
and dignity which become the station they oc-
cupy, and disdain to make appointments under
the restraint of threats, or in accordance with
the dictation of irresponsible persons, When
a bad man is appointed to public station, not
only do the public suffer, but confidence in the
integrity Of the appointing power is impaired.
No persuasion, then-no fear of not being re-
elected at future time, should induce the Sc
lection of worthless officers. The man who,
having been elected to the responsible situation
of President, Governor, or Mayor, will faithful
Iy and honestly discharge his duty in regard to
appointments-who will take high and dig
nifed stand, exercising his own judgment alone,
and having due regard to the promotion of vir-
tue and morality-need have no apprehensions
from the outcries of the disappointed destruc-
tiyes; for he will obtain the respect and esteem
of his political opponents, as we'll as the appro-
baton of all good men. Such man could not
be sacrificed by the yelpers OF party; but his
very integrity and independence would secure
his triumph in future contest. Cannot such
men be found in both of the political parties,