Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-09-01
Correspondence Of the baltimore Patriot
WAsHINGroN. August 10, IS47.


This letter is from the graphic pen Of tho HoI
John #. Ii. Claiborne, of New Orleans, a LOcofot
OF some note, who was formerly member in Cor
gresS from Mississippi, and did not little toward
the election Of Mr.. Polk. Probably froma long nc
quaintance with Mr.. Polk, and close study of tn
character and calibre of The man, Mr. Claiborne ma
been enabled produce the best and truest picture
of him that has yet been put ON paper. MIR
Polk gave him an Oifice-the Live Oak Iimbe,
Agency-7-and afterwards took it away from him
and gave II to another and more devoted pet Mr.
John Claiborne, (without the +. and H.) formerly
ot Nashville, Tennessee. 1t is proper to say that
the author OF the portrait does not sign his own
name to it, butt friend his from New Orleans,
who knows him WELL informs that John +. III.
Claiborne is the auihor. The extract is as follows:
.'NEw ORLEANS, July 10, 1S47.
lhe impression is growing more strong hers
every day that Mr. Polk is playing deep game for
reelection. lie has never avowed such a design
TO MS cabinet, for the fact is well known that he
mas little personal association with any of them, ex-
cept with Marcy and Cave Johnson He is in
debted to MIR. Walker for his nomination, and one
day MT. W. will have to answer for it; but there
are no secrets between them. He does consult Mr.
johnson, and is somewhat influenced by him, but
none other. There is chamber influence over
the President much stronger than any exercised by
his cabinet the influence that often rules in camp
and court, in palace and power. This is the quar-
ter through which MIR. Polk must be approached
lie Is man OF mitablc ambition Cold and sa-
turnno In his exterior with relish for society," no
taste Tor letters. and too suspicious for confidence
he has but one absorbing passion, and that he has
graliiled thus fur by OF extraordinary sue
cess. Patient, persevering, silent and crcumspect
with mind disciplined by self restraint and trained
To labor, too ilInld to he In advance of public
opinions, and too cautious to venture on experiment
he Is oil the right temperament to succeed in poll
Ties. And this Is all he cares for Aside from his
immediate household | doubt whether there is a
human being that he really loves.-There are few
with whom he has any inlimacy-less still in whom
he has confidence, and this includes hundreds a
mong the leaders OF his party, and many near his
person. MIR. Polk of office would be a yery
miserable and rather an obscure man. Cutoff from
the most respectable of his relatives by his political
diiierences,-chlldless- small fortune and unso-
cal habits-suddenly removed from the only BUSH
hess OF life-he would become a complete hypo.
chrondriac in SIX months Besides, he has tasted
power. For four years he has had the privilege of
paronisng adherents and revenging himself ON his
opponents; and II is not to be supposed that such
man will neglect any means TO lengtien his term
OF service. Those who have lately been 10
Washington say, that he does not repent the dis
tracted state of lie Democratic party that members
OF his household moot the availability Of Cass,
Woodbury., SC; that his late grand tours have
been made with reference To the next election and
that all his appointments to office have this one OBJ
ject in view. The ieaty of every office holder is
counted upon. One can scarcely number the secret a.
gents employed ON different pretexis, by this ad-
iniillslratlon, and strange, 1t may seem, these
appointments are not made heretofore, by the
heads Of department, but by the President, and
nine out OF ten are his creatures, absolutely commits
stoned to huckster for his re election And-mark
the prcdlclion-he will be the candidate of the par
iy. His whole power and patronage are now di-
reced TO that object, and he adept at manage
ment. Mr. Riches declarations to the contrary
are all pro forma. He made the same positive as
surance to the ID 40 men, at the instant that he
hhcto the President was prepared to desert them;
and he now knows perfectly well (and he himself
is party to the intrlgue.) that James X. Polk is
stralnng every nerve for reelection. He desires
to get up second edition Of the Baltimore Con-
venlion, and there trampe down again, the time
honored principles and usageS Of the Democratic
Party-every one Of which were violated TO ensure
his nomination Colonel Benton knows this, and
hence we now hear him denouncing Conventions
SIlas Wright knows this, and he knows moreover
that the influence OF the Administration, especially
OF two OF It's Departments secretly, but powerl
fully, exercised defeat him at the late elections
in New York, and thus get rid Ola powerful rival
Tor the Presidency. Mr. Marcy and Cave John
son favor Mr.. Folks views-the former from hatred
of Wright and Van Buren,, neither of whom recog-
Mise OF respect him; the latter because he preferred
Polk TO any one else. Mr. Niasons position ie
doubtful He has heretofore belonged 20 the
Wright and Van Buren, school, but he has less tu
do with political intrigue than any member of the
Cabinet, being frank generous and honorable and
with all too lndolent 10 be tricky. Buchanan pre-.
ers himself even to Mr.. Polk, and feels that he has
been slabbIy treated OF tile tariff question. He
has really, neither love respect for the Presi-
dent, and would leave his position tomorrow. if he
did not keepi TO thwart the lntrgues of his master
Buck is shrewd enough, but wants 5oldness He
Inc fan tiInf. fol, e d. L..
him pulling the wires. MIR. Walker is for Polk
only III certain contingencies. II is too soon by
four years, for himself. He therefore prefers his
uncle, George Nj. Dallas. whose administration he
could control, just as he controlled his casting vote
ON the tariff bill. But if the triggers can't be fixed
for Dallas, then Mr.. Walker will 90 for Polk, and
retain his present position, with It's tremendous an
paratus OF power and facilities.
BE Charity covereth multi
tude OF sins, but there are more ways than one of
showing kindness to The world No doubt pecupi
airy help is often of very great moment but there s
another kind of charity which is cheaper, and of
which We should not he chary. Do not turn the
man oil who in the hour of temptation Welded TO 2
first fault. Bear with him yet little lonper-nive
INN another trial-whe you condemn his missteD
encourage him to good deeds for the future. Ifvou
cast HIN OH forever, he may reel blindy and con-
tlnue TO fall until ruin shall have fixed her seal per
manently upon him. BE charilabIe-nake due
allowance for the weakness OF poor humanity. a
gentle word, kind look, an encouraging smile.
may save human being from the abyss of de
spair.
PRomIsE.-A promise should be given with
caution, and kept with care. 4 promise should he
made by the heart and remembered by the head
promise is the offspring Of intention, and should
DC nurtured by recollection promise and lis per
tormance should, like the scales ofs true balance
always present mutual adjustment. A promise