The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-03-06
To the Editor of the Union :

To the Editor of the Union
SIR: Of all the vindctive and unmerted charges
brought against the Secretary OF the Treasury by the OPP
position in the House. those which have been advanced by
Mr. Rockwell OF Connecticut, have attracted, perhaps
the greatest attention There is much ability manifested
his speech and it to be regretted that gentleman OF
80 much talent and intelligence should permit himself to be
msed by the ardor of his hostility to the political views
of the Secretary The whole strength of his argument
cred in the official tables and calculations embraced in
Mr. Walkers late report Whether these charges OF err
ror correct or not remains to be shown ny the de-
parment. have means OF ascertaning what explana-
ton the Treasury officers give, intend to give and
if had this is not the proper medium tor detailed
examination of such charges. But the unfa,rness OF Mr.
ss the example of those who went before HIM, he re-
peats the stale charge of of seven Millions and
asks, what faith be placed in the estimates OF public
officer ignorant of the details of his office If the ar
yument had any weight Mr. Rockwell is not emit
lied to the credit of having discovered it. The House
officially informed of the weeks since, by
the acting Secretary of the Treasury; and all that could
well be said on the subject was said at the time he
goes, however rather beyond his predecessors in party
ZEAL when he declares that the present Secretary of the
Treasury visionary and impractical in his views, and en-
rey unfit for the station he occupes and seems to attach
much importance to the charge that Mr. Walker is un-
pardonaby ignorant of the details of the department In
this assertion, at least, Mr. Rockwell has the credit of
being original Everybody acquainted with the affairs
of the department knows that there has never been
Secretary of the Treasury thoroughly conversant
with the details of that entire branch OF the public service
complicated and multifarous as they are, than Mr.
Walker. 1t is no doubt very Notifying to him to
he considered ignorant of his duties by Mr.. Rock
well, of Connecticut; but he must feel somewhat
soled by the fact that the leading statesmen not on
ly in our country. but in Great Britain have
sacity, and ability manifested in his official reports Nor
will do to say that he has preferred the appreciation OF
commercial rivals to the best interests of his own coqn-
try more unfortunate assertion for Mr. Rockwells
cause could not be made The operation OF Mr. Walkers
tariff clearly proves, that if he preferred the appreciation
of rivals the other side of the water to the interests
tto rfu asran
with him, and co-operated in his measures were more
American in their feelings, and better understood the
true interests Of the American people than certain poll
ticians in the House of Representatives who pretend TO
advocate and defend those interests.
If Mr. Walker is to be held accountable for every
ror in detail committed in the various bureaus, and
charged with ncapacty whenevera derelicon OF duty
occurs any branch OF the Department. the sooner he
resigns the Office in favor of Mr. Rockwell or some other
Aancier equally capable the better for his reputation IL
seems be forgotten that the present Secretary did not
originate the system OF accounts and accountability
which prevails in the Treasury Departments and that he
has repeatedly recommended changes in the organization
of the department. which have been generally approved
but which the honorable gentleman and his conederates
have not thought proper to adopt is not little sngq
lar that gentleman of Mr. Rockwes penetration should
fail to perceive the unfairness OF charging upon Mr.
Walker the sins of all his predecessors from the days OF
Hamilton and Gallatn, down to the commencement oil
the present administration; and more singular sun lha'
he should persist in calling in the details OF the
Registers accounts, bunder, or series OF olundeTs'
committed by the Secretary of the Treasury II Mr..
ry he must know that the Register of the Treasury is
commissioned officer, whose appointment is made by the
President and confirmed by the Senate, and, as such Is
accountable the President and Senate tor his conductn
office The intention of the law is obvious The Secre
tary of the Treasury exercises general SUPERVISION over
the whole department. but the Register derives his once
from the President and Senate that he may De more I'm
medately under their control
1t would be impossible for any Secretary, however
perform the Joint duties of Secretary and Register. AL
ready the of labor thrown upon the head OF the de
partrnent is more than any human power can endure
By the provisions OF the law the Register s required TO
present the Secretary certain annual Statements cer
fed and sworn TO in due form. Each clerk under the
Register in other branches OF the department. bound
by oath perform his duty faithfully, and according to
the constitution For what purpose these guards and
restrictions required by law Why impose them. if the
Secretary himself is to be held accountable for the fraud
error, or delinquency of his subordnates'
Mr. Rockwell, it would appear thinks it the duty of the
Secretary test every item personally or be responsible
for the errors of his inferior officers He is to perform