The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-11-09


under the mantle OF Rough and Ready. The cleo
ton of Gen. Harrison was accomplished in like
MANNER and by similar geographl cal interests and
party traditions; but the unwise conduct of Mr..
Clay, and other members of Congress, disorganized
bis administration, and Frustrated the power which
devolved on John Tyler by the death of General
Harrison. 49, -.4 -s
We repeat, this Is great revolution, and if the
wing party avail themselves Of the popularity
which has attended the selection of Gen. Taylor,
they may retain the power of the government for
twenty or thirty years to come but such result
can only be accomplished by the choice OF wise
and discreet men for cabinet officers, and for the
principal Offices OF state, as well as by the shaping
of liberal and comprehensive measures in relation
to the foreign and domestic policy of the govern
ment No ultra measures or ultra men should be
encouraged, nor will they probably be by the new
President and his prudent friends; but that re-
forms, deep and radical reforms, should be intro.
duced into the government at Washington, there
can be no reasonable question. Such reforms
ought to embrace, at least, some of the following
points; and if full confidence can be placed IN
General Taylors letters there is doubt, Judging
from his uprightness of character sterling honesty,
here to the pledges and promises which he made
to the country at the commencement of the can
vass which has resulted his triumphant election.
In the first place, there should be removals of
subordinate officers in the service OF the ge-
neral government, for mere differences OF opinion
on political matters All changes of this kind
should be brought about In the natural way, VIZ
by death or by resignation, unftness for the duties
of office, or by incapacity to perform them.
Secondly, the several departments of the govern
ment should be recognized. The State depart.
ment should be divided into two-one to be called
the foreign, and the other the home department
As the State department of the government now
exists, it Is unwleldy and unmanageable. This is
a measure OF reform which should be adopted by
Congress at once, and carried into effect.
Thirdly A reform in the financial laws and
fiscal arrangements of the government Is loudly
called for. 1t should embrace a modification of
the tariff so as to pay of rapidly as possible the
public debt. The re.enacment of the tariff Of
1912, is not, however, needed by the interests
of the country. That was apiece Of legislation
carried out for the especial benefit of few manu-
facturers, who were not competent to manage
their own affairs; and, therefore, called upon Con-
will be made to restore the schedule of duties
PASSED by Congress in the year 1912, we have no
doubt Indeed, Its restoration, even at this early
period, and on the very day on which General
Taylor was elected has been already urged by one
of the principal whig journals Philadelp hla-we
allude to the Philadelphia North American as will
be seen by an article which appeared on that sub
jec IN Its edition of yesterday, and which will be
found IN this days Herald at length
The treasury system should likewise be modl-
fed, and new treasury law passed, which would
create permanent circulation of paper money
guaranteed by government to the amount of
twenty or thirty millions of dollars in the form Of
treasury notes. This would benefit the country,
and relieve the government repositories of the ne
cessty of boarding up specie to any considerable
amount and thereby prevent pressures in the
money Market and trouble IN the foreign ex-
changes.
Fourthly: There should be thorough reorgani-
zatlon and reform IN the War Department, espe-
clally IN reducing the expenses of the army, which
to great extent, has been rendered unnecessary
by the treaty of peace with Mexico.
Filthy: The Naval Department should be tho
roughly re.modifed and an enlargement of
steam vessels of war, Is imperatlvely called for,
In order to be prepared to meet, successfully, any
contingencies that may arise out of the protracted
Eurorean wars. which the revolutions In that part
Of the world now menace.
SIx'hly A reduction IN the postage rates, to
uniform charge Of two or three cents for all dis
tsnces.
Seventbly The opening of negotiations for the
recognition OF the neutral rights of American ves-
sels and also the personal rights of seamen, both
native and naturalized in order to prevent, as far
as possible, the recurrence of hostilihes between
this country and England, or any other European
nation as far at least this subject is concerned.
These, and perhaps others, but less important
measures of moderation and Cancellation and wis
dom, should be adopted by the new admnlstra-
ton at the earliest practicable period; but if
any violent or fanatical measures should be
forced on Gen. Taylor by the wing members of
Congress- that maybe carried into power with the
rush that has elevated him, there will be foun-
Saton laid for reverses and changes in public
opinion that may easily be avoided. No danger
Of renewed hostility between this country and
Mexico need be apprehended during the admins
tration of Gen. Taylor. His name alone will keep
that country quiet, and make 1t for us
to support large military establishment 1t pro-
bable that the negotiations for the acquisition the
island of Cuba will be abandoned or suspended by
the new administration; and perhaps it would be
as well and as polite for this republic to bide Its
time, and await the changes and contingencies
that may grow out of the transItonary state of
Europe, as to attempt to accelerate an event which
certainly will occur Of its own accord at some
proper period
These are some of the views which strike us in
view OF the present aspect of orr public affairs,
and on the threshold OF the revolution which has
Just swept the country. OF Gen. Taylor'5 hon.
esy, sagacity, integrity and ability to conduct the
affairs of this great republic, never entertained
doubt From our personal knowledge OF the