The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-03-19
The New Administration-The Mystery
Unl0lded.

line mystery OF the new administration Is be-
ginning to unfold itself to the country. The ro-
nance and poetry attached to the recent revolu-
ton that brought General Taylor into the Presi-
dency, are gradually departing The matter of fact,
the reality, the philosophy, and the craftsmanship
Of the new dynasty, are being developed in
greater or lesser degree, in the character OF the
first acts-in the curious selection of their
first appointments. Mr.. Clayton, Secretary of
State, is undoubtedly the r-spiri Of the new
dynasty; and every fresh movement-every new de-
velopement strengthens this view of the course of
things In Washington. The selection, by General
Taylor, of his associates in the cabinet concurs IN
the same general view that Is entertained OF the
new administration. Every individual In the ca
bnet, with the exception of the premier, Mr. Clay
ton, came on the country with considerable sur
prise. They are second or third rate men In po-
pular position and political influence although they
may become eminent statesmen, as their talents
are developed In the progress of AFFAIRS
The personal popularity and peculiar originality
of character of General Taylor, gave him the van.
tage ground in the late presidential election, and
brought into power the men by whom he is now
surrounded; but however much available the
popular characteristics of the old chief may have
been in the contest at the polls, different species
OF tactics must be assumed In order to create an
influence and MAINTAIN power among the matter
of fact men of both houses OF Congress. The
newspaper PRESS the travelling political speakers,
the whole aggregate OF those popular elements
which contributed to the triumph of the party, have
had their just influence at the proper time; but a
new description OF tactics and different pro-
gramme Of operations must be devised to MAN.
tha md ~
the two houses OF Congress, 80 to allow the
new administration fair chance of carrying its
purposes, and giving the country some taste
In the administration of public affairs. General
Taylor having spent his whole life in the
field, cannot be expected to know the details of
either legislative or executive action IN such
place as Washington. He may entertain general
views OF measures calculated for the benefit of the
country, and such general views he has given us
In his inaugural; but the numerous details which
are necessary to be known to every adminlstra-
lion, can be acquired no other way than by long
experience with public affairs, and an intimate ac-
quaIntance with the weight, character, capacity
and Influence of political bodies and political
chques. The want of this species of information.
in all Its details, on the part OF General Taylor,
and the abundance of it possessed by Mr. CLAYTON
and his colleagues, will give the cablnet-and par
ticularly Mr.. Clayton, its master spirlt-a prepon-
deratIDg influence the appointments to office,
and In the maturing of measures for future leglsa-
tive action. Yet, If error be commltted-eIther In
appointments or In the maturing of measures-a
good deal OF the responsibility will rest the Pre-
sident himself, while, in fact, it should principally
belong TO his cabinet advisers and those who act
IN consultation with him, in either house of Con-
gress.
The appointments recently made are pregnant
with inferences In regard to the future. n seem,
that Mr.. Abbott Lawrence, and his ,nfIuence IN
Massachuse ts, nave been thrown TO the winds Is
we can Judge from the TACT that several of Oh. No
htical friends and relatives of Mr. Webster have
received lucrative appointments, at even this e.r,v
stage of the new administration Influence in ~.
Senate and in the House Is particularly necess,~,
10 the new cabinet, in the management OF publ;c
affairs Mr. Webster Is a great and impor,an,
man in the Senatorial body; and hence we see the
policy and necessity of conclating HIM, and at
taching him to the fortunes of the new admlnistra-
ton. Abbott Lawrence may be popular with GER
tam cllques OF the wing party In Boston but
his not possessing an important and pow
eriul position in Congress, was adudged
suiicient reason for overlooking any claim he
might put forward for some of the high
est positions for himself and friends. AS the
new appointments are telegraphed from Washing
ION 10 all parts OF the country, the same general
in'efences respecting the plan of operations agreed
upon by the cabinet, seem irresistible. Mr. Rem.
ton is another important man in the Senate
although he opposed the election of Gen Taylor
The defeat OF Gen. Glass; and the discontinue and
breaking up OF the old democracy, leave Mr. Ron.
ton and number of his friends, In both bouses =,
Congress, In position of independence su,ceo,;.
bic OF strong hostility to the administrator
qualified support, or species of friendly neutrality
The appointment OF the sonln-law of this distin.
euished Senator is, therefore, indicative of wish
On me part of Mr.. Clayton and the cabinet to con.
S-4@Is lie interest cad to attach l!.t SECTION Of