Washington telegraph., 1849-07-11
From the National Intelligencer.
APPOINTMENTS TO OFFICE.

AS~ASA
city, on the score Of the recent removals from Of
fee. But one would think it was a somewhat
hopeless task for the partisans of the late Admin
istration to get up clsmor on that ground. Like
his predecessors, Mr.. Van Buren and Gen. jack
son, the course pursued by the late President was
purely Of partisan and pioscriptive character
His political friends may he safely challenged to
produce appointment on any other principle:
and with respect to removals, thousands of mer-
torous ana faithful officers in every branch Of the
public service were displaced on the simple ground
of political opinion.
This is not denied by the opponents of the pres
ent Administration; but they assail it on different
and somewhat fanciful ground. Their argument,
stripped of its phrases, is this at is true General
Jackson and his Democratic successors pursued a
proscrptive course, they professed to be party
men; the country expected no better Of them; but
General Taylor came into office on higher ground,
as the President not of party, but of the whole
People,"
The weakness and disingenuousness of this ar
gument We have taken occasion heretofore TO no.
tice and sufficiently expose. But, as it continues
to be put forth, a sort of forlorn hope, by the
Union and its coadjutofs, we will pay it the ILL
deserved respect OF further brief consideration.
In the first place, then, let US ask, in what way
were the generous sentiments avowed by General
Taylor in the course ofhis candidacy met by the
partsans of the late Administration? How did
the Union treat them and treat him! From the
moment that he became formidable opponent of
their Nominee, was there anything too unfriendly
or too bitter to be said ofhm? Were not his per-
sonaI his political, and his military character
held up to reproach and ridcule by these writer's;
and the most INSCRIPTIONS attempts made, not
merely to defeat his election, out to blast his good
name! In this way, by the act Of the Opposition
party and press, the canvass, Of necessity, as
sumed 4 Wing character, and Gen. Taylor was
chosen by the united and strenuous efforts of the
Whig party, against most viol snt and remorse-
less party opposition. What, then, does the Un-
ion ask? Has it the face todemand--nay, it is so
poor spirited to wish-tO have the offices OF
trust and confidence under this revied candidate
fll.d-still lIed--by its friends and co-partizans,
generally themselves among the noSiest Of the
revilers! Would it be possible to carry on the
government upon the principle which the Oppo-
siton press is now selfish enough to prescribe to
the new Administration?
These Opposition gentlemen seem to forget that
many of the removals of which they complain are
required by the very principle on which they are
affectedIy condemned. Many, we believe it may
be said most, of the removals which have been
made, are of warm, often violent, party men.
pretty pass things are come to, if General Taylor
from patriotic dislike of party policy, were COM
PEELED to keep in office not merely rank party men,
but men who in the late elections exered all their
official influence, and often in the most unwar-
rantable manner, to prevent his election
We have, however, the satisfaction to believe
that the absurd camor will be powerless towards
those at whom it is aimed as it is ridiculous on the
part of its authors. The editor of the Union may
rest assured that his hollow phrases produce not
the slightest effect Oh either the friends OF the Ad
mnstraton or the country at large. The people
will be gratifed to see unscrupuous partisans re.
moved from offices of trust and political influence
When this work is done, they will sustain the
President in giving effect to his generous and pat
riotic disposition. But they do not wish him to
show his dislike of party by keeping violent and
proscriptive party men in office; and as we really
feel not little lurking kindness for venerable
neigbbor, we would whisper to him on this topic,
that the American people have a little common
sense. and that If he wishes the Administration to
break down the division walls Of party, he had bet
ter set the example himself. Let him abstain
from wholesale abuse; let him retract his unman-
ne1y charges against the President, OF 'imbecility
and "want of capacity" let HIM give fair play to
the measures of the Administration; and we will
then (as far as depends our humble selves see
what we can do for himself and friends now in
office.
The country is fully satisfied with the course
pursued by President Taylor, and will sustain
him in it. There is a prevailing impression that
MANY unfit men are in the employment of the
Government, and the people desire their removal.
1t is notorious that the officeholders, body,
sisted General Tayor's election. The people
no particular reason why they should be reaned in
Office to the exclusion OF as good and better men
who have brought about change in the Admin
istration We admit, however, or rather we aim
tain that mere partisan Seruice is not sufficient
ground for appointment, and we are happy to be-
lieve that this is fixed principle with Gen. Taylor
and his Cabinet. If this will satisfy the Union
we shall not quarrel. We believe it is the firm
purpose of the President to appoint the best quail
flied man. Due regard to geographical distribu-
ton will necessarily impose some limitations to this
principle; but in practice no great difficulty will
be found in giving to every part of the country its
due share of appointments. without encroaching
on the principle of superior fitness. Let this prn.
cipe be adhered to--let the best man who can be
had be preferred-and, though the Union may
melt into tears, the country will be satisfied
What the people want is to see the public work
well done; TO see confidence reposed in trustworthy
men. Very little sympathy is felt by the public
with professed office seekers. A few personal
friends are gratiied with their success, especially
ifit gives a convenient support to some deserving
but unfortunate man; but this feeling does not go
far. For all high office the right-thinking mass
of the public wish to see high qualification. We
rejoice to believe that these are the views OF the
Administration. The President especially has
seen serpice He will never knowingly commit
important trusts to any but the men most likely to
perform them faithfully and ably.
In word, let the President in his new sphere,
as in every other which he has filled through life,
firmly act up to the principle of what is best Tor
the country and the public service, and the bril-
liant hopes of his Administration will be more
than realized. With respect to measures, he has
but to ask "What, upon the whole is required to
bring about the greatest attainabe amount OF pub
lie good" with respect to men, "who of the candI-
dates is best qualified for the trust" By reso-
lutely following the answer which his own long,
tried discernment and the advice of trusty coun-
sellors may give to these questions, he will be car
ried easily and pleasantly through the most en-
barrassing duties of Chief Magistrate, and will
;nodh h,,a annrounn