The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-03-20
The Rationale or tho New Administrations
LIZ aiding Principles of Its Cons tructiOn, ana
GUNNER Of Its Future Policy.

Leading principles OF Hts Com trucGAOn, ana
Glimpses Oflts Future Policy.
All eyes are at this moment directed towards
the capital of the Union. Every teegraphIc des-
patch from that point Is eagerly seized upon, and
affords an exciting topic OF criticism and comment
In all circles. The distribution of the spoils hav
ing now fairly commenced, each appointment that
IL made and announced to the world ID scanned,
examined, canvassed, turned over aud over and
inside out, with degree OF curiosity, interest and
anxiety, lnfately amusing Yet, notwithstanding
all The sharpness and closeness with which every
moveme mt of the new administration thus watch
ed and studied, by friends and foes, we have not
observed In any quarter an attempt to subject the
events and operations passing before us to the
rigid and wholesome test of philosophical analysis
and scrutiny. 1t may not be amss, then to ex-
anime this matter In the light Of that plain COM
mon sense philosophy which he avsn has bestowed
ON sinners as freely the air they breathe, but
whose value is known only to the few who hap.
pen to possess intelligence or industry enough to
acquire the art Of using It. We showed in our
journal yesterday, how the mystery of the new ad.
mnisiratOn begins to be uDtoded and we shall
again Try to throw litrle more light on the subject
"Who constructed the cabinet" " What were
the leading objects which regulated the selection
of the materialsT 7" What indications do Its
act., thus far, furnish of its purposes plaas and
policy?' These are questions which present In
terestDg and profitable subjects OF study. Nor is
their soluten beyond the mathematical powers OF
ordinary mortals. If you only open your eyes
and follow the windings OF the subject, as
you would Lardner's demonstration OF the
steam engine, the mystery Is cleared away,
and the whole thing stands as clearly reveal
ed the liberty pole on the next corner 1t
Is great mistake to suppose that the members of
the cabinet all selected ser,att,n by General
Taylor himself. The entire construction OF the
cabinet was the result OF skilful, deliberate and
weIlmatured schemes on the part OF certain adroIt
politicians at Washington, and elsewhere, who
used the popularity Of the old hero-and not a few
of their own unsuspecting bosom fir ends-ln order
TO accomplish their objects. Mr.. Crittenden was
the first choice OF Taylor, as the leading member
OF the cabinet; but certain circumstances impeled
that highly honorable aud talented gentleman to
decline; and then, as 1t quite accidentally, Mr..
John M. Clayton called to that post In the
council of the President. In the subsequent APP
pointmenis, Mr.. Clayton, and the influences which
he represents, aud which he has skStully con-
trolled and amagamated, had a potsatial voice.
Meredith, Crawford, Ewing, and Couamer, were
not gentlemen with whose character, standing, or
capacity, the President had had opportunities OF
becoming acquainted. They were suggested to
him, and the wisdom and propriety of selecting
them as members of his cabinet were made ap-
parent to him by Judicousy conceived arguments.
And they are all very excellent men-not partlcu-
larly strong, however, IN their own States, and
not surrounded by an absolutely dazzling fame in
the eyes OF the country. In truth, here we have
the frs, glimpse into the true nature OF the motives
and objects which regul lated the construction of
he cabinet
Heretofore 1t has been the policy of new admi-
nistrations to give to the most prominent and lead
ng men OF the dominant party a position in the
cabinet; the object beng to conclliate powerful
cliques and factions. The result has not ALWAYS
been prosperous. Too many rival. were thus
gathered about the throne; apd although, undoubt
edy, the meetings OF the cabinet were rendered
more piquant and lively, yet, on the whole, it was
not comfortable state of affairs. la the compo.
siton OF the present cabinet different course has
been taken. Mr.. Clayton Is the "boss," and the
other respectable, worthy, wellbehaved and unas-
Stunning secretaries, are the journeymen, who will
mind their own business and make themselves
generally useful" We think this is a good ar.
reng, ment. At all events, the system merits far
trial 1t promises unity and harmony. 1t may,
and probably will, prevent little chickering's and
jealousies, each individual entertaining, 1t is to be
hoped, becoming sense OF his own subordinate
position in the construction of the cabinet. The
scheme OF the cabinet, indeed, resembles, in come
important features, that on which Grn. Jackson's
administration was arranged under the auspices
of the ingenious and adron little gen,lemaa who
still amusts himself by political speculatons IN his
retreat on the banks Of the Hudson. SO much,
then, with respect to the leading principle of the
composition Of Gen. Tayiors caburt, aud the
elevation to seats his council, OF several gen,lr.
men, Of whom it may be said, with perfect respect,
that compared with others who might be po,atal
out in the rsnb OF the wing party, like the m:r,-
torious youth in "Gray's Eieay," tney were
" Alike to fortune snd 10 fame unko9Ta"