The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-03-09

nanne, his deem sense OF the kind sentiments which had
prompted this tribute OF respect the part OF The OH
GERS He alluded to the fact OF his having presided over
the Navy Department in peace and IN war ioi
years. and bore testimony to the patriotic ana hooie man
ner in which the navy had served the country under all
circumstances The flag of our late enemy-Mexico-
was not seen upon the ocean during The whole OF our
contest with her, and there nothing therefore, for the
navy TO accomplish but to maintain blockades OF the most
difficult character, and to seize upon the few occasions
which offered for service shore Such opportunities
had never been lost He paid beautiful and touching
tribute to the memories of the gallant spirits who had
fallen in battle, and by disease during this war-amoDg
the former of whom, it will be remembered was of
the senior officer then present
The Secretary then alluded to the peculiar position
which all military officers in republican government
bear in relation to their feowctzens generally, calling
for the exercise of great discretion the part of the
officers, and especially for harmony among themselves
secure the affections of the country and thus guard this
important branch of the public service from the evil
effects of public prejudice In this view had been his
policy, and labor of love" carry out; soothe
irritation, prevent collisions, and promote harmony and
good will amongst the officers and all the several
branches of the naval Service He had endeavored to
extend even-handed justice to all; and he remarked
that he had memory for any unpleasant occurrence
and that he parted with kind and friendly feelings for
all Concluding his remarks, he took leave of all present.
and the interview terminated.
The officers then in body waited upon Mrs. Mason,
whose kind and graceful Inequalities have been most
freely extended to them for many years We think
may safely add that from the organization of the
Navy Department to the present time has presided
over more usefuy to the country, honoraby TO him
self accepaby to the service than has Judge Mason
and doubt not that the navy, of all grades feel that
they have lost friend who all times ready to
dispense justice with rmness, tempered with kindness
and to promote their professional interests far JUS
tice to others and to the public good would permit
We also learn that at later period of the day the
clerks of the department and its several bureaus also
called to take final leave of the Secretary, and re-
celved by him with that warmth and geauineness of
feeling characteristic of the and which the occasion
would naturally inspire. The Secretary briefly advered
to the tolls and perpexites incident to the position that
they held, and bore ample testimony the fidelity and
ability with which the duties of each had been discharged
He expressed himself highly gatifed with the conduct
OF all. He stated that his intercourse with them had
been nsne other than that OF the most agreeable nature
and that he cherished for each and all the kndes ee
ings In conclusion, he assured them that they would
ever find in him sincere friend.
change of cordial expressions passed between the Secre
tay and his clerks each took him by the hand in eay
ing the room.