The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1849-05-22
omce-sseaing and Patronage.

ohacs-ssskins and Patronage.
The NewYork Express and the Richmond Wing,
both papers friendly to Gen. Taylor speak in terms
of very strong disapprobaton of the political cast
of certain appointments made by the administration
They complain loudly that the true men are over
looked, and men selected who have notdone polltl-
cal service to deserve such rewards.
1t is probable, nevertheless, that these appoint
ments are judcious respects the public service.
The new officers may be faithful capable, and dill
gent. Yet here are two classes of men, both numer
Gus, sincere, and powerful, joining in censure of
these Appointments. The democrats are resentful
that good men were removed, and charge the Exc
cutive with violating his pledges and portion of
the wings are offended at the rnle-or want of rule
upon which the offices are distributed. 1t is thus
that patronage becomes source of weakness with
all administrations instead of power and strength,
as it is so often supposed to be. An opposition has
all the benefit of the thirst for office among the great
numbers who think themselves qualified, and who
abor, accordingly, to establish claims by zeal and
exertion, to be remembered when shall crown
their efforts. The twenty men who want one office
will strain to Guido each other in their labors, to
acquire title by prominent service. The success
full chief of the party, who has to dispose of this
office among twenty eager friends is most likely to
make not only nineteen disappointed but probably
one nngrateful. Twenty five or thirty years ago,
when national politics were not SO universal
study as they are now among the voters them
selves, leading politicians were of much more i'm
portance than they at present, and patronage at
the disposal of the head of a party, in some State
or section, was the usual way of influencing large
interests. The great combinations of bodies thus
effected, often disposed of the political destnes of
the Republic; and patronage was then very inn
portant element in the distribution and maintenance
of power. There has been of late years material
change in this respect. The masses of the people
have grown to take minute and constant interest
i'm political affairs, and they watch their leaders
with more jealousy. 1t is not SO easy nov as it
was few years hence, for States to be marshaled
to and fro by the mere will of public men, whom
the control of office could influence, while the
masses below were directed by mere confidence in
their leaders. The most humble voter now examines
for himself the motives and the conduct of public
men. The suspicion of venal purposes is readily
taken up, and damages at once the character of
aspirants to high station. The number Of office
hunters on a small scale is indeed growing more
numerous, but the influence of office holders upon
politics is getting to be very weak, and the posses
sion of patronage to be source Of weakness. The
scramble for office obstructs public businessman
all public men must acknowledge that it lessons the
moral weight Of every administration, by forcing it
to take part in the struggles of ndviduals-to be-
come an arbiter between contending claims for
personal services, and to encounter the odiums
which spring from disappointed hopes and resentful
selElove.
The obvious remedy for this element of disorder
in the heathful action of the Government, is to re-
duce much as possible all patronage that is dis
cretionary with the Executive. feeling is grow
ing up strongly, in favor of making all federal
offices elective by the community within which
they are and it will not surprise to find such
measure advanced, SO as to be made leading topic
in the politics of the day. The administration
should be glad to settle all difficulties in that easy
way. The opposition might easily reconcile them
selves to plan of distribution which would place
them on an equal footing with the party in power.
And beyond either organized party-men whe re-
feet calmly, and desire only good government,
without selfish aspirations hopes, would join
heartily in any scheme which promises to relieve
the country from those periodical spasms which
convulse and distract it whenever there is change
Of administration.
FROM THE PLAINs.-Last evening (says the ST.