The daily national Whig. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1847-1849, 1849-06-11
PUBLIC OFFICE.

We commend the following sensible re-
marks from the Cincinnati Gazette, to our
Wing as well as Democratic readers. Per-
haps they will open their eyes to a correct
view Of a subject Of deep interest to the
outs as well as the ms. Besides, they will
afford consolation TO the disappointed Office
seeker as well as the removee, two parties
Just now Of equal numbers and influence:
The opinion prevails TO a considerable extent, thai
public Offices established for the benefit Of the
persons who may happen TO fill them On the con-
trary they are necessary creations, established by
government, to secure tho most efficient and agree
able execution Of it's aws--aws enacted to promote
the happiness of the whole people, and TO protect
and defend all persons in the full and most perfect
enjoyment Of their rights and liberty consistent
with the public safety, and TO make every kind of
property N o man can set mp claim TO Of
flee based upon his services 10 the country or 10
party. The most important consideration in the ey.
ercise Of tho appointing power is 10 ascertain the
fitness of the candidate perform the duties per
tanning to the Office he seeks. No man can pro-
perly insist being retained in the public employ
because he has long held Office and enjoyed its hon
ors and cinolumcnis The absurdiiy Of such n de
mand would strike every thinking al the first
blush. Equally absurd would 1t be for any man to
,idin, office as The ,enara Of political services, or
merely The consideration Of labor for party. ,
II Offices are creations OF government, having
solely in view the duties pertaining Them for the
benefit Of the whole people, and the consequent
good of the republic, IL is obvious that should
be appointed 10 fill office who is not qu,iifed to
perform ii duties accurately, promptly, acceptaby.
II does not follow that the p0iirat merits of appii
cans services in the ranks Of the successful purity
in their political contests nre TO be disregarded in
the choice between the candidates? The first in
qniry should beis the applicant qualified to perform
the duties Of the office he seeks? If not, he should
be SET aside. From among those found to possess
qualifications 10 do the public business properly The
selection should DO made.
II Is right and proper also TO lake into consdera.
ton the age The tnbits The position the political
and other services rendered 10 the country, TO party
10 society, of the applicants A frienian actire
energtiic, seaiouS friend Of the appointing power,
who possesses qualifications for the Office, should
be preferred TO an opponent equally well qualified.
We include Of course, among the qualifications,
integrity, discretion and physicalabiliiy TO perform
the required service. i the applicant possessing
these qualifications, adds 10 them suitable age ac-
tvity and eminent, political service, he should be
appointed Public offices should not be bestow-
ed exclusively on the aged, the middle aged, or the
young; among such they should be apportioned,
giving 10 tho middle nged the largest number. They
should not be given exclusively to the wealthy nor
to those engaged In any particular business. The
poor man Of capacity, and integrity, and business
habits, should be preferred to the rich man of the
same qualifications. The working, industrious man,
in all cases should be preferred TO the idler drone
and we may add that the appointing power In its
exerons to select the best men of all classes, should
bestow The largest share OF such Offices require the
performance ofactVe duties upon young men, and
upon those all other things being found right, who
have been most active in the success Of the political
principles represented by the party In power. The
people have a right 10 require the public offices
10 be filled by capable honest, efficient men. Be-
You'd that ld appointing power should be left to the
free exercise OF its political if mot personal preeren-
ces. The people desire TO be faithfully served in the
public Offices by honest and efficient men They
care but little about the personal contests between
A. and B. for places. They wish to reward political
services where that be done with benefit or even
without injury, TO the public interest.