Washington telegraph., 1849-07-25
From the st. Louis Republican.
Communication from a Democrat.

ST. LOUIS, Mo-, June 30, l849.
MEssRs. EDITORS: ! have received several COM
munications from my Democratic friends, con
doling with me upon my being displaced from
sfice, and have also had the sympathies of not
few of my Wing friends in Iowa and Missouri;
and in view of these things 1 wish to set public
opinion right, and reply to the whole, by a COM
municaton in your paper.
First: 1t accords with my notions of propriety
and right, that should have been removed frsm
office, for the following reason: l have ever MAIN
tanned and advocated the doctrine of prescription
for opinion sake. and it has ever been the policy
of the Democratic party, from the time first
entered the political arena.
''To the vctors belong the spoils," has ever
been my policy, and strictly adhere to it; and as
a true Democrat, cannot see what excuse my
Democratic friends can have for abusing General
Taylor for removing Democrats from office and
appointing Wings. Again, can see no excuse for
abusing President Taylor upon the ground that he
pledged himself not to do this thing. This is un-
charitable, for what Democrat has kept in good
faith his pledges? l answer, none. DID President
Folk do this? l answer, no. In fact, he was
further from it than the present executive.
L assure my Democratic as well as Wing friends,
that feel no chagrin or modification at being re-
moved from Office. On the contrary, feel that
Taylcr has but done his duty. 1t is fact, well
understood by my friends of both parties, that
intended to resign my office, and SO declared and
expressed myself in public speech delivered on
the day of election, in Potow atomic county, Iowa
even went farther than this. l informed the
people on that occasion that should make it
point of honor to resign my Office in the event that
Gen. Taylor should bs elected.
10 illustrate my views and opinions as to pro-
scription, would here give, if permitted to do SO,
the same advice which gave President Polk
few days after his Inauguration, viz; That be.
eved it to be his duty to write short notice, about
the length of his finger, declaring every Office
cant in his power to fill and those places filled by
Wings to be refed by Democrats, and to re-
appoint every good Democrat. But, although Mr.
Polk approved the policy of this course, he had
not the moral courage q quality which he never
possessed) to carry it out. But do hope that Mr.
Taylor will show ssme Of the Jackson blood and
nerve, and not leave single Democrat in office.
1t may be thought by some that, by this com.
muncation appearing in your paper, am little
tender footed; but assure my Democratic friends
that this is not the case. ] am what have ever
been, unfinching, upcon,promisng Democrat;
and can say with much truth, thatI never in my
life voted for Whg when had chance to vote
for Democrat. and God forbid that ever should
1t is true, have said that the defeat of Lewis
Cass was not owing 10 the weakness of the party,
but to the misdeeds and bunGers Of James X. Polk,
X. J. Walker. and such men old Cave johnson,
the Postmaster General. This much believe and
have SO expressed myself, aud DO not deny it.
Your obedlent servant,
G. e. MATLACK.