The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-06-27
For the Union
For The Union.
The Force Of Public Opinion la this Country.

IN government based upon the popular will exercise
under constitutional limitations public opinions althoug
not somnipoten' IS yet the controlling element
There have been many remarkable instances sine
l7So, None occurred In the times OF the First Wash
ngton; but during the term OF the "frst" Adams alieI
and sediton laws drew the electric spark, which wa
followed by clap OF thunder from which federalism ha,
not yet recovered.
The noted compensation act allowing salaries to mem
bers OF Congress- again excited general discussion
condemnation, and the obnoxious law was repealed il
the following year; ard large number Of those who
voted for ii were discarded from public confidence
But me most remarkable Judgment given by the peopI,
upon their pubic servants, in the of the coa
lon between Adams and Clay in 1925 by which the one
secured the presidency and the other the State Depart
ment
The press assumed the noble ground, that On admin.
lstraton which had its origin in fraud, should be
repudiated and removed as the constitution
would permit without regard to its acts. AS was
weii observed by distinguished patriot the
oor OF the House OF Representatives, it must be put
down because OF It's original SIM if It's are as
pure as the angels ia heaven The people did put il
down. and have thus far kept all down who were tainted
with the transaction.
Just another flash of electric fire is quiverng on
The conductors point which will strike to ashes ad-
nlnistraton which, owing its origin to generous
dence in repeated and reiterated pledqes has trampled
them in the dust with unexamped nsolence and con-
tempt
Its presses its harpes hunting for Office and its official
pets, alarmed at the unmistakable signs of public
domination, are raising whining complaint against pre-.
mature action in the case They say that the policy and
measures OF the administration not yet known, and
we should wait on their high mghtnesses TO publish
their administrative policy before attack them So
we dld Democrats have always been liberal and pa.
rohc on that subject Unlike Mr.. Clay, in 1899, who
vowed opposition TO General Jacksons administration
IN advance OF a knowledge OF its measures, support
an administration when it does right
But enough is known to prove this administration ut
erly unworthy OF respect let alone confidence. Ii tram
pies upon the word OF honor of an old soldier, which
should be made good at the risk Of his life He and his
council add insult I'd injury by the OF contemplate
sophsm to blind the public eye to their fathlessness.
General layors administration has done brisk bust
ness during the brief three months of its existence and
i will receive from the people The scales already
brought out, and the tabled goddess who holds them,
the misfortune of the cabinet, not bind and is not
seeking an office therefore they dodge brbe
her. And what Is already her judgment? "Weighed and
found vdnt,ng.'
Why that the repeated proofs of public intelligence
and the repeated punshments OF fahess public servants
will not teach aspirans to and holders Of public Offices
the value OF the great rule which General Jackson made
his guide that "honesty is the best policy :"
The present administration shows one duality, how.
ever, which is highly praised in the good books but
which cannot be OF any use 10 their characters 1t is
humhHy The late administration labored hard and
country, not doubling that just people would bestox
upon their labors the award OF honor which they priced
higher than any earthly compensation.
The present cabinet Il The vhoie eight appear
be acting pretty much upon the plan of of paupers
who, having UNEXPECTEDLY fallen heir to an estate of
some value, and that too, under suspicion of foul play
determined the most of il in the shortest pos
them than the desire TO add to the total of their dmes
and to make the most OF The windfall.
Let them not be surprised if a terrible etributon shall
fall upon their heads.