The daily national Whig. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1847-1849, 1849-03-23

The subjoined extracts from the Wash
ington Correspondence Of the Philadelphia
North American, under date the 18th inst,
will correct many errors, which the oppose
ton press has been instrumental IN coming
and putting afloat. We thank "indpend-
entn for mailing such base coin SO effect
ually TO the counter.
The crowd of strangers is beginning to dispense
rapidly, lhare being no immediate motive Tor delay
so far the policy OF appointments ana removals Is
concerned All agree that the rule oil discreet ana
temperate action Is the true and safe ono, by which
the Administration will be strengthened through the
country and the claims OF applicants VIII be more
justly considered when The proper time arrives
Although there may be many cases, requiring
prompt removal, both by theJudgment Of public opn-
ion and The admitted incompetency OF the incum-
bent yet /, Is due, first 10 the character OF the Ad-
minisraiion aud next In justice TO those who are
soliciting the appointments that selections should
be made which will ensure 10 the public service the
highest degree Of qualification and DEFY scrutiny In
every personal particular Il Is no easy task Tor the
| Heads OF Departments TO discriminate among the
claims Of individuals, all Of whom are strongly re-
| coinmended; and many Of whom are urged by the
! influence OF distinguished members OF Congress.
The determination, therefore, to act cautiously and
without the appearance OF incorporate haste VIII
commend itself to the favor OF all but that limited
class who complacenty assume the credit of having
produced the whole political result and who claim
In their persons the exclusive enjoyment Of all
| its advantages.
| Several OF the Lending Locoloco papers are endeav
orlng TO misrepresent the policy adopted by the
President, concerning apprehension office. A lew
words Of explanation will set the question right with
those who are willing TO understand It's true posi-
ton. The President requires all applications TO be
submitted 10 him through the heads OF the appro-
pirate Departments. synopsis Of the recommend
ations Is Il is said, presented in every case accom-
panied By The views OF the Secretary, through whose
| Department the appointment must be made. II Is
fair TO presume that the Secretaries will inform
themselves more accurately these subjects than
the President can do and hence their advice would
necessarily be received with proper respect. The
President has in no way delegated his power ofap-
pointment or ielinqushed his right of ultimnte
vision. In all subordinate matters relating 10 The
personnel and practical administration of The gov
eminent, he has properly confded the discretion 10
his cabinet.
No Secretary Of self.respect or elevated character
would consent 10 hold office on any other terms, and
no President who valued the true dignity of his i'd
yeers, would attempt 20 exercise a controlling au-
thority over such questions During the last dynas-
y, the Cabinet were little more than head clerks,
ployer. Mr.. Polk controlled the whole patronage
from foreign minister down coal carrier and il is
well known that his Secretaries publicly complained,
authority from the White House. He absorbed eve.
ry thing, and attempted TO play the part which Louis
the 18th Inscribed 10 himself In the right royal as-
gumpnon--"l am tne Staf6." Inc course now pur
sued il not only just but y d republican. Ills NJ
turn to tbs syssm Of the good old days, when Ere
cutive power was restrained within is proper limits
and did not attempt TO ovsshadow the othsr heads Of
/ tho Government. Locofocos. who WHARF accustomed
| to despotsm under Gen. jackson, and TO reign
Of servflty under Mr.. Polk cannot Of course sppfc
ciate why President should conform to his ccnsti
tutonA duties and refuse to srrogate supreme author
ity SO long have they been the slaves Of party and
the creatures Of power that the very breath OF free
dom IL repugnant as II Is strange and any attempt
to check Executive supremacy is, in their view q
violation Of the "divine right which they have been
compelled 10 hold sacred.
The reports which have been put in circulation ms
TO the manner Of Mr. Merediih's appointment to
the Cabinet, are maciously false, and are prompted
from and by reasons which perfectly un.
dcrstood here. No member OF this administrations
or any other since the foundation Of the Government
was invited TO place under circumstances more
honorable and hatlerng. Mr.. Meredith had no par
ficipalion, direct indirect in the presentation Of
his name TO Gen Taylor, and was ignorant of the
purpose Of the President until informed BY an off,
/ cial communication Any statement to the contra
ry, no matter by whom made, 4 unfonnded The
high public and private charater OF Mr. Meredith his
acknowledged ability, and his separation from and
his position above all cques, the reasons til al
attracted the confidence and respect Of Gen. Taylor
long before he left Baton Rouge, and which deter
mined him TO place seat in the Cabinet al his dis
posa as soon as he reached Washington Thus far
Mr.'Meredith has not only yindcuted this confidence
but he has made an impression upon his associates
in the Cabinet and all who have come within The scope
4 other public man perhaps made in SO short o
time This is not the opinion OF faction or an in
terosi, but il Is the general sentiment pervading the
circles Of The metropolis sentiment Of which the
State of Pepnsy vunia may well be proud as OF the
/ rapidly won fame of her honored son.