The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-07-13
WASHINGTON CRY, d. c.,
Iulv IN 1870
j. II. CI<h HOD
Washington, July II, lS49.
To the Editors of the Republic.

July ~, 1919.
To the Editors Of the Republic.
GENTLEMEN observe in the "Union" OF the
4th instant a communication addressed TO the edi-
tors of that paper, over the signature 'Allison,"
which ! should not attempt 10 notice, except for
the fact that this correspondent in speaking of the
popularity" Of certain members Of the Cabinet,
says, land Preston is charged with want Of real
regard for the service
| have not the honor OF personal or official ac-
quantance with any member Of the Cabinet ex-
cept the Secretary of the Navy know him peH,
and hence, whilst am sure "Allison" has done
other members Of the Cabinet Of whom he speaks
as great injustice kno,o he has done Mr.. Pres
ton, can venture only TO defend the latter from
ga IS" very unjust charges.
MIR. Preston as public man, is one of the most
remarkable have ever known, for his Justice
honor, and integrity.
As member of the House of Representative,
he was scrupulousy nice and particular in the dis
charge Of what he regarded his duty towards his
constituents and in his estimate Of the rights and pri
vileges which the laws confer on members OF Con-
gress. For instance, he would not frank private
letter for his best personal friend; nor would he,
in any case exert the rights or influences of his po-
sition towards other than the public purposes for
which he believed such were by the laws intended
to be bestowed
As Secretary Of the Navy, he is untring in his
application To his official duties, devoting himself
closely, from an early hour in the morning, until
a late dinner hour; after which, il is his general
habit to return his Office and apply himself to his
duties, until late in the afternoon, frequently after
night
As regards his official appointments, | knop that
the public interest is with him, the first and para
mount consideration and that he will not allow
personal preferences, however strong they may be,
to bias his decisions in regard to applicants for
Office but, on the contrary, he takes the broad,
manly, and patriotic position, with his personal
friends who apply to him for office, and ask Of him
pledges 81 make pledges to no man these Offices
are under my gift it is true, but they are not mine,
and must therefore, regard you as strangers per-
sonally, and appoint or reject you, according to
your fitness, as shown by your testimonials for the
Office you Ask
Can the man who assumes and practises upon So
magnanimous position as this be charged with
want Of real regard for the service"
Has not such public officer the right to expect
that his political twin-brother, "Allison" pro-
fesses 10 be, would have investigated his-Mr.
Preston's-oficial conduct before he placed at the
disposal of usrciiess and interruptions opposing
political party an intimaton even such rs "Alli-
son" makes
What have said Of Mr.. Preston know to be
true, and if las in all probability is the case with
"Alllson," either directly or IN behalf OF some
| friend) was disposed to allow a personal dlsap
po,niment to estrange me from my party IN power,
| | might cry out as he has DONE but have been
called upon to look into other than personal con-
siderations (beng, as profess, Wing, not for the
expectation Of official reward, but upon principle
and, in doing so, have found reasons which have
At least satisfied me that what had been done was
right, "Allison" to the contrary Notwithstanding
/ VERtTAS