The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-03-23
the First REJECTION at Washington - AT
tempt to Revive Party Spirit.

The sudden and unexpected rejection of Mr..
McGaughey, by the United States Senate, con-
tnues to create a great deal of controversy among
politicians, and has produced similar commoton
among the party journals of the day, wing and de-
mocratIc It is evident, from the spirit and style
n which this matter treated, that the old party
ourpals of both the democrats and the wings, will
endeavor to excite the old party feeling and hos
tilty with reference to the particular merits or
dement's of the nominations and reflections. The
Washington Union sees nothing IN the rejection
of Mr.. McGaughey but determination on the
part of the democratic majority In the Senate to
revive party spirit, and oppose, as party, such
nominations and such measures as the new ad-
ministration may propose. The wing journals,
(such of them as have noticed the matter,) in Phi
ladelphia and this city, treat the subject In the
same general and party aspect, without reference
to any other matter than mere party feelings and
views General and indiscriminate condemna-
tien, and unbounded praise and appreciation, are
already beginning to be the characteristics of the
game, thus early started by the organs Of the old
factions In reference to the first rejection of the
nominations made by General Taylor.
Now, in this view of the matter, or in this way
of treating an important question, we cannot by
any means concur Every act OF an admlnistra-
ton, among an intelligent people, should be exa-
mined on its own separate merits or dement's, and
approved or condemned according to those quail
ties. The idea of opposing nomination me rely
because it emanates from particular party, orgi-
mates only among those who make politics trade,
and who exclude the exercise of independent
Judgment and clear intellect In managing the
affairs OF great country. We do not believe that
the democratic majority in the Senate intend to
organize any opposition to the administration of
Gen Taylor on the basis OF mere party feeling
while at the same time, we do not think that they
should lay aside their individual judgment, and
approve Of everything that may come from a cabi-
net, which may err as well as others, in making
unfortunate selections for high places, even from
among their own friends We trust, however, that
the mystery which yet envelopes the nomination
and rejection OF Mr.. McGaughey, may be COM
petely unfolded, and that the Senate will break
the seal of secrecy, and give us the debate which
took place, lively and exciting as 1t is represented
TO be, and ending a vote OF rejection OF twenty
five to twenty-five. With this debate, and the
final question, fully reported and made public,
would be enabled to Judge with more accuracy res
pecung the ,mpro priety of the advice given by the
cabinet to the President In making such a nomina-
ton, and mourning such rejection.
With respect to the general course OF the new
cabinet, since 1t was formed, the country has,
thus far, with that exception alone, had reason to
be satisfied. Mr.. Clayton and his associates have
disclosed by their conduct and In their selections
general tone OF moderation and proprlety which Is
INTENDED to concilIate all all the elements of the
wing party In Congress, and to build up a strong
and efficient support for the administration in that
body, as well asthroughout the country 1t Is right
and proper that the selection and nomination of
candidates for places IN which vacancies occur,
or from which removals are made, should be made
from those interests and cques that brought about
the revolution involved In the recent Presidential
election. But the nomination Of Mr.. McGaughey,
who was identified with the dlscreditable opposi-
son to the country during the last war, was fatal
error on the part of the cabinet, and we have no
doubt is 30 believed and understood by Gen Tay.
Ior at this time. The Senate did ne more than Its
duty in correcting the error and allowing the ad-
rnin,stration to propose a filter candidate tor 60
vernIng the new territory.
L..