The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-09-04
The Clerks In the Departments.
To the Editor Of the Union:

To the Editor Of the Union:
The late action of the House OF Representatives
gard to Mr. Stanlys nqustoal committee is gratifying
on very many accounts, and, by your permission, will
specify two for my satisfaction, 1t is
rendered quite certain that the chamber jurisdiction
attempted TO be exercised. from time to time. by divers
busy bodies has been absolutely and forever surrendered
The unconstitutional and arrogant demand editors
dvuge the names OF correspondents will never be made
again
give you my thanks Mr. Richie for the noble stand
you took against legislative usurpation was OF
the correspondents alluded to in your examination, and
disavowed my contributions to your columns Had
been summoned before the committee, should have
refused to their official Undergraduates while at
the time should, very frankly, have graied the
personal curiosity OF the members OF the committee.
is all very well, however that the ridiculous died
as ii did
Another reason for satisfaction is tina, herssy long
current here has been openly dsclamed. 1t has been
charged against the clerks in the departments that they
casonay show some interest in public affairs Some peo
pie have been very vocferous in denouncng certain clerks
for the helnous offence OF expressing their political sen
ments, either orally in writing They take the ground
that employment in the public departments DISTINGUISHES
man. According TO their doctrine, the seven hundred
American citizens assisting in the executive atmlnstr
ton of the government divesi their minds OF every
judicial faculty. and like the mute slaves OF the seragio.
hear only TO obey.
Some go even further than this. They would not only
deprive OF every civil privilege and immunity but they
would deny the possession OF the social virtues How
many pert have dashed OF ppancies about
the sndoent clerks !" How many honorable" orators
have alarmed their constituents the OF their
monsrous prodgaity and worihlessnessw To be sure,
these denunciatons the floor OF Congress but du-
bious tests OF chivalry. To calumniate whole class,
unable to defend itself in the arena is rather
biguous evidence OF discrimination courage have
nevertheless witnessed, during residence OF few
years, several such exhibitions The late action Mr..
Sany's project has, under these circumstances been
really gratifying II this spirit progresses II will be
ceded, the lapse OF tune, that cerkship is not ncom
patbe with freedom OF speech and personal deeency
shall amplfy this theme, bat conclude this portion OF
my remarks by thanking Mr. Hlisrd. DR.. Fitch, and
other liberal and courteous gentlemen in Congress, for
Just appreciation of the liberty Of the press and the
rights OF American citizens.
1t is very that the clerks in the public depart
me rs in Washington are, class, intelligent and in
dustrious. They inferior in education 10 set Of
men. They polite IN their manners, and maintain a
high standard of private morality Many Of them are
continually selected by their fellow citizens To aid in the
administration OF municipal AFFAIRS AID Their influence il ap
parent we'll in the public a.scmbages the private
Gle am reluctant 10 quit this topic but tmay, perhaps,
be in my power 20 resume al some more convenient
Permit me, however TO request the republication
your paper oil the enclose correspondence from the New
York Courier and Euqulrer. have seen the uhe "
alluded TO. which - by means light as air. IL is
rich. capacous, and heavy, and well bestowed
diligent and courteous public officer, who will be
prised but not trust dspleased, tina, | should have
chosen him to point my moral.
A CLERK.