The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-11-04
Secretary Guthrie's Letter.
To the Editor of The Union.

Secretary Guthrie's Letter.
TO the Editor of the Uniont
perceive that the whole press of the country is en-
gagged in discussing the Guthrie letter. and the course OF
the administration in regard TO the main question in
volved In order to decide properly, is necessary the
should be properly understood The late collector.
Mr. Bronson affected to regard the letter OF The Secretary
as infringing upon his Independence, and undertaking 10
interfere with his appointments OF his numerous sub
odinaes. say Mr. Bronson affected regard the Sec
reary's letter, Tor MIR. Bronson is of much in
telligence 10 have really regarded the letter OF Mr.
Guthrie Bat this is the conclusion arfuly attempted TO
be impressed upon the public mind, and many, for the
tme may be deceived, but in the long run the truth will
oyertake and expose this fraudulent attempt To inter-
fce dictate, or to attempt to dictate collector
what ina,u,dua he shall appoint his deputy what
would be regarded Objectionable by the whole coun-
try. This the Secretary, Mr.. Guthrie. has not done or
attempted this is not pretended by Mr.. Bronson
himself But while this would be Objectionable is il in
tended be insisted upon by Mr. Bronson and those who
have uously assaled the Secretary and through him
the President, that neither The Secretary the Pfesden,
has anything to do with The principles upon which such
appointments 10 be made! 1t to that no in.
tegent be partisan enough 10 contend for this
Suppose il had been understood and admitted that Mr.
Bronson had determined ha, he would appoint no demo.
to Office under him who had voted for Polk Presi
con,eswoud the country would the democrats OF the
country have thought that the Secretary VINO had APP
pointed him collector had transcribed his Duty and there
by have inerered with the independence Of the collect
or, if he had written 10 him and said The President does
not that the fact that democrat who voted for Polk
President should constitute sufficient reason for ex-
Guiding him from Office and therefore is hoped that you
will not in future act upon such principle. Would any
rational, intelligent democrat in the country contend ,ha
such course would have been improper interference
with the proper independence OF the collector presume
may safely answer-not one. Let ask, then in wha
principle does the supposed Older from the actual
case say in nothing that | can see The true sub
stance OF what The Secretary says TO Mr. Bronson is
simply this We have been informed that in making yout
appointments you have determined upon the princi
pie Of appointing those only 10 Office who belong 10 that
wing OF the democratic party in New York called the
lizards :; we think TINS rule or principle which we un-
derstaDd you have adopted is wrong and sincerely
hope that in making your future appointments you will
be Influenced by such consideration. but that you
will select democrats who qualified for The offices
they seek whether they belong 10 that wing of the par
" called the 'haTds or the sofs !" taking care al the
same time 10 appoint who is aboliiionist or
lree-soer, whether he belong 10 the wing or the
other. This II seems TO my mind, is the true English
Of this whole and this, IL seems 10 me- is the light
in which will be received By every intelligent demo-
crat who has not some sinister motive in viewing in diff
letenuy. perceive that of the editors and some
OF the writers of articles for them, ann 10 draw dis
linclion in this matter. between the very distinguish
ed Secretary and the President; hey voci
erousy that the President is noble and marvellous
proper President, and has had nothing 10 do with this
dirty business Of this dirty Secretary. Editors OF this de-
scripon and writers of this descrpo must think thai
their readers are very shallow aad easily gued, not 10
see through q device so hollow and dis,ngenuous
tell you. Mr.. Editor. that all such are hostile to the
uI,
the truth of what say il any confirmation be wanting
say let no such man be trusted; he is prepared for
ueason and sraiagem. | say nothing abou, the spoil
Many democrats at frs, deceived, and consequent
~ led into in regard this matter; but they are
last waking 10 the light and the truth OF The matter and
they have now no fears either OF the Presdcn, or his
Secretary. All will be in shon time satisfied. save
those few who have an interest 10 be dissatisfied
| maintain that il would have been bad policy and bad
faith in the administration 10 have sanctioned the prn-
cipe under the facts and circumstance Of excluding
from Office the "sols" merely because they were sos-
Just much IL would have been to sanction the prin-
cipe OF excluding the "hards merely because they were
bafds Both hsrds and sois had adopted the Baltimore
platform. All knew what that was; and, therefore,
when they adopted it. all who acted good faith con-
senied foego abandon any sentiments upon the sa
very question inconsistent with that platform; and.
therefore, when any democrat in the State Of New York
became applicant for Office. whether be had belonged
10 the one wing the other he sbou have been listened
sound this question: unless be had done
thing Inconsistent with the principle OF The Baltimore
platform in regard TO the question. since be consented
The adoption OF that platform II this be no, SO, then
there is an end all oompromises--lhen there is no
longer any inducement, in temporal point OF
view, in changing from wrong TO right; reward for
honesty. You must start right, else you can't get 40,
or at least you reap the reward OF such hon
esy LAY away with such impracucable absurdiiies-
Gown with their advocates They fit only 10 the
harmony and beauty of things, and 10 the seed Of
contention and discord. tell YOU sir, the grea, body
OF the democrats OF this country are 100 wise, too ma
tonal, and too patriotic to be led asiay by such bnsh
Tina, may not be misunderstood. deem il proper TO
say tina, a democrat, and have always sympaihzed
with The hard shell wing Of The democracy of New York
| now reside, and have always resided,
SOUTH.