Washington sentinel., 1853-10-09
MIR. GUTHRIE TO MIR. BRONSON.

Rumors have been before the public for some
Secretary Of the Treasury, to Mr.. Bronson, the
collector of the port of New York. We present
below copy Of that production. 1t speaks
for itself; and no comment from us is needed
WASHINGTON, Oct. g. 1853.
DEAR SIR Since the conversation we had upon
the subject of the unfortunate division in the dem
ocratc party in New York, feel more and more
convinced that the present disorganiZation cannot
fail to endanger the success of the principles OF
the party there, and TO prove injurious elsewhere.
But the separation is effected. conviction has
forced itself upon my mind that, by democrats
pledged TO each other upon a common platform OF
principles, the division could and ought 10 have
been prevented. @
You are aware that the principles of the Bati-
more convention, and the policy intimated in the
inaugural address, the President and his consttu-
tiona advisers stand pledged 10 before the world.
They have been and are united as one man upon
these principles and that policy and had reason to
believe that all gentlemen who consented 10 ac-
cept Office under the administration stood pledged
TO the same principles and policy. t..".#
As the President understands the principles
avowed ns the platform of the party at Baltimore,
all democrats who joined in upholding and carry
ing out the same were entitled 10 be recognized
as worthy Of the confidence Of the united party.
and consequently eligible to Official station.
That all could not obtain Office manifest,
and that the distribution could not be exactly
equal amongst the different sections OF the party
was equally certain. Yet the distribution was
intended 10 be so made TO give Just cause OF
complaint 10 one section, and il is believed that
this intention has been carried out, not only by
the President himself, but by most of his ap.
pontees, in respect to the offices under the latter.
IL has so happened that your appointments have
been very generally made from that portion of the
| party 10 which you adhere. This you thought best
calculated TO secure union and harmony. That
desirable Object has failed to be obtained, and the
other portion OF the party feel that they have not
| been fully recognised by you, and things now
stand, may moi do justice to your motives. / call
your attention 10 this subject, and 10 the fact that
! the President and his cabinet, with entire una
| nmty, recognise that portion Of the party as
democrats distinctly avowing and firmly main
| tanning the principles of the Baltimore platform,
| and entitled TO be recognised by appointment to
official stations in your department. Allow me TO
| express the expectation that you will so recog-
Mise them in the only way that will carry convic-
| tion with it. ".....
have not hitherto deemed it necessary TO make
any particular inquiry to the section Of the de-
mocratic party TO which persons nominated for po-
| sitions in the custom-house al New York belonged
! prior TO the reunion of the party in lS49--whic
| reunion was supposed to have been thorougly ce
mented in the great and triumphant contest in
| 1852 But the present excited state of feeling
among political friends who acted together in 1852
| and who stand unequivocally upon the same
| platform of principles in New York, is'suggestive
| of discrimination of which the administration
| will not approve. ! shall send copy ofthis letter
to the naval officer and the surveyor ofthe Port in
order that there may be no misapprehension to
| the policy which the President will require to be
| pursued. lam, very respectfully,
| ",. ~. JAMES GUTHRIE.
| G. G. Bronson, esq, Collector, New York.
e al. IL.
officer and surveyor, with the following note:
| WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 1853.
| Dear Sir: | enclose herewith copy of letter
this day addressed TO the Hon. G. G. Bronson. II
will explain itself, and show you what the Pres-
dent expects in relation to the distribution of pa
tronage in the respective Offices of the New York
custom-housc, 10 which you will conform your
| action in any future nominations you may have
occasion to make
am, very respectfully, JAMES CULTURE.