The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-02-11


Gov. Lane, Of New Mexico; Financial and CONNER
cial Affairs; large number Of miscellaneous para
graphs, &c.
The Approaching Change In the Government
The Policy or General Pierce.
We presume that. by this time, all parties
are satisfied that General Pierce has accom-
plished the task of forming his cabinet. The
rumors which have been in circulation for some
days, with respect to the fact have acquired
such consistency from the recent news from
Concord and Washington, that even the most
incredulous office seeker must now regard the
matter as settled; and. whether it give rise to
exultation or disappointment in his mind, he
must acquiesce go far in the settlement as to
relax those heterogeneous influences which
have for the last few weeks, been brought to
bear upon the President elect. To some few
perhaps. the termination of the long struggle
for place will be q painful crisis it would
be too much to expect that the de-
feated aspirants to power will survive the
agony oftheir hopes with a cheerful face. or a
serene mind. But to the mass of the people the
| conclusion of the protracted intrigues by which
| each section of the democratic party has sought
to exclude its rivals, and each member of each
section his individual competitors, cannot but
| be source of sincere qualification.
| 1t will be relief from the tolls which
the selection of these functionaries involve.
to turn his thoughts to the preparation OF
his inaugural address. Many an hour of
| thought and study has already been bestowed
| on it, and it is now doubtless in very adj
vanced state. We do not think we are over
sanguine in anticipating an address far above
the ordinary run of such documents. The
character of the man the themes he must ne
cessarily discuss. the magnitude of the interests
about to be confided to his hands. and the vast
Importance. not only to this country but to the
world at large. Of the views he may adopt, all
presage political paper of unusual value and
| significance.
The most difficult portion of his task is there
fore performed. What ramains to be done is,
however of great public interest, and requires
tact in discr' minating between the claims of
rival candidates. But, as in practical impor-
lance it does not yield to what has gone before
it, a few remarks on the sub ect may not. at this
conjuncture, be wholly inopportune or out of
place.
General Pierce has yet to appoint the United
States Marshals. the District Attorneys, and
the Collectors, in the several States. In the
selection Of these var Gus iunctionaries from
the hosts of applicants. he will, we feel
assured, keep steadily in view two main
i1oro 20 J,,4x- %bo a.
representat,v. Of this people, to act in every
particular, as to the best of his Judgment,
he believes the whole peop'e would act, if
they were collectively called upon to dis
charge the functions delegated to him. and
on whatever question he has had an orportu-
nifty of gathering the decided opinion of ma
jority of his fellow c.t'z rs. to guide himself
by that opinion. Such is, as we take it, the
bounden duty ola President Of this republic
Oar estimate of General Pierce justifes us in
the confident assertion that he will neither
overlook nor disregard it. Thus in v CIV ofthe
emphatic verdict Of the people in November
last, on the question of free soilism, we
have no hesitation in ascribing to General
Pierce judicious vigilance in ascertaining
whether any Of the otherw. Sc eligible candi-
dates for office are unta inted with this hetero-
doxy. We are well aware of the danger Of
making political opin Ons the sole test of fitness
or inferior offices, where knowledge OF details
is the main requisite in the incumbent, an do
not presume that the rule which the President
elect will think it right to establish will be so
stringent as to admit of no exception. But
that some general rule will be distinctly laid
demonstrating from Office all those who have
signalized themselves as abolitionists disunion-
lists, or promoters of any other form Of treason
we have not the smallest particle of doubt.
Past indu' gence has encouraged them in their
seditious course-it is time that they should
experience different treatment. A rigid ostra-
csm for fur years would be ooubtless, the
most effective cure. AT the end Of that period
We should probably witness some remarkable
conversions.
Nor is it of less moment that two of the classes
Of officers we have mentioned should be men
chosen for their ZEAL frmness and energy. On
the United States marshals and district attor-
neys rests the duty Of carrying out the com
promise and other measures. on which the
safety and peace of the Union depends. II
they are men to be inundated or who will
finch from their duty when it involves
some personal risk, all the sectional animosties
which Clay and Webster succeeded in silencing
will be revived with new virulence 1t would
be an easy matter for dishonest district attor-
ney and pusillanimous marshal to give aid
and comfort TO flibustero expeditions. and
to render the Fugitive Slave law q dead
letter; little dulness of comprehension
on the part Of the former. and trifing in
activity on the part Of the latter, would an
swer every purpose of che abolitionists, and
once more goad the South to desperation. We
forbear to enlarge on so painful theme as the
possibility Of the revival Of the slavery dispute