Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-11-01
From the Norfolk (yirginia) News.
Assuming too Much.

An attempt is being made by certain presses,
on which Official patronage in the shape Of
government advertising exercises decided and
palpabe influence, to make the approval or dis
approval Of Mr.. Guthries course towards Col
ector Bronson O test Of fidelity to democratic
principles. The truckers to men in Office,
eleventh hour politicians and soft shell sympa-
thists would attempt to thrust out of the demo
tic ranks, all who viii not follow their lead, and
denounce the faithful old guard of New York,
and welcome the traitors Of 1S48 with frater
nal and cordial embrace. But it will not do
As for ourselves, we choose to select our own
course in censuring what we think wrong, come
from what quarters it may. We are democrats
Of the strictest sect; devoted to the principles
and eherishing an ardent desire for the welfare
of the party; we choose to remain in it, and
battle for it, despite all the threats of those
who would arrogate to themselves the right
and power of accommodation. Neither do
we intend to oppose or desert the administers
ton, but to give it hearty support in every
measure which we esteem right and democratic,
6a no further. 1t does not follow that, be-
cause we disapprove of one mistaken act. we
shall rush into factious and indiscriminate OBJ
position. BY no means.
Nothing has more convinced MS OF the pro-
priety and justice of our recent editorial re-
marks in relation to Mr.. Guthrie, than his late
letter of dismissal to collector Bronson. We
cannot agree with its laudators, that it even
evinces spirit Of boldness and decision, but.
ON the contrary, think it is marked by disingen.
uousness, fear of meeting the true issue, and al.
artfnl and ludicrous attempt to turn the oans of
appointing freesoiers to office on Mr.. Bronson.
Every one, If he had the candor to confess il.
knows that the first letter of the secretary was
written with a view to induce the collector to
appoint the soft shells to Office, or to call forth
letter which would be made an excuse for his
dismissal. Yet in the second letter Mr.. Bron-
son is gravely blamed for doing, in few in
stances, what Mr.. Guthrie had advised, and ac-
cused Of appointing freesoers to office. This
attempt to change ground and to throw odium
on Mr.. Bronson was, we are forced to say, con-
temptible in the extreme.
We shall not contradict the assertion that the
Intentions of the secretary were good and de-
signed to conciliate and unite the two branches
of the New York democracy. An error in
Judgment may be,more disastrous in its effects
than bad motive; especially should it be de-
precated in q cabinet officer chosen for ability
and discretion. Instead of making matters
worse, by persisting to defend his late false step,
the selfassumed guardians of the democratic
party and apologists of Mr.. Guthrie had better
let the matter rest and the secretary himself,
by future diligence and care, counterbalance
the impressions just made on the mind of the
public. We shall not permit orr dsapproval
of one act to prejudice us against him, or with
hold approval when it is deserved.