The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1853-10-15

tual support and assistance, they are apie 10
surmount the greatest obstacles, and to accom-
plish the most important ends. This is the true
notion of party. 1t imports combined action
but does not imply any departure from the
great principles of truth and honesty. So long
as the structure of the human mind is so varied
in different individuals, there will always be a
wide scope for diversity of opinion as to public
measures but no foundation is yet laid in the
human mind for any material difference of OPT
MON, as to what constitutes the great rule of
justice.
"The course which was pursued by Judge
M'Lean was marked by the greatest wisdom
and moderation. Believing that every public
officer holds his Office in trust for the people, he
determined to be influenced by no other prin-
ciple in the discharge of his public duties than
faithful performance of the trust committed
to him. No individual was removed from Of
flee by him, account of his political opinions.
In making appointments where the claims and
qualifications of persons were equal, and at the
same time one was known to be friendly to the
administration he felt himself bound to appoint
the one who was his friend. But when persons
were recommended to office, it was not the
practice to name, as recommendation, that
they had been or were warm supporters of the
dominant power. In all such cases. the man
who was believed to be the best qualified, was
selected by the department"
Having illustrated his principles and char
acter in private and professional life, In legs-
lative, judicial and executive functions. Judge
M'Lean was now called to exercise his capacity
and attainments in the full maturity of their
strength, in the highest judicial station. BY
the appointment of General Jackson, in 1929 he
was placed upon the Bench of the Supreme
Court Of the United States. having declined the
War and Navy departments, which were ten
dered to him. The circumstances that accom-
panied this appointment evincing the cOniiden-
ia rnl hat Stn cd hot
jackson and Judge M'Lean, notwithstanding
their different sentiments upon some principles
Ofpublic policy. are interesting and highly ere
ditable to both parties. They have been thus
related:
"On the arrival of Gen Jackson. after his
election to the Presidency, and when he was
about selecting the members of his cabinet,
Judge MLean was sent for to ascertain whether
he was willing to remain at Washington.
General Jackson having stated the object of
the Interview, the judge remarked. that he was
DESTROYS to explain the line of conduct he had
hitherto pursued: Observing. that the General
might have received the impression from some
of the public prints, that the Postmaster Gene
raj had used the patronage of his Office for the
purpose of advancing the Generals election
but he wished him to understand, that no such
thing had been dOnc-and that he had pursued
such course he would deem himself unwor-
thy of the Presidents confidence, or that ofany
other honorable man. But that he was bound
in candOr to say. should he remain in Office he
would not dcviate in any respect from the
course he had pursued under Mr.. Adams that
in all he had done he had looked with single
eye to the public interest. and that the same
motives would govern his future action; that
no power which could be brought 10 bear upon
him, would change his purpose. The General
replied with warm expressions of regard and
confidence, and wished him to remain in the
post-Office department. lie at the same time
expressed regret that circumstances did not
enable him to offer the judge the treasury de-
partment. The Judge replied, that having held
office under the late administration. he was del
icately situated, and required no distinction in
his organization that he would remain in the
post-o1icc department on the terms stated. or
retire, as might be deemed proper 1t was
well here to remark, that the postmaster gene
raj was not a member of the cabinet until he
was made so by General Jackson. Some Of the
personal friends of the judge, who had been de-
signated for the cabinet, fearing that his course
in the pOst-Officc department might not harmo- |
nizc with the one which the members Of the ca
binet felt themselves bound to take. had CON
vcrsatiOus with him on the subject and finding
his purpose rot to be changed Il seat on the
Supreme Bench was offered to him, which he
accepted, and to which he was Immediately
nominated.
0uugc VI Lean illtl fccclk ca so large share
OF public confidence in political life. and be
lieving the people would sustain a public ser
want who honestly devoted his time and abili-
ties to their service. that he left the department
with great reluctance. He desired above all
things earthly. to see this great and glorious
experiment of free government carried ont in
its true spirit. And this. he doubted not,
would secure through all time to come, I'M
bounded prosperity and happiness to those who
undpr hot tS mo
power would so operate upon the civilized
world, sooner or later. to ovcrturn the
thrones of dcspOtsm, and introduce in every
nation q national liberty.
At the January term, 1880, Judge MLean
entered upon his duties as a Judge of the SUI
premc Court Of the United States. There is,
perhaps, no station which calls into exercise,
to q greater degree. the highest faculties of the
human intellect. In that tribunal must be dis
cussed not only points of judicial learning, but
theOretic and practical questions of art sci
ence and government, frequently arise, their
decision, involving the present and future rights
and interests of citizens and of states, the pros
pcrity of commerce. the extent of legislative
and executive powers, the stability of republic
an principles, and the progress of mankind to-
wards peace and happiness Judge MLeans
eminent fitness for that station has been mani
tested by twenty-five years service upon the
Supreme Bench, in which period the jurispru-
dence of the country has been enriched by
the diligent labors of his energetic and cult
waited mind. By his early habits of labor and
industry, his intellect was trained and his body
Injured to undergo exhaustion and fatigue great
er than is imposed upon any other department
OF the government. Upon questions of COM
merce and constitutional law his opinions have
been distinguished; evincng great powers of
reasoning and investigation, they manifest
clear perception of the principles upon which
the federal government was established, pro-
found veneration of their wisdom, and an in
flexible firmness in their support.
The duties of the judges of the Supreme
Court requiring the exercise of their functions
not only in term at the capitol, but in their re-
spective circuits, they may exercise an import
anr influence upon the bar and upon the char