The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-11-20


politics. 1t has foreign and a domestic as
pect. 1t involves point Of administrative
policy-a tavorite hobby of the present Cabinet.
The problem is now to be solved whether
there is any comfy in American politics
Whether there is any other than constiru-
tional tenure for Cabinet offc ais! Foreigners
will look with interest upon this discussion,
and by its solution they will be able to deter
mine the mere courtesies Of the spoilsmsn at
Washington. 1t is, perhaps, o little remarkable
that Governor Marcy, of all the prominent men
in this country, should be called upon to decide
this question, one of strict comfy, in the de-
cision of which the law is presumed to give
place to mere conventionalities.
The result of the election in New York has
by fair intendment placed the Secretary of
State at the head of mere faction. 1t has
taken from him the moral power Of numbers.
1t has utterly condemned his course as a poll
tician. 1t has derided his power spurned his
bribes sunken his influence, and debased his
name. The friends of the constitution are his
enemies, and they are triumphant They have
achieved a sublime victory-a victory of the
citizen over the officer, of patriotism over
spoils, of freemen over traitors The moral
force of this conquest has no counterpart in
American politics. 1t is the green spot in the
desert Of our political agriculture constitu-
tional triumph over the most fatal brood of de-
coy politicians that ever misled an honest
people. The truth stares us in the face. that
Governor Marcy has been and is, the head OF
the fallen and disgraced faction.
Can he longer remain in the Cabinet of Gen
Pierce?
The discussion Of this question will deter
mine whether in the ethics Of the White House
notice to quit" must be positive or may be
constructive? Whether there is such thing in
the formula of the Cabinet as taking "a hint
without a kck?n Whether the constitutional
advisers of the President hold their offices by
imprescriptable right-a tenure of mere abili-
ty," or not? In short, whether I'VE have states
man among u.s." under the law and comfy of
American politics.
1t must be admitted that the Secretary of
State holds his place by two-fold tenure: that
which the constitution and laws regulate, and
that which is determined by the comfy of gem
tlemen. At least this has been the impression
of the country. The only point involved in the
present controversy, is whether Gov. Marcy re-
cognizes the latter as a governing principle of
his official life.
The readers Of the HERALD will bear us wit
ness that we have advocated no blind subser-
viency to the forms Of European politics, and
especially those connected with the organic
routine of their governments. With them de-
feated minister finds sure descent to private
life. 1t occurs to us that the present enquiry
bearing upon the probable course of the Secre-
taIy Of State can hardly be said to embrace
more than the principles which are supposed to
control men ofhonor everywhere. This brings US
to consider the peculiar character Of the Office
of state which is occupied by Gov. Marcy and
the untoward circumstances in which We find
that very confidential member of the Cabinet
The Office is executive in its nature. The in
cumbent is the adviser of the President t. one
Of his privy counsellors-and on all occasions
is supposed to express his will and to enforce his
opinion. The Office is private and confidential
in its very nature. having no original pow
ers and bearing no responsibilities. In
the hearing of the law.ear of the coun-
try it has no voice of its own. 1t is
Ell Office OF essential comfy bearing the
trusts Of an agency, with no prescriptive rights.
1t is true that in the multitude of executive bu-
siness great latitude and responsibility are al
lowed to and incurred by the Secretary of
State. This proves rather the extreme delicacy
of the position, the courtesy Of the Office and
the character of its tenure, than any indcpcnd-
ent power it possesses. 1t is precisely this fact
which should make that officer sensitive to the
honor and success of the President, and to the
condition of public sentiment, to which the lat
ter alone is responsible. The constitutional
and legal character Of Gov. Marcy is not in dis
pute The question is higher one; simply be-
cause legal and constitutional remedies seem
harsh in their application to such case. The
delicacy and forbearauce of the President to
exercise his acknowledged power to remove
from his counsels an obnoxious officer, or one
whose complications with abhorred associates
had destroyed his powers of usefulness as an
executive adviser however otherwise acccpta-
BILE be might have been, should not fail
to make its impress upon the object Of
such courtesy. A regard to the delica-
cies of their official intercourse, to the
credit Of the administration, to the feelings
Of the President and to the harmony of the party
by whose votes he was elected, and must, if at
all be sustained, and, above all the honor Of the
incumbent. would seem to require Of that officer
something more than consideration ofthe legal
bearings Of his place. Let us see. By no fair
criterion can the Secretary be said to have any
party at all in his own State In the recent
election the patronage and power of the ma
tioDa administration, with its army OF Custom
House dependents, embracing half Of the whole
disposable force Of hirelings in the country,
and these set on by brutal and shameless
order from the laundering head Of the Treasury
by whom they were directed to hound the de-
tbo foro ~ tba a. ,;p;.