Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-10-22

which honest man could approve, anu because the
nominees had been brought forward by men who had
been hostile to what deemed tAe best interests Of the
State in relation TO the canals approved the ether
ticket because the nominees were right on the question
of State policy and because those who supported il
contending for the principles which restored the Demo-
cratic party to power and placed FRANKLIN PIERCE
the head Of the Government" presume there can be
no objection at Washington to my maintaining now
have always done before the principles which the
National Administration stands; and with questions Of
State policy you must allow me to say the Admin
| istraton has no rghtful concern.
What consequences will follow the recent break in the
party than tell but feel reasonably conf
dent that if the National Democrats had fair field and
the Freesoi Democrats fighting under false CO
lors their ticket could not get votes enough help the
Wings through with their nominations. But we have not
got fair field. The Washington Union, while processing
speak the sentiments of the Administration has thrown
its weight on the side OF the Freeso ticket 1t has
deraken to decide upon the regularity of Conven
TONS and to sit in judgment upon questions Of State
policy 1t takes the side of those who have proved
fhless TO the party and put the Union in jeopardy and
denounces those who have all along supported the prnc
pies which restored the party to power. 1t is now
aborer with the Freesoi prints in this State, of
which it so lately read out Of the Democratic party
Though that print is not in itself of great Importance yet
when it processes without rebuke to do these things
the organ of the Administration much mischief may be
done 1t matters little what disclaimers there may be in
private circles long there is pubic declaration
that the paper speaks without authority However I'M
fortunately the election may terminate the responsibility
will rest upon others, and not upon me-
your letter.
As to time. 1t was after the rupture and nomination
of two tickets at Syracuse and the two ratification meet
ngs in this city after the Collector had been denounced
by the Freeso leaders and presses and the President
had been called upon to him after hungry Office
seekers and bitter politicians had visited Washington to
misrepresent and traduce that ocer and to whose cha
mors as you well know, he made any reply after
the Union had taken ground against the ticket of the Ma
tiona Democrats and in favor of the ticket of their OPP
ponents then was that you first discovered for
r1aip fofau ind The CALI Ind
approved all his nominations, with single exception,
and in that the Office abolished. Down to the
receipt of your letter of the Sd instant you had in
tmated to the Collector IN any form, that you dsap-
proved of his appointments, of the in which
they had been distributed.
As to the manner. You did not pursue the usual
course and issue a circular laying down uniform rule
for the government of all Custom House officers hay
ing patronage to bestow but confined your nstruc-
tons the port Of New York alone If the doctrine of
the letter is sound one, is obviously proper that
should be applied in other places well here's and it
should regulate the conduct Of all classes of Government
officers having patronage to best0w. Marshals post
masters district attorneys and others should act upon
in the selection of their deputies clerks and other agents
will here mention another fact Of little significance.
The day after the letter written followed
another requiring to submit for your approval the
of all clerks proposed to be employed in the bond
ed warehouses and public stores In this matter you not
only departed from the practice Of all former Secretaries
of the Treasurywho had left those appointments to the
sole discretion of the Colector-bu far as have
suing circular 10 all the collectors great ports,
singled out the Collector New York. and prescribed
rule for him alone. These facts need comment
they speak for themselves.
As the motive of this movement let others Judge
This is believe, the first instance in which a member
Of the Cabinet has interered with the discretion Of
collector, marshal postmaster, any other Government
officer having patronage to bestow, and laid down rule
for his in the selection Of his deputies clerks
or other agents. and it certainly is the first instance in
which public officer has been instructed to go into an
inquiry about sections and that just distribution of
offices was made between them You have right by
law give instructions many subjects connected with
will be my duty to follow But when you 60 beyond that
and undertake direct in matters which the law has
fded to my discretion, such obligation exists.
As officers Of the customs, the Collector has
the right Of nomination and the Secretary the right of
approval rejection and to other officers the power
of appointment is vested in the Collector alone shall
not interfere with the exercise Of your powers and
trust you will render the like justice TO If you
any other gh officer of the Government desired the APP
pointment particular individual need say that
il would give great pleasure TO comply with his
wishes but respectfully deny that you have any right
to issue instructions for the government of conduct in
making selections for Office.
SO far relates the dispensation Of patronage
without regard my responsibility for the acts Of the per-
sons appointed would gladly transfer the another
have taste for such matters and my comfort-aspi
raons have none-would be greatly promoted if
one else would perform the service for But the law
and my commission have the burden upon me, and
surrender il to another without derelcon of
duty
As you have given your letter to the press saying the
subject is public one, shall give the direction
| TO the answer.
1 | am very respectfully, your obcdicnt servant,
GREENE Z. BRONSON.