The daily union., 1855-09-16
THE nnlons DISTINCTION.

In 1916, Congress having passed resolution requiring
the Postmaster General ascertain in what State or
country the postmasiers and the clerks employed in their
Offices born that fuuconary addressed circular to
each postmaster propoundng the inquiry The thing ere
ated quite excitement in the country which had then
but too recently experienced the nesimabe value of the
services Of orgn-born citizens in resisting the enemy in
bloody which we had waged with England TO permit
any injurious distinctions TO be made against them Ae-
cordngly general discussion ensued as TO the proprey
Of the resolution its friends maintaining that Mr. Madi-
son. who had signed the resolution and Congress, VINO
had passed it, well known for their attachment to
this class of citizens not 10 render it certain that its motive
merely to ascertain in what State of the Union, or
abroad the might be- the incumbent born and
that this information merely sought as an official con-
venience and this eventually became the settled construc-
ton Of the law Among those who warmly opposed the
resolution Mr. ezekah Miles, the able editor of the
Register who had been untirng in his advocacy OF the
war, and uncompromsng in his hostility to British inlu-
enee At that time Mr. John c. Spencer, who afterwards
became of the distinguished lawyers in the State
of New York, OF which he native and Secretary OF
War and of the Treasury of the United States, was the
postmaster Of Canandagua in that State and the follow
ing is bis letter Of reply the circular referred to- We
italicize the material portions of this letter:
SEPTEMBER 7, 1916.
SIN Your letter the 10th July last in which you
quest to inform what State country was born,
and in what county the clerks employed in this post office
bon has been but recently received and have de-
ayed reply 1t in order to reflect upon the propriey OF
answering the questions contains. far from wishing
to exhibit any dsrespect YOU sir, ndvidua
the head Of the Post Office Department. and if the inquiries
made by you merely for your qualification should
answer them with pleasure.
But, upon mature reflection, satisfied that Congress
had no right TO require the Information sought by your
questions, and that their resolution be complied with in
this respect aprincple will be sanctioned which is abhor
rent TO the spirit OF government which would combine
in body the distinct powers of the legislative and
tive departments, which would authorize nqustoria visits
into all the details of private life, and which would eabiSh
distinctions tstmeen naoe and nataad eitisens, and be-
tween the citizens of different States unfounded in reality
and productive only of dssenson and mischief.
While cheertuly admit the legislative power of Congress
impeach and every officer of the government yet de-
their right to the executive functions in deciding
expressing opinion the qualifications OF persons
to hold executive appointments IL the resolution ques
tion be not intended foundation for such decision it is
worse than useless.
II should inform Congress through you, sir, where
and my clerks born, do not perceive why may
not with equal popriety be required to state the
OF my property, the number of my children my polt
cal sentiments any other object inquiry in which the
wisdom or the curiosity OF Congress may wish to be
gratfed But tho important objection, in my mind,
the resolution of Congress -, Mat tits rerad Of discord
betreen the naue and hena,atxed citizen. Oar constitution
recognizes difference been them except in the solitary
case OF the Office Of Presidents and yet the resolution Of
Congress would make that distinction, and would present it
to the public in the and unfair point Of ewhat
of foreigners enjoying the emoumcnt of our Offices t be
not intended reflection upon nanrolzed citizens, Il
toiay b.fays ulonxy Of their Importance unrory Aer
icana and disrspafoJie to representatives.
beg indulgence for the length of this letter, which
contains only the outlines of my for declining to
| swer your questions.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN G. SPENCER,
l. e4s8 Postmaster, Canandagua.