The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-06-14

THE RELATION OF MINISTER AND SECRETARY OF

LEGATION.
II felt liberty to indicate the Of the writer Of
the note below his elevated position statesman and
his enlarged experience in public service would add greatly
the force of his suggestions We do feel authorized
however say that il from distinguished whig
distinguished alike by his ardent attachment TO genuine
whg principles and by the eminent ability with which he
has uniformly sustained them. Whilst entirely
with what our correspondent has said think he might
gone step further and shown THAI during the tenn
porary absence Of minister from the court to which be %
accredited the secretary of legation does not become In
vested with the diplomatic powers oftbe legation, unless
so ordered by the minister But without entering upon
discussion of this question, commend the note Of our
correspondent TO the careful perusal Of our readers
lion Mr. soule and Mr. Pory-aNy Secretary Of Lega-
ton DC
The object of this note is not 10 comment the merits
of the controversy between the Hon Mr.. soue and Mr.
Perry late secretary Of legation at Madrid TO remark
on the of the phrase ay secretary of legation
&c To say nothing of facts which may yet be disclosed
may be safely stated If it necessary that good and
sufficient reasons fully sustaining the Of the admin
isration this subject with all rght-minded persons
already been given for the removal of Mr. Perry from
his official post at Madrid The whole tone and tenor o.
bis late cxssnosaisary and indscree letter addressed
l
is alone sufficient reason if there not others for bis
removal
The purpose Of this communication Is to direct public
attention to important error and to correct possible
a very false impression which has, to some extent pre-
vailed the subject OF the relations ssbsising baeen an
american minister abroad and me secretary Of legation
is true that the commission of the latter signed by the
President by and with the advice and consent Of the Sen
ate yet every Mt all familiar with the subject and
with the uniform and nvariable usage such occasions
knows that it is the recommendation ind with the ex
press of the minister that the appointment is made
and that in fact the secretary is VIRTUALLY appointed 6y IN
minister 1t is to the latter that the recommendations o.
friends addressed, and personal appeals are made
ALL by the persons applying forthe place of secre
ary of legation. Doubtless Mr. Perry himself was APP
pointed originally in this very way by the minister who
designated him to the President and onwhose recommends
alton he received his commission The interests Of the
public service and the very nature and duties of foreign
legation demand this In the appointment Of the sec
retary The relations Of minister and secretary should be
Of the frank friendly, and confidential character
There should be nsncerity hypocrisy no crngina
aduation while the minister is present. and spirit
vtuperaon his absence IT true That the secretary is
the mere servant Of the minister buta public officer en
tied to just respct it equally that he is ubor
nate and in obedience to his superior when not in
conflict with his express instructions. different
doctrine and practice would always be prudical
the public interests and enable indisereet vain self
sh secretary Of legation by presumns on his false
notions Of official dignity, from Connected ambition
making political capital gratifying conceded malice
while pretending to be his friend at the expense Of his
perior inc the most serious detrinent the public
service The weak points of such ccretary would be
easily found out and the secrets of legation would rarely
be safe in the hands of who acts such false notions
of his duty his superior and to his government
foreign government would know how to play upor
the ndiscetons sefconce weakness Of such subor
dnae whose small vanities would easily be grated By
little diplomatic cvilities and seeming concessions Will,
the important public interests would either be sacr
feed overlooked. 1t is easy to imagine how such
mistaken notion of bis position the part of the secretary
inevitably resulting ii chickering's and enmities with TIL
minister might be taken advantage Of either TO destroy
his influence the which he is accredited pro
duce his recall by his fer the silly vnnit
of enabling the secretary to sga himself charge dare
ad Interim for any other purpose that the wishes de
signs caprces of foreign government his veal
ambition might dictate. MADISON.
4