Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-03-14


Mr.. Buchanan has at last accomplished the u''-
6cult task of selecting his Cabinet. The places
were all filled on Friday, and the appontees were
then confirmed by the Senate. The several port
folos are in the following hands,
Sec. Of State, Lewis Cass, of Michigan.
Treasury, Howell Cobb, of Georgia.
Navy, Isaac Toucey, of Connecticut.
Interior, Jacob Thompson, of Miss.
I" War, John Is. Floyd, Of Virginia.
Postmaster General, Aaron " Brown of Tenn.
Attorney General, John A. Black Of Penn
Most Of the aboye-named gentlemen have been
long before the country, and their antecedents are
well known. While the general cast of the Cabi-
net is such rs indicates more unity OF feeling than
characterized the constitutional advisers oil MI
Pierce, several occupants Of the chairs viii hardy
make good the places SO ably filled by their prede-
cessors. Particularly is this the case with the de-
partments of State, Treasury, and the Attorney
Generalship. Messrs. Marcy, Guthrie and Cush-
ing were men of acknowledged ability and ripe ex-
pcricncc. The first two were tolerably honest pol
itcians Their successors are men Of fair talents,
but lack the untring industry and attention to de-
tails 20 characteristic of the retiring officials.
The appointment of Gen. Cass to the premier
ship indicates the conservative tendency Of Mr..
Buchanan and it would be viewed with lively sat
sfaction by the commercial interests Of the coun-
try were it not for the old Generals constitutional
antipathy to England and every thing English.
Ever since he broke his sword at Detroit, his VEN
geance towards the British has burned with all the
ardor of youthful hero who has yet his laurels to
win. 1t is true that he recently made n short
speech in the Senate, upon the matter Of the Clar-
endon- Dallas treaty that was quite conciliatory
We fear, however, that the fire is not all yet ex-
tinct. Considering his advanced age and bound
less wealth, he could hardly have been induced to
sacrifice the comforts Of private life unless il were
to crafty his Unsuitable greed for office, or vent
his long pent-up hatred to England. Which Is
the true reason we may yet learn.
The other members Of the Cabinet will, doubt
less, fill theiT Offices, and discharge the respective
duties thereof, in a comfortable manner. Mr.
Cobb is the only,nan among them that has given
evidence of decided ability and this in field vast
| ly different from fnanciering. Toucey's chief rec.
ommendation is his subseryiency to the South.
Several incidents have occurred in connection
with the composition Of The Cabinet, which do no
increase our former limited notions Of Buchanan I
personal independence. The delay that has takcr
place, and the frequent changes Of the bureaus AZ
assigned from time to time to some Of the appoint
ees, furnish evidence Of indecison, and veal
desire to accommodate all around II is also sale
that the day previous to the Inauguration, Gen
Cass refused to take charge of the State Depart
ment unless certain expressions derogatory to hi,
favorte bantling-"squatter sovereiguty'-wer,
omitted from the inaugural This message wa.
made to suit the sensitive nerves Of the old vete
ran, and his wrath was Modified With the exam
pie of Pierceso directly before him, it would seen
that Mr.. Buchanan would avoid the fatal rock up
on which his predecessor split.