The Washington union., 1857-04-21
ALLEGED INEQUALITY IN TIE DISTRIBUTION OF
THE FEDERAL OFFICES

We find in a late number of the Cincinnati En-
quirer editorial article in reference to the past and
present disposition of the federal Offices in several Of
peculiarly unjust to the democracy OF Ohio. We
have not the article before us, but, if our memory
serves us, the Enquirer states that the pay Of the
federal officers in Massachusetts, amounts to some
$350000 per annum in the State of New York,
81 100000; in Virginia S23O,OOO; and in Ohio,
$l25,0O The Enquirer is exceedingly indignant
that the figures of such staunch and an unwavering
democratic State as Virginia should make such a
poor show alongside those of isnatic Massachusetts
Its anger, after drawing parallel between New
York and Ohio, is redoubed and the sighted condi-
ton of the Ohio democracy placed in light the best
calculated to excite commiseration sympathy, and
indignation.
More than threefourhs of the public revenue de-
rived from customs collected at the ports of New
York and Boston, and hence larger number Of fed
era officers required at those points than in any
other portions Of the Union. Are the democrats of
New York and Massachusetts, TO be punished for
their recent defeats by filling their eustom-houses
with their successful brethren Of Virginia and
favors at the hands Of the general government; and
notwithstanding the protest and indignation Of the
Enquirer, we are firmly convinced that the gallant
and disnterested democracy of Ohio have no lot or
part in its silly and selfish complaints.
How does the Enquirer propose to correct this al
legged inequality in the distribution of federal favors
1t repudiates the claims and convenences Of locality
as it repudies distribution according to the ratio Of
population The inference is irresistible, that it
would have the federal offices distributed among all
the States, not with reference to their population
to the best interests Of the public service but
according to the ratio of the democratic vote in the
States which would deprive New England Of voice
in the cabinet, and would hand over the custom
houses of Boston, New York, and Baltimore to Tex
as, Arkansas, and South Carolina, where public SEN
timent in favor Of the democratic party is almost
unanimous. This principle is akin TO the principle
which is said to have influenced the late governor
of New York in the exercise of the pardoning
power. 1t is stated-but we do not vouch
for the correctness of the story-that some eigh-
teen months ago well-known politician called
upon Gov. Clark, with the view Of obtaining par
don for prisoner at Sing Sing who had been incar-
ceratcd for pretty long term for participation in
burglary in the city Of New York. After listening
patiently to all the paliaory circumstances of the
case which offered, his excellency replied:
q Your request cannot be entertained at this
time Within the last two years the city of New
York has had two hundred pardons. Now look at
Chautauque, Erie Chemung, Allegheny, Oneida, st.
Lawrence, Herkimer, Genesee, and half dozen more
l n n
counties gave me majority when ran for governor
and not one of them has yet asked me for pardon
They are entitled to, and must receive, their share
of my pardoning patronage, and the city Of New
York must wait until her turn comes round"
The whole tenor, tone, and scope OF the Enquirers
remarks in the highest degree prejudical to the
best and most vital interests of the democratic party
but it is with pride and pleasure that add that the
sentiments and complaints Of the Enquirer, in this
particular find no response from the democratic press
or the democratic masses. The national democracy
are bound together by common triumphs common
objects, and common principles by their love of the
Union their veneraton of the constitution, and their
patriotic hopes Of the future. Their contests have
been contests Of principle and not wretched
nary struggles for place and patronage In the mid
die ages, all Europe overrun with bands of mer-
cenaries, who willing to fight for or against any
cause, and for or against any nation, pay As long
as the pay was forthcoming they performed their
contracts with fidelity, and even zeal but they not
unfrequenty deserted their posts on the field of bat
tic in consequence Of tardy payments, heavy arrear
ages unjust divisions Of booty, or to use the more
polite language Of our Cincinnati Enquirer Unequal
ity in the distribution" Of patronage
We fully appreciate the important and long-co
tinued services of the Enquirer to the democratic
party; and we sincerely regret that occasion has
arisen which has caused us to speak in other terms
than those of commendaton Of 80 able and efficient
colaborer But think the Enquirer must per-
ceive on second reflection, that If the recon-
mended by it is only partially adopted the result
would be the establishment Of band Of mercenares
in every State Of the Union.
IOWA ELECTION.
We have the Burlington State Gazette of the l4th
inst before us, and that paper, after giving some
election returns, says
1--WE have received that the democratic vote
lat