The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-12-13
Our Washington Correspondence.
WASHINGTON, Dec. IL, 1857
The Case Of John McKeon--A President not TO be
T,rihRd snifh

I'rjfed 10Th.
Mr.. Buchanan is already opening the eyes Of mem
bers of Congress to the fact that in him they have
President who, having mind Of his own, has the
frankness and manness to it, and adhere to his
views despite all outside demonstrations In fact
the President is developing trait in his character
for which he has not heretofore had credit-rmness
and decision. In this respect, since he has been in
the executive chair, he more nearly approaches the
Jacksonan standard than any President since that
day. Mr.. McKeon and Mr.. Stanton have already dis
covered it, and few more of your New York office
holders will be apt to participate in this species of
information, unless they can show clean bill Of
health.
On Thursday deputation of New York members
and others called on the President principally
to talk over the position of the New York Office.
holders and the rumor Cat that time, but since
fact,) that Mr.. McKeons removal was con
templated. Mr. c., an amable gentle
man. but somewhat inexperienced as q politician,
undertook the task of deprecating the Presidents
wrath against the late District Attorney. Mr.. c.
good naturedy suggested that the election of Mayor
was not viewed by some democrats q party mat
ter and that perhaps Mr. McKeon in the active part
he took against the democratic nominee, was not
aware that the President felt any interest in it.
"Sir" said Mr.. Buchanan, "t is useless for you to
say anything to me on the subject; my mind is
made up. municipal contest in the great conf
mercial metropolis Of this country cannot be con-
founded with the chickering's of village or hamlet.
1t was a political contest, and as such will permit
no officeholder of mine to set an example Of dsor-
ganzation and violation Of party rules As for the
plea Of ignorance you set up for Mr. McKeon, it is
not sustained by the facts. He knew very well l
had written letter expressive Of my views on the
subject but because, suppose, it was addressed to
Mr.. Richard Schell, he fit to act contrary to my
wishes" Mr.. G. replied that he only appeared as a
mutual friend, and he supposed the President
would like to know the feeling of the de-
legation and have their endorsement The President
at once Strengthened himself up: "Sr,' he rejoined
81 alone responsible for the removal and appoint
ment of my officials do not shrink from that re-
sponsibility, do desire to share with any one
duty which my Office and the oath have taken i'm
poses on me. have decided upon removing Mr..
McKeon, and shall not hesitate to remove any Off
Ger Of the government who, in my Judgment, is
guilty of insubordinaton." The effect of this decla
proved that in Mr.. Buchanan there was different
material from poor Pierce.
The conversation then was directed to the choice
of suAsessor to Mr. Mcf<eon The President said
so as to publicly mark his reasons for removing
McKeon. Mr.. James 7. Bradys name was sug
gested Mr.. Buchanan remarked that he had
no objection to Mr. Brady if that gentleman's
friends could show he had actively exerted himself
in behalf of the democratic nominee for Mayor. OF
course this ruled Brady out.
A question asked as to Rynders conduct
during the election. and in such manner as led to
the inference that the Marshal would probably
reach the Senate unless he could furnish some un-
doubted proof that he was among the faithful.
trust that any apparent improperly in thus pub
fishing account of the interview will he more
than compensated by the motive which leads to it,
II is but proper that the people Of the country should
know that the President is puppet to be pulled
back and forth by the socaled leaders" here; but
live man. who, having been elevated TO the highest
Office in the gift OF his country, Is determined to act
up faithfully to his oath and the requirements of his
position.