The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1857-03-19

the gentlemen present In harmony ana GOOD WILL ana IN
conclusion he expressed his obligations to them for the
compliment of this visit
For tae Union.
MR.. GUTHRIE AT HOME.
The reception of Nj Guthrie at his home in Louisville
after distinguished the head Of the Treasury De-
parment just tribute of respect to honest states
lie was received with an ovation. The whole COM
munity without distinction of party to extend well
come and do homage TO an illusrious citizen not AZ
dispenser Of official patronage but as friend and neigh
bor returning home to private life.
Mr.. Guthrie is empbatically selfmade man, and las
been The sole architect of his and e. ORR
gina,ng from the hardy pioneers of Kentucky before the
era of steam navigation and without nheriag wealth
influence he relied his talent integrity, energy
and enterprise for ultimate Ia his boy there
were few books and still of earning in the
wds But with scanty means, be made the best
use of such books hand and he became close
student such hours Of the day and night could be
snached from physical labors. Such limited lights
furnished by udicious friends who discovered in the
young adventure the traits of future emnence Over
coming many obstacles he entered the Office of Judge
Rowan, of Kentucky, student, and in due course
entered the practice Of the law His the bar
was complete. He gradually amassed we4ltb, inHu-
ence, aud fame. But this not all. From the start,
he acquired the character of honesty and integrity In
politics be was a consistent and frank democrat
although Louisville wing community But the
intelligence of Louisville appreciated highly bis hon
esty WISDOM and sterling integrity to seek bis favor
ia times of emergency The aid Of such is reliable
on all oc asons In such emergencies the people Louis
vie than once elected him to the State legislature
and he failed acqui himself with honor to himself
and benefit his constituents But thus far he off,
cally known only to the people Of Kentucky.
On the accession Of President Pierce without solicitation
or expectation his part be invited preside over
/ M Wy.
new man, without national reputation. He is Of
transformations manners and many inquired, Who is
James Guthrie r" The general echo was Who?'
Mr. Guthrie entered faithfully the duties of his Office
made few promises and no idle professions Possessed
Of ample fortune and envabe character at home he
had vors to ask and no professions to display His
only aim discharge all his duties faithfully for the
common good Of his country.
With host of retainers to reward and enemies
punish he soon ascerained what particular officers
faithful and competent to discharge their duties in his de-
partment The useful retained and the worthless
were discharged. This preliminary operation His
object to reform abuses and apply system in the
administration of the department Among the reforms
early appl tfort to lquidate outstanding and
Anticipated denquencies in old accounts with post officers
BY these many ancient debtors
the government compelled to pay balances and all
outstanding lquidsted in tangible FORM
Another problem of national Importance solved by
the late Secretary lie found the treasury REDUNDANT with
vast amount Of money beyond the Immediate wants of
the government lying useless in the vaults He devised
means paying from the surplus such dues creditors
were willing to receive before the day of payment. By
these means willing creditors paid of from useless
surplus before the actual payday and thus large
were saved fur The people in the shape Of interest
loans.
But with view to future and permanent adminstra-
ton of fiscal affairs, Mr. Guthrie devoted his mind and
talents SO adjust the tariff to accommodate the
ceipts Of the economical administration of
the government consistently with the prosperity of
agricultural manufacturing, and commercial Interests We
have surplus revenue, phenomenon unknown TO all
European governments 1t is the object of all other gov
devise ingenious to repensh the treas
ury The great problem TO be solved here is to keep
down surplus. SEEING the tendency TO nconvenent
surplus here Mr. Guthrie himself at work devise
plans for its reduction without injury to any class
section II with this view that he presented bis project
for modifying the tariff which has considerable
tent been adopted in the tariff of the late Congress
This is the crownng of the administration of James
Guthrie and its benefits will be felt throughout the
try In this benefcent scheme he has left his mark be-
hind him.
have alluded to the cordial reception of Mr. Guthrie at
home but be has parted from Washington with the
of the whole social community, and left void difficult
be supplied. His social mansion the home of true
hospitality He endeared himself to everybody Who
had the advantage of his acquaintance As friend,
neghbor, a citizen be every inch man, 10 all
the relations of social and domestic life His interesting
family and domestic board the home of hospitality
citizens and intelligent transient visers. Mr. Guthrie
not man of osenta,ious professions He was eau
ous of PROMISES but if be gave encouragement be often
went beyond his mark Those not well acquainted with
him might in parlance have mistaken him Tor
austere man but his familiar acquaintance will attest that
in his heart there deep well Of kindness, benevo-
lence, and inexhaustible good humor While he took
good of the public treasure committed TO him, he
failed discharge all the obligations of private
friendship and social life
As Statesman, Mr.. Gnthries mind and inclinatiops
compreheded the whole republic and he administered bis
Office with single view to the prosperity and happiness
of all cssses--North and South, East and West-and he
carries into retirement the best wishes Of prosperous
ton. A..
Ex-Governor Smith, of Virgnis commenced his canvass
for Congress last Monday King George courthouse