Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1857-02-06
THE CABINET.

Mr.. Buebansn's presence in Washington was the
occasion of an infinite deal Of speculation and rumor
touching the constitution Of his cabinet. The e1-
1eement will not subside with his return to Wheat
land; but until his nominations are announced to the
country, politicians will perple1 themselves with me
organisation of the incoming Administration. saga
cious correspondents affect to be familiar win Ms
in:sn,ions, and confidently assign various individuals
TO particular places. The truth is, however that mr.
Buchanan has kept his secret with such skilfai reti-
cence than ono person knows no more tnah anolne''
and all are equally ignorant Of his purposes. The
variety of rumors betrays tho uncertainty OF inior'
ms,ion in regard to the all-absorbing matter Of the
Cabinet.
If this anxious anticipation of the cab0et, were the
result Of a patriotic concern for the public welfare
We might understand the intensity OF the interest,"
though we could hardly excuse the indecentintrigus'
and impairment interference which have been em'
pioyed TO determine Mr.. Buchanan's choice. when,
however. it is seen, and the most stupid person can
no. fail TO see, that the organization OF the Admins
tration is of interest 10 the politicians only 50 far as
4. afsots various Individual operations, every right
thinking man will at once turn in disgust from inc
shsme:ul spectacle, with an earnest invocation 10 the
President elect to select his Cabinet IN accordance
With the dictates Of his own Judgment and 10 con-
.empt Of ell selfish suggestion and soheming comoi'
n.tion. This 10 certainly the sense of the people,
They caro- nothing about The personal fortunes Of
particular individuals. They regard only the great
Interests Of the country; and in their judgment 1t Is
q matter of The least possible consequence, whethsr
this or that politician succeed in getting place, II Ar.
Buchanan will only give them a good administration.
Sound policy, II 10 true, would seem to dictate
the selection Of Representative men," but II
Mr.. Buchanan chooses to oct upon another
principle, the people will not quarrel with
hs appointments. They are confident that ne will
not call any dishonest or incompetent man to his
Cabinet; and for tbs rest they arc content to await
the development of his policy. Whatever the dis
satisfaction with any injudicious appointment, his
Administrations will be judged only in reference to
lie practical results. III be that he adheres faith
fully to the letter and spirit Of the platform on which
he ives elected, he will not be condemned for mis-
taxes in the distribution Of the patronage. He will
be tried BY the test OF principle, and he will be aP
plsad.d in proportion a. sound constitutional priu'
siples shall be illustrated in the policy OF bis Admin
~issra,ion. On the other hand, no excess OF oompli'
Dent to the South in the dispensation Of his favor,
~iu atone for contempt of our rights or indifference
TO our interests. We 'csEs for men, so far only as
taey are taken a. . p.sdgs Of 0sasares.
In view Of the burden which rests upon the President
slsot-oonsidering that justin proportion as he selects
his csbiust from outside influence, he will be exempt
from the responsibilities of his position-it is obvious.
ly the interest and the duty Of the party to allow him
the lar3es, liberty iu the organization OF his Admin
is,rs,lon. If il DO exclusively his work, In all proba.
billy 10 will encounter le.s difficulty in carrying out
his policy; and in he event Of success or u iaiiu,e,
he a!ons will rssp the reward or suffer the penalty
1t 10 dus both to Mr. Buchanan and the country tina.
he DO entirely unembarrsased in the selection of his
EAblpat.