New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1858-01-04

10 the Canal EOard VA 1t was idmiisrly known -
the 4" Csgger Slate" lie had also 4 peculiar skill
in drawing up his account for mileage 10 and from
his residence in Albion b, which he va, able To
swell the emoluments of his flee to 6gsrc higher
than any OF his predecessors, making his compensa-
ton Il thousand dollars more than the Governors
salary. But this mode of public 1lunder has never
vet been regarded as swndling or stealing
am not informed what changes, II any, he in
tends TO make in the clerkships of hl' Office. II
NAV be that be will reinstate Mr.. Bar Der, whose
sin was similar 10 that of Wakefield, and who viii
claim ike reward for his treason
Mr.. Tremaine is new to pubic office, but hr has
long maintained high position at the bar. He has
more capacity and industry than his predecessor,
and will give more Of his time 10 his office than any
one who has filled il since the new Constitution
was adopted. He has not yet intimacd his inten-
ton to appoint Deputy in the place ef Mr.. Ham
mond. and if be regards the public interest and his
own convenience. he will make no change.
Mr. Vanderpoel the new Treasurer, belongs to
family which has always been especially favored
by the Democracy whenever they had Offices 10,
bestow and he has exhibited the nepOtsm charac-
eristic of the family, III the appointment vi De
putty. by the choice of the inevitable Cornelius Ten
Brock. 1t is fortunate for the State that the sys-
TEN of accounts in the public Offices for the record
of payments, and disbursements, is more gusrdedly
prepared with checks and counter-checks than that
transportation of emigrsnts.
The new State Engineer and Surveyor has had a
long service upon the canals, in which he has the
advantage of all his professors, except Mr.. Meal
pine. who have only been educated and employed
upon railroads, previous to their election.
If the Engineers Department is not hencef"rth,
conducted. while under his charge and supervision,
with energy and economy, and the enlargement
urged to speedy completion, it will not be from
want of the requisite ability and practical know
ledge, but from willful neglect and msmanagement
| know nothing of the past history of Mr.. Rhodes,
the new Canal Commissioner. lie VIII have hard
task 10 fill with satisfaction to the public and him
self, the place of Mr.. Ftzhugh.
1t is rumored in Albany, with what truth | am
not prepared to say that Governor King will dis
regard the evident popular wish to have Mr.. Benton
retained in the Auditors office II is said that he
will appoint Mr. Fitzhugh to supersede MIR. Benton,
before the meeting of the Legislature. lie has
power to fill the vacancy, and displace Benton,
during the first four DAYS of January, aud then he
will not care what opposition may be offered to his
appointee in the Senate. He can send in the name
Of Ftzhugh and if it shall be rejected, can renoml-
nate him. or substitute that OF some other Republic
can. If he waits for the Legislature to assemble,
and leaves Mr. Benton in Office, there may be- lnsr-
| mountsble obstacles in the wa, of removing him.
Mr.. Fitzhughs fitness for the office will not be
Questioned so far as ability and experience go.
But there are sometimes valid objections, even
against capable and honest man.
Mr. Fitzbugh comes from Virginia stock, and
has therefore, sort of hereditary right To ONCE
He has been honored by his feow-ctizens with
various stations of trust and profit and has hhed
them all with zeal and integrity.
IL il unnecessary, however. To dspiaes ''''n'"'
officer his equal nj talent experience and integrity,
.niess very imperious public or party reasons can
be- alleged to Justify it. For many years there has
been sharp rivalry between Buffalo and Oswego,
and the extensive mercantile milling and forwarding
busipess of Mr. FitZhugh has enlisted all his sympa-
thies and energies on the side OF OswegO. 1t may
we'll be that with the best intention to he impartial,
he has. in his office of Canal Commissioner, used his
influence in favor of the interests of Oswego. Such
is the belief of the Buffaonians and his appointment
M Auditor will not be- fayOrably considered in the
Queen CITY of the Lakes. 1t is well known, too,
| that the outlets from the Oswego Canal into the
Oneida Lake have under Mr.. Fitzhugh's charge,
been kept in excellent repair, 80 that his line OF
boats with all their freight could have some miles
of navigation free from toll. II cannot be said
that the State has lost any toll by this management
but the transportation company OF fitzhugh, Little
John & Co. has saved money by avoiding the pay
ment Of tolls Ii is not we'll for public officer Ia
have interests conflicting with those OF the people
If he be ever 80 honest he cannot escape suspicion
of unfarness and censure.
If no complaint has ever reached the public ear,
il il not because there has been grumb,ing in
smOthered tones. Whether justified by facts, or
the murnurngs of envy and rivalry, cannot say,
vet have heard great deal OF complaint about his
supervision of the Middle Division. His appoint
ment would not in my opinion, add any strength To
the Republican party, nor give such general salts
faction az to let the office remain in it, present
| hands. 1t would stir up, and embtter and proong
iealolses and local ryalries, that it would be- far
better not to rOuse.