New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1858-03-26
MINNESOTA AT WASHINGTON.


WASHINGTON, ID. G March -, 1853
When the Minnesota Congressional Delegation frs
arrived in Washington, the Kansas question, though
only accidentally before Congress, had already excte
intense interest," and of course to either side additional
strength was of vital importance in the last closln
conflict The two Minnesota Senators, Gen. Shield
and Henry nj. Rice, at once declared themselves
the side of Liberty and opposed to the Extension
Slavery This is, indeed, the expressed, as 1t Is tn
natural sentiment Of Minnesota. Mr.. Rice went 30 far
in his ardor for Freedom to write to the Minnesota
Legislature that Kansas affairs would lead to new
Organization of political paities. The creation OF
new Democratic party certainly implied the demob-
ton of the old at the head of which stands the res
dent Now mark the unsteady course OF some men,
Rice, when in the House alone as delegate, with the
aid Of some distinguish ed politicians and speculators
disposed of the Executive patronage 10 tne ieTtoIy
az would best promote his interests. He filled all the
Post Offices, the Land Ofces, appointed Judges,
Marshal, Attorney, and obtained conques ove zen.
Jones of Iowa by having the Office 81 surveyor 1ih
eral removed TO Minnesota and filed by man wholy
devoted to H. M. Rice. Theseare merely
which no one dare deny They show incidentally also,
that this man, who was only Delegate in Congress,
must have III ed some secret element Of power to have
,copirsd an influence in Mr. Pierces Cabinet, and 10
the first days of the present one to havethus
Of lucrative offices at will. But shall pass TINS Dy
and glance at his present position.
No sooner did II. NJ Rice declare himself Anti.Le.
compton than he was threatened with the loss OF all
Executive patronage. Mr.. Douglas felt tho heavy
hand Of the President visit him In Chicago, and the
Surveyor General in Minnesota is infinitely more I'M
potait to Rice than fifty Postmasters. The Surveyor
has his emisssres the entire State, to whom be
| distributes money very profusely.
In fact Rice had all bis eleciioneering material
managed as to be worked by Federal patronage.
This was both thrifty and economical, aud too vaua-
| bic to put in jeopardy
| The threat to Rice was sufficient. He took in ssil
instantly put the helm about and tackled under close
| reeted topsails in hopes Of scudding along shore;
hsrdy sufficient to satisfy the Executive, but not sun
Gent to be discovered by his constituents The trick
| wouldn't work. He must go into deep soundings' or
the places to tine to se
Iegisla,ure recapting his love for Freedom, and now
finds that Slavery is healthy institution ard Its e1;
tension essential to the preservation OF the union
did hope for the credit of Minnesota, that when no
| wrote-for knew he was about tiff he failed 10
ability himself he would purchase assistance 70 game
up ali the strong points Of argument used by ms soer
copferes to sustain the doctrine; but IN his coniuson
he has overlooked this and given birth to mlseraos
hybrid monstosy destitute OF all claims to respeca-
| blity. ~
This, you observe, is one method of increasing tn
strength of the Executive side Of the Kansas question
Here is an instance so palpsbe that fool may read
and understand. Rice published himself as one who
could break down the Administration party. Then
| came the removal by the Executive Of the Chicago
Postmaster; then came the alton of H. NJ. Rice.
Who cannot see cause and effect there
How differently has been the OF Gen. Shields
He boldly demanded admission to his sest, a duty
he owed his constituents. He was Anti Lee ,mpton,
ard trcked out Of his seat by Lecomp:cn fnesse
When some Of his enemies in Minnesota charged thst
he was for Slavery, be boldly avowed the AntLe.
compton doctrine aud TO that he has stood consistent
Had Mr.. Rice thrown the pluader Of office over
bosrd, and followed the wholesome advice Of
Shields. the Minnesota bill would never have
been connected with Kansas, and, coming U,
entirely upon its own merit, must have been made
State early in the Session. Now, as the vote of IN
Stase would be equally diyidedi the Kansas as are
neither party takes any interest IN cur al mission,
By this note you will lexrn how our Senators stan
on the published record toward the slavery yestOT
zee the cause that induced Mr.. Rice 10 Change hi
sentiments on that subject 1t puts eefot' US, too,
strorg case Of the power Of Execu'iv' patroaag,
You will also understand why Mlane'-ota which
Completely disorganzed for want of settled govern
mept Is held in This psri!ors condH.a by Congress