Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1863-12-12
The Secretary Of the Treasury and the
New Appointmeuts,

The Secretary Of the Treasury and the
New Appointments.
We have been shown lettar from Wash
ington, written in October, in which the wri-
ter expresses regret at the defeat Of the Union
candidate for Congress. but appears TO have
correct idea of the canses which led to this
unfortunate result. Hesuggests that it might
have been prevented, if Secretary Chase, from
motives of personal ambition. or some other
cause, had not interfered with interests which
should have been paramount. Those who
arc conversant with the facts will agree with
US that the election in Washington Territory
was lost to the Union cause mainly for the
reason that Mr.. Chase preferred to keep in
power and place personal adhercnt of his
own, rather than displace him, even when
this was demanded by the almost unanimous
wish of the people Of the Territory and the
President himself. h..
While, however, we hold Mr.. Chase rcspon-
sible for the defeat of the Union nominee, We
doubt not he regrets the triumph Of the -" De.
mocracy" here, as much as we do ourself; and
more especially when it is remembered that
Washington Territory is the only green spot
upon which the eye Of Democracy" can
rest with satisfaction, of all the States and
Territories Of the Union. This reflection is
the more humiliating to US than the simple
fact of being represented in Congress by
Coppcrhead. If Mr.. Cole shall identify him
self with the Democratic" opposition party.
he will be powerless for good to his constitu.
ents, or for evil to the friends of the Admin
istration in the Territory. Although Mr..
Chase may have unwittingly aided in elccting
him, no man will condemn more cordially his
principles. and the designs of the party which
elected him.
1t will be remembered by our readers that
we have not only defended Mr.. Chase's fnan-
cial policy, but have regarded him as most
able and patriotic defender of President Lin
coins Administration. While we believe
that he has been instrumental in inficting
great injury upon the friends Of the Admins
tration in this Territory, we are not disposed,
to judge him harshly, or regard him as un-
worthy of confidence. The dismissal Of Mr..
Smith from Office removes the principal cause
of offence, and justifes the belief that the dis
tinguished Secretary of the Treasury will here
after work in concert with the friends of the
Administration in rcscuing the Territory from
death grip of the pseudo-democracy, which
they have temporarily attained, through his
aid and their false professions Of loyalty to the
/ Government.
We have heard no complaint Of Smiths
successor, DR.. Gum, since he has assumed
the duties of his office, Those who are init
mately acquainted with him, speak Of him as
"most worthy Christian gentleman; and
although the appointment of one of our own
citizens would have been more agreeable to
us and the people generally, we are not dis
posed to make it the ground of objection to
DR.. Gum, if he shall identify himself with
our Territorial interests, and prove himself
to be faithful and discreet officer.
The change in the Office of the Collector Of
Internal Revenue receives our most cordial
approval, and although our personal acquaint-
ance with Mr.. Moore is very limited, weknow
of nothing to his prsjudice as gentleman,
and have no doubt as to his ability to make
an efficient and popular officer. We there
fore most cordially welcome him and his in
tcrcsting family to our midst, and extend to
him in all sincerity. the right hand of fellow.
ship, personally and politically.
|
The New-Found Power Of tho Secretary.
We believe it to be our right and duty. as
public Journalist. under benefcsut system
Of free government, to comment upon the
action Of any civil officer. and to commend
or censure as we believe the interests or princi-
pies Of the Government and the people require,
In discharging this duty at the present time,
we 1ssk in vain for palliating excuse for the
very arbitrary manner in which the Terrific
rial Secretary has disposed Of the Legislative
printing-and, too, without even the usual
courtesy Of officially informing Mr.. Barnes
that his services - printer were no longer re.
quirsd. He may regard it a. 10 please, and
back bis opinion BY any number Of genuine
explicit and imperative letters from the
Treasury Department, the fact still stares The
Government and the people in the face that
be has removed a competent officer and firm
friend Of the Government, before the term 70,