New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-03-21
PECOG ylzING CONGRESSMEM.

Senator Mcrrimon of North Carolina Is doubt
less a very estimable gentleman and Vail-
able legislator, but he seems to be n niue
slow. He comes from BuncOmbe County,
where the people are not remarkable for the
rapidity of their intellectual processes, and he
has perhaps brought with him to Washington
too much of the drowsy atmosphere OF his
native place. Last Summer Mr.. Hayes gave
notice that it was his intention. III case he
should be elected, to take away from Senators
and Representatives the privilege which they
had long enjoyed of distributing the party
plundcr. In his inaugural address fortnight
ago he repeated the announcement and he
had no sooner taken possession OF the Nhlte
House than he proceeded to carry the promise
into effect, greatly to the disgust and discOm-
future of some of his party in Congress. There
was all immense amount OF TAX ABOUT thiS
affair in political circles, and Of writing In the
newspapers. II was in fact the topic OF the
fortnight Yet somehow or other it did not
take hold of Senator McrrinCn. 1t could not
have failed to reach his ears, but at latest adj
vices the new idea had stuck somewhere III
tie interior of his head, and deicd all at
tempts to turn it around.
Thus it happened that on the 18th instant
Mr.. Melrimon, III high state of disp!easurc
and bcwldc1ment, complained that he could
not get at the new Postmaster-Gencral for the
purpose of arranging with that official Tor the
distribution of the "shaIe" which his people
had right TO "expcct" in the patronage OF
the department; and he asked to be informed
in plain English whether the new Admlnietra-
ton meant to "recognize" Senators and Rep
resentatyes in the matter of appointments
according to the practice which had =" pre-
walled in the Government for a long while"
Because Mr.. MenimOn found it very cmbar-
RAISING to give away Offices to his friends and
supporters and then to learn that the Offices
were not his to give. He would not make
recommendations unless the recommendations
were to be regarded.
Mr.. Merrimon has received his answer, and
it is as plain and polite as anybody could de-
sire. Senators and Representatives will net he
" recognizedn i'll the sense hitherto attached
to tlat word that is TO say, they will not be
recognized az executive officers. Their rec
concentrations will be respectfully considered.
The President will be happy to receive their
advice at all times; and after weighing it
carefully he will act on his own Judgment.
ne same rune VIII pIc|Al Ill tho 'NcIuti'N
departments. Friendly counsel will always be
welcome +; but every man i'll the Admlnistra-
ton will be expected to mind his own bust
ness. Thus 1.-THE practice which has pre-
walled in the Government for Il long while "
will he broken up; and we do not see why
any embarrassment should result to Mr.. Mer
rimon IN consequence. lie will have the same
liberty that other distinguished citizens enjoy,
to sign the recommendations Of their friends,
and make what interest he can in their behalf.
But there is no reason why lie should expect
TO share in the distribution of places under
Government any more than in filling clerk
ships with A. 7. Stewart & Co., or appointing
drivers On the Broadway Omnibuses.