WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1853
372
and respect should exist between all the members. No one can so properly judge of these important and delicate relations as the Executive himself. If he has not full confidence in the members of his cabinet, harmony cannot exist, and suspicions once enter- tained, would embarrass not only the Executive but clog the measures which he might think most important to the country's prosperity. If he selects gentlemen whose personal and political relations he approves, the consequence will be, that they will feel that they owe their selections to him, and their allegiance will be necessarily given to him alone and not to others. Their feelings of esteem and gratitude toward him will be united in the maintainance of the principles which he represents, and the success of his measures. If he were to select his cabinet upon the. recommendation of others those who are selected would be aware of the influence which had been exercised in their behalf with the Executive, and instead of feeling under obligations to him, they would naturally advert to the circumstances which caused him to make the selec- tion, and instead of feeling their dependence upon him and an interest in the success of the administration, they might imagine that uninfluenced, he would not have selected them. Hence, their sense of obligation to him would be lessened by the reflec- tion that the influence that brought them into the cabinet was irresistable, and that therefore, the President is not independent of them. So far as I hear suggestions, I conclude that the nation expects an able and faithful administration of the affairs of the govern- ment by you. And that a strict adherence to the principles laid down by General Jackson, will be the landmark by which the policy of the nation will be managed by your recommendation and under your guidance. So far as my individual opinions and feelings are concerned, I can desire nothing more and hope for nothing else. I will rejoice to assist, so far as my situation in the Senate will enable me, an honest, patriotic President, in quelling the rank abuses which have grown up since General Jackson left office. It will prove an Herculean task; corruption infects the very atmosphere of the government; but few places are now sought by the tribes who hunt the spoils of office, without a view to some speculation or illicit gains; scarcely a contract is made with public functionaries without covering some fraud; I
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