LETTERS OF A CITIZEN. 9§ 



In the first place, sir, allow me to ask what is meant by the 

 following : — 



" There has probably been no secretary of the navy who would 

 not gladly have engaged in sending out an exploring expedition 

 if it could be done in accordance with his own views, and without 

 embarrassing him in other official duties of more immediate im- 

 portance and of higher responsibility." 



Are you aware, sir, of the indefensible character of the senti- 

 ments expressed in the above extract ? Is it less than declaring 

 that the will of Congress maybe trifled with, as in the case of this 

 expedition it has been, unless the forms of the law, and the time 

 and manner of passing it, shall coincide with your peculiar views 

 of public duty ? Shall the nation remain stationary as regards 

 knowledge and improvement, nay, sir, go back half a century in 

 intelligence, ere its schemes of public utility can receive your 

 sanction ? 



You would graciously condescend to fit out an expedition, pro- 

 vided " it could be done in accordance with your views !" Should 

 not Congress take a hint from this potential rule, quoted as the 

 guide of your official action ? Would it not be a saving of much 

 time, trouble, and money, if that body were to appoint a joint com- 

 mittee, whose high duty it should be to ascertain at all times what 

 laws, and what modes of enacting them, meet the " views" of the 

 honourable the secretary of the navy ? Or, perhaps, the same 

 end might be more easily attained by a saving clause in all bills 

 connected with the naval service ; as. Be it enacted by the Sen^ 

 ate and House of Representatives that the President of the United 

 States be, and he hereby is, authorized to do so and so, provided 

 there is nothing as regards the origin or passage of this bill dis- 

 approved by the honourable secretary of the navy, or that may in 

 any manner embarrass him in the discharge of other official duties 

 of more importance and of higher responsibility ! ! ! ! And, sir, 

 by what standard are the acts of " more importance and higher 

 responsibility" to be estimated ? Is the decision to be left solely 

 to the discretion, feelings, prejudices, or, if you please, the judg- 

 ment of the head of the department ? Who can set limits to the 

 train of evils consequent on the establishment of such a prece- 

 dent ? What assurance would the nation have that its laws would 

 be faithfully executed ? None whatever. Fortunately, however, 



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