names are presented to the Executive for each office, supported by the recommendation of respectable citizens. Under such circumstances, there is but a choice of difficulties, and a selection must be made, as the facts in each case may seem to require. I sincerely trust, when any of our fellow citizens find the person recommended by them has not received the office applied for, that they will attribute the result to the duty of examining the whole ground, and of attending to all the representations which may be made, and not to the slightest disregard of their wishes or opinions. It is a task which, however it may be executed with delicacy, must yet be executed with firmness."

On another occasion, the Governor sent the following special message to the Council:

"At the late session of Congress, an act was passed, extending to the citizens of Florida and Arkansas the privilege of choosing almost all their officers holding their offices under territorial laws; and authorizing the local legislature to appoint the few not eligible by the people. I see no reason why the principles of this act, should not be extended to this territory, and I submit for your consideration the expediency of an application to Congress for that purpose. It will be found that appointments to office thus made, will be more satisfactory than when they are made upon the nomination of a single individual. The people in their respective counties are better acquainted with the qualifications of candidates for county offices, than an Executive magistrate can be, and more competent to determine upon them. This measure would give to the people a direct and proper influence in the management of their affairs-an influence which at all times ought to be exerted in a republican government, and which will be more fully exerted in that change in our political condition to which we are rapidly approaching."

The following opinions of Governor Cass, on ill-advised and frequent legislation, altering, amending, and repealing laws only partially tested, will be admitted by every one to be sound and judicious, and abundantly supported by the experience of the last thirty years. He says :-

"Our code of laws must accommodate itself to the progress of our institutions, and to the more important changes in public opinion. A little observation and reflection, however, will satisfy us that in the United States, generally, legislative experiments have been made too frequently, and with too much facility. Laws are no sooner known, than they are repealed. Important innovations are made upon established principles; and experience, the only sure test in matters of legislation, soon demonstrates their inefficacy, and they give way to some statutory provision. I trust that a character of permanency will be given to the laws you are about to revise, and that after engrafting upon them such provisions as have been found salutary, they will be left to operate until our legal institutions shall be matured by time and experience."

CHAPTER VIII.

Gov. Cass is called by Gen. Jackson to the Head of the War Department-Motives prompting the selection of Gov. Cass-The popularity of the New Cabinet-Proceedings of the citizens of Detroit on the departure of Gov. Cass for Washington-Address of Major Biddle in behalf of the people of MichiganReply of Gov. Cass-He assumes the duties of the department-His Indian policy while Secretary-Black Hawk war-His preparations to bring the contest to a speedy close-Reforms introduced by Gov. Cass in his departmentTheir popularity-The Indian difficulties in Georgia-Decision of the Supreme Court of The United States reviewed by Gov. Cass-His position sustained by the people and adopted by the President-Defences of the Country-Gov. Cass' views on the subject-Controversy between the Bank of United States and the administration-Nullification-Action of the administration.

In 1831, upon the re-organization, of Gen Jackson's Cabinet, Governor Cass was called by that remarkable man, to the head of the department of war. The venerable patriot who then held the office of President, possessed among characteristics which made him pre-eminent over his fellow men, that of an accurate and ready perception of the character and capacity of others. The peculiar circumstances attending the dissolution of his first cabinet; his own position before the American people, as one, from whom much was expected, deeply impressed him with the paramount necessity of calling around him, to aid him in the discharge of his high responsibility, the first minds of the nation. ever, was the utmost care and prudence needful in the selection of his advisers. In this crisis the President justified by his action, his reputation for sound judgment and foresight. He called to his Cabinet, Edward Livingston of Louisiana, as Secretary of State; Levi Woodbury of New Hampshire, Secretary of the Navy; Louis Mc Lane of Maryland, Secretary of the Treasury; Lewis Cass of Michigan, Secretary of War. Roger B. Taney of Maryland was appointed Attorney General. Public opinion at once, decided that a more judicious or popular cabinet could not be formed. The individuals composing it, were well known throughout the country, as among the most distinguished men of the nation, of whom the Republic was proud. They had all been in public life, and were

eminent for their talents, patriotism, business capacities, integrity and devotion to the welfare of the people. It is true, that murmurs were heard, emanating from aspirants for Cabinet honors, that the President should seek a confidential adviser from among the wilds of a far distant territory, rather than from the populous cities and towns of the older States. But Gen. Jackson knew his own position and felt the weighty responsibility that had been thrown upon him. Deference to the claims of the older communities, he sufficiently exhibited in the formation of his Cabinet. The north east, the south and the centre of the Union were there represented by their distinguished men. The growth of the West, the sufferings of her people in time of war, the residence there of men who had experienced all the miseries, and triumphed over the sufferings of border warfare, called for direct participation in the Councils of the Government. General Jackson's own experience taught him, who would be the proper man to represent that section of our country in his Cabinet. Subsequent events confirmed the wisdom of his selection, and the correctness of the public opinion which approved his choice. The influence of such men, upon the destiny of the country, soon made itself manifest The energy with which the administration of the government was carried on, excited the admiration of the candid of all parties. It seemed, as if a new spirit had been infused into the body politic. New avenues for individual enterprize presented themselves, and the old ones were occupied with renewed vigor. The fact was established, that the prosperity and advancement of the country, were connected more closely, than they would seem to be to the casual observer, with the rigorous administration of the General Government. In proportion as the President and his Cabinet are alert and active in securing opportunities for national progression, so are the interests of individual members of community promoted.

The condition of public affairs was such under the administration of Gen. Jackson and his constitutional advisers, that every American citizen, pointed with admiration and pride to the progress of our country. Long pending negotiations, with England,. involving questions of trade and commerce of the highest interest. to our business community, were successfully terminated. Claims against France, Denmark, Sweden and Naples were adjusted and

indemnity obtained, commercial treaties, opening new and advantageous sources of trade, were made. Our ships found their way in peaceable and profitable communication with countries, from which they had been previously excluded. Unsettled difficulties were placed in process of amicable and speedy arrangement, and where it was apparent that negotiation would not obtain for our country our just rights, the determined spirt of the administration pointed to the last resort. Injuries were redressed; outrages, however trivial, affecting the honor of the country were punished. In every foreign court, in all countries, and upon every sea, the administration directed its efforts to the promotion of public interests, and the maintenance and preservation of national honor and faith. The nation never stood higher in the eye of the world, nor could she ever more safely and justly challenge the world to produce an equal. Such was the condition of this Republic, when Lewis Cass formed one of the President's Cabinet.

The people of Michigan, over whom he had so long presided; whose public affairs he had administered for eighteen years, commencing at a period when gloom and desolation covered the land, among whom he had lived and associated, and become almost to each one a personal friend, were averse to his acceptance of any office which would require the severance of the political and personal connection between them. The same sense of duty which had actuated him to exchange in 1813 the privileges and comforts of settled civilization for the hazards and privations of frontier life in the wilds of Michigan territory, with hostile and bloodthirsty savages in a state of warfare-now prompted him to obey the voice of his country, through her Chief Magistrate, calling him to a new and more extended sphere of action.

Gov. Cass accepted the appointment tendered to him by Gen. Jackson. On the eve of his departure from Michigan, a number of citizens, without distinction of party, assembled at a public dinner, given in compliment to Governor Cass, to testify their respect and friendly feelings for their distinguished fellow citizen.

The proceedings on this occasion demonstrate so clearly the high estimation in which the Governor was regarded by all, that a perusal of the proceedings and address of the President of the day, and the reply of Governor Cass, will afford a more correct

view of the relations existing between them, than any other mode of narration.

The address of Major John Biddle, who presided at the occasion, was as follows:

YOUR EXCELLENCY-Our fellow citizens have assigned to me the office of expressing the sentiments which your intended departure from among them has universally called forth. To be the organ of conveying to you these sentiments is a most grateful duty, sympathising, as I do, very sincerely, in the general feeling.

Many of us have witnessed your administration of the affairs of this Territory for a series of years, which embrace a large portion of the active period of life. The situation is one of the most difficult to which an American citizen can be called. The public officer who is delegated, without the sanction of their suffrages, over the affairs of a people elsewhere accustomed to exercise, in its fullest extent, the right of self-government, is regarded with no indulgent feelings. The relation is truly colonial; and the history of Territories, like other colonial history, has been too often a mere chronicle of the feuds of the governing and the governed, exhibiting a domineering and arbitrary temper on the one side, met by a blind and intemperate opposition on the other.

From the evils of such a state of things, we have happily been exempted. You have preserved harmony by wisely conceding to public opinion that weight to which it is entitled under every government, whatever may be its forms; thus giving to your measures the support of the only authority to which the habits of American citizens will allow them cheerfully to submit. The executive powers of the Territory have been administered in the spirit of republican habits and principles too firmly fixed to yield to temporary circumstances, leaving the people nothing to desire but an occasion to manifest their approbation, by bestowing themselves an authority so satisfactorily exercised.

Of the manner in which yourself and most estimable family have performed the courtesies, as well as the graver duties of private life, I will permit myself to say no more than that it has been duly appreciated, and has left an impression not easily to be effaced.

The people of Michigan will long remember your zealous and successful exertions to promote their welfare; and, sir, if the present separation should prove a final one, be assured that they will look, with affectionate interest, to your future career, hoping that in a more extended field of usefulness, it may be as honorable to yourself and as beneficial to your fellow citizens, as that has been which you are now about to terminate. Allow me to propose.

LEWIS CASS-Health and happiness attend his future course. May the people of the United States duly appreciate the talents and integrity which Michigan has contributed to the public service of the Union.”

The delivery of this address and sentiment was received by the assembled multitude with great and sincere enthusiasm. The speaker had struck a chord which found sympathy in the hearts of all present, and could only find expression in loud and prolonged cheers. When the plaudits and excitement had subsided, Governor Cass rose and responded as follows:

FELLOW CITIZENS-I return my sincere thanks for this distinguished