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Editorial
August 5, 1829
Phenix Gazette
Alexandria, Virginia
What is this article about?
An editorial quotes a March 20, 1801 letter from a confidant revealing President Jefferson's opinion that federal officers should not be removed based on political views if they served with punctuality, talents, integrity, and decency.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Mr. Jefferson's opinions have often been referred to, for the purpose of sanctioning the present proscriptive policy. This, although before completely put to rest, receives another quietus in the following extract of a letter, published in the National Intelligencer, dated March 20, 1801. (sixteen days after Mr. Jefferson came into office) from a gentleman possessing his confidence, to his friend in Maryland:
"I am favored with your letter of the 16th instant. I have ascertained President Jefferson's opinion on the subject of the present officers of the United States Government.
"It was--that it would be prudent and proper not to look back; that where officers had conducted their offices with punctuality, talents, and integrity he did not think their political opinions (when they had been conducted with decency) ought to be a cause of depriving them of office."
"I am favored with your letter of the 16th instant. I have ascertained President Jefferson's opinion on the subject of the present officers of the United States Government.
"It was--that it would be prudent and proper not to look back; that where officers had conducted their offices with punctuality, talents, and integrity he did not think their political opinions (when they had been conducted with decency) ought to be a cause of depriving them of office."
What sub-type of article is it?
Partisan Politics
What keywords are associated?
Jefferson Opinions
Federal Officers
Political Opinions
Office Retention
Proscriptive Policy
What entities or persons were involved?
Mr. Jefferson
President Jefferson
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Jefferson's Opinion On Retaining Federal Officers
Stance / Tone
Support For Non Proscriptive Policy On Officeholders
Key Figures
Mr. Jefferson
President Jefferson
Key Arguments
Prudent And Proper Not To Look Back On Past Officers
Officers With Punctuality, Talents, And Integrity Should Be Retained
Political Opinions Not A Cause For Removal If Conducted With Decency