The Western Democrat

Secretary Dobbin and old Ironsides.
—The following compliment to Secretary Dobbin, as well merited as it is gracefully expressed, appears in the Washington correspondent of the Philadelphia North American:
"A graceful and becoming act of official discretion was voluntarily performed by the Secretary of the Navy recently, which deserves to be related to his credit, as well as an honorable example for the emulation of others who may succeed to the post which he now fills with admitted advantage to the country, or in any other department of the government. The tour of service at a station is, by an accepted usage, about three years. Commodore Stewart, who has been in command of the yard at Philadelphia, finding that his time was about to expire, notified the Secretary of the Navy that, in accordance with the usage, he asked the appointment of his successor. Mr. Dobbin at once replied, with generous acknowledgment of the great services of the gallant veteran, that no ordinary rule should be applied to him, and it was not only the pleasure, but the wish of the department, that he should retain the position, so long as it was acceptable, and that he would not be disturbed until its duty became an incumbrance.
"It is easy to suppose what was the character of the answer which this high consideration spontaneously invoked from Ironsides. Suffice it to say, it was worthy of the man and the occasion. He now retains his place as senior captain in the navy on duty, and with the highest pay allowed by law—four thousand five hundred dollars a year.—Such acts are their own most eloquent advocates. They address themselves to the hearts of men, and, like the beautiful quality of mercy, are twice blessed."