Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

MR. FENNO,

Governor McKean in the prosecution of his new fangled revolutionary system, has thought it expedient to supersede Daniel Stroud, Esq. late Prothonotary, &c. of Northampton County, by the appointment of Henry Spering, Esq late Sheriff.

Upon what principle this arbitrary and very extraordinary exercise of his Excellency's official power was predicated, is with many people a subject of doubt and conjecture. It cannot be pretended, that Mr Spering is in any possible respect, as well qualified to execute the duties of those appointments as Mr. Stroud.

Has then the integrity of Mr. Spering's official conduct hitherto shone so conspicuously as to entitle him to greater confidence than the other? Have the services of Mr Spering, and his Ancestors, during the revolutionary conflict been of so meritorious a nature as to require that his talents, such as they are, should be "brought from retirement into the public employment?" Are the political principles of this man marked with such a degree of decision, as to warrant a conclusion that the republican interest would be promoted by his promotion? Did the general voice of the respectable part of the county, render the measure indispensable? Or did the boasted republican principle of rotation in office, require that Mr. Stroud should be removed at the end of sixteen months?

Sir, no man acquainted with the circumstances, who values his reputation, will be hardy enough to answer in the affirmative, to any of the foregoing interrogatories.-- In truth, the motives by which his Excellency has been influenced, in this instance, are such (to speak temperately) as are perfectly incompatible with that dignity of conduct which ought to distinguish the Chief Magistrate--and although it may be perhaps impossible to tarnish the administration of this great hireling servant of the sovereign people; it is certainly proper to develope the contemptible policy by which, on this occasion he has been actuated.

Previous to the last election, the Republicans of Northampton (as they call themselves) or more correctly speaking, the friends of McKean were divided into two parties, which were respectively designated by the titles of Mushrooms and Toadstools--of these the former was by far the most numerous and respectable sect. The great prudence and strict propriety of Mr Stroud's conduct during the electioneering campaign, together with his acknowledged official ability and integrity, did not fail to interest the Mushrooms warmly in his behalf--They constituted nearly two thirds of his Excellency's partizans in that county. and ! with an intimate knowledge of the respective merit of Mr. Stroud and Mr. Spering. they were Mr. Stroud's active and decided friends. Of the sincerity and extent of their friendship, the Governor is in possession of ample testimony from respectable witnesses, no venal mercenary AFFIDAVIT MEN.

But unfortunately for Mr. Stroud in this respect, his elder brother major John Stroud, not having the fear of republican despotism before his eyes, but being moved and seduced by the true spirit of independence, did openly, honestly and unremittingly advocate and endeavour by all just and honourable means to promote the Election of James Ross, Esq of Pittsburgh! This was a "rank offence" which admitted of no atonement, and has afforded his excellency another pretext: for gratifying that resentful vindictive spirit which has characterized every stage of his mal-administration.

J. C.