116. ADMINISTRATION, Difficult.—
Our situation is difficult; and whatever we do
is liable to the criticism of those who wish
to represent it awry. If we recommend
measures in a public message, it may be said
that members are not sent here to obey the
mandates of the President, or to register the
edicts of a sovereign. If we express opinions
in conversation, we have then our Charles
Jenkinsons, and back-door counsellors. If
we say nothing, “we have no opinions, no
plans, no cabinet.” In truth, it is the fable
of the old man, his son and ass, over again.—
To William Duane. Washington ed. iv, 592.
Ford ed., viii, 433.
(W.
1806)
