"The good of the service should be the sole end in view."
"I shall issue no new order on the subject at present."
"Let appointments and removals be made on business principles and according to rules."
"I want you to be perfectly independent of mere influence from any quarter."
"The custom-house in New York collects more than two-thirds of all the customs revenues of the Government."
"I regard it as my plain duty to suspend the officers in question and to make the nominations now before the Senate, in order that this important office may be honestly and efficiently administered."
"Convinced that the people of New York and of the country generally wish the New York custom-house to be administered solely with a view to the public interest, it is my purpose to do all in my power t..."
"It should be conducted on business principles."
"The New York custom-house should be placed on the same footing with the New York post-office."
"The custom-house should be a business office."
"In answer to a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 7th instant, I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State, with its accompanying papers."