'0?W' 4* '-A-'. A - '4;yt$tzt4&t, A tpJf' <4' ' - lAY V\,VVV / '' - - * *,44, - ' / -- j#t which, when delivered by him, were regarded by many as mere topics for the display of political eloquence, had fixed the opinion of the North, and there was a general uprising for the defense of the capital and of the old flag. Even the Abolitionists, who had denounced the Union, the Constitution, the national ensign, and its martial defenders, seriously entered into the military movements, as they saw in the exercise of the war power the long desired panacea for the faults of slavery Those who had jeered at the Southern threats of disunion as empty bluster, and at the Northern conservatives as cowardly doughfaces, became zealous Union men, although it must be confessed that very few of them took their lives in their hands and actually went to the front. The raising of troops went forward with a bound, and the wildest excitement and enthusiasm attended the departure of regiments for the seat of war. The seriousness of the emergency was not overlooked, but high above that consideration rose the tide of patriotic feeling, and swept all obstacles before it, The First 7roops. 75 The first troops to arrive at the National Capital were four companies of unarmed and ununiformed Pennsylvanlans, who came from the mining districts, expecting to find uniforms, arms, and equipments on their arrival at Washington. Stones were thrown at them as they marched through Baltimore to take the THE NEW YORK SEVENTH OFF FOR WASHINGTON cars for Washington, where they were received at tLe station by Captain McDowell, of the Adjutant-General's department, who escorted them to the Capitol, where arrangements had been made for quartering them temporarily in the hall of the House of Representatives. The sun was j ust setting over the Virginia 76 Perley's Remnzzscences. hills as the little column ascended the broad steps of the eastern portico and entered the rotunda, through which they marched. With one of the companies was the customary colored attendant, whose duty it was on parade to carry the target or a pall of ice-water. He had been struck on the head in Baltimore, and had received a scalp wound, over which he had placed his handkerchief, and then drawn his cap down tight over it. When Nick Biddle (for that was his name) entered the rotunda, he appeared to think that he was safe, and took off his cap, with the w handkerchief saturated with blood, which dripped from it and....:: marked his path into /1E' car, the hall of the House -WEof Representatives. It.d fwas the first blood of the war.......f. The next day came '''"....:..... the old Massachusetts NICK BIDDLE. (The first man wounded in the war.) Sixth, which had been shot at and stoned as it passed through Baltimore, and which returned the fire with fatal effect. The Sixth was quartered in the Senate wing of the Capitol. Colonel Jones occupied the VicePresident's chair in the Senate Chamber, his colors hanging over his head from the reporters' gallery. At the clerk's desk before him, Adjutant Farr and Paymaster Plaisted were busy with their evening reports, while Major Watson, with Quartermaster Munroe were see p Bivouacked in the Capizol. 77 ing that the companies were distributed in the various corridors and obtaining their rations. After a four-andtwenty hours' fast the men had each one ration of bacon, bread, and coffee, which they had to prepare at the furnace fires in the basements. The moment hunger was THE MASSACHUSETTS SIXTH IN BALTIMORE. appeased the cushioned seats in the galleries were occupied by those fortunate enough to obtain such luxurious sleeping accommodations, while others " bunked " on the tile floors, with their knapsacks for pillows, and wrapped in their blankets. Stationery 78 Perley's Remznzscences. was provided from the committee-rooms, and every Senator's desk was occupied by a "bould sojer boy," inditing an epistle to his friends. That night the censorship of the press was exercised for the first time at the telegraph office. Colonel Stone had seized the steamers which ran between Washington and Aquia Creek, and another steamer, the St. Nicholas, which had been loaded with flour and other stores, ostensibly for Norfolk, but which he believed would have gone no further down the river than Alexandria, where they would have been turned over to the Confederate quartermaster's department. Colonel Stone, believing that this seizure should be kept quiet, obtained from Secretary Cameron an order to seize the telegraph and to prevent the transmission of any messages which were not of a strictly private nature. When the correspondents wished to telegraph the lists of the dead and wounded of the Massachusetts Sixth they found a squad of the National Rifles in possession of the office, with orders to permit the transmission of no messages. Hastening to headquarters, they found Colonel Stone, but he told them that he had no discretion in the matter. The correspondents then drove to the house of Mr. Seward. The Secretary of State received them very cordially, and would neither admit nor deny that he had advised the censorship of the press. He said, however, in his semi-jocular way, "The affair at Baltimore today was only a local outbreak, for which the regimental officers, who had ridden through the city in a car, leaving some of the companies to follow on foot without a commander, were responsible. To send your accounts of the killed and wounded," said Mr. Seward, "would only influence public sentiment, and A General Uprszing. 79 be an obstacle in the path of reconciliation." Then, having offered his visitors refreshments, which were declined, he bowed them out. They returned to the telegraph office, where their wrath was mollified by learning that the wires had all been cut in Baltimore. It was nearly a week before telegraphic communication was re-established between Washington and the loyal North, but thenceforth, until the close of the war, a censorship of press dispatches was kept up, at once exasperating and of little real use. Meanwhile a general uprising was going on. Young Ellsworth, who had accompanied Mr Lincoln from Springfield, in the hope of being placed at the head of a bureau of militia in the War Department, had gone to New York and raised, in an incredibly small space of time, a regiment composed almost exclusively of the members of the Volunteer Fire Department, which stimulated the organization of other commands. Rhode Island sent a regiment, under the command of Colonel Burnside, composed of skilled mechanics, gentlemen possessing independent fortunes, and active business men, all wearing plain service uniforms. Communication with Washington was re-opened by General Butler, who, finding that the bridges between the Susquehanna River and the city of Baltimore had been burned, went on the steam ferry-boat from Havre de Grace around to Annapolis at the head of the Massachusetts Eighth. On their arrival at Annapolis it was found that the sympathizers with secession had partially destroyed the railroad leading to Washington, and had taken away every locomotive with the exception of one, which they had dismantled. It so happened that a young mechanic, who had aided in building this very engine, was in the ranks of the Massa. 80 Perley's Reminiscences. chusetts Eighth, and he soon had it in running order, while the regiment, advancing on the railroad, fished up from the ditches on either side the rails which had been thrown there, and restored them to their places. They thus rebuilt the road and provided it with an engine, so that when the New York Seventh arrived it was a comparative easy matter for it to proceed to the national metropolis. Meanwhile, Washington City had been for several days without hearing from the loyal North. At night the camp-fires of the Confederates, who were assembling in force, could be seen on the southern bank of the Potomac, and it was not uncommon to meet on Pennsylvania Avenue a defiant Southerner openly wearing a large Virginia or South Carolina secession badge. The exodus of clerks from the departments continued, and they would not say good-bye, but au revozr, as they SECESSION BADGE. confidently expected that they would be back again triumphant within a month. An eloquent clergyman, who was among those who went to Richmond, left behind him, in the cellar of his house, a favorite cat, with what he judged would be a three weeks' supply of water and provisions, so confident was he that President Davis would, within that time, occupy the White House. One of the largest, the best equipped, and the best drilled of the volunteer regiments that came pouring into Washington when the communication was reopened was the New York Fire Zouaves, commanded by Colonel Ellsworth. A hardy set of fellows, trained to fight fire, they professed great anxiety to meet the Confederates in hostile array, and they were very proud Alexandrza Occupzed 8i of their boyish commander. President Lincoln took a great interest in Colonel Ellsworth, and when Virginia formally seceded, he obtained from Secretary Cameron an order for the New York Fire Zouaves and the First Michigan Infantry to occupy Alexandria. They went on the ferry- ' Ad A-: boats, very early" von the morning> -___ of Friday, May ii l 24th, escorted by -.,- - the war steamer i, I - ~ Pawnee, and oc- ' - X ))1' - cupied the old i ~,,(:/-X borough without a = Confederate flag, 3T O COLONEL ELLSWORTH opposition. No sooner. were the troops on shore, than Colonel Ellsworth, taking o o half a dozen ofi his men, went to the Marshall - _ / House, over the roof of which floated a large Confederate flag, DEATH OF COLONEL ELLSWORTH which had been visible with a glass from the window of Mr. Lincoln's private office. Entering the public room of the hotel, he inquired of a man there whether he was the proprietor, and being answered in the negative, he took one private with him, and ran up-stairs. Going out on the roof; Ellsworth secured the flag, and as he was descending, 82 Perley's Rem;i'iscences. James William Jackson, the proprietor of the hotel, came from his room, armed with a double-barreled shot-gun. " I have the first prize," said Ellsworth, to which Jackson responded, " And I the second," at the same time firing at him with fatal effect. Before he could fire the second barrel, Private Brownell shot him dead, and as he fell, pinned him to the floor with the swordbayonet on his rifle. Colonel Ellsworth's remains were taken to Washington, where President Lincoln visited them, exclaiming, as he gazed on the lifeles= features: "My boy! my boy! was it necessary this sacrifice should be made 1" EPHRAIM ELMER ELLSWORTH, born at Mechanicsville, Saratoga County, New York, in I837: removed to Chicago before he was of age, and studied law; in 1859, organized his Zouave corps, noted for the excellence of its discipline, and gave exhibition drills in the chief Eastern cities. On the opening of hostilities, raised a regiment, known as the New York Fire Zouaves; was sent to Alexandria on Friday morning, May 24th, I86i, where he was killed in the Marshall House. He was buried in the cemetery of his native place. CHAPTER VII. ( ON TO RICHMOND." MEETING OF CONGRESS-MARCH OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE UNIONTHE FIRST BATTLE OF BULL RUN -DISGRACEFUL ROUT-APPEAL OF SENATOR BRECKINRIDGE-PATRIOTIC REPLY OF COLONEL BAKERWAR PREPARATIONS-GENERAL M'CLELLAN PLACED IN COMMIANDGENERAL SCOTT'S ADVICE TO HIM-SURRENDER OF MASON AND SLIDELL-DISASTROUS ENGAGEMENT AT BALL'S BLUFF M R. LINCOLN having called a special session of Congress, the two Houses met on the 4th of July, i86i. There were many vacant seats, but some of those who sympathized with the South lingered that they might throw obstacles before any attempt at coercion. Meanwhile the Abolitionists, who feared a compromise and a reconciliation, echoed the shout "On to Richmond!". The " Grand Army of the Union," hastily organized into brigades and divisions, was placed under the command of General Irwin McDowell, a gallant soldier, entirely destli tute in the experience of handling large bodies of men. The troops thus brigaded had never even been manceuvred together, nor had their commander any personal knowledge of many of the officers or men. But the politicians at the Capitol insisted on an immediate advance. They saw with admiration the gallant appearance of the well-equipped regiments that were to compose the advancing column, and they believed, 6 83 84 Ferley's Reminiscences. or professed to believe, that it could easily march " On to Richniond!" On Sunday, July 2Ist, I86I, the " Grand Army of the Union " began its forward march. The sun rose in a cloudless sky, and the advancing columns of Union soldiers, with glistening bayonets and gay flags, moved with measured tread through the primeval 501i ON TO BULL RUN-FROM TI IE NORTH forests of the Old Dominion, apparently as resistless as the sweep of destiny Meanwhile there drove out from Washington to General McDowell's headquarters a crowd of Congressmen, correspondents, contractors, and camp-followers, who had come in a variety of vehicles to witness the fight, as they would have gone to see a horse-race or to witness a Fourth of July procession. The Congressmen did not hesitate to intrude Stonewall Jackson. 85' themselves upon General McDowell, and to offer him their advice. Others, unpacking baskets of provisions, enjoyed their lunches after the cannonading had commenced. There was brave fighting on both sides in the Bull Run Valley, which became like a boiling crater, from which arose dense clouds of dust and smoke. At one JACKSON STANDING LIKE A STONE WALL. time General Bee, well-nigh overwhelmed, greeted General Thomas J. Jackson with the exclamation, "General, they are beating us back!" To which the latter replied promptly, " Sir, we will give them the bayonet." General Bee immediately rallied his over-tasked troops, saying, "There is Jackson with his Virginians, standing like a stone wall. Let us determine to die here, and we will conquer." From that day General Jack 86 Perley's Remirz'scenses. son was known by the soldiers on both sides as " Stonewall " Jackson The arrival of the force commanded by General Joe x,, ON TO BULL RUN-FROM THE SOUTH. Johnson, which General Patterson had failed to hold in check, and the presence of President Jefferson Davis, Dzsaster and Defeat. inspired the Confederate troops with superhuman courage, while the Union regiments, badly officered, followed the example of the New York Zouaves, and fled in wild disorder. The panic became general, and disorder sooln degenerated into a disgraceful retreat. The Confederates, however, found themselves in no condition to follow up the victory which they had gained, and to press on to Washington. The rout of Bull Run, while it was a severe rebuke to the politicians who had forced it, secured the support of every loyal man in the Northern States for the Union cause, whatever his previous political convictions might have been. Practical issues were presented, and every man able to bear arms or to contribute money was animated by the sentiment uttered by Stephen A. Douglas in his last public speech, when he said: " The conspiracy is now known; armies have been raised; war is levied to accomplish it. There are only two sides to the question' every man must be for the United States or against it. There can be no neutrals in this war-only Republicans or traitors." The week after the Battle of Bull Run, Senator Breckinridge, who had retained his seat, made an appeal for a cessation of hostilities, speaking eloquently of the horrors of war, the cost of maintaining armies, the dangers of military despotism, and the impossibility of ever subjugating the South. He pleaded for peace with the rebels, and from the event of the great battle near Manassas he drew an augury of defeat to the cause of the Government on future battlefields. Senator Baker was on the floor of the Senate for the first time in many days, having just come to Washington with his California Regiment, whom he had 88 Perley's Remznzscences. been busily engaged in organizing in Philadelphia and elsewhere, and at whose head he fell. The whitehaired but vigorous and active Senator listened attentively to the sentiments and predictions of Breckinridge, pacing the Senate floor back and forth with his eyes fastened on him, and now and then chafing with visible impatience to reply. At length Breckinridge ceased, and Baker took the floor, and proceeded, with a skillful and unsparing hand, to dissect the arguments which had been so skillfully set forth by the Senator 'from Kentucky. " Sir," said he in conclusion, ' it is not a question of men or of money. All the money, all the men, are, in our judgment, well bestowed in such a cause. When we give them we know their value. Knowing their value well, we give them with the more pride and the more joy. But how could we retreat? How could we make peace? Upon what terms? Where is to be your boundary line? Where the end of the principles we shall have to give up? What will become of public liberties? What of past glories? What of future hopes? Shall we sink into the insignificance of the grave-a degraded, defeated, emasculated people, frightened by the results of one battle, and scared at the visions raised by the imagination of the Senator from Kentucky upon the floor? No, sir! a thousand times, no, sir! We will rally the people-the loyal people of the whole country. They will pour forth their treasure, their money, their men, without stint, without measure. Shall one battle determine the fate of empire, or a dozen-the loss of one thousand men or twenty thousand, or one hundred millions or five hundred millions of dollars? In a year's peacein ten years, at most. of peaceful progress-we can Vzgorous Preparations. 89 restore them all. There will be some graves reeking with blood, watered by the tears of affection. There will be some privation; there will be some loss of luxury; there will be somewhat more need for labor to procure the necessaries of life. When that is said, all is said. If we have the country, the whole country, the Union, the Constitution-free government-with these there will return all the blessings of well-ordered civilization; the path of the country will be a career of greatness and of glory, such as, in the olden time, our fathers saw in the. dim visions of years yet to come, and such as would have been ours now, to-day, if it had not been for the treason for which the Senator too often seeks to apologize." The orator took his seat after this lofty and impassioned appeal, little dreaming that he would be one of the first to fulfill his own prophecy. Preparations for the war were now made in good earnest. Regiments were recruited for three years, and, on their arrival at Washington, were carefully inspected and organized into brigades and divisions, and officered by men of ability and military experience. Other forces were organized at the West, and the Administration of President Lincoln displayed remarkable energy in equipping the armies which were to act in different sections of the country, and in raising money for their support. General George B. McClellan, when he assumed command of the Army of the Potomac, was the beau ideal of a dragoon leader. His legs, like those of General Taylor, were short in proportion to his body, so that he appeared to be small in stature when on foot, but, when mounted on his favorite charger, he looked as tall, if not taller, than those around him. He pos 90 Perley's Reminiscences. sessed a good head, firmly planted on a sturdy neck, upon ample shoulders. He wore his hair cut short and his cheeks and massive jaw-bones shaven clean, while a well-shapen moustache gave dignity to his features. His complexion was ruddy, his eyes blue, and the lines GENERAL McCLELLAN ON THE FIELD. of his mouth indicated good-humor and firmness in about equal proportions. His dress was plain, with the least possible insignia of rank, and his headquarters at the residence of Commodore Wilkes, long occu-I;I pied by Mrs. Madison, was always thronged with visitors. His confidential aides were regular officers, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~thelatps isgi frn, n i edur ters at the~~~~~~~L reidec fCmooeWleln cu pid y rsMai s owsawy hogdwt Mason and Slzdell. 9I trained in many a hard campaign, and he had at his side, in his father-in-law, Colonel R. B. Marcy, of the army, an experienced military counselor. When Lieutenant-General Scott, after having resigned his command, was about to leave Washington for West Point, his young successor called upon him to say good-bye, and they had a long conference. At its conclusion the old hero of three wars, said: " General, do not allow yourself to be entangled by men who do not comprehend this question. Carry out your own ideas, act upon your own judgment, and you will conquer, and the Government will be vindicated. God bless you!" General McClellan, who was then eulogized as a second Napoleon, soon found himself " elbarrassed " by men who feared that he might becone President if he conquered peace. He was also impressed with this Presidential idea by pretended friends who had fastened themselves upon him, and "between two stools he fell to the ground." The surrender of Mason and Slidell to the English Government, after their capture by one of our war vessels, was a sad sacrifice, and many at Washington were of the opinion that they should have been retained at every hazard. Some suggested an international arbitration, but President Lincoln, fortified by the advice of Charles Sumner and Caleb Cushing, saw plainly that the submission of the case to arbitration would be equivalent to a surrender Secretary Seward, in his communication to Lord Lyons, the British Minister, which the President revised before it was sent, said, in the most emphatic terms, that international law, particularly the American intent of it, as recorded in all our policy that has become historic, was against us. He said: "This Government could not deny the jus 92 Perley's Remzizziscences. tice of the claim presented. We are asked to do by the British nation just what we always insisted of nations before to do to us." Mr. Sumner came gallantly to Mr. Seward's rescue, and made a long speech in the Senate before crowded galleries, showing that the seizure of Mason and Slidell on board of a neutral ship could not be justified according to our best American precedents. " Mr. President," said he, in his deep-toned voice, "let the rebels go. Two wicked men, ungrateful to their country, are let loose with the brand of Cain upon their foreheads. Prison doors. are opened, but principles are established which will help to free other men, and to open the gates of the sea. Amidst all present excitement," said Mr. Sumner, in conclusion, "amidst all present trials, it only remains for us to uphold the constant policy of the Republic, and stand fast' on the ancient ways." Meanwhile General McClellan was organizing the large forces sent for the defense of Washington, and several distinguished foreigners, who in turn visited the metropolis, expressed great surprise and admiration at the wonderful rapidity with which so many men and so much materzel had been collected, affording striking evidence of the martial capabilities of the American people. The unfortunate engagement at Ball's Bluff, where Colonel Baker and many brave Union officers and soldiers were killed, while others were sent as prisoners to Richmond, had rather a dispiriting effect on the President. Mr. Lincoln and Colonel Baker had attended the same school, joined in the same boyish sports, and when they had grown to manhood their intimacy had ripened into ardent friendship. Mr. Colonel Baker's Career. 93 Lincoln had watched with admiration the success of his friend Baker at the Illinois bar, as a Whig Representative in Congress, as an officer in the Mexican War, and then-transplanted to the Pacific coast-as a deliverer of a panegyric over the body of the murdered Broderick, that was one of the greatest exhibitions of fervid eloquence ever seen or heard opi this continent. Coming to Washington as United States Senator froni Oregon, Colonel Baker gave a powerful support to the Union cause and to the Lincoln Administration. He was one of the first Northern politicians to take the field, and he was promised by President Lincoln a high military command if he could, by winning a victory, demonstrate his ability as a general. He entered upon his new military career with his characteristic energy, but Mr. Lincoln, instead of promoting him, was soon called upon to mourn his untimely death. HANNIBAL HAMLIN was born at Paris, Maine, August 27th, i809; was a Representative from Maine, 1843-1847; was United States Senator, I848-1857, when he resigned to act as Governor; was again United States Senator, 1857-x86i, when he resigned, having been elected Vice-President on the ticket with Abraham Lincoln; was Collector of the Port of Boston, i865-i866, when he resigned; was again United States Senator, 1869-i88x. CHAPTER VIII. WASHINGTON A VAST GARRISON. REJECTION BY THE PRESIDENT OF ANTI-SLAVERY VIEWS-VACANT SEATS AT EITHER END OF THE CAPITOL-FESSENDEN, THE FINANCIER-SUMNER, THE DIPLOMATIST-WILSON, THE MILITARY DIRECTOR-OTHER PROMINENT SENATORS- THE RULE OF THADDEUS STEVENS- NOTABLE REPRESENTATIVES -DEMOCRATIC OPPOSITION TO THE ADMIIIST RATION -CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE ON THE CONDUCT OF THE WAR. W HEN Congress met on the first Monday in December, I86I, Washington was a vast citadel. A cordon of forts completely encircled it on the commanding heights, each one armed, provisioned, and garrisoned. On the large plain east of the Capitol and on the south side of the Potomac were encamped large bodies of troops. Regiments were constantly on the march through the city. Long wagon trains laden with provisions or ammunition were dragged through the mud of the then unpaved streets. Mounted orderlies galloped to and fro, bearing returns, requisitions, and despatches. The old flag was hoisted in every direction at sunrise, and lowered when the evening gun was fired, while the music of bands and the shrill notes of drums and fifes rang forth the " music of the Union." An amusing sight was frequently enjoyed when newly formed regiments arrived. They usually came with the glowing colors of new equipments, and the vigorous zeal of newly organized drum and fife corps, 94 The Pomp of War. 95 if not, indeed, of a full band. A richly dressed drummajor generally ivarched at the head of these displays, and his gaudy uniform, bearskin shako with its plume, glittering baton, with its incessant twirling and rhythmical movement, excited the greatest "'} enthusiasm and admiration among the throngs. of observing negroes. To them the tamnbour major.' was by far the greatestS soldier of the day. For miles in every direction the country was.f picketed, and nlartlal law was rigidly enforced. All ' ' persons going toward the front must be provided with passes, which were,, ', very closely scrutinized. i S at every picket-post. In,..' <' times of special peril those K N ' moving nortlhward underwent the same ordeal. War, with all its severities and horrors, was con-., tinually at the doors of those who dwelt in Wash- - inston. ington. THE DRUNI-MA IOR. Congress, for the first time since the seat of Government was removed to Washington from Philadelphia, occupied an entirely 96 Perley's Remznzscences. subordinate position, and it might well be said that " inter arma szlent leges"-laws are silent in the midst of armies. It was not long, however, before the Senators and Representatives reasserted their authority. Simon Cameron's report as Secretary of "... -.......... 7 ON PICKET DUTY War, as originally prepared, printed, and sent over the country for publication, took advanced ground on the slavery question. He advocated the emancipation of the slaves in the rebel States, the conversion to the use of the National Government of all property, Conservatism Triumphant. 97 whether slave or otherwise, belonging to rebels, and the resort to every military means of suppressing the Pebellion, even the employment of armed negroes. President Lincoln, at the instance of Secretary Seward and General McClellan, declined to accept these anti-slavery views from his subordinate, and ordered the return of the advance copies distributed for revision and amendment. It happened, however, that several newspapers had published the report as originally written. When they republished it, as modified, the public had the benefit of both versions. The President struck out all that Secretary Cameron had written on the slavery question, and substituted a single paragraph which was self-evidently from the Presidential pen. The speculations of the Secretary as to the propriety of arming the negroes were canceled, and we were simply told that it would be impolitic for the escaped slaves of rebels to be returned again to be used against us. Secretary Chase sustained Secretary Cameron, but Secretary Seward, the former champion of higher law and abolitionism, was so conservative at this crisis of the great struggle between freedom and slavery, as to disgruntle many ardent supporters of the principles of which he had once assumed to be the champion. When Congress assembled there were many vacant seats at either end of the Capitol In the Senate Chamber ten States of the thirty-six were unrepresented, and the Virginia nominally represented was that portion of the Old Dominion within the range of Union cannon. Vice-President Hamlin, who presided, was one of the Democrats who had gone into the Republican camp. Of medium height, with a massive head, dark complexion, cleanly shaven face, he 98 Perley's Reminiscences. was ever prompt and diligent in the transaction of business. At all seasons of the year he wore a suit of black, with a dress-coat, and could never be persuaded to wear an overcoat, even in the coldest weather. He was noted for his fidelity to political friends, and at W\ashington he always had their interests at heart. William Pitt Fessenden, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, was really the leader of the Republican party in the Upper House. He was a statesman of great power and comprehensiveness, who possessed mnental energies of the very highest order, and whose logic in debate was like a chain, which his hearers often hated to be confined with, yet knew not how to break. To courage and power in debate he united profound legal knowledge and a very extraordinary aptitude for public business. Originally an ardent Whig, his whole political life had been spent in earnestly opposing the men and measures of the Democratic party, nor did he possess that adaptability of opinion so characteristic of modern politicians. Born and reared in the days when the " giants of the Republic " were living, and to some extent, a contemporary actor in the leading events of the times, he had learned to think for himself, and prefer the individuality of conscientious conviction to the questionable subservience of partisan policy Senator Sumner regarded his position as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations as superior to all others in Congress, while he was unquestionably the leader of the Abolition wing of the Republican party Having been abroad himself, he knew the necessity for having, especially at that time, the country represented by educated gentlemen, and Mr. Seward often found it a difficult matter to persuade One Day's Staff Duty. 99 him to consent to the appointment of some rural politician to a place of diplomatic importance. Objection was made to one nomination, on the ground that the person was a drunkard, and a leading Senator came one morning before the Committee to refute the charge. He made quite an argument, closing by saying. " No, gentlemen, he is not a drunkard. He may, occasionally, as I do myself, take a glass of wine, but I assure you, on the honor of a gentleman, he never gets drunk." Upon this- representation the appointment was favorably reported upon and confirmed by the Senate, but it was soon evident that the person was an incorrigible sot, and when it became absolutely necessary to remove him, it leaked out that he had retained and paid the Senator for vouching for his temperate habits. Senator Wilson, who wielded enormous power as Chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs, had been, before the war, a brigadier-general of militia in Massachusetts. He had raised a three-years' regiment, which he had brought to Washington, but not wishing to take the field, he had resigned the command, and had solicited from General McClellan a position on his staff. When he reported for duty he was ordered to appear the next morning mounted, and accompanied by two other staff officers, in a tour of inspection around the fortifications. Unaccustomed to horsemanship, the ride of thirty miles was too much for the Senator, who kept his bed for a week, and then resigned his staff position. He performed herculean labors on his Committee, and examined personally the recommendations upon which thousands of appointments had been made. That at times he was prejudiced against those who were opposed to emancipation 7 IOD0 Perley's Remznzscences. could not be denied, but he honestly endeavored to have the Union army well officered, well fed, and promptly paid. The Chairman of the Naval Committee was Mr. Grimes, of Iowa, who mastered the wants and became acquainted with the welfare of that branch of the service, and who urged liberal appropriations for it in a lucid, comprehensive, and vigorous manner. An enemy of all shams, he was a tower of strength for the Administration. r in the Senate. Then there was bluff Ben Wade, of Ohio, whose x to M honesty was strongly tinged by ambition, and a m '" ewho looked at the conw-it..... test with the merciless. eyes of agladiator about r Ia to close in a death-grip. t:. or John Sherman had just.. - been transplanted from thee House, Secretary BENJAMIN F WADE. eh Chase having urged him to remain in the Senate, rather than resign and take the field, as he had wished to. Nve, of Nevada, who sat next to Mr. Sumner, was a native wit of " infinite jest" and most " excellent fancy," who enlivened the Senate with his bon mots and genial humor. Trumbull, Harlan, Pomeroy, Lot Morrill, Zach Chandler, Daniel Clark, Ira Harris, Jacob Collamer, Solomon Foote, Lafayette S. Foster, and David Wilmot were all men of ability Indeed, the Republican Senators, as a whole, were men of remarkable intelligence, while the Able Representatzves. IOI fourteen or fifteen Democratic Senators, deprived of their associates who had seceded, found it difficult to make a respectable showing of legislation. The House, where there were also many vacant seats, elected Galusha A. Grow, of Pennsylvania, Speaker. He was a thorough politician and a good presiding officer, possessing the tact, the quickness of perception, and the decision acquired by editorial experience. Thaddeus Stevens was the despotic ruler of the House. No Republican was permitted by " Old Thad"' to oppose his imperious will without receiving a tonguelashing that terrified others if it did not bring the refractory Representative back into party harness. Rising by degrees, as a telescope is pulled out, until he stood in a most ungraceful attitude, his heavy black hair falling down over his cavernous brows, and his cold little eyes twinkling with anger, he would make some ludicrous remark, and then, reaching to his full height, he would lecture the offender against party discipline, sweeping at him with his large, bony right hand, in uncouth gestures, as if he would clutch him and shake him. He would often use invectives, which he took care should never appear printed in the official reports, and John Randolph in his braggart prime was never so imperiously insulting as was Mr Stevens toward those whose political action he controlled. He was a firm believer in the old maxim ascribed to the Jesuits, "The end justifies the means," and, while he set morality at defiance, he was an early and a zealous champion of the equality of the black and the white races. There were many able men among the Republican Representatives. Dawes, of Massachusetts, had acquired a deserved reputation for honesty, sincerity, and 102 Perley's Reminiscences. untiring industry. Ellihu B. Washburne was an experienced politician and a practical legislator. Sam Hooper was a noble specimen of the Boston merchant, who had always preserved his reputation for exact dealings, and whose liberal charities eclipsed his generous hospitalities. Roscoe Conkling, who had just entered upon the theatre of his future fame, commanded attention by his superb choice of words in debate and by his wonderful felicity of expression and eplsgrammatic style. A-lexander H. Rice re$. oflected honor upon his Boston constituents. John B. Alley was a true representative of who ha so log btheindustrial interests and anti-slavery senshadow of the representation otiments of old Essex. Charles A. le portly William D. Kelley was on the threshold of a long career of parliamentary usefulness, and Edward McPherson, a man of facts and figures, blindly devoted to his party, was ever ready to spring some ingenious parliamentaiy trap for the discomfiture of its opponents. The Democratic opposition was not strong. Among Kentucky's Representatives were the veteran John J. Crittenden, who had so long been kept under the shadow of the representation of Henry Clay, and Charles A. Wickliffe, portly in figure and florid in features, who. clung to the ruffled-bosom shirt of his A Troublesome Committee. 103 boyhood. Daniel Voorhees, the " Tall Sycamore of the Wabash," would occasionally launch out in a bold strain of defiance and invective against the measures for the restoration of the Union, in which he would be seconded by Clement L. Vallandigham, of Ohio, and II -II 1/7-flffl - / - - 4 "WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT WAR?" by the facetious S. S. Cox, who then represented an Ohio district. The Congressional Committee on the Conduct of the War was a mischievous organization, which assumed dictatorial powers. Summoning generals before them, and having a phonographer to record every word uttered, they would propound very comprehensive ques 0Io4 Perley's Remznzscences. tions. The first question put by them was generally about identical with that which the militia captain, who fell into the cellar-way after an arduous attempt to drill his company, asked a benevolent Quaker lady who rushed forward to express her sympathy, as he struggled to extricate himself: " What do you know about war?" If the general in hand was a political brigadier or major-general, who had been in the habit before the war of saving his country on the stump, he would proceed to discuss the origin and cure of the Rebellion, greatly to the satisfaction of the Committee, and they would ascertain at once that so far as his principles were concerned, he ought to have commanded the Army of the Potomac. If the general called and questioned happened to be one of the numerous class who had formed the acquaintance of the green-eyed monster, he entertained the Committee with shocking stories of his superior officers. He scolded and carped and criticised and caviled, told half truths and solid lies, and the august and astute Committee listened with open ears, and the phonographer dotted down every word. So the meanest gossip and slang of the camp was raked into a heap and preserved in official form. BENJAMIN F WADE was born at Feeding Hills Parish, near Springfield, Massachusetts, October 27th, 18oo; removed to Ohio; was United States Senator, 185i-1869, and died at Jefferson, Ohio, March 2d, 1878. CHAPTER IX. THE METROPOLIS IN TIME OF WAR. PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S FIRST NEW YEAR'S RECEPTION-THE PENNSYLVANIA LANCERS-DISCONTENT OF THE ABOLITIONISTS-PRESIDENT LINCOLN FAVORING COLONIZATION-APPOINTMENT OF E M STANTON AS SECRETARY OF WAR-ESPIONAGE-THE SECRET SERVICE -FEMALE CONFEDERATE SPIES-CAPTURE BY ONE OF THEM OF A UNION GENERAL. P RESIDENT LINCOLN had a bright, spring-like day for his first New Year's reception, and the dignitaries who in turn paid their respects found such a crowd around the door of the White House that they experienced some little inconvenience in reaching the interior. Lord Lyons, of England, and M. Mercier, of France, were prominent among the diplomats, and General McDowell headed the army officers, General McClellan being ill. At noon the public were admitted, order being maintained by the police, who appeared for the first time in uniform. Passing on to the reception-room, the people met and shook hands with the President, near whom stood Mrs. Lincoln, who was attended by the United States Marshal of the District, Colonel Lamar, Captain Darling, chief of the Capitol police, and the President's secretaries. The visitors thence passed to the great East Room, where it was apparent they were unusually numerous, more strangers being present in Washington at the time, perhaps, than ever before. The crowd, Io5 io6 Perley's Remznzscences. indeed, as looked upon by old residents, appeared to present new faces almost entirely. The general scene was brilliant and animating, and the whole was enlivened, as usual, by strains of the Marine Band, which was stationed in the vestibule. By two o'clock the promenaders generally had departed by means of a platform for egress, constructed through one of the large windows at the front of the mansion. The Abolitionists were greatly dlsappointed because there..had not been any inl surrectionary movements amongnual meetng slaves at the Southt Ant-Slavery Socety, held at Boston, which had been looked for at the Christmas Wendell th a sne holidays, and thelf then Mr r h prict tht thincreased their exertions to make Mr. Linninety days, but he didn tion abolishing slavery. At the twenty-lieved incoln was honest, but as a pninth annual meeting of the Massachusetts Anti Slavery Society, held at Boston, in January, the62, hoendell Phillips, with a sneer, expressed himself thus " Mr Seward had predicted that the war would be over in ninety days, but he didn't believe, as things were going, it would be over in ninety years. He believed Lincoln was honest, but as a pint-pot may be full, and yet not be so full as a quart, so there is a vast difference between the honesty of a small man and the honesty of a statesmai." Lincoln's Pe/ Scheme. I07 There was an imposing parade through the streets of a new arm of the military service, a battalion or regiment of mounted lancers. The men carried lances about twelve feet long, held upright as they rode, and having black staffs and bright spear heads, something like the sword bayonet, though only about half so long. This corps was under command of Colonel Rush, of Pennsylvania. Each horseman bore a small red flag on the top of his lance, and the novelty of the display attracted much attention, though the spectators, not greatly impressed with the effectiveness of the weapon with which the corps was armed, gave them the sobriquet "Turkey Drivers," which stuck to them ever afterward. President Lincoln had a pet scheme during the war for establishing a colony of contrabands at the Chrnqui Lagoon, with a new transit route across the Isthmus to the harbor of Golfito, on the Pacific. The first company of emigrants, composed of freeborn negroes and liberated slaves, was organized, under President Lincoln's personal supervision, by Senator Pomeroy, of Kansas, and would have started, but the diplomatic representative of Costa Rica protested. Negro settlers, he said, would be welcomed in the province of Chirlqui, but such a colony as it was proposed to establish would necessarily be under the protection of the United States, and grave difficulties might ensue. Besides, such a colony would almost invite an attack from the Confederates, then quite powerful, who would seek their slaves, and who would regard a negro colony with especial aversion. Mr. Lincoln regretted this fiasco, as negro colonization was his favorite panacea for the national troubles. He again and again declared that the continuance of IoS Perley's Remznziscences. the African race in the United States could but be injurious to both blacks and whites, and that the expatriation and colonization of the negro was a political necessity. Those who had zealously opposed slavery and who had regarded the war as securing the freedom of the negroes, combated the President's scheme. They insisted that the blacks had a right to remain in the land of their birth, and declared that expatriation, as a measure of political economy, would be fatal to the prosperity of the country, for it would drive away a large amount of productive labor. A colony was subsequently taken to one of the West India Islands, but it was a miserable failure, and the colonists, after great suffering, were brought back. The scandals concerning army contracts enabled the Abolitionists to secure the transfer of Simon Cameron from the War Department to the Russian Mission, and the appointment of Edwin M. Stanton in his place. It should not be forgotten that Mr. Cameron is entitled to great credit for the energy and skill with which he managed the War Office from March, i86i, until February, 1862 He laid the foundation of that military organization which eventually, under the leadership of Grant and Sherman, crushed the Confederacy and restored the Union. One of the regiments which came to Washington from New York, the Seventy-ninth Highlanders, becoming wretchedly disorganized, he detailed his brother, Colonel James Cameron, to command it. This settled all differences, the Scotchmen remembering the proverb that " The Camerons of Lochiel never proved false to a friend or a foe." In a few weeks, however, Colonel Cameron was killed at the Battle of Bull Run while bravely leading his men against the enemy. The weight of this great calamity "L tle Mac." og9 fell upon Secretary Cameron at a time when the utmost powers of his mind were being exerted to save Washington from capture. For a brief period it crushed him, but the dangers then surrounding the national cause were too numerous and too threatening to admit of anything but redoubled exertions to avert them. Summoning, therefore, all his fortitude and energy, he for the moment suppressed his intense grief and recommenced his labors. New armies were organized as if by magic, and Washington was saved. Mr. Stanton's strong will was relied upon by the Abolitionists for the control of General McClellan, who had given some indications of his willingness to restore the Union "as it was," with slavery legalized and protected. While "Little Mac" had become the idol of the rank and file of the Army of the Potomac, which he had thoroughly organized and equipped, he had also provoked the opposition of those in his rear from whom he should have received encouragement and support. Naturally cautious, he hesitated about moving when he knew that if successful he would immediately be crippled by the withdrawal of a portion of his command. A-prominent politician, more outspoken than some of those around him, is quoted by General Custer as having said: "It is not on our books that McClellan shall take Richmond." Mr. Stanton had witnessed so much treason while he was a member of Buchanan's Cabinet, that he determined to know exactly what was done by every officer of the army, and one of his first acts was to have news sent over the wires pass through the War Department. Every wire in the country was " tapped" and its contents made a matter of record. Every telegram sent by President Lincoln or the members of his IIO Perley's Remznzscences. Cabinet to the generals in the field, or received by them from those generals, was put on record at Washington, as were all cipher despatches, deciphered by General Eckert. On one occasion a despatch from General Rufus Ingalls to Senator Nesmith puzzled every one at the War Department except Quartermaster-General Meigs, who was positive that it was Bohemian. Finally an officer who had served on the Pacific coast recognized it as "Chinook," a compound of the 6. English, Chinese, and Indlan languages used by the whites in tradfing with the Chinook ~of wealth a~ Indians. The despat ch at official doors till they had bagged the important secretwas a h arow thmless request tary maps from Gen eral Ingalls to his old friend "Nes." to come and witness an impending engagement. A detective system of espionage had been GENERAL L. S. BAKER. organized by Mr. Seward for the protection of the United States Government against the adherents of the Confederate cause. The reports made by this corps of detectives to the Department of State showed the daring acts of the Southern sympathizers, several of whom were ladies of wealth and fashion. How they watched and waited at official doors till they had bagged the important secret of state they wanted; how they stole military maps from the War Department; how they took Female Spies. III copies of official documents; how they smuggled the news of the Government's strength in the linings of honest-looking coats; and how they hid army secrets in the meshes of unsuspected crinoline-all these became familiar facts, almost ceasing to excite remark or surprise. The head of this branch of the service was General Lafayette S. Baker. Of this band of active and useful plotters, who were constantly engaged playing into the hands of the Confederates under the very shadow of the Capitol, some of the women of Washington were the busiest. The intriguing nature of these dames appears to have found especial delight in forwarding the schemes of the leaders in the movement to overthrow the Washington Government. It mattered not that most of them owed all they possessed of fortune and position to that Federal Government, and to the patronage which, directly or indirectly, they had received from it. This very fact lent a spice of daring to the deed, while an irresistible attraction was furnished in the fact that they were plotting the ruin of a Government which had fallen into the hands of that Northern majority whom, with all the lofty scorn of " patrician " blood, they despised and detested. Mrs. Rose O. H. Greenhow was the most adroit of the Confederate emissaries. The sister of Mrs. Cutts, mother of Mrs. Douglas, and the widow of a clerk in the State Department, who had written a valuable work on Oregon, her social position gave her remarkable facilities for obtaining information. Just before the battle of Bull Run she contrived to convey to the enemy news obtained from a New England Senator with regard to the intended movements of the Federals. This communication, in her own opinion, decided the I 2 Perley's Remziiscences. battle. In return she received this despatch from the Confederate Adjutant-General: " Our President and our General direct me to thank you. We rely upon you for further information. The Confederacy owes you a debt." Mrs. Greenhow's house was finally used as a prison for female spies. The windows looking on the street were boarded up, and a special military guard occupied tents pitched in the garden. Mrs. Greenhow and her pretty daughter Rose were the presiding deities. Then there was Mrs. Phillips, daughter of J. C. Levy, of Charleston, S. C., where she married Philip Phillips, who afterward removed to Mobile and was elected there to the Thirty-third Congress. Declining a re-election, he remained at Washington City, where he had a lucrative practice before the Supreme Court. Mrs. Phillips, although the mother of nine children, found time to obtain and transmit information to General Beauregard, and after having been closely guarded for awhile, she was permitted to go South on her parole and that of her father, that she would not give "aid or comfort to the enemy." Mrs. Baxley, Mrs. Hasler, Miss Lilly A. Mackle, Mrs. Levy, and other lady prisoners had all been more or less prominent in Southern society at Washington, and had made trips over the underground railroad between Alexandria and Richmond. Also an English lady, Mrs. Ellena Low, who had been arrested at Boston, with her son, who had crossed the ocean bearing a commission in the Confederate army. Miss E. M. Poole, alias Stewart, had been very successful in car. rying contraband information and funds between the two camps, and when arrested the last time there was found concealed on her person seven thousand five hundred dollars of unexpended funds. A Rude Interruptztn. 13 Another devoted friend of the Confederates, who resided just outside of the Union lines in Virginia, managed to fascinate General Stoughton, a young AN UNEXPECTED INTERRUPTION West Point cavalry officer, and one evening while he was enjoying her society, during a serenade by a regimental band, he, with his band and orderlies, was II4 Perley's Reminiscences. surprised and captured, and they were sent as prisoners-of-war to Richmond. " I do not mind losing the brigadier," said Mr. Lincoln, in talking about the capture, " for they are easily made, but there were some twenty horses taken, and they cost one hundred and twenty-five dollars apiece." SIMON CAMERON was born at Waynesborough, Pennsylvania, March 3d, 1799; learned the art of printing; was Secretary of War under President Lincoln, in I86i, resigning when appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to Russia, in x862; was United States Senator from Pennsylvania, 1845-1849, i857-186x, and 1867-x877, when he resigned, and was succeeded by his s n. CHAPTER X. FASHION, LITERATURE, AND ART. WASHINGTON SOCIETY DISGRUNTLED - PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S FIRST PUBLIC RECEPTION-WHO WERE PRESENT-A FAMOUS SUPPER-CRITICISMS OF THE DISCONTENTED-SECRET SADNESS OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN AND HIS WIFE -DEATH OF LITTLE WILLIE LINCOLN-CAMP FOLLOWERS-LITERArI IN GOVERNMENT EMPLOY-LECTURES AT THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION-COMMISSIONER NEWTON, OF THE AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT W ASHINGTON " society " refused to be comforted. Those within its charmed circle would not visit the White House, or have any intercourse with the members of the Administration. This gave great annoyance to Mr Seward, who used diplomatic and consular appointments, commissions, and contracts unsparingly for the purchase of a friendly feeling At his urgent solicitation the President consented to an evening reception at the White House, by invitation. "I don't fancy this pass business," said the President, good-naturedly, but the metropolitan practicians could not refrain from applying for them. The evening of February 5th, I862, found the court-yard of the White House filled with carnages and ambulances bringing "fair women and brave men." The President and Mrs. Lincoln received their guests in the East Room, where he towered above all around him, and had a pleasant word for those he 8 II5 Perley's Rcminzizcences. knew. Mrs. Lincoln was dressed in a white satin dress with low neck and short sleeves. It was trimmed with black lace flounces, which were looped up with knots of ribbon, and she wore a floral head-dress, which was not very becoming. Near her was her eldest son, Mr. Robert Lincoln (known as the Prince of Rails), and Mr John Hay, the President's intellectual private secretary In addition to the East Room, the Red, Green, and Blue Parlors (so nanmed from the color of their pa-, per-hangings and V -profusion of rare exotics, while the Marine Band, sta~ tioned in the corrider, discoursed fine music. Ir. Se-ward was MRS. LINCOLN. in his element, escorting, as in duty bound, the ladies of the Diplomatic Corps. Mr. Chase, the dignified and statesman-like Secretary of the Treasury, seemed to have forgotten for the moment that his coffers were "short." Mr. Stanton, vigorous and thoughtful, was the object of much attention, and the patriarchal locks and beard of the not over-scintillant Secretary of the Navy were, of course, a feature. The other members of the Cabinet were pres A Gay Recep/ztn. II7 ent, as were Justices Clifford, Wayne, and Grler, of the Supreme Court. Senator Sumner, as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations, was the centre of a diplomatic circle, where all of the "great powers," and some of the smaller ones, were represented. Ladies from the rural districts were disappointed in not seeing the gorgeous court costumes, having forgotten that our courtdress is the undertaker-like suit of black broadcloth so generally worn. But they gazed with admiration upon,':: '. SOUTH FRONT' OF WHITE HOUSE. the broad ribbons and jeweled badges worn on the breasts of the Chevaliers of the Legion of Honor, Knights of the Bath, etc., "with distinguished consideration." Vice-President Hamlin might have called the Senate to order and had more than a quorum of members present, who, like himself, had their wives here to cheer their labors. Mr Speaker Grow could' not see around him so large a proportion of the "Lower House," but there was-so a Kentucky lady said —" a right smart chance of Representatives." General McClellan, in full uniform, looked finely. iI8 Perley's Reminiscences. Among his staff officers were the French Princes, each wearing a captain's uniform. The Comte de Paris was tall and very handsome, while the Duc de Chartres was taller, thinner, less handsome than his brother Both were remarkably cordial and affable, and, as they spoke English perfectly, they enjoyed the gay scene. General Fremont, in a plain undress suit, seemed rather downcast, although his devoted wife, "Jessie," more than made up for his moodiness by her animated and vivacious conversation. There were, besides Generalris McDowell, Stone, Heintzelman, f tBlenker, Hanco k, i Hooker, Keyes, Doubleday, Casey, Shields, fuland Marcy, with Capd tai D ahlgren and the Pu rince Salm-Salm. Of An ident the even wathose present many. _fought, and some fell on the various fields THE RED ROOM. Lincoln.of the nexrt three dreadful ytoears. There were others who were destined to do their duty and' yet be mistaken and defrauded of their just iheritance of glory. Such was the fortune of war. An incident of the evening was the presentation of General Fremont to General McClellan by President Lincoln. General Fremont was in the hall, evidently about to leave, as Mrs. Fremont had her shawl on, and Senator Sumner was escorting her toward the door, when the President went after-them, and soon turned toward the East Room, with the Pathfinder at his side, Senator Sumner and Mrs. Fremont following The presentation was made, and a few remarks were ex The Locked Door. II9 changed by the Generals, two men who were destined to exert a marked influence on the future destiny of the nation. A magnificent supper had been provided in the state THE ADVANCE CHECKED. dining-room by Maillard, of New York, but when the hour of eleven came, and the door should have been opened, the flustered steward had lost the key, so that there was a hungry crowd waiting anxiously outside the 120 Perley's Reminiscences. unyielding portal. Then the irrepressible humor of the American people broke forth-that grim humor which carried them through the subsequent misery. I an in favor of a forward movement!" one would exclaim. "An advance to the front is only retarded by the imbecility of commanders," said another, quoting a speech just made in Congress. To all this General McClellan, himself modestly struggling with the crowd, laughed as heartily as anybody. Finally the key was found, the door opened, atld the crowd fed. The table was decorated with large pieces of ornamental confectionery, the centre object representing the steamer " Union," armed and bearing the " Stars and Stripes." On a side table was a model of Fort Sumter, also in sugar, and provisioned with game. After supper promenading was resumed, and it was three o'clock ere the guests departed. The entertainment was pronounced a decided success, but it was compared to the ball given by the Duchess of Richmond, at Brussels, the night before Waterloo. People parted there never to neet again. Many a poor fellow took his leave that night of festivity forever, the band playing, as he left, " The Girl I Left Behind Me." The Abolitionists throughout the country were merciless in their criticisms of the President and Mrs. Lincoln for giving this reception when the soldiers of the Union were in cheerless bivouacs or comfortless hospitals, and a Philadelphia poet wrote a scandalous ode on the occasion, entitled "The Queen Must Dance." There was no dancing, nor was it generally known that after the invitations had been issued Mrs. Lincoln's children sickened, and she had been up the two nights previous to the reception watching with them. Sorrow zn the Whitle House. 121 Both the President and Mrs. Lincoln left the gay throng several times to go up and see their darling Willie, who passed away a fortnight afterward. IIe was a fine-looking lad, eleven years of age, whose intelligence and vivacity made him a general favorite. Some of his exercises in literary composition had been so creditable that his father had permitted their publication. This bereavenent made Mr. Lincoln and his wife very indulgent toward their youngest son, who thenceforth imperiously ruled at the White House. Washington City profited by its encircling garrison -. = -. CHEERLESS BIVOUACS. of one hundred and fifty thousand men, and its population of civilians increased wonderfully. Previously the crowds of people who had flooded Washington at inauguration ceremonies, or during the sessions of Congress, had been of the quick-come, quick-go character almost exclusively. They had added nothing to the general business of the city, stopping altogether at hotels, and making no investments in the way of purchases. Even Congressmen had latterly very seldom brought their families to the Federal capital. But the representatives of the military power formed another class of citizens entirely. Unlike the representatives 122 Perley's Reminzscences. of the legislative power, who had treated their quarters in Washington as mere " tents of a night," the army had taken all the vacant houses in Washington. The fears of a bombardment by the enemy on the Potomac had the effect of keeping up prices of provisions and everything else. The residents of Washington experienced the evils of living in a non-manufacturing and non-producing country The single-track railway to Baltimore was overloaded by the army, and the freight depot in the city was so ~l~ ". with stuff of every description that it presented the aspect of about five hundred Noah's arks suddenly tumbled into a conJOHN HAY. the Departgloments. At the Treasury one cod see the veteran Dr. Plerpont, George ood, O'Connor, Piatt, ltn and Dr. Elder, all hopefullWithy engathged in ignits camp-followers, ing, cutting, or recording Government notes and bonds. Entering the library of there State Departmet, one sar of hli/cali to accept JOHN HAY clerical positions in the Departments. At the Treasury one could see the veteran Dr. Pierpont, George Wood, O'Connor, Piatt, Chilton, and Dr. Elder, all hopefully engaged in signing, cutting, or recording Government notes and bonds. Entering the library of the State Department, one saw J C. Derby, so long in the front rank of New York publishers, then Mr. Seward's librarian. OIf Pennsylvania Avenue was Fred Cozzens' store, to which Mr. Sparrowgrass had transported his Catawbas and Ca .7 A - -LeiucLaretttr anLa Air. I23 banas. At the White House one would perhaps meet N. P Willis il the reception-room, and in Mr Nlcolay's up-stairs sanctum was John Hay, whose AIlanizc papers were written with such purity of style and feeling at his desk as under-secretary to the President. Then, among women writers, there were Mesdames Don Piatt, Squier, Olmstead, and Kirkland. The Vermont sculptor, Larkin Meade, had his "Green MounSMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. tain Boy " on exhibition at a popular bookstore on the Avenue. With this importation of Northern brains came a desire to hear lectures from prominent men, and Professor Henry was reluctantly induced to grant the use of the lecture hall of the Smithsonian Instltutlol, with a promise that it should be announced that the Institution was not to be held responsible for what might be said. When the first lecture was given, the Rev. John Pierpont, after Introducing the lecturer, added' "I am requested by Professor Henry to an I24 Perl/cy's Reminizscences. nounce that the Smithsonian Institution is not responsible for this course of lectures. I do so with pleasure, and desire to add that the Washington Lecture Association is not responsible for the Smithsonian Institution." The satire was appreciated and received witll applause. Throughout the course Mr. Pierpolt repeated his announcement before each weekly lecture, I' I - I' I, SIR ISAAC'S EXPLANATION. and no sooner would he say, " I am requested," than the large audience would applaud. Isaac Newton, of Pennsylvania, was placed at the head of the Agricultural Bureau of the Patent Office by President Lincoln, and in due time lie became the head of the newly created Department of Agriculture. He was an ignorant, credulous old gentleman, quite rotund about the waistband, with snow-white hair and a mild blue eye. Educated a Quaker, he had acculnu Hydrauhli Rams. 125 lated some property by keeping an ice-cream saloon in Philadelphia, and he then established a farm, from which lie obtained his supplies of cream. At Washington he was known as " Sir Isaac," and many anecdotes were told at his expense. One year, when the expenditures of his department had been very great, and the Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture called on him to ascertain how he had used up so much money, Sir Isaac spluttered and talked learnedly, and at last concluded by saying: " Yes, sir; the expenses have been very great, exorbitant, indeed, sir, they have exceeded my most sanguine expectations." The Chairman was not satisfied. Looking over Sir Isaac's estimate for the year, it was found he had made requisition for five thousand dollars to purchase two hydraulic rams. "Them, gentlemen," said Sir Isaac, "are said to be the best sheep in Europe. I have seen a gentleman who knows all about them, and we should by all means secure the breed." Some wag had been selling Sir Isaac, and, much to his disgust, the Committee struck out the five-thousand-dollar item. SALMON PORTLAND CHASE was born at Cornish, New Hampshire, January i3th, 80o8; graduated at Dartmouth College in 1826; studied law at Washington with William Wirt, supporting himself by teaching school; commenced practice at Cincin ati in 1830: was United States Senator from Ohio. 1849-1855; was Governor of Ohio, 1855-L859; was again United States Senator, March 4th, i86i, and resigned the next day to bec Jme Secretar) of the Treasury under Presi ent Lincoln, which position he held until he resigned in September, 1864; was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, December 6th, 1864; presided at the impeachment tril of President Johnson in z866, and d.ed at New York, May 7th, 1873. CHAPTER XI. THE FORTUNES OF WAR. WAR r2ORRESPONDENTS-A PRECARIOUS POSITION-THE WASHINGTON PREnSS-COLONEL JOHN W FORNEY AND HIS TWO DAILY PAPERSFOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION AT WASHINGTON-RAISING COLORED TROOPS DISCOURAGED-SUCCESSFUL RECRUITING OF WHITES FOR UNION ARMIES-WAR ON GENERAL M'CLELLAN, AND HIS DEPOSITION-DEFEAT OF GENERAL POPE-RECALL OF GENERAL M'CLELLAN TO COMMAND-VICTORY AT ANTIETAM-GENERAL BURNSIDE IN CO\MM AND-HIS FAILURES AT FREDERICKSBURG-HIS RESIGNATION. WITH the war came the army correspondents. Dickens had previously introduced Martin Chuzzlewit to "our war correspondent, sir, Mr Jefferson Brick," several years previously, but the warlike experiences of the redoubtable Mr Brick were of a purely sedentary character, and his epistles were written at the home office. But Washington w-as now invaded by a corps of quick-witted, plucky young fellows, able to endure fatigue, brave enough to be under fire, and sufficiently well educated to enable them to dash off a grammatical and picturesque description of a skirmish. Occasionally, one of them, by eulogizing a general in command, was enabled to go to the front as a gentleman, but generally they were proscribed and hunted out from the camps like spies. Secretary Stanton bullied them, established a censorship at Washington, and occasionally imprisoned one, or stopped the publication of the paper with which he corresponded. Hal126 War Correspondents. I27 leck denounced them as " unauthorized hangers-on," who should be compelled to work on the entrenchments if they did not leave his lines. General Meade was unnecessarily severe in his treatment of correspondents whose letters were not agreeable to him, although they contained " the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth." The result was that the correspondents were forced to hover around the rear of the armies, gathering up such information as they could, and then ride in haste to the nearest available telegraph station to send off their news. There were honorable and talented exceptions, but the majority of those who called themselves "war correspondents" were mere newsscavengers. The Washington press was despotically governed during the war. The established censorship was under the direction of men wholly unqualified, and on several occasions the printed editions of influential journalsRepublican or Democratic-were seized by Secretary Stanton for having published intelligence which he thought should have been suppressed. Bulletins were issued by the War Department, but they were often incorrect. It was known that the Washington papers, full of military information, were forwarded through the lines daily, yet the censors would not permit paragraphs clipped from those papers to be telegraphed to Boston or Chicago, where they could not appear sooner than they did in the Richmond papers. The declaration, " I am a newspaper correspondent," which had in former years carried with it the imposing force of the famous, "I am a Roman citizen," no longer entitled one to the same proud prerogatives, and journalists were regarded as spies and sneaks. Colonel John W. Forney, Secretary of the United 128 Perley's Remzinzscences. States Senate and editor of the Philadelphia Press, establlshed the Sunday Chronzcle at Washington, and in time made it the Daziy Chronicle. When in Washington he was constantly dictating letters for the Press and editorials for the Chronicle. When in Philadelphia, he dictated editorials for the Press and letters for the C/tronzcle Each paper copied his letters from the other. When in New York he dictated editorial letters to his papers alternately, and they were signed " J. W. F." His Washington letters to the Press and his Philadelphia letters to the Chronicle were signed " Occasional," though the most remarkable thing about them was their regularity. The Washington Chronzcle received editorial and other contributions from some of the ablest writers in the country. Editorials on foreign topics were supplied by Dr. R. Shelton Mackenzie, of the Philadelphia Press. Robert J. Walker wrote a series of powerful articles on the desirableness of Secretary Seward's pet project, the acquisition of Alaska, and Caleb Cushing was a frequent editorial contributor. It had a large circulation, the Army of the Potomac taking ten thousand copies a day, and the lucrative advertising of the Department was given to it. Independence Day, 1862, was not joyously celebrated at Washington. The martial pageant with which the day had been glorified in years past had been replaced by the stern realities of war, and the hospitals were crowded with the sick, the wounded, and the dying. The week previous General McClellan, after a campaign of great severity in the Peninsula, and having been in sight of Richmond, had been so crippled by the failure of Secretary Stanton to send him more troops that he had been forced to retreat from Chicka Armizng the Negroes. I29 hominy, and seek the shelter of the gunboats on the river James. The President, at the request of the Governors of the loyal States, promptly called into the service an additional force of three hundred thousand men. Those who had advocated the arming of the negroes availed themselves of the occasion to urge their enlistment, but the Secretary of War, in conlversation with conservatives, opposed it. Mr. Mallory, of ARMY MOVEMENTS IN THE PENINSULA. Kentucky, stated on the floor of the House (and his statement was never contradicted) that, having business at the War Department, Mr. Stanton called him back, and, folding over the date and signature of a letter, showed him that an officer had asked authority to raise a regiment of blacks. The Secretary inquired what answer ought to be given, to which he (Mallory) replied, "If you will allow me to dictate an answer, I I30 Perley's Reminiscences. would say, emphatically, No 1" The Secretary rejoined that he had not only done that, but had ordered the officer's arrest. The people responded gloriously to the demand for more troops, and by the middle of August, 1862, they were pouring into Washington at the rate of a brigade a day. The regiments, on their arrival, were marched past the White House, singing, " We are coming, Father Abrahani, three hundred thousand more." And " Father Abraham " often kindled their highest enthusiasm by coming to the front entrance and in person reviewing the passing hosts. The troops then crossed the Potomac, where the hills were whitened with the tents of camps of instruction, where an army of reserves was soon produced. Mr. Greeley, however, was not satisfied with the military preparations, and he published an insolent letter to President Lincoln, in which he charged him with being " disastrously remiss in enforcing the laws." Mr. Lincoln replied, calmly but positively: "t I would save the Union. I would save it in the shortest way, under the Constitution. If I could save the Union without freeing any slaves I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that. What I do about slavery and the colored race, I do because I believe it helps to save the Union, and what I forbear, I forbear because I do not believe it would help to save the Union. I shall do less whenever I shall believe that what I am doing hurts the cause, and I shall do more whenever I believe doing more will help the cause. I shall try to correct errors when shown to be errors, and I shall adopt new views so fast as they shall appear to be true views." I iii-, 1\1 I, 3C, Irq',-4 Ir II: 1' I -. —=~.~~~~~ —~.r - ~-~ ~~~~~~~ -~-~~~ ----.;..;. L ~~ ` ~\ =t-sr 1 ~.-:U-ri ~T- ~ ---~~-~ I '1'1/jl iI ' I 'II1'I 1I!(:1il/1 j I I/,iii I /jI II 1' ''jl ji'I ' ' ' I'' 1] i i ji, itrli:li ii 1 II 1)(1;(I 1 9 132 Perley's Remznzscences. President Lincoln finally found that he could not sustain General McClellan any longer, and offered General Burnside the command of the Army of the Potomac, which was promptly and peremptorily declined. General McClellan was soon virtually deposed, and General Halleck placed in command, while a large portion of the Army of the Potomac was organized as the Army of Virginia, and placed under the command of Major-General John Pope, who boasted that he was fresh from a campaign in the West, where he had " seen only the backs of rebels." The result was that the new commander was not cordially supported, and that the Army of Virginia was wrecked beyond compare, and driven back upon Washington, which was threatened by the victorious Confederates. General Burnside was, for the second time, invited to take command, but he refused, urging President Lincoln to restore General McClellan. This was undoubtedly the wish of a large majority of the surviving officers and soldiers, and of many leading members of Congress and journalists. The recall of General McClellan to command, and his victory at Antietam, were like a romance. Sitting one day in his tent near Alexandria, with only his body-guard of a hundred men under his command, he was called to save the capital from the vast hosts of enemies that were pouring on it resistless columns. To save his native State from the Invasion that threatened it, and Maryland from the grasp of a soldiery that would wrest it from the Union, he was offered an army shattered by disaster, and legions of new recruits who had never handled a musket or heard the sound of a hostile cannon. The responsibility was greater than had ever been reposed on the shoulders of one man since the days of Washing Marching Northward. I33 ton. With a rapidity never equaled in history, he gathered together the army, arranged its forces, made up his corps, chose his generals, and sent them in vigorous pursuit, through Washington and on northward. The enemy had crossed into Maryland and were / I 7 ff1j7A ~ ~ -7) -I I, 1 - 1-1 11 -I --- -- -- —,-, - '11;:,I" -, -- I " -1 - N.-, t I - - --— 7:- - — = IN VIGOROUS PURSUIT having a triumphant march through that State toward the Pennsylvania line. They issued a sounding proclamation to the people, offering them what they called liberty from oppression, and they acted out the theory of their mad invasion, which was that they were victors and had come to reap, on loyal grounds, the fruit of their victories. 134 Perley's Reminiscences. On Sunday the gallant men of the Union Army were on them. They were swept over the South Mountains with the besom of destruction. On Monday, astonished to meet McClellan, when they had expected to meet those whom they less feared, they called their hosts over the Potomac and prepared for battle. McClellan had previously arranged his strategic plans, and these undoubtedly would have resulted differently but for the inexplicable surrender of Harwhen Thursday mcClellan GENERAL A. E. BURNSIE.s Ferry, leaving engagshowed them in a on of our army, and the inevitablong and furous cothat awaitednthe, they left the field, abandontestd the night of unded nesday closing in on them defeated, dispirited, and broken, and E A E Buing showed the disposition of our army, and the inevitable defeat that awaited them, they left the field, abandoned their wounded, and fled into Virginia, pursued and routed by the army of the Union. Having gloriously performed this great work, General McClellan's stubborn inaction returned, and President Lincoln' determined to place General Burnside in command of the Army of the Potomac. General Burnside reluctantly accepted the command when it was for the third time tendered im, and lost no time in putting its divisions in motion for a Failure on the Rappahannock. I35 rapid advance upon Fredericksburg. Had he found the pontoon train there, as he had expected, he could have thrown a heavy force across the Rappahannock before the enemy could have concentrated to resist his crossing, and he then could have commenced an active, vigorous campaign against Richmond. But before the pontoons had arrived the Confederates had strengthened their forces, and the result was two unsuccessful attacks, with a large loss of men. The country howled with wrath against the Washington officials, who had delayed sending the pontoons, but General Burnside stood up squarely and said, in his open, honest manner, "For the failure in the attack I am responsible." Learning that Generals Hooker, Newton, Franklin, Cochrane, and others had been intriguing against him and urging his dismissal, General Burnside promptly issued an order dismissing them from the service of the Union. President Lincoln would not consent to this and permit the dismissal of these demoralized officers, whose partisan prejudices had overshadowed their loyalty to their commander General Burnside then resigned, General Hooker was appointed his successor, and the Army of the Potomac went into winter quarters on the north bank of the Rappahannock. AMBROSE EVERETT BURN*IDE was born at Liberty, Indiana, May 23d, 1824; graduated at West Point in 1847; served in the Mexican and Indian Wars, and in the War for the Suppression of the Rebellion; was Governor of Rhode Island, I866-i868; was United States Senator from March 4th, 1875, until his death at his residence in Bristol, Rhode Island, September 13th, i88i. CHAPTER XII. SOCIAL LIFE OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN. MEETING OF CONGRESS- PROCLAMATION OF EMANCIPATION — NEW YEAR'S DAY AT THE WHITE HOUSE-GROWLINGS BY COUNT GUROWSKI -THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC-CHRISTMAS AT THE HOSPITALSHENRY WIKOFF IN TROUBLE —PRESIDENT LINCOLN ILL WITH THE VARIOLOID-DEFEAT OF GENERAL HOOKER AT CHANCELLORSVILLEVICTORY OF GENERAL GRANT AT VICKSBURG-SUBLIME SPEECH OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN AT GETTYSBURG. HEN Congress met in December, I862, many Republicans were despondent. The Administration ticket had been defeated in the elections of the preceding month in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Illinois, while in other loyal States the majorities had fallen off-the total returns showing the election of fifty-nine Republican Representatives against forty Democratic Representatives. This encouraged the Abolitionists to urge the emancipation of the slaves, while the conservatives protested against it, but Mr. Lincoln contented himself by saying "You must not expect me to give up the Government without playing my last card." The Proclamation of Emancipation, issued by President Lincoln on the ist of January, 1863, marked an era in the history, not only of the war, but of the Republic and of the civilized world. Four millions of human beings, who had been kept in slavery under the protection of the Federal Government, were prom136 New Year's Receptzou. '37 ised their freedom by the Commander-in-Chief of the army, as a "military necessity," and the pledge was completely redeemed. In coimmemoration of this event the colossal group entitled " Emancipation," located in Lincoln Park, was erected by contributions solely from emancipated persons, and was dedicated April I4th, 1876, Frederick Douglass being the orator of the occasion. The entire work is twenty-two feet high, and the bronze work alone cost seventeen thousand dollars. New Year's Day was fair and the walking dry, which made it an agreeable task to keep up the Knickerbocker practice of calling on officials and lady friends. The President, members of the Cabinet, and other Government functionaries received a large number of visitors during the day At eleven o'clock all officers of the army in the city assembled at the War Department, and, headed by Adjutant-General Thomas and General Halleck, proceeded to the White House, where they were severally introduced to the President. The officers of the navy assembled at the Navy Department at the same time, and, headed by Secretary Welles and Admiral Foote, also proceeded to the President's. The display of general officers in brilliant uniforms was an imposing sight, and attracted large crowds. The foreign Ministers, in accordance with the usual custom, also called on the President, and at twelve o'clock the doors were opened to the public, who marched through the hall and shook hands with Mr Lincoln, to the music of the Marine Band, for two or three hours. Mrs. Lincoln also received ladies in the same parlor with the President. With the Emancipation Proclamation Washington was treated to a volume of the published diary of Count Gurowski, who had been employed as a transla 7I 1 --- ---- -~- --- -I - l~ --- X^**WnX.__: Hiw L -;- - H —Ie..:. -—. I; ----5 X damC~-.-~=~= — 5- -- —. I __..0-:~:__.~~~~~,,= ~1~ --- C —~ 5 ----a ---- ~ — ~~ --- —EANCIATIO MONUMENT. --- — '-11 Gurowki's Growls. 139 tor in the Department of State and as a purveyor of news for Mr Greeley. His book was one prolonged growl from beginning to end. Even those whom its author seemed inclined to worship at the commencement found their share of abuse before they finished. Introducing the Blairs, of Missouri, with frequent complimentary allusions in his opening chapters, about the middle of his work Gurowski packed them off to i I dcI,, "GO!" Hades with the rest, and left the reader in despair at the prospects of a nation governed by such a set of imbeciles and rogues as our public men were represented to be by the amiable Pole. As he assailed everybody, those who read the book were sure to find the particular object of their individual dislike soundly rated with the rest. The author of this production was a singular-look 140 Perley's Remizzscences. ___ ~ing old man, small in stature stout of figure, ugly X iI n nfeature and disfigured / 4by a pair of green goggles. Gurowski was un-, sparing in his criticisms..~ He set down Seward as '.~ " ~:3 ~... t-x' -./ 2.77_ /'/ Ar...47,.:, ""I"/ N -- THE SOLDIERS' CHRISTMAS. writing too much, Sum ner as a pompous, verbose N talker; Burnside as a h swaggering West Pointer '"1'-i and Hooker as a casual ___________,e ':.:.:: "~'.:..'. ~):~:,, ":, ~,t,~ f,.....: taler;Bursie a a ' '~ " ----~!-.~: i~i STM: _'~xe~ '-:'~'~ 1' and ookr asa csual, '' -i Christmas zn Camp. 141 hero. He became so offensive to Mr. Sumner that one morning, after listening to a torrent of his abuse, the Senator arose from his desk, went to the door of his library, opened it, and said to the astonished Pole, "Go!" In vain were apologies proffered. Mr Sumner, thoroughly incensed, simply repeated the word " Go!" and at last the astute Gurowski went. The Army of the Potomac, in comfortable quarters on the north bank of the Rappahannock, received generous contributions of holiday cheer The marching hosts of Israel were jubilant over a supply of quails, but the Army of the Potomac had showered upon it (by express, paid) a deluge of turkeys, geese, ducks, mince-pies, pickles, and preserves. Of course, the inexorable provost marshal seized all spirituous liquors, but there were ways and means by which this Maine law was evaded. In many a tent there were cylindrical glass vessels, the contents of which would have been pronounced whisky were not that fluid " contraband," with many a quaintly shaped flask of Rhenish wines. Nor was it forgotten that there was encircling the metropolis.a score of hospitals, in which thousands and thousands who had fought the good fight were being nursed into health, or lay tossing on beds of pain, sooner or later to fall into that sleep that knows no waking. These brave patients were not forgotten. The same spirit which prompted the wise men of the East to carry at Christmas-tide presents of "gold, frankincense, and myrrh" to the infant Jesus, "God's best gift to humanity," inspired the Union men and women at Washington with a desire to gladden the hearts of the maimed and scarred and emaciated men who had periled their lives that the Republic might live. Not only did " maidens fair and matrons grave " I42 Perley's Reminiscences. toil that the hospital patients might enjoy holiday cheer, but Senator Sumner and other leading-Republicans used to go from hospital to hospital, from ward to ward, from bedside to bedside, encouraging by kind words those who were the martyrs of the war. In the — IIl ^k CHRISTMAS IN THE HOSPITALS. Campbell Hospital, under the charge of Surgeon J. H. Baxter, of Vermont, there was a theatre, in which performances were given every night to cheer those who were convalescent. Henry Wikoff, having admitted before a Committee of the House of Representatives that he had filed at Lincoln as a Slory-feller. I43 the telegraph office, for transmission to the New York Herald, portions of the President's message, he was asked how he obtained it. This he declined to state, saying that he was " under an obligation of strict secrecy." The House accordingly directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to hold Wikoff in close custody, and he was locked up in a room hastily furnished for his accoummodation. It was generally believed that Mrs. Lincoln had permitted Wikoff to copy those portions of the message that he had published, and this opinion was confirmed when General Sickles appeared as his counsel. The General vibrated between NVikoff 's place of imprisonment, the White House, and the residence of Mrs. Lincoln's gardener, named Watt. The Committee finally summoned the General before them, and put some home questions to him. He replied sharply, and for a few minutes a war of words raged. He narrowly escaped Wikoff's fate, but finally, after consulting numerous books of evidence, the Committee concluded not to go to extremities. While the examilnation was pending, the Sergeant-at-Arms appeared with Watt. He testified that he saw the message in the library, and, being of a literary turn of mind, perused it; that, however, he did not make a copy, but, having a tenacious memory, carried portions of it in his mind, and the next day repeated them word for word to WVikoff. Meanwhile, Mr. Lincoln had visited the Capitol and urged the Republicans on the Committee to spare him disgrace, so WAatt's improbable story was received and Wikoff was liberated. President Lincoln, when a Congressman came to bore him for an appointment or with a grievance, had a pleasant way of telling a succession of stories, which left his visitor no chance to state his case. One day, a 144 Perley's Remzizscences. Representative, who had been thus silenced, stated hi. experience as follows. " I've.been trying for the last four days to get an audience with the President. I have gone to the White House every morning and waited till dark, but could not get a chance to speak to him until to-day, when I was admitted to his presence. I told him what I wanted, and supposed I was going to get a direct answer, when, what do you think? Why, he started off with, 'Do you know, I heard a good thing yesterday about the difference between an Amsterdam Dutchman and any other "dam" Dutchman.' And then he commenced telling his stories. He told three, and I didn't listen to a word he said. I was mad enough to knock the old fellow down. But the worst of the whole thing was that just as he got through with the last story in came Secretary Seward, who said he must have a private conference with him immediately. Mr. Lincoln coolly turned to me and said, ' Mr. -—, can you call again?' Bother his impudence, I say, to keep me listening to his jokes for two hours, and then ask me to call again!" President Lincoln was quite ill that winter, and was not inclined to listen to all the bores who called at the White House. One day, just as one of these pests had seated himself for a long interview, the President's physician happened to enter the room, and Mr. Lincoln said, holding out his hands: " Doctor, what are those blotches?" "That's varloloid, or mild small-pox," said the Doctor. "They're all over me. It is contagious, I believe?" said Mr. Lincoln. "Very contagious, indeed," replied the Esculapian attendant. "Well, I can't stop, Mr. Lincoln; I just called to see how you were," said the visitor. "Oh! don't be in a hurry, sir," placidly remarked the Executive. "Thank you, ~ Dark Days. I45 sir; I'll call again," replied the visitor, executing a masterly retreat from a fearful contagion. " Do, sir," said the President. "Some people said they could not take very well to my proclamation, but now, I am happy to say, I have something that everybody can take." By this time the visitor was making a desperate break for Pennsylvania Avenue, which he reached on the double-quick and quite out of breath. On the 2d and 3d of May, i863, General Hooker was most disastrously defeated at General Lee had eral weeks later, when command,"'nd hi moved northward into Pennsylvania, exacting contributions from towns, and destroying - manufacturing estabmac had hurried across Maryland to attack im, General Hooker GENERAL JOSEPH HOOKER. e him, General Hooker resigned almost on the eve of the battle of Gettysburg. General Meade was placed in command, and his gallant conduct on that occasion gave great satisfaction to President Lincoln, although he was sadly disappointed that the invaders had not been followed and annihilated. Meanwhile General Grant was besieging Vicksburg, which had been well called "the Gibraltar of the Mississippi," and the people, who had become heart-sick of I46 Perley's Remilzzicences. military engineering, began to lose courage. At 'one time President Lincoln actually determined to supersede General Grant by General Banks, but the latter, on arriving at the scene of hostilities, saw that everything had been done that could be done, and that the end was near at hand. On the 4th of July, General Pemberton asked for a proposition of terms, and General Grant replied " Unconditional surrender." On the 2oth of November, 1863, President Lincoln, accompanied by his Cabinet, Vice-President Hamlin, the Governors of several States, and a brilliant staff of officers, attended the dedication of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg The address was delivered by Edward Everett, whose head was whitened with the snows of seventy winters, but whose form was as erect, his complexion as clear, and his voice as musical as it was when he had been a Representative in Congress years before. He had then said that he would buckle on his knapsack in defense of slavery; now he eulogized those who had laid down their lives in the work of its destruction. But his well memorized and finely rounded sentences were eclipsed by President Lincoln's few words, read in an unmusical treble voice, and concluding with the sublime assertion, "that the nation shall, under God, have a new birth of freedom, and that governments of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth." GaoftRG GORDON Mi^ADE, born December 3oth, 1815, at Cadiz, Spain, where his father was located in the United States service; graduated at West Point in 1335; entered the artillery service and was engaged in the Seminole and Mexican Wars, and in August, 186T, was made Brigadier-General cf Volunteers; Major-General, 1862; Commander-in-Chief of Army of the Potomac, June 28th, 1863: won the Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863; continued to command the Army of the Potomac until the close ot the war. Died at Philadelphia, November 6th, 1872. CHAPTER XIII. CIVIL AND MILITARY INTRIGUES. WAR LEGISLATORS-MEDAL VOTED TO GENERAL GRANT-NEW YEAR'3 RECEPTIONS AT THE WHITE HOUSE AND AT THE RESIDENCES OF OFFICIALS-GENERAL GRANT PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF LIEUTENANT-GENERAL-HE LEADS THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC THROUGH TERRIFIC BATTLES TO VICTORY-RESIGNATION OF MR. CHASE AS SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY-HIS APPOINTMENT AS CHIEF JUSTICEPRESIDENTIAL SCHEMING. CHUYLER COLFAX was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives. When Congress met on the 7th of December, 1863, among the new members sworn in were Generals Garfield and Schenck, of Ohio, and Deming, of Connecticut, who had seen service; Mr. James G. Blaine, who had been the editor of the Portland Advertiser, and Mr. James G. Brooks, who had for many years edited the New York Express, with Brutus J. Clay, of. Kentucky; George S. Boutwell and Oakes Ames, of Massachusetts, and other prominent men. One of the first acts of Congress was to vote a medal of thanks to General Grant for the victories which he had won at Missionary Ridge and at Chattanooga. On one side of this medal was his profile, surrounded by a wreath of laurel, with his name, the date and authority of the presentation, and, on the encircling work, a star for each State. On the reverse was a figure of Fame, seated in the heavens with emblems of prosperity and power; while upon 1o I47 148 Perley's Remznzscences. various parts of the work the names of Grant's chief victories were inscribed. At the New year's reception Mr. Lincoln was in excellent spirits, giving each passer-by a cordial greeting and a warm shake of the hand, while for some there was a quiet joke. Mrs. Lincoln stood at his right hand, wearing a purple silk dress trimmed with black velvet and lace, with a lace necktie fastened with a pearl pin; her head-dress was ornamented with a white plume. Secretary Seward was there, sphinx-like MEDAL VOTED GENERAL GRANT and impassible. Governor Chase seemed somewhat perplexed, balancing, perhaps, between the succession to the Presidency or the Chief Justiceship; Secretary Welles' patriarchal form towered above the crowd, and there were a few Senators and Representatives, a majority of either House being, on dit, enjoying the hospitalities of New York. But the army officers, as they came in from the War Department, headed by General Halleck, presented an imposing display, some with epaulettes and feathers, but a majority in battle attire. A Brighter New Year's Day. I49 The naval officers, headed by Admiral Davis, also presented a fine appearance. At twelve o'clock, the portals were thrown open, and in poured the people in a continuous stream. For two hours did they pass steadily along, a living tide, which swept in, eddied around the President and his wife, and then surged into the East Room, which was a maelstrom of humanity, uniforms, black coats, gay female attire. and citizens generally. Vice-President Hamlin kept open house at his residence on F Street, and the Secretaries were all at their homes. At Governor Seward's, Mrs. Fred Seward did the honors, assisted by Miss Seward and a friend from Auburn, while at Governor Chase's his recently married daughter, Mrs. Senator Sprague, and Miss Chase welcomed many friends. Mayor Wallach entertained his visitors with old Virginia hospitality, and at many private residences there were the traditionary bowls of egg-nog and of apple-toddy. The friends of General Grant in Congress urged the passage of a bill to revive the grade of LieutenantGeneral of the army. It met with some opposition, especially from General Garfield, who opposed the bill mainly on the ground that it would be improper at that stage of the war to determine and award the greatest prize of the conflict in the way of military preferment to any one of the distinguished Generals of the army. It would, he thought, be far more fitting for Congress to wait until war was over, and see whose head towered above the rest in the army, and then give this crown to the one whose head had risen highest. Notwithstanding this opposition, the bill was passed by both Houses, approved by the President on the ist day of March, i864, and the next day he sent to the I50 Perley's Remznzzcences. Senate the nomination of Ulysses S. Grant, which was confirmed immediately, and General Grant was summoned to Washington in person. He wore a plain, undress uniform and a felt hat of the regulation pattern, the sides of the top crushed together. He generally stood or walked with his left hand in his trousers pocket, and had in his mouth an unlighted cigar, the end of which he chewed restlessly. His square-cut features, when at rest, appeared as if carved from mahogany, and his firmly set under-jaw indicated the unyielding tenacity of a bulldog, while the kind glances of his gray eyes showed that he possessed the softer traits. He always appeared intensely preoccupied, and would gaze at any one who approached him with an inquiring air, followed by a glance of recollection and a grave nod of recognition. It was not long after his arrival before Secretary Stanton realized that he was no longer supreme, and the Army of the Potomac, which had virtually dictated to its successive commanders, found that the time had come when obedience was imperative, no matter what the loss of life might be. When General Grant called on the President, he met with a hearty reception, and Mr. Lincoln, taking him into a private room, repeated to him a story from a comic article by Orpheus C. Kerr, satirically criticising the conduct of the war. It was a story about Captain Bob Shorty and the Mackerel Brigade and the Anaconda Policy-something about generals in the field being hampered by a flood of orders. When he had finished his story, he told General Grant that he did not care to know what he wanted to do, only to know what was wanted. He wished him to beat Lee. How he did it was his own lookout. He said he did not Grant's Promotion, i5' wish to know his plans or exercise any scrutiny over his operations. So long as he beat the rebel army he was satisfied. The formal presentation of the new commission as Lieutenant-General was made in the GRANT RECEIVING HIS COMMISSION AS LIEUTENANT-GENERAL. presence of Cabinet officers and other distinguished guests, and was in all respects a notable historic scene. On the 4th of March, General Grant ordered a forward movement, and General Meade crossed the Rappahannock with the Army of the Potomac one hundred and seventeen thousand strong. It was understood I52 Perley's Reinizscences. that soon after the forward movement was commenced, General Meade hesitated about crossing the stream under a heavy fire, but General Grant peremptorily ordered him to move forward. This was alluded to in a letter sent to a Philadelphia newspaper by Mr. Edward Crapsey, a native of Cincinnati, who had been reputably connected with several leading journals. He said in his correspondence: " History will record, but newspapers cannot, that on one eventful night during the present campaign Grant's presence saved the army and the nation, too. Not that General Meade was on the point of committing a great blunder, unwittingly, but his devotion to his country made him loath to lose her last army on what he deemed a last chance. Grant assumed the responsibility, and we are still 'On to Richmond!'" When the newspaper containing this paragraph reached the Army of the Potomac, General Meade issued an order that Mr. Crapsey be arrested, paraded through the lines of the army, with a placard, marked " Libeler of the Press," and then be put without the lines and not be permitted to return. This humiliating punishment was carried out in the most offensive manner possible, and Mr. Crapsey, after having been escorted through the camp on horseback, bearing the offensive label, was sent back to Washington. The terrific battle of the Wilderness followed, and General Grant telegraphed for recruits, saying, " We have ended the sixth day of very heavy fighting. The result at this time is very much in our favor. Our losses have been heavy, as well as those of the enemy. I propose to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer." General Lee, wishing to force General Grant back to the defense of Washington, ordered a corps under Gen Fighzing Close at Home. I53 eral Early to attack the Union capital, which, was thought to be guarded only by a few regiments of heavy artillery and by a home brigade of quartermasters' clerks, improvised by Quartermaster-General Meigs. On the i 2th of July, i864, the advance-guard of the Confederates, commanded by General Breckinridge, came within the defenses of Washington, where they were, to their great surprise, confronted by the veteran Sixth Corps, under General Wright, and after a few volleys had been exchanged they precipitately retreated, and hurriedl y recrossed th e Potomac. This brief en- sharp-shooters fire, Cabinet gageme fight. It was witnessed froutskirts of th e natonal arapet ofStretchers iort Stevens by Presi-man there of dent Lincoln, whoith the President of the would not retire until preceding elecan officer was shot. & down w ithin a few feetthe scene. of him, when he CARRYING OFF THE WOUNDED. luctantly stepped below. Sheltered from the sharp-shooters' fire, Cabinet officers and a group of society ladies watched the fortunes of the fight. It was no mock-battle that they witnessed on the outskirts of the national metropolis. Stretchers soon conveyed the dying and wounded to the hospital in the rear of the fort, and the graves remain there of those who fought and fell, with the President of the United States and his competitor at the preceding election on opposite sides, interested spectators of the scene. Meanwhile Mr Chase, provoked because the President overruled him, had resigned his position as Secre 154 Perley's Reminzscences. tary of the Treasury, and Mr. Fessenden had been appointed in his place. Mr. Chase desired the Presidential nomination, and an organization was formed with Senator Pomeroy, of Kansas, at its head to secure the election of Chase delegates to the next National Republican Convention. Meanwhile Chief Justice Taney died in October, 864and Mr Sumner imme CHIEF JUSTICE TANEY diately urged the President to appoint Mr. Chase as his successor. There was then much dissatisfaction with Mr. Lincoln's Administration, and the friends of Mr. Chase were openly and secretly urging his nomination. When Mr. Sumner came to Washington he renewed his request that Mr. Chase be appointed, and he had several interviews with Mr. Lincoln on the subject. Lincoln and Sumner. '55 One day Mr. Lincoln proposed to send for Mr. Chase and frankly tell him that he wanted to nominate him as Chief Justice, that he would make the greatest and best Chief Justice the country had ever had, and that he would do so if he would only give up all idea of being elected President. Mr. Sumner replied that such a statement, however frank it might be, would never answer, as It would not only extemptin, to purchase an opponent, but it would be offensive to M r. Chase, as an at-e tempt to extort from him a pledge that he would never be a candida te for the Presi C t ndency Mr. Lincoln, who was quick-witted, saw "AND YOU, TOO, MR. SUMNER." the force of Mr. Sumner's argument, and pleasantly said " Well, take this card and write on it the name of the man you desire to have appointed." Mr. Sumner wrote "Salmon P. Chase," and Salmon P. Chase was promptly nominated on the 6th of December, I864. Mr Sumner urged the immediate confirmation of the appointment, and having carried it, hastened from the Senate Chamber to congratulate the new Chief Justice. As he came out of the room in which he conveyed the news he met Mrs. 156 Perley's Reminiscences. Kate Sprague, who shook her index finger at him and said: "And you, too, Mr. Sumner? Are you in this business of shelving papa? But never mind, I will defeat you all!" Mr. Sumner used to relate this incident as showing how he had been rewarded for what he regarded as one of the most praiseworthy acts of his life. Besides, Mr. Lincoln was not the only candidate for the Presidential chair who would lose a rival by the appointment of Judge Chase. Mr. Sumner had strong aspirations in that direction, but I doubt if he regarded the bench of the Supreme Court as a stepping-stone to the White House. Had the Senate found Mr. Johnson guilty on the impeachment charges, and had Ben Wade thus become President, Mr Sumner would have been his Secretary of State, and I am not sure that this did not influence Mr. Fessenden in his vote of " Not guilty." Had General Grant offered Mr. Sumner the same position it would have been accepted with the understanding that he was to direct the foreign policy of the country untrammeled. ^/ — ^- ~ In the Senate Chamber. 393 entered in full uniform, escorted by Senator Blaine, ite was greeted with applause, which continued as he passed around the rear of the Demnocratic seats to the main aisle, the Senators all being seated on the Republican side. For a few minutes he held a sort of general levee, and was then escorted to a seat in front of and left of the Vice-President, being again greeted with applause. General Sheridan. when he entered, was also MAJOR-GENERAL HANCOCK MAJOR-GENERAL HANCOCK. applauded. The two Generals sat side by side and each was accompanied by his staff. Sir Edward Thornton headed the Diplomatic Corps, which came in a body, nearly all wearing the resplendent court dresses of their respective nations, and decked with their ribbons, stars, and other insignia of knighthood. The President of the United States was announced, and all rose as Mr. Hayes entered, escorting General 394 Perley's Reminizscences. Garfield. The General wore a suit of black cloth, with a black neck-tie, over which his collar was turned down. They were shown to seats in the centre of the Chanmber. Mr Wheeler presented AIr Arthur, who made a well-worded speech, and was then sworn in by MIr Wheeler, who in turn made a few remarks, alluding to the good feeling that had always been shown toward him and returning his thanks therefor. His last official act was performed in declaring the Senate of the Forty-sixth Congress adjourned sine die. Speaker Randall then entered, followed by the Representatives, who filled up what vacant room remained. The Chaplain invoked the blessings of Divine Providence upon the incoming Administration, and asked that prosperity, health, and happiness might attend those whose connection with the Government had ceased. While this prayer was being offered both Mr. Hayes and Mr Garfield rose and remained standing President Hayes' proclamation convening a special session of the Senate was read by the Secretary. The roll of the new Senate was then called, and the newly elected Senators were sworn in. Announcement was made that the Senate, the Supreme Court, and the invited spectators would proceed to the east portico of the Capitol to participate in the ceremonies of the inauguration. The greater portion of those in the Senate Chamber, however, did not wait, but started in a most undignified manner for the platform. This was erected over the lower flight of steps leading up into the eastern portico. In the front and centre was a raised stage, on which was the chair once used by Washington. General Garfield occupied this seat of honor, with President Hayes on his right and Chief Justice Waite on his left. Scenes at the Inaugural. 395 It was an impressive scene. Behind, as a background, rose the Capitol in its sublime grandeur and with its many memories; all around were the dignitaries of the country, with many ladies, whose ribbons and flowers gave brilliancy to the scene, and in front was an immense sea of upturned faces with lines of bristling bayonets, flags, plumes, and bright uniforms. When silence had been secured General Garfield rose, -., ~ THE PRESIDENT AND HIS MOTHER. took off his overcoat, advanced to the front of the stand, and delivered his inaugural address in clear tones and with ringing accents. His face was stronger in those traits that indicate mental power than in classical outlines, and the likeness between him and his mother was noticeable as the evidently delighted old lady sat listening to him. She was the first mother who had heard her son deliver his inaugural as Presi 396 Perley's Remznzscences. dent of the United States. When General Garfield had concluded and the applause had somewhat subsided, the Chief Justice advanced toward him, and the two stood facing each other. The Chief Justice then administered the prescribed oath, which was reverentlally taken, and then President Garfield received the plaudits of the people. While the inaugural was being delivered the sun had shone brightly. President Garfield's first act was to kiss his mother and his wife. He then received the congratulations of those around him, and after waiting a few moments for this purpose, was escorted again to his carriage, which was driven to the reviewing stand in front of the White House. Here General Garfield witnessed the long procession pass in review, the bands playing patriotic airs and the officers saluting The excellent marching and welldressed ranks of the passing military was the theme of great praise from the prominent officers and distinguished civilians before whom they passed, and the thousands of spectators who occupied the stands and sidewalks opposite applauded often and loudly. Divlsion after division, brigade after brigade, regiment after regiment, company after company, marched proudly past, forming the finest military display ever witnessed at Washington since the great war reviews, " when Johnny calne marching home." Pennsylvania contributed the largest body of troops. The New York Ninth, although late to arrive, was much complimented, and so was the Maryland Fifth; the Boston Fusileers also attracted marked attention. General Sherman was proud of his procession, and he had reason to be. The numerous military commands and civil organizations, the excellent bands, the prancing steeds, the waving plumes and flags, the bright swords and bayonets, and Izazugurafztn Bald. 397 the public spirit which animated the long array, all combined to render the scene a stirring one. It was five o'clock before the military had all passed the reviewing stand, and some of the political organizations which had to leave Washington did not pass in review. Going from the reviewing stand to the White House,. President Garfield was welcomed by his aged mnother and his family. He then lunched with Mr. and Mrs. NATIONAL MUSEUM BUILDING. Hayes, who soon afterward left for Secretary Sherman's, where they passed the night. It was fortunate for those who wished to indulge in the time-honored custom of dancing at an inauguration ball that the Government had just comnpleted an immense building for a national museum, which was fitted up for the occasion. Wooden floors were laid by the acre and carefully waxed, and the building was simply yet tastefully decorated. A heroic statue of " Liberty," which stood in the central rotunda of the building 398 Perley's Rcminizscences. holding aloft a beacon torch, was the first object that struck the visitors on entering Flags were lavishly displayed, and the high, arched ceiling was almost hidden by a network of evergreens and flowers. President and Mrs. Garfield arrived at the building about nine o'clock and were received by the Committee, Hon. George Bancroft escorting the President. Mrs. Garfield was dressed wMth great taste. She wore a dress of light heliotrope satin, elaborately trimmed with point lace, a cluster of pansies at her neck, and no jewelry. Mrs. Hayes, who was escorted by Hon. John Alley, wore a cream-colored satin dress trimmed with ermine. The supper was served in a temporarily constructed "annex," where preparations were made for seating five hundred persons at a time. The caterer provided fifteen hundred pounds of turkey, one hundred gallons of oysters, fifty hams, three hundred and fifty pounds of butter, seven hundred loaves of bread, two thousand biscuits, one thousand rolls, two hundred gallons of chicken salad, fifteen thousand cakes, one hundred and fifty gallons of ice-cream, fifty gallons of jelly, fifty gallons of water ices, two hundred and fifty gallons of coffee, and other delicacies in proportion JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD waO born at Orange, Ohio, November 19tl, 1831; served in the Union Army;s Colonel, Brigadier-General, and Major-General, 186I-1863; was a Representative from Ohio, 1863-188; was President of the United States from March 4th, i88T, until having been assa - sinated on the morning of Saturday, July 2d, he, after weary weeks of torture, died at Elberon. N. J.,on the seashore, September i9th, 1881. CHAPTER XXXVI. CHANGES AND DISSENSIONS. REPUBLICANS DEPRIVED OF THEIR MAJORITY IN TliE SENATE-RIVAL NEW YORK FACTIONS-DECLARATION OF HOSTILITY AGAINST SENATOR CONKLING-CONTEST OVER THE CONFIRMATION OF THE COLLECTOR OF NEW YORK-RESIGNATION OF SENATORS CONKLING AND PLATT-SIGNIFICANT SPEECH BY SENATOR MAHONE-A DEFIANT CHALLENGE-INAUGURATION OF THE STATUE OF FARRAGUT-PRESIDENT GARFIELD AT THE COLLEGE FOR DEAF MUTES. HE Senate, which met in executive session when General Garfield was inaugurated, showed many changes. Vice-President Wheeler, who had served in Congress long and well, was replaced by General Arthur, whose war record in the State of New York had won him many friends. Senators Allen Thurman and Matt. Carpenter were missed by their legal friends, but among the new Senators was the ponderous David Davis, "learned in the law" General Hawley replaced Mr Eaton, and with him there came from the House Messrs. Conger, Mitchell, and Hale. One of the silver kings of the Pacific slope, Mr. Fair, of Nevada, was naturally an object of attention. As chosen, the Republicans had a majority in the Senate, but the transfer of Messrs. Blaine, Windom, and Kirkwood to the Cabinet gave the Democrats a temporary ascendency. The arrival of Mr Frye, elected as the successor of Mr. Blaine, and of Mr McDill, appointed as the successor of Mr Kirkwood, 399 400 Peiley's Remiznscences. secured a tie, and the casting vote of Vice-President Arthur enabled the Republicans to secure the control of the committees. The caucus of Republican Senators nominated Senator Anthony for President pro tcnmpore when the Vice-President should vacate the chair; George C. Gorham for Secretary, and Harrison H. Riddleberger, Sergeant-at-Arms. The Democratic Senators refused to permit the election of Messrs. Gorham and Riddleberger, and as seven Senators could at any time prevent " action by motions to adjourn, a dead-lock ensued, which lasted from March 23d until May ioth, when the t Republicans graceful' ' ly surrendered, per/ ue mlitting the Democrat1 I c officers of the Senn ate to retain their ' ~places. i /.l. eanwhile t h ere was trouble among SENATOR JOSEPH R. HAWLEY among the Republican Senators, caused by the rival factions in the State of New York. Early in March several nominations of men who were ostensibly supporters of Mr. Conkling were made unexpectedly to hllfi, and a day or two later the Senate was treated to a genuine surprise in the nomination of W. H. Robertson to be Collector of the Port of New York. The astonishment could not have been greater if the name of Samuel J. Tilden had been sent in. No intimation of such an intention had Garfield's Cabziet. 401 leaked out. Neither Arthur, Conkling, nor Platt WAYNE MACVEAGH, ATTY.-GENERAL.,..I. v' ',\'~',%,,' THOMAS L. JAMES, POSTMASTER-GEN. WILLIAM VV I-DOM, SECT. OF THE TREASURY. JAMLS C. BLPINE, SECT. OF STATE. WILLIAM M. HUNT, " D ROBERT T LINCOLN, BECT. OF THE NAVY. SECT OF WAR. SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD, 8EOT. OF THE INTERIOR. PRESIDENT GARFIELD'S CABINET dreamed of such a thing. It was a square blow at Conkling, at the very time when he and his friends 402 Perley's Reminzscences. were congratulating themselves as being on top. When Vice-President Arthur opened the list of nominations in the Senate, his eye lit first upon the name of Robertson for Collector. He turned the paper down so as to leave that name uppermost, and send it to Senator Conkllng The latter, upon glancing at it, walked rapidly over to Senator Platt, showed it to him, and they held a whispered conference. After the Senate adjourned, it was learned that the nomination was especially objectionable to them. It was subsequently stated that in New York city the preceding summer, at Mentor the previous February, and at the White House on the Sunday night before the Wednesday on which Judge Robertson's nomination was sent to the Senate, General Garfield had agreed not to make any appointments for New York unless they were satisfactory to the Republican organization of that State, and that they were to be submitted to the Vice-President and the two Senators from that State. At the interview held on the Sunday night previous to the nomination of Judge Robertson, Senator Conkling had especially objected to him, saying, among other things, that while he objected to having him in the New York Custom House, yet if the President should nominate him to a foreign mission, he would go out in the lobby and hold his nose while the Senate confirmed him. The objectionable nomination was, however, made, and it was immediately evident that it meant war between the Garfield Administration and Senator Conkling. The next day, while the Senate was in executive session, the President's secretary appeared at the door with a communication, which was handed to the Vice-President, and by him to the Executive Clerk, and read. The Garfield-Conkhlng Dzfficully. 403 When it arrived Conkling was sitting at his own desk, buried in a voluminous letter. He never raised his eyes from his letter, nor moved a muscle of his face or body while the Clerk monotonously read the lnomentous message, withdrawing, not Robertson, but all the nominations of men for the leading New York offices who were acceptable to the Senator The arrow went home, of course, but the wounded one betrayed no sign of pain. The nomination was referred to the Committee on Commerce, of which Mr. Conkllng was chairman, and was there pigeon-holed until issue on it was squarely made in the Senate and in the Republican party Republican Senators, who visited the White House or the Departments in search of offices for their hen-hmen, were plainly told that their votes in favor of the confirmation of Judge Robertson's nomination would be expected. The Democratic Senators were also looked after, and among other means resorted to in order to disarm their opposition was a letter signed by every Democratic member of the New York Legislature, addressed to Senator Pendleton, chairman of the Senatorial caucus, urging the confirmation of Judge Robertson. It would make an Administration and an anti-Administration faction in New York Republicanism, and would secure the State to the Democrats. Senator Conkling was not idle, and he appealed to the "Senatorial courtesy" of those around him to defeat the obnoxious nomination, but in vain. Senator Jones, of Nevada, and a half-dozen Democrats were all the strength that he could command, and the nomination of Judge Robertson was confirmed. Senator Conkling immediately left the Senate, taking his colleague, Senator Platt, with him, and they appealed to 26 404 Perley's Reminiscences. the Legislature of the State of New York, expecting that they would be triumphantly re-elected, and, thus indorsed, would return to the Senate with flying colors, conquering and to conquer The exodus of Senators Conkling and Platt left the Republican Senators again in a minority, and as it was evident that Senator Davis would not aid in electing Senator Anthony President pro tem., VicePresident Arthur did not vacate the chair prior to the close of the session, and thus render it necessary to elect a temporary presiding officer. The most noticeable event of the executive session was a three hours' speech by Senator Mahone, of Virginia, in reply to the bitter personal attacks that had been made on him by the Democrats since he had acted with the Republicans. No speech for years had attracted a greater audience, even the diplomatic gallery being crowded. Prominent among the many ladies present were Mrs- Secretary Blaine and Mrs. Kate Chase Sprague, accompanied by her three young daughters. The Supreme Court was present in a body, having adjourned on account of the funeral in the family of Justice Field. Representatives, still hunting for office, abandoned the White House for once, while each Senator seemed to have a score of secretaries, so many persons being admitted upon secretaries' cards The Speaker was surrounded by Anthony, Morrill, Allison, Conger, and other leading Republicans. On the opposite side was Davis, of West Virginia, with a snowy white spot on his dark chin beard. Wade Hampton's military waxed moustache and haughty countenance'was beside the genial face of Senator Pendleton, and next caine the sagacious round head of Senator Beck, with close-cut, curling Mah/one's Speech. 405 hair. Ingalls, of Kansas, a tall, slim collegian —" the bluejay of the plains "-clad ill blue from head to foot, and with a bright blue ribbon encircling his slender throat, stood somewhat back of the seats. Senator Voorhees' form towered in the shadow of the cloak-room. Senator Conkling, who had not yet left the Senate, "Ficl- d'eIre mo," sat in the middle aisle, dressed in a mixed brown business suit, with a bit of red handkerchief showing above the breast pocket. Senator Mahone was just recovering from a temporary indisposltlon, and his voice was faint and thin, but his bearing was defiant as he rose, with his pointed beard streaming over his breast, and adjusted his goldrimmed eye-glasses. A mass of public documents and newspapers were piled on his desk, with an ominous display of cut lemons, showing that he expected to be compelled to strengthen his voice. His weight at that time was but ninety pounds, and those ninety pounds must have been composed of brain and voice and sinew, for, notwithstanding his evident feebleness, he spoke calmly and earnestly for three hours. As for the speech, those who came expecting to witness a renewal of the outburst of passion and Invective which characterized his first appearance in the Senate, when he made his impromptu, eloquent reply to the savage assaults of Senator Ben. Hill, of Georgia, went away disappointed. There was very little that was personal in his speech, but there was enough to show that the Virginia Senator intended on all occasions to take care of himself, and that it would be wise for the Bourbons to forego personalities in their future debates with him. Those who came to hear a careful explanation of the debt question in Virginia, as it was understood by the Refunders, and to listen to an exposltion of the opposl 406 Perley's Reminzscences. tion to Bourbonism, of which General Mahone was a leader, went away enlightened, if not fully satisfied. The speech was not intended as a philippic; it was designed as a careful exposition of the Virginia debt question, as an argument in support of the Readjuster party, and an arraignnent of the Bourbons. It was one of the old style, solid political speeches, customary with Southern orators, which were much sought and generally read in the cross-roads counties of the Old Dominion, where the telegraph and the newspapers had not usurped the ancient functions of the Congressiznal Record. Senator Mahone indicated, possibly, a line for future aggressive debate in the Senate when he called upon the leaders of the different schools of finance and tariff in the Democratic party to stand up and tell him who was the leader of the party He was unable to say whether it was the stalwart Greenbacker, Mr Voorhees, the stalwart hard-money man, Mr. Bayard, or the author of the Ohio idea, Mr Pendleton, and he called upon Mr. Voorhees, whose silver eloquence, he said, he had heard could make the water of the Wabash flow backward, to answer the inquiry at his leisure. The general assaults upon him personally Senator Mahone repelled by a disclaimer and the Scotch quotation ending, "If thou sayest I am not peer, To any lord of Scotland here, Highland or Lowland, far or near, Lord Angus, thou hast lied." In conclusion, Senator Mahone declared that to him and to those who supported him the Solid South had become a mere geographical expression, that he and they stood for the right of freemen, and that he, in the t Honor to Farragut. 407 name of the brave men who stood behind him, would guarantee to the North that thereafter in Virginia there should be a full and free ballot and an honest count. THE FARRAGUT STATUE. President Garfield's first appearance in public after his inauguration was at the unveiling of the statue of Farragut, which was the work of his protege, MArs Vinnie Ream Hoxie. A procession was formed at the 408 Peirley's Rc z n ziscences. Capitol, and was headed by Commodore Baldwin, as Grand Marshal, with the Naval School Cadets as an escort. The naval division, commanded by Captain Meade, included the battalion of marines and band, two FARRAGUT IN THE SHROUDS. infantry battalions of sailors and bands, and a battalion of naval light artillery, dragging their howitzers. The army division, commanded by Colonel Pennington, included the Second Artillery band, four batteries of Dedicatzng the Statue. 409 artillery armed and equipped as infantry, and a light battery. The militia division, commanded by Colonel Webster, included the volunteer infantry companies of Washington, white and colored, with a battery of artillery. The procession marched to the statue, where seats had been provided for invited guests. When the troops had been massed near by, Rev Arthur Brooks offered prayer, and the canvas covering was then removed from the statue by Quartermaster Knowles, of the navy, who was ordered by the executive officer of the Hartford to follow Farragut up the shrouds during the engagement in Mobile Bay, and to lash him to the rigging, which he did. Bartholomew Diggins, who was captain of Farragut's barge, then hoisted the Admiral's flag on a mast planted near the pedestal, the drums beat four ruffles, the trumpets sounded four flourishes, the Marine Band played a march, and an Admiral's salute of seventeen guns was fired from a naval battery, the troops presenting arms at the first gun and coming to a " carry " at the last. Brief addresses were then delivered in turn by President Garfield, Horace Maynard, and Senator Voorhees. The Marine Band played " Hail to the Chief," and was followed by an Admiral's salute of seventeen guns, during which the troops presented arms, drums beat, trumpets sounded, and bands played, and at the last gun the Admiral's flag was hauled down. The column then re-formed, and marched in review before the President at the Executive Mansion. President Garfield, later in the spring, conferred the degrees at the College for Deaf Mutes at Kendall Green, just north of Washington. The graduates delivered addresses in sign language, while one of the Periey's Remnzscelnces. College professors read their remarks from manuscript, very few of the audience understanding the gestured speech Thle President concluded a neat little address by saying. " During many years of political life in one way or another, I always looked upon this place as a neutral ground, where we all, no matter what the political differences were, could meet, all trying to make _-_~ —! ~- — _ ~< --- --,-U COLUMBIAN COLLEGE FOR DEAF MUTES. this institution worthy the capital, and I hope to see this unchanged by any political vicissitudes that can happen." President Garfield showed deep practical interest in all educational measures. He had learned by his own experiences how rough the road to literary eminence may be. He had received for himself when a boy the Garfield's Interest zn Learning. 4Ii slender aid of a winter school in a country district, he had fed his early mental cravings with the narrow store of borrowed books in a rural section, but he had studied diligently and worked hard to enter college and to graduate, and his subsequent life for many years was one of unintermitted mental toil. No wonder, therefore, that institutions of learning received his constant attention. DAVID DAVIS was born in Cecil County, Maryland, March 9th, IS15; was graduated from Kenyon College in 1832; studied law at the New Haven Law School; was admitted to the bar, and commenced practice at Bloomington. Illinois, in I836; was Judge of an Illinois Circuit Court, 1848-1862; was appointed by President Lincoln a Judge of the Supreme Court of the United States in October, i862, and served until March 5th, i877, when he resigned to take his seat as United States Senator from Illinois; when Vice-President Arthur became President he was chosen President pro tempore of the Senate, and served until March 3d, i883, and died at Bloomington, I'linois, June 26th, I886. CHAPTER XXXVII. THE ASSASSINATION GARFIELD'S DOMESTIC FELICITY-HIS MASONIC AND LITERARY RELATIONS-THE GARFIELD FAMILY AT THE WHITE HOUSE-PERPLEXITIES ENVIRONING THE ADMINISTRATION'-MIS. GARFIELD THE FIRST LADY IN THE LAND-HER ILLNESS-THE ASSSASSINATION-THE LONG AGONY -DEATH OF PRESIDENT GARFIELD-FUNERAL CEREMONIES XT WASHINGTON-INTERMENT AT CLEVELAND-TRIAL OF GUITEAU-HIS CONVICTION AN D EXECUTION ENERAL GARFIELD was a singularly do(mestic man, and his life while he was a Representative, at his pleasant home on I Street, was a happy one. Believing in the power of steady and sincere labor, he mastered language, science, literature, and the fine arts. Artists found in him a zealous advocate for their employment and remuneration by Congress, and he was thoroughly acquainted with the works of the old masters. He was a great lover of scrap-books, and he had in his library a shelf full of them, containing articles and paragraphs relating to the subjects lettered on their back. In this work Mrs. Garfield rendered him valuable aid, cutting and sorting the scraps which he would mark in newspapers, and then pasting them into the scrap-books. Freemasonry was very dear to General Garfield, who was a regular attendant on the meetings of the lodge, chapter, and encampment with which he was affiliated. He was the President of a literary association, the 412 Garfield's Home Life. 4T3 meetings of which he used to attend with great regularity. Occasionally he went to the theatre or to a concert, and I well remember the delight which he manifested when attending the " readings " of Charles Dickens. When the " Christmas Carol" was read, as Mr Dickens pronounced the words, Bless his heart, it's Fezziwig alive yet," a dog, with double bass vocalism, stirred, perhaps, by some ghostly impulse, responded: "Bow! wow! wow!" with a repetition that not only brought down the house wildly, but threw Mr. Dickens hilnself into such convulsions of humor that he could not proceed with his readings. " Bow! wow! wow!" was General Garfield's favorite greeting for months afterward when he met any one whom he knew to have been at the lecture. The White House, during the short time that General Garfield was permitted to occupy it, was a continued scene of domestic enjoyment. "Mother " Garfield had an honored place at the family table at her son's right hand, and was always waited on first, whoever else might be present. On the other side of the President sat Jamie, who was his father's pet. Harry, the oldest boy, always sat next his mother, and then Miss Mollie, who was approaching womanhood, Irwin, and little Abram, who was but nine years of age. Mrs. Garfield was a believer in good fare, and there was always an abundance of wholesome, nutritious food, with good coffee, tea, and milk. Flowers from the conservatory adorned the table at every meal. After dinner President Garfield used to indulge in a game of billiards, having promptly restored to its place the billiard-table banished by Mrs. Hayes Occasionally he would indulge in a cigar, and he was not averse to a glass of champagne or Rhine wine or lager beer, 4I4 Perley's Remzniscences. although he drank temperately and without hypocrisy. He liked, as night came on, to take a gallop on horseback, and he was a fearless rider. General Garfield displayed the advantage of having been regularly " trained " for his Presidential position. He heard the stories of all with a sympathetic manner that inspired confidence. He knew how to free himself from those who attempted to monopolize too much of his time, and he never gave place-hunters reason to believe that their prayers would be granted when he knew that it would not be so. There was not, after all, such a crowd of office-seekers as might have been expected at the commencement of a new Administration. Some members of the Cabinet had scores of political mortgages out, which they were called upon to redeem, and which gave the President a great deal of trouble. Then came the rejection of a Solicitor-General by the Senate, whose appointment was not acceptable to the pragmatical Attorney-General, New York troubles, the forced exposure of the Star-route scandals, and other antagonisms, rivalries, and dissensions. The Garfield Administration was on the verge of dissolution within four months after its creation. Mrs. Garfield, familiarly called by her husband " Crete," held four successive receptions of invited guests immediately after the inauguration, at which her deportment and dress met with the heartiest commendation of " society " Lady-like, sweet-voiced, unruffled, well informed, and always appropriately dressed, she was eminently fitted to be " the first lady in the land," and she quietly yet firmly repelled any patronizing attempts to direct her movements. She had a natural aversion to publicity, but was anxious to entertain the thousands who flocked to the White House. i3Mrs. Gaifield's Illness. 415 To a stranger she appeared reticent and rather too retiring to make him feel at home, but the second and third time he saw her he began to appreciate her sterling, womanlike qualities, and to like her. During the Presidential campaign Mrs. Garfield had been iunder a mental strain, and when installed in the White House the struggle between the contending New York factions gave her great uneasiness, for she possessed a complete mastery of politics. At last she was taken ill, and called in a lady physician, a responsible middle-aged woman, homceopathic in practice, who had sometimes attended the children. When she grew worse they summoned Dr Pope, a homceopath of skill and reputation, and gave the case into his hands, retaining the lady as nurse. Last of all, as the physician wished consultation, they sent for Dr. Boynton, of Cleveland, a cousin of the President and a physician of good local practice. It was decided that Mrs. Garfield should seek change of air, and she left Washington and her husband for Long Branch, little dreaming that she should never see him again in health. Then came the fatal morning of Saturday, July 2d, when-as we are told by Mr. Blalne, who accompanied him-General Garfield was a happy man, feeling that trouble lay behind him and not before him, that he was soon to meet his beloved wife, recovered from an illness that had disquieted him, and that he was going to his Alma Mater to renew the most cherished association of his early manhood. Thus gladsome, he entered the station of the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad, strong, healthy, and happy. There was a succession of pistol-shots, and he fell helpless, doomed to weary weeks of torture as he slowly descended throughl the martyr-gate into his grave. 4i6 Perley's Remznzscences. The nation was inexpressibly shocked as the news of the assassination spread over the wires, and the deep anxiety which pervaded the popular mind showed the warm and intense love felt for their President, who was the incarnation of their own institutions. A special train carried Mrs. Garfield to Washington, bearing up ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT GARFIELD. under her weight of sorrow with true womanly fortitude, and on her arrival she had the satisfaction of finding her husband alive and able to converse with her. There were hopes that with his heroic and clheerful courage, and his naturally strong constitution, he might struggle back to vigorous life. The bulletins issued twice a day by the physicians in attendance PRESIDENT GARFIELD'S DEATH AT ELBERON, N. J. 4I8 Perley's Reminiscences. gave hopes, generally, of the ultimate recovery of the suffering patient, but there are good reasons for believing that these bulletins -did not give a correct statement of the sufferer's condition. The President's family physician, Dr. J. H. Baxter, was not allowed to see him, and eminent surgeons, while they believed that death was inevitable, asserted that the entire diagnosis of the case was wrong from the beginning to the end. Meanwhile the patient endured pain with the calmness of a martyr, and he gazed on death with the eye of a philosopher. "I am not afraid to die," said he, "but I will try to live." He was finally taken to the seaside, and there he breathed his last. His remains were conveyed to Washington, attended by his bereaved family, President Arthur, General Grant, and other distinguished persons, and escorted to the Capitol by the Knights Templar and the military Twenty-nine weeks previous, when General Garfield had gone in state, in the strength of his manhood, along Pennsylvania Avenue, the Via Sacra of our Republic, to assume the responsible duties of Chief Magistrate, the bands had played patriotic airs, and he had received the loud acclaims of his fellow-citizens. Now, as his mortal remains passed over the same route in a hearse drawn by six white horses, the lively music was replaced by the solemnin strains of funeral marches, and sorrow appeared to fill every heart. The casket was laid in state beneath the great dome of the Capitol, within a short distance of the spot where, on the 4th of March previous, the occupant had pronounced his inaugural address. For two days thousands of citizens, of all classes, conditions, and nationalities, reverentially filed past the coffin and gazed upon the wasted form and pallid lineaments of 1-4 t! er ~z H H H '-4 H -CI 420 Perley's Reminiscences. the deceased. On Friday the afflicted widow took the last look at the face of the dead, and after she had left the impressive funeral ceremonies were performed. The remains were then escorted by the military, their arms reversed, their flags shrouded, and their bands wailing dirges, to the depot where the assassination took place, where they were placed on a railroad train to be conveyed to Cleveland with his family and a large number of distinguished mourners. The funeral train arrived at Cleveland on the afternoon of September 24th, and on the 26th the remains of the nation's second martyr President were consigned to their last resting-place, amid the flashing lightning and the rolling thunder of a severe storm. The day was consecrated all over the country to manifestations of respect for the memory of the dead, and messages of condolence were flashed beneath the Atlantic from the leading foreign powers of the Old World, expressing their regard for the memory of a ruler who had endeared himself to the wide world by the heroism of humanity As the muffled bells in fifty thousand steeples tolled the burial hour, the hearts of fifty millions of people beat in homage to the deceased President, whose remains were being entombed on the shore of Lake Erie. Public and private edifices were lavishly decorated in black, there were processions in the Northern cities, and funeral services in many congregations, eliciting the remark that the prayers of Christian people in all quarters of the globe " following the sun and keeping company with the hours," had circled the earth with an unbroken strain of mourning and sympathy Criticism was silenced, faults were forgotten, and nothing but good was spoken of the dead. Charles Guiteau, the cowardly wretch who assassin 0 C12 z I')..;,:::::. T - - I'; PF I t 422 Pei-ley's Rcminziscences. ated General Garfield, was a native of Chicago, thirtysix years of age, short in stature, and with a well-knit, stout frame. He had led a vagabond life, and had come to Washington after the inauguration of General Garfield, seeking appointment to a foreign consulate, and when lie found himself disappointed, his morbid imagination sought revenge. Attorney-General MacVeagh, who was then bent on making political mischief by the Star-route prosecutions, made himself ridiculous when General Garfield died by asserting that the United States had jurisdiction over the cottage in which the President died, and endeavoring to exclude the New Jersey authorities. He then appeared to take no interest in the prosecution of Guiteau, and although he had employed eminent legal talent in the Star-route and Howgate cases, he gave District Attorney Corkhill no aid in the trial of the assassin until President Arthur gave peremptory instructions that Messrs. Porter and Davidge should be employed. They came into the case at a late day, and were forced to depend almost wholly upon the District-Attorney for bearings. Colonel George A. Corkhill, the District Attorney, was a native of Ohio, then forty-four years of age. After graduating from the Iowa Wesleyan Uliversity, he entered Harvard Law School, where he remained over a year, when, at the breaking out of the Rebellion, he entered the army, serving faithfully until the close of the war After having practiced at St. Louis, he married a daughter of Justice Miller, of the Supreme Court, and came to Washington in 1872 as editor of the Dazly Czrontic/cl In January, i88o, President Hayes appointed himni District Attorney From the day on which General Garfield was shot, Colonel Corkhill began industriously to "work up the Colonel Co-rk/tizl. 423 case." He obtained the evidence, studied precedents, hunted up witnesses, and, unaided by any other counsel, had Guiteau indicted and arraigned. The admirable preparation of the case, the spirit of justice, the fairness so liberally extended to the prisoner and his counsel, and the judicious and effective conduct of the COLONEL GEORGE A. CORKHILL. trial to a just and satisfactory conclusion were mainly due to him. His management of the case from the start was beyond all praise. From his opening speech he displayed great good sense, added to a perfect understanding of the facts, a marked talent for criminal practice, thorough judgment of men, and an extraordinary dignity of bearing. With admirable temper and 424 Perley's Reminiscences. self-control, he submitted to indignity and insult in the court-house, which the judge was unable to restrain, and to unmerited obloquy, without arousing misapprehension and misconstructlon. The trial lasted eleven weeks, but it could not be said to have been a wearying or tiresome exhibition. On the contrary, none of the sensational plays that had been in vogue for years past had been crowded with more dramatic situations and unexpected displays. This most remarkable of criminal trials came at last to an end, and the promptitude of the jury in rendering a verdict of " guilty," conveyed a sharp rebuke to the lawyers who spent so many wearisome days in summing up the case. In due time atonement for the great crime was made on the scaffold, so far, at least, as human laws can go. The nation then rested easier and breathed freer, happy in the fact that the meanest of cowardly knaves had passed to his long account. PHILIP HENRY SHERIDAN was born at Somerset, Ohio, March 6th, I831; was graduated from the Military Academy at West Point, and commissioned as Brevet Second Lieutenant July ist, 1853; served on the Pacific coast, and at the outbreak of the War for the Suppression of the Rebellion was Chief Quartermaster of the Army of Missouri; distinguished himself as a cavalry commander; he was made Brigadier and then Major-General of Volunteers, and received the commission of Major-General in the regular army for his gallantry at Cedar Creek, October i9th, 1864, when he achieved a brilliant victory for the third time in pitched battle within thirty days; was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General March 4th, 1869, and became Commander of the Army on the retirement of General Sherman, February 8th, 1884. CHAPTER XXXVIII. VICE-PRESIDENT ARTHUR BECOMES PRESIDENT. THE DEPLORABLE CALAMITY- MENTAL ANGUISH OF VICE-PRESIDENT ARTHUR-HE TAKES THE OATH AT NEW YORK, AND REPEATS IT AT WASHINGTON-INDIVIDUAL PREFERENCES SUBORDINATED TO PUBLIC WELFARE-PRINCIPLES OF THE NEW ADMINISTRATION —EXECUTIVE VETOES -CHANGES IN THE SENATE-LEADING SENATORS-MR. BAYARD PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE ONE DAY-SENATOR DAVID DAVIS CHOSEN TO PRESIDE PRO TEMPORE. WHEN President Garfield was assassinated Vice-President Arthur was on his way from Albany to New York, on a steamboat, and received the intelligence on landing That night he went to Washington, where he was the guest of Senator Jones, who then occupied the large granite house directly south of the Capitol, erected a few years previously by General Butler. On the evening of July 4th, when the President's death seemed imminent, Secretary Blaine visited Mr. Arthur and said " The end is at hand, the President is dying; you must prepare to assume the responsibilities which the Constitution places upon you in such an event." Mr. Arthur, sick with sorrow, reluctantly accepted as true the statement respecting the President's condition, and replied that when the Cabinet and Justice Field, the senior Justice of the Supreme Court, then in Washington, should call upon him, he would be ready to take the oath of office. Soon afterward, while wait425 426 Perley's Reminiscences. ing in sorrowful expectation that the next moment might bring 1111him the sact news that the President had died, the door-bell was rung violently, and an orderly handed in a message from Secretary Blaine, which the;'.>., CHESTER ALAN ARTHUR. Vice-President eagerly snatched, opened, and read. " Thank God!" he said, handing it to Senator Jones. It announced that with the rising of the cool breeze, the President's condition had changed for the better No apprehension of his immediate death was entertained. The Great Calanzzty. 427 The next miornin,~ a correspondent who called on the Vice-President alluded to editorials in a Democratic paper at Louisville, and a Republican paper at New York, connecting his name and that of Senator Conk THE BUTLER HOUSE. ling with Guiteau's crime. The Vice-Presidelnt seemed deeply moved by these insinuatloios. " No one," he said, " deplores the calamity more than Senator Conkling and myself. These reports are so base and so un 428 Perley's Renzznzscences. founded that I cannot believe they will be credited. They do not affect Senator Conkllng and myself as much as they do the entire country. They are a slur upon our institutions, an attack upon the integrity of republican government. Good God! if such a thing were possible, then liberty is impossible. Such a calamity as this should be treated as national not only by every citizen, but by the entire press of the country Party and faction should be forgotten in the general grief." After condemning the perpetrator of the crime in -the strongest terms, the Vice-President said: " If it were possible for me to be with the President, I would not only offer him my sympathy, I would ask that I might remain by his bedside. All personal considerations and political views must be merged in the na. tional sorrow. I am an American among millions of Americans grieving for their wounded chief." The Vice-President remained at Washington until the President was taken to Long Branch. He continued to experience great mental anguish, never even alluding to the chances of his becoming President of the United States. He went from Washington to his own home in New York, where he received news of the President's death on the evening of its occurrence. It had been determined between Vice-President Arthur and the members of the Cabinet that in the event of the President's death his successor should be sworn in without delay. Justice Brady was sent for, and the -oath was administered in the presence of eight persons. At its conclusion the President, who had stood with uplifted hand, said, impressively, " So help me, God, I do!" A few moments afterward his son, Alan, approached and laying one hand on his father's shoulder, kissed him. The Oathz of Office. 429 President Arthur repeated the oath of office in the Vice-President's room at the Capitol on the twenty-second of September. The members of General Garfield's Cabinet, who had been requested by his successor to continue for the present in charge of their respective departments, were then present, with General Sherman in full uniform, ex-Presidents Hayes and Grant, and Chief Justice Waite, in his judicial robes, escorted by Associate Justices Harlan and Matthews. There were also present Senators Anthony, Sherman, Edmunds, Hale, Blair, Dawes, and Jones, of Nevada, and Representatives Amos Townsend, McCook, Errett, Randall, Hiscock, and Thomas. Ex-Vice-President Hailmhn, of Malne, and Speaker Sharpe, of New York, were also present. When President Arthur entered the room, escorted by General Grant and Senator Jones, he advanced to a small table, on which was a Bible, and behind which stood the Chief Justice, who raised the sacred volume,,opened it, and presented it to the President, who placed his right hand upon it. Chief Justice Waite then slowly administered the oath, and at its conclusion the President kissed the book, responding, " I will, so help me God!" He then read a brief but eloquent inaugural address. As President Arthur read his inaugural address his voice trembled, but his manner was impressive, and the eyes of many present were moistened with tears. The first one to congratulate him when he had concluded was Chief Justice Waite, and the next was Secretary Blaine. After shaking him by the hand, those present left the room, which was closed to all except the members of the Cabinet, who there held their first conference with the President. At this Cabinet meet 430 Peirley's Reminiscences. ing a proclamation was prepared and signed by President Arthur, designating the following Monday as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer. President Arthur soon showed his appreciation of the responsibilities of his new office. Knowing principles rather than persons, he subordinated individual preferences and prejudices to a well-defined public policy. While he was, as he always had been, a Republican, he had no sympathy for blind devotion to party; he had " no friends to reward, no enemies to punish," and he was governed by those principles of liberty and equality which he inherited. His messages to Congress were universally commended, and even unfriendly critics pronounced them careful and well-matured documents. Their tone was more frank and direct than was customary in such papers, and their recommendations, extensive and varied as they were, showed that he had patiently reviewed the field of labor so sadly and so unexpectedly opened before him, and that he was not inclined to shirk the constitutional duty of aiding Congress by his suggestions and advice. An honest man, who believed in his own principles, who followed his own convictions, and who never hesitated to avow his sentiments, he gave his views in accordance with his deliberate ideas of right. The foreign relations of the United States were conducted by Secretary Frelinghuysen, under the President's direction, in a friendly spirit, and, when practicable, with a view to mutual commercial advantages. He took a conservative view of the management of the public debt, approving all the important suggestions of the Secretary of the Treasury and recognizing the proper protection of American industry He was in favor of the great interests of labor, and opposed to Conscientfious Diligcncc. 43I such tinkering with the tariff as would make vain the toll of the industrious farmer, paralyze the arm of the sturdy mechanic, strike down the hand of the hardy laborer, stop the spindle, hush the loom, extinguish the furnace fires, and degrade all independent toilers to the level of the poor in other lands. The architect of his own fortune, he had a strong and abiding sympathy for those bread-winners who struggle against poverty. The reform of the civil setvice met with t President Arthur's earnest support, and his messages showed.r that every department of the Government had received his care- a ful admin nistration.-.... ple of Washington, he.:: ri had personally visited ": several sectionsof the United States, and ' { had especially made himself thoroughly SECRETARY F T FRELINHUYSENT acquainted with the great and complicated problem of Indian civilization. President Arthur's Administration was characterized by an elevated tone at home and abroad. All important questions were carefully discussed at the council table, at which the President displayed unusual powers of analysis and comprehension. The conflicting claims of applicants for appointments to offices in his gift were carefully weighed, and no action was taken until all parties interested had a hearing The President 432 Perley's Reminiscences. had a remarkable insight into men, promptly estimating character with an accuracy that made it a difficult matter to deceive him, or to win his favor either for visionary schemes, corrupt attacks upon the Treasury, or incompetent place-hunters. Possessing moral firmness and a just self-reliance, President Arthur did not hesitate about vetoing the "Chinese Bill," and the "Bill making Appropriations for Rivers and Harbors," for reasons which he laid before Congress in his veto messages. The wisdom and sagacity which he displayed in his management of national affairs was especially acceptable to the business interests of the country. They tested his administration by business principles, and they felt that so long as he firmly grasped the helm of the ship of state, she would pursue a course of peace and prosperity. President Arthur convened the Senate for the transaction of executive business on the ioth of October, 1881 The galleries of the Senate Chamber were filled at an early hour on that day, and those who had the privilege of the floor availed themselves of it. Roscoe Conkling's absence was, of course, noticed by those who had seen him occupying a seat in the very centre of the Senate Chamber during the past fourteen years. That seat was occupied by Angus Cameron, of Wisconsin, a gray-haired, tall, spare man, who lacked only the kilt and plaid to make him a perfect Scotchman. General Burnside's seat was occupied by Eugene Hale, a graceful and ready debater, while in the place of Mr. Blanme was Senator Frye, his successor Senator Edmunds returned rejuvenated, and although he appeared to miss his old friend and antagonist, Senator Thurman, he gave potent evidence during the afternoon of his ability as an intellectual gladiator, strong in argument, ready Organizing the Senate. 433 in retort, and displaying great parliamentary keenness and knowledge of affairs. Senator Anthony, the Republican nominee for the President of the Senate pro temporc, sat a quiet observer of the contest, and around him were Allison, Slierman, Dawes, Ingalls, Hoar, Logan, and the other Republican war-horses, with the more recent comers, including Hale, Mitchell, and Conger. With them, if not of them, was General Mahone, with the delicate frame of a woman, a large head covered with flowing brown hair, sharp, piercing eyes, a flowing beard, and a manner which showed his revolutionary instincts. Mr. Pendleton, portly and gentlemanly, was the central figure on the Democratic side, as their caucus Chairman. At the commencement of the session, the Democratic nominee for the Presidency-Bayard-sat by his side to give him counsel. Senator Harris, of Tennessee, who would have liked himself to be President pro tenz., was a better parliamentarian, to whom the rules and the manual were as familiar as " household words." Senator Jones, of Florida, the best Constitutional lawyer in the body, had some volumes of debates on his desk, and was examining the precedents. Senator Ben. Hill sat leaning back in his chair apparently rather dejected, but his countenance lighted up as he gave Edmunds a cordial greeting. Senators Lamar and Butler, and Ransom and Hampton, were all in their seats, and on the sofa behind them were ex-Senators Gordon and Withers, and a dozen or niore Democratic Representatives. After prayer had been offered and the President's proclamation had been read, Senator Pendleton offered a resolution declaring Mr Bayard President pro tomt Senator Edmunds adroitly endeavored to secure the 434 Perley's Reminzscences. admission of Messrs. Lapham, Miller, and Aldrich, but in vain. At first, Senator Davis voted with the Republicans in a low and undecided tone, but when the final vote came he did not vote at all. This was interpreted to mean that he would not vote, after the three Senators had. i":.'i ".;'.ii.::i:i;iisl:i.; i'i,:ii...::. i:.:.;;..::.......iii l:....: -- been adm itted, to.:;:1 ' ii;;jl. iiill Iiii ' oust M r Bayard, I: i..iii.:I:l i and without his!::: " '?, vote it could not I:.., be done..: ' I The next day Senators Lapham asnd presidller of New seveh yaYork, aal and Aldrich....., of Rhode Island, were duly qualified, and the Republii cans reversed the about wit r election of the presoe td ad fy ceding day by electing Senator David; Davis President:-:," \\. 'i \ jrO fe;ll. He w-as,: not willing to aid -...;,. in the election of ESCORTED TO THE CHAIR. Senator Anthony as presiding officer and he voted to oust Senator Bayard from the chair, but abstained from voting when his own name was presented by Senator Logan. Senator Davis, then in his sixtyseventh year, was a genial gentleman, and moved about with great activity, considering that he weighed sonme three hundred and fifty pounds. On that day- he Escor/ed to f/e Ch/air 435 was more carefully dressed than usual, wearing a black broadcloth coat, light trousers and vest, a white cravat, and low-quartered shoes. He knew what was ill store for him, and a placid snile showed his satisfaction. It was as good as a play to see him, his broad countenance wreathed in smiles, escorted to the President's chair by Senator Bayard, who had been deposed by his vote, and by Senator Anthony, who would have been elected if Davis would have voted for him In a brief speech he accepted the position as a tribute to the independent ground which he claimed to have long occupied in the politics of the country CHESTER ALAN ARTHUR was born at Fairfield, Vt., October 5th, I830; was graduated from Union College in 1845; studied law and commenced practice in New York city; was appointed by President Grant Collector of the Port of New York in November, 1871; was elected Vice-President on the Garfield ticket, and inaugurated, March 4th, I881; on the death of President Garfield, September i9th, i88i, he became President, serving until March 4th, 1885; died in New York, November I&th, x886. 28 CHAPTER XXXIX. THE CENTENNIAL OF YORKTOWN. PRESIDENT ARTHUR'S APPEARANCE-RECEPTION OF FRENCH AND GERMAN OFFICERS AT WASHINGTON-THEIR PRESENTATION TO PRESIDENT ARTHUR AT THE CAPITOL- DISPLAY OF FIREWORKS- THE YORKTOWN CELEBRATION-SECRETARY BLAINE'S ENTERTAINMENT TO THE NATION'S GUESTS-FETE AT THE FRENCH LEGATION P RESIDENT ARTHUR was a man of gracious presence, of good education, of extensive reading, and of courteous manners, refined by his having mingled in New York society He was always well dressed, usually wearing in his office a Prince Albert coat, buttoned closely in front, with a flower in the upper button-hole and the corner of a colored silk handkerchief visible from a side pocket. Dignified, as became his exalted station, he never slapped his visitors' shoulders, or called them by their Christian names, but he treated them as entitled to his consideration without that stilted courtesy which rebuffs even when veneered with formal civility He was a good listener and he conversed freely, although he carefully avoided committing himself upon political questions, and never indulged in criticisms of those arrayed in opposition to him. The code of etiquette first adopted by General Washington on the recommendation of General Hamilton, from which there had been departures in recent years, was re-established, except that President Arthur occasionally accepted invitations to dinner. He devot436 The Yorktown Centennzal. 437 edly cherished the memory of his deceased wife, before whose picture in the White House a vase of fresh flowers was placed daily, and he was affectionately watchful over his son Alan, a tall student at Princeton College, and his daughter Nellie, who was just entering into womanhood. Soon after the commencement of the October session of Congress, Washington was enlivened by the official reception of the French and German officers, who came as the nation's guests to witness the dedication of a national monument at Yorktown on the centennial of the victory which those nations helped the revolutionary colonists to win. The day was bright and sunny, and there was a general display of flags, those of France and Germany mingling with the stars and stripes. There were nearly forty of the guests, all wearing the uniforms of their respective positions. The Frenchmen regarded the Germans with manifest hatred, while the latter evidently remembered that their comrades had recently triumphantly occupied the French capital. The guests, under the escort of the French and German Ministers, were first driven to the Department of State. There, Assistant-Secretary Hitt received them at the foot of the staircase and led the way to the diplomatlc reception-room. There they were cordially received by Secretary Blaine, to whom each one.ras presented, and he then presented them to the other members of the Cabinet. Many complimentary remarks were interchanged, but there were no set speeches; and after remaining a quarter of an hour or so the guests re-entered their carriages and were escorted to the Capitol. Pennsylvania Avenue presented an animated appearance, the gay and varied dresses of the ladies at 438 Perley's Reminiscences. the windows and on the sidewalks forming a kaleidoscopic framework for the column of citizen soldiery. The District militiamen never looked better nor stepped more proudly, and five companies of colored men marched with the swinging gait of veterans. The civic portion of the procession was a failure, but this was atoned for by the well-organized Fire Department with its apparatus. Meanwhile, those fortunate in having received invitations congregated in the rotunda of the Capitol, which was still oreof othe milty heavily draped in black. ltts-in honor of the last assassinated President whose remains hadlain and ladies who had by the Chief Magisti strate to the represen HER tatives of our ancient L. DAWES. allies were General Sherman, wearing his showy gala uniform, a score or more of other military and naval officers, Senator Dawes and wife, Commissioner boring and wife, nearly all of the Senators, and a few Representatives. At last the nation's guests entered fro the eastern portico, preceded by Secretary Blaine and the French Minister, and walking by twos, according to their respective ranks. Passing around the southeastern wall, Reception of Guests. 439 the head of the column halted before the door leading to the House of Representatives. The gay uniforms worn by the greater portion of them relieved the sombreness of the black suits of their civilian associates. Monsieur Outrey, the French Minister, wore a black dress suit, while Herr von Schlozer, the diplomatic representative of Germany, appeared in a gold-embroidered court dress. The French army officers all wore red trousers, with the exception of one in white breeches and high boots, and their uniforms and equipments were very handsome. The Germans had a more soldier-like appearance, as if they meant business and not show. President Arthur, who had not removed from " Castle Butler " to the White House, came over, and for the first time occupied the President's room adjacent to the Senate Chamber. Secretary Blaine went there for him, and advanced with him to where the French Minister stood in the rotunda. President Arthur was attired in a full suit of black, with black cravat and gloves. The French Minister introduced the President to the French guests, and then the German Minister introduced him to the German guests. Secretary Lincoln then passed along the line with the army officers, and then came Secretary Hunt with the naval officers. Pleasant little speeches were exchanged, and there was no end of bowing and hand-shaking. As the hour of three approached, the Senators gradually returned to their desks in the Senate Chamber, and they found the galleries, which they had left empty, filled with ladies, whose bright attire was equal to the variegated hues of a bed of blooming tulips. Some routine business was transacted, and then the nation's guests, who had been accorded the privilege of 440 Perley's Remznzscences. the floor, came in, escorted by Mr. Blaine, and took a row of seats which encircled the chamber behind the desks. Senator Bayard then rose, and in an eloquent and graceful little speech alluded to the presence of the MARBLE CORRIDOR OF THE CAPITOL. distinguished citizens of our sister Republic of France and the Empire of Germany, who had come here to join in celebrating the victory of Yorktown. He concluded by asserting that he spoke the sentiments of the Fzreworks and Illunznaizon. 44I American Senate by saying that they were most welcome, and moved a recess of half an hour, that the Senators might individually pay their respects to them. The motion was carried amid loud applause, and then the visitors were presented to President David Davis and the Senators. When the introductions were over, the guests were shown to their carriages afid driven back to the Arlington. As the evening approached and the twilight deepened crowds flocked to the White House grounds and vicinity to witness the display of fireworks. Pennsylvania Avenue was brilliant with electric and calcium lights and myriads of paper lanterns. The fireworks were very excellent, and several of the pieces were loudly applauded. President Arthur and his Cabinet, with many Senators and Representatives, officers of the army and navy, and their ladies went with the nation's guests to Yorktown on a fleet of steamboats. There the Governors of the original States, each with a militia escort, with a military and naval force of regulars, joined in the centennial exercises. Virginia hospitality was dispensed on the Congressional steamer by Senator Johnston, Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements, who exceeded the liberal appropriation some twenty thousand dollars, much of which was for liquors and champagne. Congress finally voted the necessary amount without the filing of detailed vouchers. Secretary Blaine's entertainment to the nation's guests, at Wormley's Hotel, was the most sumptuous and enjoyable evening party ever given at Washington The doors connecting the parlors and those leading into the hall had been removed, and in their places were curtains of gray damask, bordered with cardinal 442 Perley's Reminzscences. red. The stars and stripes were conspicuously displayed, and there was a lavish display of rare plants, variegated foliage, and vines. From the keystones of the arches which divided the rooms were suspended floral globes, and the chandeliers were festooned with garlands. In the hall was the full Marine Band, in evening dress, with their string and reed instruments. A few moments before ten o'clock Secretary and Mrs. Blaine arrived, and took their position in the outside parlor, near the entrance. Mr Blaine was in excellent health and spirits, displaying that bonhomze for which he is so justly famed. Mrs. Blaine wore an evening dress of white brocaded satin, with a long train, trimmed with lace and pearls. An usher, who knew every one, and who could pronounce the names and give the rank of the numerous foreigners, announced the guests as they entered. The French were the first to arrive, followed by the Germans, and after they had paid their respects they were ranged next to Mr Blalne, and the other guests, as they arrived, were also presented to them The French and German officers wore their respective uniforms, with their decorations of various orders of knighthood, and the civilians were in full evening dress, many wearing decorations. Madame la Marquise de Rochambeau wore an evening dress of royal purple moire antique silk, trimmed with heliotrope plush and a profusion of rare lace. The Diplomatic Corps was out in force, and several of the Foreign Ministers were accompanied by their wives. Madame Outrey, wife of the French Minister, wore a white brocade with a sweeping train, trimmed with lace, and a rare set of diamonds. Madame Bartholomei, wife of the Russian Minister, wore a court An Eleganl Entertainzmenit. 443 dress of black satin brocade, trimmed with jet, and a magnificent set of emeralds and diamonds. The army was well represented, headed by General Sherman in his gala uniform, with its golden baldric, and there were Admirals and Commodores enough to man a vessel. The foreigners were much interested in Admiral Worden, who commanded the Monitor in the critical iron-clad fight. REAR-ADMIRAL JOHN L. WORDEN A quorum of the Senate was present, with their burly President, David Davis, and there were not a few Representatives, including Messrs. Kasson and Hiscock, the rival candidates for the Speakership. Senators Cameron, Bayard, Voorhees, and Butler were accompanied by their daughters. Chief Justice Waite and nearly all of the Associate Justices were present, and also the members of the Cabinet, with the exception of 444 Perley's Remnziscences. Attorney-General MacVeagh, who, of course, stayed away. The journalists invited, several of them accompanied by their wives, showed that Mr. Blaine never forgot his original calling The supper-table extended the whole length of the dining-room, and it was laid with exquisite taste. The ware was the finest Dresden china, much of the sillver was gilded, and the glass was of the newest patterns. A profusion of roses in low mounds set off these appointments to great advantage. As for the nmzcu, it comprised terrapin, canvas-backs, oysters, and saddles of mutton, with all the recognized masterpieces of French culinary art. Even the young French and German officers, who had scowled at each other as they had bowed salutations with formal politeness earlier in the evening, fraternized at the supper-table. I saw a young Frenchman look approvingly on as a stalwart German Captain effected an entrance into a Strasburg pie and dealt out its toothsome contents, and the Teutons, whose favorite tipple had been beer, kept up a fusillade of champagne corks as they filled the glasses of their fair partners. After the supper, the guests returned to the spacious parlors, where, to the witching strains of the Marine Band, the merry dancers chased the hours with flying feet until long after the midnight stars had struggled through the clouds. The next night, while the Von Steubens were at Baltimore enjoying the torchlight procession and the Fatherland songs of their countrymen, Mr. Blamne treated the French guests to a sight of the Capitol, brilliantly lighted up from dome to basement. Tile effect when seen from without was fairy-like, and within the noble proportions of the rotunda, the legislative halls, and the long corridors were disclosed to great advantage. Heavy Drzikzizg. 445 Later in the evening Monsieur Max Outrey, the Minister of France, gave a reception in honor of his visiting countrymen. It was noticeable that thisfc4e had been postponed until after the departure of the Gerianls, but Monsieur Outrey took care to mention that they had been invited, but had sent " a very sweet letter of regret." The home guests invited were generally those who were at Secretary Blaine's reception the night previous, but the ladies of the Legations were rather more handsomely dressed. Monsieur Outrey was enthusiastic in his praises of the liberal hospitality extended to his countrymen, who had, he said, drank more champagne since they had been in Washington than they ever drank in all their lives at home, and who were really getting fatigued with their ceaseless round of entertainments. A/. /.. -' ---A /. 0 t ^ WILLIAM TECUMSEH SHERMAN was born in Lancaster County, Ohio, February 8th, 1820; was graduated at the West Point Military Academy, June 3oth, 1840; served in Florida and California, 1840-I851; was President of the Louisiana State Military College, 1859-I861; served in the Union Army from 186i, receiving the appointment of Lieutenant-General in July, 1866, and of General in March, 1869; went on the retired list in I884. CHAPTER XL. PRESIDENT ARTHUR'S ADMINISTRATION. THE REPUBLICANS AGAIN IN POWER-A NEW CABINET-MR. CONKLING APPOINTED A JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT-THE GARFIELD MEMORIAL SERVICES AT THE CAPITOL-MR. BLAINE'S EULOGY ON THE DECEASED PRESIDENT-ATTACKS ON THE ADMINISTRATION-DAILY LIFE OF THE PRESIDENT-THE STAR-ROUTE TRIALS HE first session of the Forty-seventh Congress, which was commenced on the 5th of December, I88I, and prolonged until the 8th of August, I882, found the Republicans again in the possession of the Federal Government. In the Senate, where the elephantine David Davis presided in his pleasant way, often disregarding parliamentary rules, there was a Republican majority of two, and in the House, which had elected as its Speaker that gallant, burly, impulsive son of Ohio, General J. W.arren Keifer, there was a majority of ten. These small majorities made the game of legislation the more interesting, as every move had to be carefully studied before it was made. The proposed revision of the customs tariff and the Internal Revenue Tax Bill interested every member, as each had one or more pet industries belonging to favorite constituents, on which he wanted the high war taxes or duties retained, while he boldly advocated sweeping reductions on everything else. President Arthur's appointments of Judge Folger to the Treasury Department, of Mr. Frelinghuysen to the 446 New Appouintments. 447 State Department, of Mr. Brewster to the Department of Justice, and of Mr. Howe to the Post-Office Department were all predicted and expected, but no one looked for Mr. Conkling's appointment to the vacant place on the bench of the Supreme Court, as it was well known that he had only a few years previous refused the Chief Justiceship. The appointment gave Mr Conklilg's enemies an opportunity to talk about his theatrical, overbearing manner, but his appointment met general approbation; sone, doubtless,........ feeling a relief that his political career would thus be ended. The Senate confirmed the nomination, but Mr T Conkling declined the wr honor thus tendered. One of the first acts of the Forty-seventh Congress was the appointment of a j oint committee ofeight Senators and a Representative for every State, to whom was referred so much of the message of President Arthur as related to the decease of General Garfield, with instructions to report by what token of respect and affection Congress could express the deep grief of the nation. The Committee reported, condoling with the widow of the deceased, and provlding for an oration on his life and character, to be pronounced before the two houses of Congress and the higlh officials of Government, by the Hon. James G Blalme. 448 Perley's Reminiscences. The scene in the Hall of the House of Representatives on the 27th of February, when the Garfield Memorial services were held, would have kindled the spark of oratorical fire in a less gifted man than Mr. Blaine. As he stood there at the Clerk's desk, looking over the great assemblage before him, his glance must first have fallen upon the calm features and dignified presence of the President of the United States, who was seated in the chair of honor, directly in front of his late Secretary of State. Then Mr. Blame must have met the glance of his late associates in President Arthur's Cabinet-Folger, of impressive manner, Lincoln, to whom the proceedings of the day rekindled the saddest of recollections, Brewster, noticeable by the quaintness of his dress, Kirkwood, of plain, homely ways and dress, and the Creole-like Hunt. By the side of these Mr. Blaine saw his own successor in the Cabinet, Frellnghuysen, and with him Postmaster-General Howe. A little to the left, resplendent in gilt trappings and buttons, sat General Sherman, with his weather-beaten and kindly face, and by his side plucky Phil. Sheridan, now gray and demure, and Hancock, of stately bearing There, too, were Admiral Porter and Rear-Admiral Worden of the navy, men of fame. In another direction sat the Justices of the Supreme Court, clad in their flowing robes of office. States were there represented by their Governors, and their Senators, and the Representatives, throwing aside for the nonce the strife and partisanship incidental to legislative warfare, gave testimony by their respectful silence to the esteem in which they held the memory of the man who, prior to the Chicago Convention, enjoyed the friendship of all his colleagues. Still further back an area of sheen and color marked 7The Gafield Eulogy.49 449 the position of the Diplomatic Corps, with its variety of costumes and decorations. Yet further back were Fred. Douglass, conspicuous from his long white hair and strong features, and General Schenck, with hale, firmly set face. The orator's glance must have noted the venerable historian Bancroft, himself the orator of the day like this when Lincoln's eulogy wvas pronounced, and by the side of Bancroft the philanthropist, Corco ADMIRAL D. D. PORTER. ran, and next him, and to the President's left, Cyrus W. Field. As Mr. Blaine's glance was raised to the galleries he must have been struck with the uniform sombreness of the appearance of the embanked multitude of ladies, whose dark attire was peculiarly appropriate, forming, as it did, a kind of mourning frame around the living picture which was presented onl the floor. In the President's gallery the orator could see the refined 450 Perley's Remiznscences. lineaments of George William Curtis, or the English-, like face of Henry James, Jr. Such were the salient features of the audience to whom Mr. Blaine was to speak of Garfield. It looked to some who knew Mr Blaine well as if he felt tempted to cast aside the pile of manuscript, heavily bordered with black, which he placed before himself, and to speak as inspiration suggested, so long did he stand before that remarkable audience before beginning. To the audience the orator was second in interest only to the subject of the oration. Expectation was great respecting Mr. Blaine's treatment of the subject. He was the dead man's closest friend, and he was looked upon as the representative of one wing or division of a party within which was great bitterness. To separate his duty to the dead from due consideration for the living and balance the two was difficult, but he held the scales with such an even, steady hand, that neither the lovers of the dead President and his acts were disappointed or dissatisfied, nor the friends of the living President offended. He merely performed the duty assigned him in a simple, earnest, manly, truthful, conscientious, becoming manner Mr Blalne was not the "plumed knight " of political debate, impetuous and enthusiastic, but he read page after page with patient enunciation, his resonant voice only faltering when for a moment it quivered with emotion as he described the boyish joy of General Garfield as he breathed the fresh morning air on the fatal day when he went forth to meet his doom. The personal pronoun did not once occur in the whole eulogy, and not one single allusion was made that could be thought of as referring to the speaker When Mr Blaine had finished there was a reveren End of the Service. 45I tial silence. President Arthur, who seemed to have been deeply impressed, made no movement to go. The immense audience was motionless. It was the most impressive moment of the day. At length there was MENTOR. a faint stir Then President Arthur arose, and, with his Cabinet, silently left the great hall. The Supreme Court followed, and then the great assemblage quietly dissolved. The last public ceremonial over the death 29 452 Perley's Reminiscences. of Garfield was finished. It was just one year previous that he had quitted his home at Mentor to come to Washington and be inaugurated as President of the United States. President Arthur wore mourning for his predecessor six months, dressing in black, using writing paper with a broad black border, declining all invitations to theatrical performances, and giving no state entertainments at the White House. At first he endeavored to bring about a millennium of political forces, but the "stalwart " lions refused to lie down with the " halfbreed" lambs, and his honest attempts to secure a reconciliation only provoked the enmity of both factions. Before the burial of General Garfield a series of personal attacks was begun on his constitutional successor at the White House, which were industriously kept up. With a low cunning that generally concealed its malignancy, about once a fortnight some ingenious paragraph was started, ostensibly stating some fact connected with the Federal Government, but really stabbing at President Arthur. Unable to condemn his administration of national affairs, his enemies sought by innuendo and misrepresentation to render him ridiculous and neglectful of the public interest. But it so happened that President Arthur's Scotch-Irish character displayed itself in a practical utility never before known at the White House. His extensive knowledge of State politics was constantly called into requisition in making appointments, while in his messages to Congress he made statements and suggestions with a strenuous conviction of their truth, as he stood like a sturdy sentinel before the gates of the Constitution. He " made haste slowly " and he made but few blunders. President Arthur at Home. 453 The President's daily life was very simple, although pains were taken to make him out a bon vzvant He usually rose about half-past nine, took a cup of coffee and a roll while dressing, and went into his office, where he read his private letters, dictated replies to official communications, and courteously received Congressional and other place-hunters. At noon he ate a light breakfast-no meat, but oatmeal, fish, and fruitand then returned to his desk, where he remained until four o'clock in the afternoon. He then took a drive or a ride on horseback, sometimes accompanied by his daughter. His family dinner hour was six, when his favorite repast was a mutton-chop, with a glass of Bass' ale, or a slice of rare roast beef, with a glass of claret, hot baked potatoes, and the fruits of the season. After dinner he returned to his work, reading the many papers submitted to him by the heads of departments, and not leaving his desk until the " wee sma' hours." The " Star-route " trials were inaugurated by Attorney-General MacVeagh to bring reproach upon the Administrations of Grant and Hayes. This system of " extra allowances" for carrying the United States mails dated back, however, to the days of William Taylor Barry, Postmaster-General under President Jackson. A Democratic Committee of Congress which investigated the mismanagement of the Post-Office Department, ascribed much of the rascality to " the large disbursements of money under the name of extra allowances. It is a puzzling problem to decide whether this discretionary power, throughout its whole existence, has done most mischief in the character of impostor upon the Department, or seducer to contractors. It has, doubtless, been an evildoer in both guises." The " Star-route " system of plunder was, however, 454 Perley's Rem niszcences. handed down from Administration to Administration, and the contractors who were thereby enriched were called upon at each successive Presidential election to contribute to the campaign fund. This had been done in the Garfield and Hancock contest just concluded. Mr Jay A. Hubbell, who was the custodian of the Republican campaign fund, applied to Assistant Postmaster-General Brady, who negotiated the " Star-route" contracts, for pecuniary aid, and was told that it should be forthcoming, provided he could have a letter from General Garfield to exhibit to the contractors to spur them up to make liberal contributions. General Garfield wrote, on the 23d of August, i88o, not to Brady, but to Hubbell "Yours of the i9th received and contents noted. Please say to Brady I hope he will give us all the assistance possible. Please tell me how the Departments are doing. As ever, yours." The letter from Hubbell, to which this was a reply, was never published, and General Garfield's friends afterward maintained that he had not alluded to the " Star-route " contractors. The letter, they maintained, was simply the expression of a hope that Brady, a citizen of Indiana, who was reputed to have made an immense fortune in "Bell Telephone stock," would respond from his ample means in aid of his party in the life-and-death struggle then going on in his own State. The Attorney-General made a great display in his prosecution of some of those who had enriched themselves by " Star-route " contracts, retaining eminent counsel, and bringing witnesses to Washington at a great expense. There was much rascality developed, and some reputations were smirched, but the disagreement of juries prevented any punishment of the offend Star-Route Scandals. 455 ers. They regarded themselves as political victims and felt deeply wronged because of their prosecution by an Administration which they had certainly helped into power. The people believed that the Star-route scandals, like the whisky frauds, the bogus quarter-master's claims, the public-land seizures, and the steamship subsidy schemes, were "ring" relics of the war, with their profligacy and corruption, on each one of which Colonel Mulberry Sellers would have remarked: "There's millions in it." Yet the lobbyists and schemers enriched by these plunder schemes, who bore the brand of "swindler" in scarlet letters of infamy upon their foreheads, did not lose their places in Washington society. DAVID D. PORTER, born at Philadelphia, June, 1813; Midshipman in the navy, 1829; Lieutenant, 1841; served in the Mexican War; Commander, i86r; took active part in opening the Mississippi Rear-Admiral, July 4th, 1863; took Fort Fisher, January, I865; Vice-Admiral, July 25th, I866; Admiral, August, 1870. CHAPTER XLI. GAY AND FESTIVE SCENES. PRESIDENT ARTHUR'S NEW YEAR'S RECEPTION-DR. MARY WALKERSENATOR HOAR'S WELCOME DINNER TO MR. JUSTICE GRAY-PRESIDENT ARTHUR'S DINNER IN HONOR OF GENERAL AND MRS. GRANT -THE GUESTS AND WHAT THE LADIES WORE-MR. BLAINE'S NEW HOME —MARRIAGE OF COLONEL COPPINGER TO MISS BLAINE. BEW YEAR'S DAY has always been celebrated at the National Capital in the style which President Washington inaugurated when the Federal Government was located at New York. The foreign Ministers and the Government dignitaries go in state to pay their respects to the President, after which the old Knickerbocker custom of visiting friends generally is kept up. One is certain to see at the White House on New Year's Day all the prominent people of both sexes in Washington. Then, too, it is the only place in the metropolis where the ladies can pass in review all of the new toilets, and see what the leaders of fashion have designed since last season. It is the only place where there is room for a large crowd to move about easily and where the full effect of brilliant dressing can be displayed. The ladies invited to receive with the President, with many others, are in evening costume, although walking-costumes are not uncommon. President Arthur's first New Year's reception was a 456 A New Year's Receptlon. 457 brilliant affair. Mrs. Frelinghuysen accompanied the President into the Blue Room, and stood next to his sister, Mrs. McElroy, at his right hand, with the wives of the other members of the Cabinet. WVhen his daughter and niece came in, he welconled them with a happy smile and bent down and kissed them. Their simple white dresses and pretty ribbon sashes were in refreshing contrast with the gorgeous costumes of the di- i plomats. Brilliant as were the diamonds of Madame de Struve, the wife of the Russian Minister, and effective as was the bronze golden silk dress, trimmed.- _ with gold beads, of the wife of Attorney-General Brew- DR. MARY WALKER. ster, the "observed of all observers" was Dr. Mary Walker, who came tripping in with elastic step, shook hands with President Arthur, and was profusely poetical in wishing him 458 Perley's Reminzscences. the compliments of the season. She wore a black broadcloth frock coat and pantaloons, and carried a high black silk hat in her left hand, while in her right she flourished a slender cane. After leaving the President, she passed along the line of ladies who received with him, giving to each a sweeping bow, and then went into the East Room, where she was carefully scrutinized by the ladies. Senator Hoar gave a most enjoyable dinner to a party of gentlemen invited by him to meet Mr. Justice Gray, after his appointment to the bench of the Supreme Court. It was given at the hotel of Mr Wormley, the friend of Charles Sumner, and the guests assembled in a parlor containing much of the furniture which adorned the house of the great Senator The guests met about seven o'clock, and after an exchange of salutations, the large doors which form one side of the room were thrown open, and Senator Hoar informally invited those present to gather around the magnificently furnished table which presented itself. Covers were laid for thirty-six persons, and the china, the silver, and the glassware were all rare and of beautiful design. A belt of flowers encircled the table in front of the plates, and within this inclosure were mounds of rare exotics and quaintly constructed ornaments of confectionery The place of each guest was marked by a card, on which his name was printed, and on this was an exquisite button-hole bouquet. The bills of fare were on large sheets of cardboard, handsomely engraved, and the succession of thirteen courses, beginning with oysters and ending with coffee, was an epicurean treat. In accordance with Washington etiquette, President Arthur sat at the host's right hand, and on his right sat Judge Gray. At the left of the host sat Chief Justice Waite; A State Dznner. 459 directly opposite sat Senator Dawes, at the right hand end of the long table was George Bancroft, and at the left hand end was Representative Harris. There was not, of course, any speech-making or drinking of healths, but after the dessert had been served, gentlemen left their seats and sat in little groups around the table, chatting pleasantly until after midnight. Taken as a whole, dinner and guests, it was the finest entertainment that I have ever seen in Washington —and I have seen a great many President Arthur's first state dinner was given in honor of General and Mrs. Grant. The parlors and the East Room were profusely decorated with flowers, and in the dining-room were palm trees and other exotics massed in the corners, while the mantels were banked with cut flowers. There were thirty-four plates on the long table, in the centre of which was a plateau mirror, on which were roses and lilies of the valley On either side of it were tall gilt candelabra bearing eleven wax lights each, and beyond these large gilt epergnes overflowing with Marechal Niel roses. At the end of the mirror were pairs of silver candelabra bearing shaded wax lights and oval cushions of white camelias set with roses and orchids. At the extreme ends were round pieces of bon silene roses and lilies of the valley Around this elaborate centre decoration were ranged crystal compotes and cut-glass.decanters. Large, flat corsage bouquets of roses, tied with satin ribbons, were laid at each lady's plate, and small boutonnzeres of rosebuds were provided for the gentlemen. The cards were of heavy gilt-edged board, embossed with the national coat-of-arms in gold, below which the name of each guest was written. The Marine Band performed selections from popular operatic music. 460 Perley's Reminszcences. The guests were received by President Arthur in the East Room. At eight o'clock dinner was announced, and the guests repaired to the dining-room in the following order, each lady taking a seat at the right hand of the gentleman who escorted her: President Arthur, escorting Mrs. Grant, who wore a white satin dress with low neck and long train deeply flounced with lace, and a profusion of diamonds, General Grant, escorting Mrs. FVrelinghuysen, who wore a black velvet dress with flowing train, opening in front, and showing a petticoat of plaited black Satin, Secretary Frelinghuysen, escorting Mrs. Lincoln, who wore a black velvet dress with sweeping train and rich jet trimmings, General Sherman, escorting Miss Beale, who wore a white satin dress with a train of silver brocade, trimmed at the neck and sleeves with Valenciennes lace; Admiral Porter, escorting Miss Coleman, who wore a dress of terra-cotta satin trimmed with flowered brocade and lace; Senator Anthony, escorting Mrs. Logan, who wore a magnificent dress of wine-colored velvet trimmed with Pompadour brocade; Senator Miller, escorting Mrs. Kinsley, who wore a ball-dress of cardinal satin trimmed with brocade, Senator Jones, of Nevada, escorting Mrs. Beale, who wore a white satin dress trimmed with lace; Senator Cameron, of Pennsylvania, escorting Mrs. John Davis, who wore a balldress of white satin trimmed with lace; General Beale, escorting Miss Prellnghuysen, who wore a dress of marine-blue velvet, with a long train trimmed with iridescent bugles; Secretary Folger, escorting Miss Cutts, who wore white satin trimmed with lace; Secretary Lincoln, escorting Mrs. Secretary Chandler, who wore an exquisite dress of pale blue surah and crape; Postmaster-General Howe, escorting Mrs. Tel zJH z7 0 p f~4 7?' 462 Pei-ley's Reminiscences. ler, who wore a dress of white satin; Attorney-General Brewster, escorting Mrs. Cameron, who wore a pink satin dress elaborately trimmed with ruffles of rare lace, Secretary Chandler, escorting Mrs. Brewster, who wore a dress of cardinal satin with a court train embroidered with gold in large figures; Secretary Teller, escorting Miss Totten, who wore white satin trimmed with white ruchings. Dinner was served in fourteen courses, with which there were served eight varieties of wines, each variety having its appropriate wine-glass. The guests were two hours at the table, and the menu was eulogized, especially the terrapin, which was highly commended by the epicures who enjoyed it. Mr. Blaine was a prominent figure in Washington society, both social and political, after he left the Department of State, and there was always a great desire to know his opinions on passing events. His health was excellent, and he never appeared to greater advantage. Tall and portly, yet graceful in movement, his wealth of white hair set off his mobile, expressive features, with their never-quiet dark eyes. The new house built by Mr Blaine in the northwestern part of Washington was an imposing structure, covering an area of about seventy by seventy-five feet, and it was solid and substantial from its steep roof to its roomy basement. The spacious halls and stairways were wainscoted, finished, and ceiled in oak, the drawing-room, the dining-room, and the library were finished in solid mahogany; and the chambers were finished in poplar and pine. The great charm of the house was that each and every room, large and small, had its open fire-place, some of them surrounded by beautiful mantel-pieces, with carved wood and mirrors. .A Brilliant Wedding. 463 It was, indeed, an English house, with its comforts set off by many Yankee contrivances. In this house, on a bright morning of early spring, Colonel John T. Copplnger, of the United States army, - 0~ THE BLAINE MANSION was married to Miss Alice Stanwood Blaine. President Arthur adjourned the regular mneeting of the Cabinet that he and his constitutional advisers might attend. The Speaker of the House, with the Maine Senators and Representatives, left their Congressional duties in 464 Perley's Reminzscences. order to be present. The Diplomatic Corps, doubtless remembering the courtesies which they received from Mr. Blaine when Secretary of State, was out in full force. The army and navy were largely represented, the elite of fashionable society was present, and there was a good representation of the press. All had congregated to show their good wishes toward the family of the young bride. Colonel Coppinger, who belongs to an old Roman Catholic family in Ireland, served gallantly in the Papal Army, and coming to this country in I86i, was commissloned in the Fourteenth Infantry. He received two brevets for " gallant and meritorious services " in a score of engagements, and after having displayed great energy in command of troops operating against the Indians, he was made Acting Inspector-General on the staff of General Pope, a position only given to those thoroughly versed in the manual, the drill, the equipment, and the discipline of the army. He was fortynine years of age, tall, erect, with clear, hazel eyes, gray hair and whiskers, and a martial deportment. Twelve o'clock, noon, was the hour fixed for the ceremony, and soon after that time conversation was suddenly hushed, as the Rev. Dr. Chapelle, of St. Matthew's Church, took his assigned position. He wore a black robe with a cape, and carried a small prayer-book, from which he subsequently read the brief service used when a Roman Catholic is wedded to one not belonging to that Church. A moment later Mrs. Blaine came down the broad staircase on the arm of her eldest son, Mr. Walker Blaine. She wore a high-necked corsage of wine-colored velvet, with a satin dress and train of the same color, trimmed with lace. Soon the bride came down the staircase leaning on The VWedding Feast. 465 the arm of her father, who appeared somewhat inpressed by the solemnity of the occasion. She wore a dress of white satin with a sweeping train trimmed with crystal, while an ample veil partially concealed her youthful features and slight form. She carried a bouquet of roses and lilies-of-the-valley. Behind her came her only attendant, her young sister, Miss Hattie Blaine, who was dressed in white. Mr Blalne's other two sons and Miss Abigail Dodge, of Hamilton, Massachusetts, followed. At the improvised altar, Colonel Coppinger, attended by Lieutenant Emmet, of the Ninth Cavalry, advanced to claim his bride. As the happy pair knelt before the altar, Mr. and Mrs. Blaine and Miss Hattie stood at their right, and President Arthur, George Bancroft, and Miss Dodge stood at their left. The service was quickly performed, and after the parents, President Arthur was the first to salute the bride. The guests were then presented seriatim to Colonel and Mrs. Coppinger, and if good wishes could have been regarded as an augury of their future, there could have been no doubt of their good fortunes. After congratulations had been offered, President Arthur escorted the bride to the large dining-room. There a table was bountifully spread, while on a sideboard were boxes of wedding-cake to be sent to friends at a distance. It was not long before the bridegroom and bride left the festive scene to array themselves for their journey, and they quietly departed from the house to take the train for Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Taken as a whole, the wedding surpassed any similar festal scene ever witnessed at Washington, and was a hearty manifestation of good feeling toward the happy couple and the parents of the bride. 466 Perley's Remznzscences. One of the most charming houses in Washington was that occupied for some years by the British Legation, and which Admiral Porter rebuilt and refurnished with a portion of the large sum of prize-money received by him during the war. It was a model of good taste and luxury, elegant without display, and perfect in all its appointments. The square hall, with tessellated marble floor, led into a suite of three parlors, opening into each other by arched-ways, heavily draped with satin damask. The central parlor was upholstered in crimson velvet, that on the right in drab, and that on the left in blue. The hangings and furniture were of colors to match. The marble mantels were decorated with articles of virtu, and rare painting adorned the walls. Leading from the crimson parlor was a long, wide ball-room, with waxed and polished floor, and rows of seats for the accommodation of dancers and spectators. Numberless crystal chandeliers emitted a flood of softened light, while flowers bloomed everywhere in pots, vases, and baskets in indescribable profusion. ROBERT TODD LINCOLN, eldest child of Abraham Lincoln, born at Springfield, Ill., August ist, 1843; graduated at Harvard, x864; member of General Grant's staff during the last month of the war; admitted to practice law in Chicago, 1867; Secretary of War under Presidents Garfield and Arthur, March 5th, I88I-March 6th, 1885. CHAPTER XLII. THE WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. SENATOR ANTHONY'S FIFTH TERM-HIS ELECTION AS PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, AND DECLINATION-OFFICERS OF THE SENATE-DEMOCRATIC TIDAL WAVE IN THE HOUSE-SPEAKER JOHN G. CARLISLEA GAY WASHINGTON SEASON-GOOD DINNERS-IMPROVEMENT OF THE METROPOLIS-PROCESSION AND ADDRESSES AT THE COMPLETION OF THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT-AN EXCITING PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN-THE RESULT-DEPARTURE OF GENERAL ARTHUR FROM THE WHITE HOUSE. W HEN the Forty-eighth Congress met on the 3d of December, I883, Senator Edmunds occupied the chair of the Senate as President fipro tempore; Judge Davis, not having been reelected Senator from Illinois, had vacated the chair on the last day of the preceding session. Senator Anthony, who had been elected to a fifth term, could not be sworn in as a Senator until after the commencement of that term, and was consequently ineligible. So Senator Edmunds accepted the position with the understanding that he would vacate it as soon as his friend from Rhode Island, by qualifying as Senator, should be eligible for election. When the Senate met, Senator Anthony was recovering from a severe illness, and it was not until the following week that he was able to appear in the Senate Chamber. He entered leaning on the arm of his colleague, Senator Aldrich, and as he took his accustomed seat, his attention was attracted by a large bouquet of 30 467 468 Perley's Remznzscences. flowers, bearing the name of a lady clerk who had been retained in place by his kind offices. The Senators soon crowded around him with their congratulations on his convalescence, and among the first were General Butler, of South Carolina, maimed in the Confederate cause, and General Miller, of California, who lost his right eye in the Union army at Vicksburg After prayers and the reading of the journal, Senator Aldrich rose, and was recognized by the Chair as the "senior........Senator from Rhode Island." He announced the presence of his..:. colleague, the Senatorelect whose creden-: thattials had been filed, and stood with uplifted hand, everyasked that the oath of e r a s u office might be admin{istered to himt The o m s presiding officer invis in fi i ted the Senator-elect to.;Closing the book frm w h receive the oaths, and when Governor AnthoSENATOR HENRY B. ANTHONY ny stood before him,he administered the regular oath of 1789, first taken by the parliamentary veteran in 1859, with the "' Iron-clad oath" that had been adopted in '862. As the good old man stood with uplifted hand, every other member of the Senate rose, and stood until the obligation had been adminlstered-a merited compliment to the Paler Sezna/us. No other man, save Thomas Hart Benton, had ever been sworn in five consecutive times as Senator Closing the book from which he had read the oaths, Senator Anthony's Servzce. 469 Senator Edmunds was the first to shake his old friend's hand. Senator Anthony then resumed his seat, and nearly every Senator came to greet him, followed by the veteran officers of the Senate, who had always found in him a true friend. A few weeks later, Senator Edmunds resigned, and Senator Anthony was elected President pro tclm., but the precarious state of his health forced him, in a speech prompted by a heart overflowing with gratitude, to decline the honor, and Senator Ediunds was recalled to the post of honor. Senator Anthony had twice before been chosen President pro tenmi of the Senate, and he had for a number of years past been the President of the caucus of Republican Senators. It is in the caucus of the dominant party that legislation is shaped, and unanimity of action in open Senate secured. Governor Anthony's tact and skill as a presiding officer had, doubtless, exercised a potent influence in harmonizing opposing views entertained by Republican Senators, and there was no Senator who could fill the chair, either in open Senate, in executive session, or in caucus, with more dignity and impartiality than he. General McCook, an Ohio soldier, and an ex-Representative from New York city, was elected Secretary of the Senate, defeating George C. Gorham, who had been the candidate of the Republican caucus. The Republican nominee for Sergeant-at-Arms, Mr. Riddleberger, was also dropped, and Colonel Wm. P. Canaday, of North Carolina, was chosen. At the commencelment of the next session, Mr. Riddleberger took his seat as a Senator from Virginia. A Democratic tidal wave had swept over the country at the preceding fall elections, and the Democrats had a considerable majority in the House of Representa 470 Perley's Remznzscences. tives. John G. Carlisle, of Kentucky, who was elected Speaker, was a tall, well-made man, with a studious look in his eyes, and the winning manners of Henry Clay He had a sweet voice, and his expositions of parliamentary law in the preceding sessions had elevated him to the front rank of statesmanship in the opinion of the House. His impartiality as a presiding officer was recognized by all parties, and his firmness of purpose could not be moved by corrupt intriguers or brawling sycophants. He was..;...... \ also fortunate in hav|' ing a devoted wife, tall. " and graceful, whose at-::.~::~..:::.:.::::::...:.:,: tractive personal apNew Yearance was equaled:by her well-balanced mind and her practical common sense. As S Mrs. Edmunds was at that time absent from Washington, on the New Year's Day after SPEAKER JOHN G. CARLISLE. her husband's electron as Speaker Mrs. Carlisle was "the first lady in the land," and stood at President Arthur's right hand during the official reception. Washington society was very gay during the closing year of President Arthur's Administration. The receptions to which invitations were given and those open to the public at the White House were largely attended, while there was a succession of balls, Germans masquerades, and receptions at the residences of Auspiczous Tzies. 47I diplomats, housekeeping Senators, officials, and citizens. Several entertainments were given "for charity's sake," which realized considerable sums, and the theatres also were unusually well attended. 'The world-weary rejoiced when the matin chimes of Lent announced that the gay season was ended, but although gayety arrayed itself in sackcloth and sprinkled ashes broadcast, the sackcloth moved in the waltz as its wearer tripped over the ashes. There were successions of informal dancing parties, lunch parties, and card parties during the penitential forty days, and then came the post-Lenten festivities. The giving of good dinners was, however, the distinguishing feature of Washington society during the Arthur Administration. The example was set at the White House, where, instead of dinners supplied by a caterer at two dollars per plate, with cheap wines of doubtful origin, a gastronomic artist served the delicacies of the season, cooked in the latest Parisian style, while the wines were of the rarest vintages, embodying the fervor of long Gascon summers, the warmth of Burgundian suns, and the delicate flavor of Xeres. Never had epicures so enjoyed themselves at Washington, and they rejoiced when they contrasted this dispensation with the barbaric repasts of former years, when" hog and hominy " was the principal dish, and tangle-foot whisky punch was the fashionable table beverage. Washington City was greatly improved during President Arthur's Administration. The National Museum was completed and opened to visitors, the northern wing of the stupendous pile, the State, War, and Navy Department Building, was occupied, and that hideous architectural monstrosity, the Pension Office, 472 Perley's Remzizscences. was built. At the West End scores of elegant private houses were erected, varying in size from the palatial mansion built by Mr. Blaine to the rustic cabin of Joaquin Miller, and the small Queen Ann cottages, now so popular, and some of which are models of convenience and beauty Many avenues and streets were repaved, others were planted with bordering lines of shade trees, and several of the large reservations were adorned with statues and fountains The previously unfinished city, which Governor Shepherd had "lifted W! -7-:7 - THE PENSION OFFICE. from out of the mud," became a national metropolis, in which the people of the country could take pride. The dedication of the Washington National Monument, on the 22d of February, i885, was a fit conclusion to President Arthur's official career This work had been long in progress, as its record, engraved on its aluminium tip, shows. It is as follows' " Cornerstone laid on bed of foundation, July 4, I848. First stone at height of I52 feet laid August 7, I880. Capstone set December 6, I884." The laying of the cap p LAYING THE CAPSTONE OF THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT 474 Perley's Remzinzcences. stone was duly celebrated. The wind, at the top of the monument, was blowing at the rate of sixty miles an hour, and thousands of eye-glasses were pointed toward the little party on the scaffoldings at the summit. All on the upper platform, five hundred and fifty feet above the ground, spread a portion of the cement, and the capstone, weighing three thousand three hundred pounds, was lowered into its place. The tip was then /; — A WEST END MANSION fitted and the work was done, which fact was duly announced by flying the flag at the top of the monument and by the answering boom of cannon from various points below. The day of final dedication was clear and cold, the ground around the base of the majestic shaft was covered with encrusted snow, and the keen wind that came sweeping down the Potomac made it rather uncomfort #0 Dedicating the Monument. 475 able for those who were assembled there. The regular troops and the citizen soldiery were massed in close columns around the base of the monument, the Freemasons occupied their alloted position, and in the pavilion which had been erected were the invited guests, JOAQUIN MILLER'S RUSTIC COTTAGE. the executive, legislative, and j udicial officers; officers of the army, the navy, the marine corps, and the volunteers; the Diplomatic Corps, eniinent divines, jurists, scientists, and journalists, and venerable citizens representing former generations, the Washington National ULN3WflNOW NOILDNIHSVA\ MHU A New Campaign. 477 Monument Society, and a few ladies who had braved the Arctic weather After addresses had been delivered by Senator Sherman, W. W Corcoran, and Colonel Casey, the chief engineer, President Arthur made a few well-chosen remarks, and concluded by declaring the monument dedicated from that time forth " to the immortal name and memory of George Washington." The cost of the structure has been nearly two millions of dollars, about half of which the Government has paid, the remainder having been secured by the Monument Association. After the exercises at the monument, a procession was formed headed by LieutenantGeneral Sheridan, which marched along Pennsylvania Avenue to the Capitol. The President's special escort was the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, chartered in 1638, which had come on to participate in the exercises of the day Two addresses were delivered in the House of Representatives at the Capitol-one (which was read by ex-Governor Long) by Hon. Robert C. Winthrop, of Boston, who had delivered the address when the corner-stone was laid in 1848, and the other by Hon. John W. Daniel, of Virginia. In the evening the Ancient and Honorable Artillery attended a special reception at the White House, reciprocatory of courtesies extended by the corps to President Arthur, one of its honorary members. Meanwhile there had been a Presidential campaign. The National Republican Convention met at Chicago on June 3d; on the 6th, James G. Blaine, of Maine, was nominated for President on the fourth ballot, receiving five hundred and forty-one of the eight hundred and nineteen votes cast, and General John A Logan, of Illinois, was nominated for Vice-President without opposition. The National Democratic Convention met 478 Perley's Remznzscences. at Chicago on July 6th, and on the i Ith Hon. Grover Cleveland, of New York, was nominated for President on the second ballot, receiving six hundred and eighty-four of the eight hundred and twenty votes cast, and Thomas A. Hendricks, of Indiana, was nominated for Vice-President without opposition. The National Prohibition Convention met at Pittsburg on July 23d, and nominated for President ex-Governor St. John, of Kansas, and for Vice-President William Daniel, of Maryland. The National Greenback Convention met at Indianapolis on May 29th, and nominated for President General B. F.- Butler, of Massachusetts, and for Vice-President A. M. West, of Mississippi. The Presidential contest was disgracefully personal. The private characters of the two prominent candidates were mercilessly assailed, and political principles were apparently forgotten in the degrading desire to defame the nominees. The result turned upon the vote in the State of New York, which was very close. The shrewdest political manipulators were sent over the State to correct pretended irregularities, but it soon became evident that the Democrats had chosen the Cleveland electors by a decisive plurality. The official count showed five hundred and sixty-three thousand one hundred and fifty-four votes for Cleveland, against five hundred and sixty-two thousand and five votes for Blaine, twentyfive thousand and six votes for St. John, and seventeen thousand and four votes for Butler. The total vote in the United States was four million nine hundred and thirteen thousand two hundred and forty-seven votes for Cleveland, four million eight hundred and forty thousand eight hundred and twenty-five votes for Blaine, one hundred and fifty thousand one hundred President Arthur's Admizn ztratzon. 479 and thirty-four votes for St. John, and one hundred and thirty-four thousand and twenty-eight votes for Butler. President Arthur's numerous friends contemplated his departure from the White House without regret, and were confident that his Administration would present a creditable appearance on the pages of impartial history. Utility to the country had been the rule of his official life, and he attained that high standard of official excellence which prevailed in the early days of the Republic, when honesty, firmness, and patriotism were the characteristics of public men. He saw himself deserted by influential early associates because he would not avenge their political grievances, while those whom he protected ungratefully repaid him by defeating the election of his friend, Judge Folger, as Governor of the State of New York —a treacherous demonstration of partisan bigotry, which killed the Judge as certain as the assassin's bullet killed Garfield. Under President Arthur's lead, the Republican party, disorganized and disheartened when he came into power, became gradually strengthened and united before the Presidential election, in which it was very near being victorious. President Arthur, in his desire to administer his inherited duties impartially, made himself enemies among those who should have been his friends. Before President Garfield was interred, General Grant asked that his own personal friend, General Beale, might be appointed Secretary of the Navy, and he never forgave President Arthur for not complying with his request. The removal of Judge Robertson from the New York Custom House would doubtless have been acceptable to Roscoe Conkling, but it was not made, and the ex 480 Perley's Reminzscences. Senator, after refusing the tendered appointment of a seat on the bench of the Supreme Court of the United States, turned his back on his former friend. Appointments which had been promised by Mr. Blaine, when President Garfield's Secretary of State, were invariably made, although the recipients had personally abused President Arthur, yet the " Garfield Avengers," as the officious friends of the martyr President chose to style themselves, never alluded to his successor except as the man who had profited by the assassination. Slander, calumny, and falsehood were resorted to by the press to deceive the people by giving them an untrue idea of their Chief Magistrate. His private life was invaded, his social relations were violated, his most patriotic actions were sneered at, and he was made the object of obloquy and vituperation by that faction of the Republican party opposed to his policy. I well remember with what sadness and indignation he referred to the manner in which he had been treated when I had been selected by him to write a campaign life of him, which was to have been published by his friends had he been nominated for the Presidency in I884. There were several matters about which he had been mercilessly abused for which I found ample explanations exonerating him. One was his going to Albany in I88I, when he was Vice-President, to labor for the re-election of Messrs. Conkling and Platt. I had ascertained that he had done this in return for a visit made to Ohio during the preceding campaign by Mr Conkling to speak in favor of the election of General Garfield. This had been on the personal solicitation of Mr. Arthur, and it would have been ungrateful for him to have declined an appeal to aid Mr. Conkling in an hour of need by a visit to Albany. Another Ex-President Dies. 48i When President Arthur read what I had written on this subject he said pleasantly: "That is all true, but I must ask you not to publish it." Never have I seen a public man so determined not to criminate others, even in self-justification. During his Presidential term Mr. Arthur did what friends and fortune cal do for no man, and what neither friends nor foes could take from him. " He won a fame for which he himself fought, and from which no man's censure could detract." While he was emphatically " the first gentleman in the land," giving unequaled receptions, dinners, and evening entertainments with lavish hospitality, he was, as he used to cheerily remark, "a night-bird," and his favorite enjoyment was to have two or three personal friends eat a late supper with him, and then chat with them far into the "wee sma' hours." His thorough knowledge of prominent men and politics during the preceding quarter of a century enabled him to entertain his listeners with graphic descriptions of remarkable scenes, piquant but never indelicate anecdotes, keen sketches of men and women, and Interesting statements about the workings of political machinery, especially in the State of New York. Unfortunately, President Arthur, before he left the White House, became impressed with the idea that the people had misunderstood his official conduct, and that his sacrifices of friends and of fortune in the Administration of the General Government had not been appreciated. When he was at last relieved from executive cares his robust constitution had been undermined, the ruddy look of health left his cheeks, and his stalwart form wasted away, until (as this work is passing through the press) his sad heart found its peace, and 482 Perley's Remznzscences. his remains were. laid, without pomp, by the side of those of his beloved wife in a rural cemetery near Albany, N Y. An appreciative and elegant biographer of this lamented ex-President writes thus. " Flos Regum Arthzur the Laureate heads the noble dedication of his Arthuric legends to the manes of Albert. Not 'flower of kings' shall history call this Arthur of ours, and yet must she accord him some attributes of his mythic namesake-a high and noble courtesy to all men, small and great; an unflinching, uncomplaining loyalty to friends who turned too often ingrate; a splendid presence, a kindly heart, a silent courage, and an even mind. These things go no small way toward the making of America's first gentleman." WILLIAM W CORCORAN was born at Georgetown, D. C., December 27th, 1798; he engaged in mercantile pursuits, and then in banking, becoming the Government banker during the Mexican War Since he retired from business in I854 he has founded and endowed the Louise Home for gentlewomen in reduced circumstances, the Corcoran Art Gallery, and the Oak Hill Cemetery, on Georgetown Heights, while he has contributed liberally to the Columbian College, the University of Virginia, the William and Mary College, and the churches and orphan asylums of Washington, besides numerous private charities. CHAPTER XLIII. PRESIDENT CLEVELAND. THE METROPOLIS CROWDED-THE PROCESSION-VICE-PRESIDENT HENDRICKS SWORN IN-THE INAUGURAL —HE PRESIDENT'S OATH-INAUGURATION BALL-THE CABINET-SECRETARIES BAVARD, MANNING, ENDICOTT, WHITNEY, AND LAMAR-POTASMASTER-GENERAL VILASATTORNEY-GENERAL GARLAND-THE COUNCIL TABLE. THE inauguration of Grover Cleveland as the twenty-second President of the United States, on the 4th of March, 1885, restored the executive power of the Federal Government to the Democrats, after it had been enjoyed by the Republicans for twenty years. The throng of visitors was great, the railroads leading into Washington having brought nearly half a million of passengers during the week, while several thousand more came by the Potomac River steamboats. The hotels and boarding-houses wvere full, yet there was always room for late arrivals, and the military were quartered in the spacious halls of the Departments. The day was spring-like, with breeze enough to display the flags which floated from nearly every building Pennsylvania Avenue and other thoroughfares were elaborately decorated. The procession was the largest of its kind that ever passed along Pennsylvania Avenue, and the military escort was exceeded only by the great reviews of I865 General H. W. Slocum was Chief Marshal, efficiently aided by General Albert OrOway, his chief of staff. The United States troops, 31 483 484 Perley's Rem iniscences. commanded by Major-General Ayres, headed the escort. President Arthur and President-elect Cleveland rode with two Senators in an open carriage drawn by four bay horses, and next came Vice-President-elect Hendricks, with a Senator, in a carriage drawn by four GROVER CLEVELAND. white horses. As the carriages passed along the occupants were loudly cheered, especially Vice-President Hendricks, who was well known in Washington and personally popular The militia organizations which came next presented a fine appearance, particularly a division of the sented a fine appearance, particularly a &ivision of the Cleveland's Inauguratzon. 485 National Guard of Pennsylvania, commanded by MajorGeneral John F. Hartranft. The Southern troops were commanded by Major-General Fitzhugh Lee, of Virginia, a nephew of the great Confederate warleader, who received a rousing ovation the whole length of the route. Prominent among the military organizations were the New York Sixty-ninth, " wearing the green;" the Grenadiers Rochambeau, of New York, the Jackson Corps, of Albany; the Continentals, of Schenectady; the Fifth Maryland Infantry, the Meagher Guards, of Providence; the Busch Zouaves, of St. Louis, and several companies of colored men from the South. The feature of the procession, however, was the civic portion, which included organizations representing many States in the Union. Each one had its band, its banner, and its badges, while nearly all of them were uniformly dressed and carried canes. The Society of Tammany, of New York, one thousand strong, marched in an inaugural procession for the first time in its long history, its officers carrying Indian tomahawks. Nearly a hundred other political organizations followed; and in the ranks of one of them from the city of New York there was a body of men wearing the old Knickerbocker costume and carrying long canes, with which they beat time on the pavements as they marched along in a grotesque manner, creating much merriment. A distinguished audience had gathered in the Senate Chamber, including the Supreme Court, the Diplomatic Corps, many prominent officials, and those officers of the army and navy who had received the thanks of Congress. Shortly after twelve o'clock President Arthur entered the Chamber, and was escorted to his seat. The deputy Sergeant-at-Arms then announced the " Presi 486 Perley's Remzizscences. dent-elect of the United States," and the entire assemblage rose as Mr Cleveland passed down the aisle and took a seat at the side of President Arthur. VicePresident-elect Hendricks then entered and advanced to the desk of the presiding officer, where Senator Edmunds, President pro lempore, administered to him the oath of office as Vice-President of the United States. Senator Edmunds then delivered a brief valedictory address, at the conclusion of which he declared the N~.. i Senate adj ourned szne die.:: I Vice-President Hendricks tered the oath to the new, Senators. When the Sen-........ had been thus organ ' t ized, a procession waas form1 -ed by those in the Senate Chamber, which moved.'.'. - -.:, through the rotunda to the platform erected before the eastern portico. On the large plaza in front of te Capitol were gathered at least two hundred thousand people, while behind them as a framework were the military and civic organizations, with waving banners, gay uniforms, and gleaming bayonets. When Mr Cleveland came to the n the front of the platform, he was received with tumultuous applause; after it had subsided, he delivered his inaugural address in such a clear voice that it was heard by nearly all of those before him. When he had finished, he turned to The Oa/ih of Office. 487 Chief Justice Waite, bowed, and said, " I am now prepared to take the oath prescribed by law." The Chief Justice, holding in his left hand a small open Bible, which had been given to Mr Cleveland by his mother when he had started to seek his fortune in the world, raised his right hand and recited the oath. " I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." Mr Cleveland, whose right hand had rested on the Bible, responded: "I swear," and raising the book to his lips, kissed it. His lips touched verses 5-10 Inclusive, of the II2th Psalm. Those on the platform congratulated the President; the assembled multitude cheered; over a hundred bands played "Hail to the Chief," and the cannon at the Navy Yard and the Arsenal thundered forth a Presidential salute. The procession was then re-formed, and moved up Pennsylvania Avenue. When the head of the column reached the Treasury Building, a brief halt was made, that President Cleveland might go to the reviewing stand in front of the White House. There he witnessed the procession pass in review, which occupied three hours, and it was after five o'clock when he entered the White House. Early in the evening there was a display of fireworks, which attracted much attention; then came the inauguration ball, held in the interior court-yard of the unfinished Pension Building, which was covered by a temporary roof. The waxed dancing-floor was three hundred and sixteen feet long and one hundred and sixteen feet wide, surrounded by reception-rooms, supper-rooms, and telegraph offices. The decorations were very effective, INI j tell z:ZJ Al la X/ ',Ah AI ideal CLEVELAND'S INAUUVRATION BALL. The New Cabinet. 489 and electric lamps supplied a bright, clear light. Nearly ten thousand people were present, and the receipts from the sale of tickets amounted to forty thousand dollars. President Cleveland and Vice-President Hendricks were present for an hour, and the ball was regarded as a fitting close to the ceremonies of the day. Mr. Cleveland's Cabinet gave general satisfaction to the Democrats at Washington. The selection of Senator Bayard for Secretary of State was in deference to the national sentiment of the party that had twice asserted itself in presenting him for the Presidency, and that had made him Mr. Cleveland's chief competitor at Chicago. Senator Bayard, when first summoned to Albany and invited to become the Premier of the incoming Administration, had frankly told Mr. Cleveland that he might consider himself absolved from all obligation to bestow his chief Cabinet honor upon him, and that he would prefer to remain in the Senate. He finally consented, however, to accept the portfolio of State, to the delight of the Diplomatic Corps, who were acquainted with his accomplished wife and daughters, and who looked forward to the enjoyment of their hospitality. He took an early opportunity to publicly declare that he was heartily in favor of civil service reform, and he followed the traditions of the Department of State by retaining the experienced clerks. Mr. Bayard has no appreciation of humor or fondness for political intrigue, and department drudgery would be intolerable to him were it not for his passionate fondness for out-door exercise. A bold horseman, an untiring pedestrian, an enthusiastic angler, and a good swimmer, he preserves his health, and gives close attention to the affairs of his Department. 490 Perley's Remnzzscences. Mr. Daniel Manning, who was appointed Secretary of the Treasury, had been graduated in boyhood from a printing office, that best of colleges, and had gradually become a reporter, a sub-editor, and finally the sole manager and principal owner of the Albany Argus. Devoting all his energies to his business, he was nchly rewarded pecuniarily, and under his direction the timehonored "organ" of the Democracy of the Empire State challenged admiration by the boldness and the success of its editorial management. His sagacity as a politician attracted the notice of Mr. Tilden, whose champion he became, and subsequently his untiring efforts in the columns of his paper and at the Chicago Convention did much to secure for Mr. Cleveland the Presidential nomination. His financial experience as President of a national bank was favorably regarded in Wall Street, and his views coincided with those entertained by Mr. Cleveland. Old stagers have detected in him a striking personal resemblance to that sturdy New York Democrat of a former generation, William L. Marcy, except that he wears a moustache, fiercely upturned. Mr. William C. Endicott, a representative of the worth and intelligence of New England, was appointed Secretary of War. A lawyer by profession, he had been forced by ill health to resign his seat on the State Supreme Bench, and his defeat as the Democratic nominee for Governor of the Bay State gave him a claim on the party for its honors. Prominent in cordially welcoming those who had renounced their party allegiance to vote for Mr. Cleveland, he was the pledged advocate of civil service reform. He is a very handsome man, with long brown hair and moustache, slightly silvered by time. LVhztne y and Lamar 491 The Secretary of the Navy, Mr. William C. Whitney, is the son of a famous old Massachusetts "War Horse," who entered upon the practice of the law at New York city. He made his professional mark while he was City Corporation Attorney in the prosecution of "Boss Tweed," but his large fortune is the result of successful railroad operations. He is rather youthful in appearance for a man forty-five years of age, rather slenderly built, quick of movement, and with the air,of courageous self-relibcessful and experienced business operator. Mr. Lucius Quintius Curtius Lamar, the Secretary of the Interior, had taken broader views since the war on national questlons than any other b Southern leader. The 'i o, possessor of a wellbalanced and highly L. Q. C. LAMAR. cultivated intellect, a thorough acquaintance with the theories of Federalism and State Rights, and a varied civil and military experience, Mr Lamar may well be called a successful molder of public opinion. Some used to regard him as ideal rather than practical, but the business-like manner in which he directed his subordinates dispelled that mistaken idea. His studious habits are shown by his rounded shoulders, and his grizzled long hair, beard, and moustache impart a leonine character to his features. 492 Perley's Reminiscences. Postmaster-General William F. Vilas is a native of Vermont, who went to Wisconsin when a lad, became a successful lawyer there, and served gallantly in the Union army during the war He is probably better versed in the machinery of American politics than any other member of the Cabinet, and he is slowly but surely replacing the Republican incumbents of fifty thousand offices with Democrats. He is a man of showy, brilliant manners, vigorous eloquence, fascinating conversational powers, and an attractive personal appearance. Garland, the AttorneyGeneral of the new Adeyeminstrationtook with hin from the Senate a sociehighlegal and social Not of the Cabinet, but the Preputation.fidential advser, s Colonel Danel S. man features are clean shaSeretary of the Treasury, received h is et black eyes sparkle with intion i the office of the Albany Artelligence, and his manners are polished, although he rarely mingles in society. Not of the Cabinet, but the President's confidential adviser, is Colonel Daniel S. Lamont, who, like the Secretary of the Treasury, received his political education in the office of the Albany Argus Colonel Lamont left his editorial chair to become the private secretary of Mr. Cleveland when he became Governor of the State of New York, and has since been his devoted ad Cabinet Meetzing. 493 herent. Slender, with intellectual features and a dark red moustache, which lights up his pale face, Colonel Lamont has the mouth of a man who is silent and the ears of a man who listens, while the quick glances of his eyes take in what there is to be seen. The possessor of great personal urbanity, always clear-headed, and very reticent, especially concerning the President, he is emphatically " the right man in the right place." He keeps up his Albany habit of calling Mr. Cleveland " Governor," while the President familiarly calls him "Dan." There is no "Kitchen Cabinet" to act as office-brokers, and to secure the Executive approval of measures " for a consideration." At the Cabinet meetings held at the Executive Mansion, the President sits at the head of the Council table, and the members occupy positions as indicated The President. in the accompaning diagram. The Cabinet has Secretary Secretary no legal existence. Any of State. Treasury other official or any individual not holding Secretary Secretary official position can of War of Navy. be called upon by the President to meet with Postmaster Attorney him as a member of his General. General. Cabinet, and to consult him on the days in the Sec. of the Interior week designated by him for that purpose. In some Administrations-notably those of Presidents Taylor and Pierce-the members of the Cabinet assumed a power equal to that of the Venetian oligarchy. But Mr Cleveland has not chosen to act the part of King Log, and right autocratically has he exercised his prerogative. 494 Perley's Reminzscences. This habit of personally assuming responsibility has ever characterized Mr. Cleveland. When Mayor of Buffalo and when Governor of New York, he was open to suggestions from those whose judgment he valued, but he was always ready to carry his own full share of responsibility, as he now does in his relations with his,chosen advisers of the Cabinet. GROVER CLEVELAND was born at Caldwell, Essex County, New Jersey, March i8th, 1837; studied flaw at Buffalo and commenced practice there; was Mayor of Buffalo, I882, 1883; was Governor of the State of New York, 1883-I885; was elected President of the United States on the Democratic 'ticket, November 4th, 1884, and was inaugurated on the 4th of March, I885. t CHAPTER XLIV. OFFICIAL AND SOCIAL LIFE. EXECUTIVE WORK —GENERAL RECEPTIONS-OPFFICE-SEEKERS-MISS ROSES ELIZABETH CLEVELAND-A STATE DINNER AT THE WHITE HOUSETHE GUESTS-TOILETS OF THE LADIES-SAD DEATH OF MRS. AND MISS BAYARD-MRS. SECRETARY WHITNEY —DEATH OF VICE-PRESIDENT HENDRICKS. NPRESIDENT CLEVELAND is emphatically a working man. Possessing a strong physique, he industriously devotes his time and his energies to the duties of his office. Gentle in his strength, unobtrusive in his modesty, and unswerved by partisan clamor, he endeavors to do what he —from his personal and political standpoint-regards as right. He is above medium height, quite stout, and rather sluggish in his movements. He is of the Teutonic typeblonde, with ruddy color. His head is large, with a broad forehead, deeply set blue eyes, a large, straight nose, with vigorous nostrils, and a firm mouth, partly shaded by a drooping light moustache. He generally wears a frock coat, buttoned up so high that only an inch or so of his shirt bosom is visible, with a slight black cravat encircling a standing collar. In conversing with strangers he generally stands with his hands clasped behind him, and when he thinks that he has heard enough from the person addressing him he brings his hands forward. The President rises early, shaves himself, dresses 495 496 Perley's Remznzscences. without assistance, and then reads the newspapers until breakfast time. From the breakfast-table he goes to the library, an oval-shaped room in the second story of the White House, with large windows at one end commanding a fine southern view, with Alexandria and Arlington in the background. The room is partially lined with book-cases, and the furniture is upholstered with red leather, while in the centre of the room, near the windows, is the President's desk. It was presented by Queen Victoria, and was made from the oaken timbers of the Resolute, which was sent to the Arctic regions by the British Government in search of Sir John Franklin, abandoned in the ice, saved by American whalers, and restored to the British Government by the United States. On this desk the many papers before the President are methodically arranged, and he never has to waste time in hunting for mislaid letters. The morning's mail first passes through the hands of Colonel Lamont, who lays before the President such letters as require instructions as to the replies to be made. Mr. Cleveland answers many of his private letters himself, writing with great rapidity and not always very legibly. At ten o'clock visitors begin to arrive, Senators and Representatives claiming precedence over all others. A few of the Congressmen escort constituents who merely desire to pay their respects, but the greater portion of them-Republicans as well as Democrats-have some " axe to grind," some favor to ask, or some appointment to urge. At one o'clock the President goes down-stairs to lunch, and on his way to the private dining-room passes through the East Room to see the sovereign people congregated there. There are queer mosaics of Daily Receptions. 497 humanity at these daily impromptu receptions, generally including a few persistent place-hunters, who are invariably referred to the heads of Departments, several bridal couples in new clothes; an old Bourbon in GOING ALONG THE LINE. a shiny black dress-coat, who "has voted for every Democratic President, sir, since the days of Jackson," half a dozen commercial drummers-travelers, I meanwith their pockets full of samples, and three or four 498 Perley's Remzzizscences. fond mothers, whose children invariably forget to speak the complimentary little piece taught them. The President wastes no time, but goes along the line like an old-fashioned beau dancing the grand right and left figure in a cotillon, and then goes to his luncheon. Two days in the week, when there is a Cabinet meeting, the reception in the East Room is held at noon, or omitted. After luncheon, the President returns to his desk and works there steadily until five o'clock, unless some one calls who cannot be refused an audience. None of his predecessors have ever weighed the qualification and claims of candidates for Federal appointments with such painstaking care as has Mr. Cleveland. He has carefully read the recommendations in every case, and, after such investigation as it has been possible for him to make into the character and antecedents of the rival applicants, he has. made his appointments. At five o'clock the President takes a drive, although the carriage is often sent back to the stable that the examination of the papers in some case may be finished that day. Dinner is served at seven, and by haif-past eight the President is at work again, often remaining at his desk until midnight. But then he leaves his cares behind him. When asked if he ever earned his work to bed with him, as many men of a nervous. organization would do, he replied: " No! I generally fall asleep without any difficulty. I generally am asleep as soon as I am fairly in bed, and never wake until morning " Miss Rose Elizabeth Cleveland, one of the President's sisters, presided over the domestic arrangements of 'the White House after the inauguration of Mr. Cleveland. She is a lady of literary tastes, and under An Elegant State DinZer. 499 her direction the routine of receptions and dinners was carefully continued. On these occasions the floral decorations were remarkably elegant, and there was a profusion of palms, India rubber plants, roses, azalias, tulips, hyacinths, and growing orchids. The first state dinner was given in honor of the Cabinet. At each end of the long table were ornaments of white wax. At the eastern end the figures upholding three fancy molds of jellied pate de fore gras were white swans, with outspread wings, under the shelter of which rested a brood of snowy young ones. At the opposite end of the table the figures were those of eagles, while the pates de foze gras arranged above on horseshoes were little square blocks, attached to the horseshoes by means of silver skewers, with ornamental hilts. Interspersed the length of the board were glass and silver stands of conserves, bonbons, and salted almonds. The service used at the first course was that especially decorated for the White House during the Hayes Administration. At each plate were set six Bohemian wine-glasses, a cut-glass carafe, tumbler, and champagne glass. Salt-sellers of cut-glass, with golden shovels, and silver pepper-stands were beside these. On each plate was folded a large damask napkin, on the top of which rested a bouquet of roses and ferns, tied with a broad white satin ribbon, on one end of which, running bias, were painted the colors of the Union. On the other end was an etching in black and white of the White House and surrounding shrubbery, while underneath, in gilt lettering, was "Jan. 14, i886." Gilt bullet-headed pins, to attach the bouquet to the corsage, lay beside these, while above lay a large white card bearing the name of the guest assigned to the seat. Above the name of the 32 500 Perley's Reminiscences. guest, blazoned in gold, was the American eagle, above whose head, through a cluster of stars, was the motto, " E Pluribus Unum." At the plates laid for the gentlemen were boulontnires of green, with a single Bon Silene rosebud. Miss Cleveland had a corsage bouquet. of pink roses; Miss Bayard, who occupied the seat to the right of the President, Perie du Jardin roses, and Mrs. Manning, who sat to the left lilies of th valley and ferns. The guests assembledl.. of pin k s the East Room and when dinner was announced as served, passsilk dress; Senator Ed.i.ed down the corrdor,.who worthe Mancne Band performing selections from the "Mikado, and entMrs. Ed d ered the state dining room in the following order President Cleveland and Miss Bayard, who wore a trained dress TOA of pink silk, the front THOMAS F BAYARD. of which was white lace; Secretary Whitney and Mrs. Vilas, who wore a blue silk dress; Senator Edmunds and Mrs. MeCullousgh, who wore cream satin and lace, Senator Harris and Mrs. Edward Cooper, who wore white satin, with side panels embroidered in gold and silver; General Sheridan and Mrs. Endicott, who wore a court train of black velvet over a pink satin petticoat, with point lace flounces; Secretary Bayard and Mrs. Whitney, who wore white cit velvet, trimlmed with clusters Mzss Cleveland's Receptzons. 50I of ostrich tips. Postmaster-General Vilas and Mrs. Sheridan, who wore sky-blue silk, with front brocaded in roses; Mr. Speaker Carlisle and Mrs. Edmunds, who wore black velvet, Mr McCullough and Miss Weddell, who wore white brocaded satin, Secretary Lamar and Mrs. Carlisle, who wore gold-flowered brocade, with front of network of iridescent beading; Admiral Rogers and Mrs. D Willis James, who wore cardinal velvet, with court train, over a white satin and lace petticoat; Hon. Edward Cooper, of New York, and Miss Love, who wore white' satin, with black velvet train; Mr D. Willis James, of New York, and Mrs. Utley, who wore white satin brocade, Secretary Manning and Miss Cleveland, who wore a gown of white satin, with court train of white plush. Miss Cleveland had her afternoon receptions, and she also gave several luncheon parties to ladies, at which her temperance principles were exemplified. At the first of these luncheon parties Miss Cleveland graciously received her guests in a morning dress of pink surah silk, with a high-necked bodice and panels of ruby velvet, trimmed with white lace, and Miss Van Vechten, an inmate of the White House, wore a walking-dress of dark blue velvet, with a'vest of light blue silk, trimmed with blue steel beads. Nearly all of the ladies wore walking-dresses and bonnets, although a few were in the evening attire that they would have worn to a dinner-party Mrs. Warner Miller wore a bronze-green Ottoman silk with panels of cardinal plush; Mrs. Potter (the amateur actress) wore a bright green Ottoman silk short dress, with a tight-fitting jacket of scarlet cloth, richly embroidered; Mrs. John A. Logan wore a dress of peacock-blue satin, trimmed with blue brocade; Mrs. Marshal Roberts wore a brown velvet 502 Perley's Remznzscences. dress, and Mrs. Van Rensselaer a black satin dress trimmed with jet. The repast was an abbreviated dinner, daintily served, but in the place of seven kinds of wine there were served iced Potomac water, Appolinaris water and lemonade. Miss Cleveland talks very much as she writes, and those who have enjoyed her Suimmer Houzls can imagine the bright staccato strain of her conversation. She '.. '...::.... ROSE ELIZABETH CLEVELAND. seemed when in the White House to be always longing for what she used to call her " little old house on the Holland Patent, with the village on the one side and the hills on the other." She remarked one day to a lady visitor "I wish that I could observe Washington life in its political phase; but I suppose I am too near the centre to get an accurate perspective on that. Those who live on Mount Athos do not see Mount Athos." Sccrz/ary Bayard's Bereavemenit 503 Society was saddened early in the fashionable season of i886 by the sudden death of Secretary Bayard's eldest daughter, a young lady whose personal attractions, gifted intellect, and quick wit endeared her to a large circle of devoted friends. A fortnight later, the bereaved father was deprived by death of his wife, a lady of gracious presence and refined disposition, who was the mother of twelve children, eight of whom survived her. These sad events closed the pleasant home of the Pseriicr in on Highland Terrace, greatly to the regret of the diplomats and others who loved to congregate there., Prominent a m o n g the wives of the mrembers of the Cabinetwas Mrs. Whitney, the only daughter of Sen- - ator Henry B. Payne, of Ohio, whose unlstinted expenditures have JOSEPH E McDONALD. made her house in Washington, like her other residences, noted for their hospitality The residence of Secretary Manning, with its drawing-rooms fitted up in Louis XVI. style, is palatial, while those who visit the home of the Secretary of War admire the quiet style of its furniture and the rare old family silver on its table. The death of Vice-President Hendricks removed an official around whom the disaffected Democrats could have crystallized into a formidable opposition. Believ 5o4 Perley's Reminiscences. ing as he did, that he had been defrauded of the office of Vice-President by the Electoral Commission in I876, he regarded his election in I884 as a triumphant vindication of his rights, and he was not disposed to have the position longer regarded as " like the fifth wheel of a coach." He made no secret of his opposition to civil service reform and to his Indiana rival, ex-Senator McDonald, against whose appointment to a place in the Cabinet he formally protested. Perhaps a social antagonism between Mrs. McDonald and Mrs. Hendricks had something to do with this. Vice-President Hendricks was slightly lame, from a singular cause. He spoke in public a great deal in the Presidential campaign of 1882, and while speaking he was in the habit of bending forward on the tip of his right foot, resting his entire weight upon it. From the pressure of his right shoe a swelling arose on one of his toes, shortly after he reached home after making a speech at Newcastle, Indiana. In twenty-four hours erysipelas developed, and it was only after an illness of six months that he recovered. But he always afterward was somewhat lame, especially when he was fatigued. THOMAS ANDREWS HENDRICKS was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, September 7th, 1819: was taken when three years of age to Indiana, where he studied law and practiced; was a Representative in Congress from Indiana, 1851-1855; was Commissioner of the General Land Office, 1855 -1859; was United States Senator from Indiana, i863-1869: was Governor of Indiana, 1872-1877: was nominated for Vi:e-President on the Democratic ticket at St. Louis in 1876, and was defeated; was again nominated for Vice-President on the Democratic ticket at Chicago in 1884, and was elected; was inaugurated March 4th, I885, and died at Indianapolis, November 25th, i885. CHAPTER XLV. THE FORTY-NINTH CONGRESS. JOHN SHERMAN PRESIDENT PRO TEM.-T'HE FITZ JOHN PORTER DEBATE -UNPLEASANTNESS BETWEEN KANSAS AND SOUTH CAROLINA-SENATOR GORMAN, OF MARYLAND-SENATOR KENNA, OF WEST VIRGINIAGENERAL MANDERSON, OF NEBRASKA-SENATOR SPOONER, OF WISCONSIN-WEDDING PRESENT TO SECRETARY M'COOK-MR. SPEAKER CARLISLE-REPRESENTATIVE BRECKINRIDGE, OF KENTUCKY-DRAVING OF SEATS-PROMINENT REPRESENTATIVES-THE LOBBY, MALE AND FEMALE. HE first session of the Forty-ninth Congress was commenced on the 7th of December, I885. The Republicans had a majority in the Senate, but it was understood that they would not oppose the Administration in a factious way, but would insist upon having the reasons for the removals of Republican officials and the appointment of Democrats in their places. The President, on the other hand, intimated that he should assert all his prerogatives. A number of the Democratic Senators were not happy, and asked each other whether they had dragged their weary way out of the wilderness to the top of a civil service Mount Plsgah only to gaze upon the promised land, there to see the pleasant pastures and shady groves of official life, without being permitted to enjoy them. John Sherman was elected President pro fenzpore of the Senate. Although he had twice lost the Republican nomination for the Presidency by the treachery of 505 506 Perley's Remznzscences. Ohio politicians, he had not " sulked in his tent," but had done all in his power to carry that State for Garfield and then for Blaine. It was understood that Senator Edmunds had resigned in his favor all claims to the Presidency of the Senate, and he was elected by the full party vote, thirty-four against twenty-nine. He stated in his brief inaugural speech that he should endeavor to enforce the rules with impartiality, ascertaining, if possible, the sense of the majority, and giving to the minority its full constiate called the third battle of Bull Run, as it related to the conduct of Fitz John Porter in the second battle. One day Senator Plumb, of Kansas, dedclared that the attempt to reinstate Porter was the beginning of an attempt to re-write the history of the Union army, and to put that which was disloyal and unfaithful above that which was loyal and faithful. "This," said Ir. Plumb, "was our quarrel, if quarrel it was, and the other side ought to refrain from voting on it." This roused Senator Butler, of South Carolina, who had served as a Brigadier-General in the Confederate army, and he, in sharp tones, protested against what Fzit John Porter's Case. 507 Mr. Plumb had said, denouncing it as " absolutely and entirely and unqualifiedly untrue. And, sir," he went on to say, " if it were in another form I would pronounce it as false and cowardly." He concluded by declaring that he did not believe Fitz John Porter was a traitor. He did not believe he deserted his colors, and believing that, he should vote to reinstate him. " Ah!" quietly remarked Mr. Plumb, " I knew all that before the Senator arose." "Then," retorted Mr. Butler, "I hope the Senator will stop his insinuations." To this Mr. Plumb replied, " As the Senator has not restrained himself from making a somewhat lively speech here, I hope he will not feel under any restraint elsewhere." Senator Butler was by this time thoroughly enraged, and, advancing toward the Senator from Kansas, he exclaimed: " I can say this to the Senator, that if he were to indulge in just such sentiments and expressions elsewhere as he has, he would be very likely to hear from me." "Oh! Mr. President," coolly remarked Mr. Plumb," we hear a great many things in these days. There are signs and portents, and all that sort of thing. It is just what the Senator has said that I was commenting upon, that, while the men who served in the Union army and the Northern people were divided to some extent on this question affecting the honor, the good name, the faithfulness, and the loyalty of one of their own soldiers, no Confederate soldier had any doubt upon the subject, but voted neni. con. that he was not guilty." A few moments later, Mr. Plumb said he had just been informedthatthe President had vetoed a bill giving a pension of fifty dollars a month to the widow of Major-General Hunter, who had been presiding officer of the court 308 Perley's Remziniscences. martial that had tried Fitz John Porter. That seemed a fitting accompaniment for the passage of the Fitz John Porter Bill. But the loyal people of the country would see to it that Mrs. Hunter did not suffer. The debate then lagged, and in a few minutes the vote was reached and the bill was passed. The champion of President Cleveland in the Senate was Arthur P. Gormlan, of Maryland, the son of a respectable citizen of Washington and the grandson of an Irishman. Educated at the public schools in Howard County, Maryland, he was appointed, when thirteen years of age, a page in the Senate of the United States. Prompt, truthful, and attentive to whatever was intrusted to him, he was gradually promoted until he became the Senate Postmaster Among his warmest friends was Andrew Johnson, and when he was removed from office because he always spoke well of the President, Mr Johnson appointed him Collector of Internal Revenue for the Fifth District of Maryland, which place he held until the Grant Administration came into power. Entering into Maryland politics, and thoroughly acquainted with parliamentary law, he was elected Speaker of the House of Delegates, and afterward State Senator. When forty years of age he awas elected United States Senator, defeating William Pinckney Whyte, who was the representative of the aristocratic element in Maryland. This element at once commenced a merciless warfare against Mr. Gorman, but lie was in no wise daunted, and he has been re-elected by a large majority He is rather an under-sized, squarely built man, with jet-black hair, a Roman nose, a clean-shaven face, very dark blue eyes, and a decisive manner. He is noted for his fidelity to his friends, and at the same time he often forgives those who have I 0 - r urriicftnt f.'cnorUiUT'. 509 shamefully treated him, but who come to ask favors of him. He did much toward securing the election of Mr. Cleveland as President, and he has had the satisfaction of seeing that what he did has been fully appreciated at the White House. Senator Kenna, of West Virginia, another stanch defender of President Cleveland, was the youngest Senator when he took his seat, but he had served three terms in the House of Representatives and was chosen for a fourth term when he xvas elected to the seat formerly occupied by Henry G. Davis. He is a talle thicksporaneotsly, whath a full, clean-shaven face, one of the ablest blue eyes, chestnut hair rathe r inclinedcan sde of to Curl. He is negl-Pennsylvaa, e gent in his dress and m ra ther slow in the t-ent into terance of his sentences, as he speaks ex- CHARLES F MANDERSON te Uniporan armously, what he says, howevere wound is always to the point at issue. General Charles F Manderson is one of the ablest among the younger Senators on the Republican side of the Chamber. A native of Pennsylvania, lie conimenced the practice of the law in Ohio, but went into the Union army, where he fought gallantly, receiving severe wounds. After peace was declared he migrated to the young State of Nebraska, whose interests he carefully looks after while he participates in general 5Io Perley's Reminiscences. legislation, especially military affairs and printing. He' is of medium height, compactly built, with bright eyes and a well-modulated voice. Senator Spooner, of Wisconsin, is the young orator of the Senate. Slender in form, and not of commanding presence, he has a well-modulated voice, and his words are always well chosen. Whatever he says is characterized by depth of reflection and purity of style, and he is fearlessly independent in the expression of his ideas. General McCook, the Secretary of the Senate, taking a wife, it became necessary, in accordance with the traditions of that body, to make him a wedding present. The Quaker Senator, Jonathan Chace, of Rhode Island, was one of a committee appointed to collect the contributions for a gift to General McCook, and he began to solicit donations while the Senate was in session, which made it necessary for him to speak low, and, perhaps, somewhat indistinctly. No sooner had he interviewed Mr. Dolph, of Oregon, than that Senator, leaving his seat, went out into the cloak-room, where sat several of the upper house, enjoying their cigars' and a chat. "Well," said Mr Dolph, as he joined them, "I have been called upon, since I have been in public life, to contribute to all sorts of enterprises and for all sorts of purposes, but I just had a request that beats any demand I have ever had made on my pocket-book." " What was it?" asked the Senators, in a body " Why, replied Mr. Dolph, " Friend Chace just came to me, and in a mysterious way said that his cook was about to be married, and that he wanted to have me subscribe to a testimonial to her. What in-" but here the auditors broke out in roars of laughter, in which Mr. Dolph joined when he saw his mistake. It was not A Queer Mistake. 5 I I the cook of Friend Chace who was to receive a wedding testimonial, but handsome Anson McCook, the Secretary of the Senate. The House of Representatives, in which the Demo SENATOR DOLPH'S MISTAKE. crats had a good working majority, re-elected Mr Speaker Carlisle, with nearly all of the old officers. The only real contest was over the Chaplainship. Mr. Morrison, of Illinois, presented as his candidate the 512 Perley's Reminiscences. Rev. W. H. Milburn, known as the blind preacher, who received ninety votes against eighty-two for all the other candidates, and was elected. John Griffin Carlisle, Speaker of the House, is a thorough parliamentarian, who rises above party lines in his rulings and is the model of courtesy in the chair. The clearness and the fairness with which he states a question to the House has never been equaled, and his ready recollection of precedents is wonderfully accurate. He is REV W H. MILBURN. the fourth Kentuckian who has wielded the an elo t Speaker's gavel, Hen-..Burrry Clay having been cilected again and Another able Kentuckian in the House is hlliair P again, wh ile Linn Boyd, a veteran Representatlve, occupied the Speaker's chair e brilliat or four years. John White of Kentucky,::,....:~. ~.r~ -was also Speaker for one term, but when it REV W H. MILBURN. was ascertained that an eloquent address delivered by him at the close of a session had been pirated from one delivered by Aaron Burr on vacating the chair of the Senate, he was mercilessly ridiculed and committed suicide. Another able Kentuckian in the House is William C. P. Brecklnridge, of Lexington, who has inherited the brilliant oratorical powers of his father, the Rev. Dr. Robert C. Breckinridge, and of his uncle, VicePresident John C. Brecklnridge. He is a model of ven A Gift Enter5prise. 5Ia erable, manly beauty, his snow-white hair and beard bringing out in strong relief his ruddy complexion, while his large blue eyes gleam with forensic fire. In the " gift enterprise " of seats, a New York Representative, Mr. Stahlnecker, drew the first prize and selected a seat in the third row from the front. Mr. Hiscock, who is always observed by all observers, had, with Mr Hewitt, to content themselves with seats in the outside row. The seat of the patriarchal Judge Kelley was protected by his hat, and no one appropriated it until his name was called, when he again resumed his old place. General Robert Smalls, the coal-black Representative from South Carolina, was the object of much interest as he stepped forward to select his seat, and all necks were craned to get a view of New York's Republican standard-bearer when a scholarly, refined-lookinggentleman responded to.the name of Ira Davenport. Of course, all strangers wanted to see the indefatigable Randall, the economical Holman, the free-trader Morrison, the Greenback Weaver and the argentive Bland, the eloquent McKinley, the sarcastic Reed, the sluggish Hiscock, and the caustic-tongued Butterworth. Old stagers who remembered the shrunken, di.minutive form of Alexander H. Stephens, of Georgia, could but smile when they saw his successor, Major Barnes, who weighs at least three hundred pounds. The lobby is a quiet but efficient part of Congressional machinery. Scores of bills are considered and passed during every session, each involving thousands of dollars, and those having them in charge do not feel like turning a deaf ear to any one who can promise support. An occasional investigation reveals the work of ex-Congressmen, who hover about the Capitol like birds of prey, and of correspondents so scantily paid by the 5I4 Perley's Remznzscences. journals with which they are connected that they are forced to prostitute their pens. But the most adroit lobbyists belong to the gentler sex. Some of them are nIII1 $I, THE SPIDER-LOBBYIST AT HOME. the widows of officers of the army or navy, others the daughters of Congressmen of a past generation, and others have drifted from home localities, where they * Lady Lobby sls. 515, have found themselves the subjects of scandalous comments. They are retained with instructions to exert their influence with designated Congressmen. Sometimes the Congressmen are induced to vote aye on a certain measure; sometimes to vote no, and it often occurs that where the lobbyist cannot make an impression on them, one way or the other, they will endeavor to keep them away from the House when the roll is called. To enable them to do their work well, they have pleasant parlors, with works of art and bric-a-brac donated by admirers. Every evening they receive, and in the winter their blazing wood fires are often surrounded by a distinguished circle. Some treat favored guests to a game of euchre, and as midnight approaches there is always an adjournment to the dining-room, where a choice supper is served. A cold game pie, broiled oysters, charmingly mixed salad, and one or two light dishes generally constitute the repast, with iced champagne or Burgundy at blood heat. Who can blame a Congressman for leaving the bad cooking of his hotel or boarding-house, with the absence of all home comforts, to walk into the parlor web which the cunning spider-lobbyist weaves for him? FREDERICK T FRELINGHUYSEN was born at Millstown, New Jersey, August 4th, I817; graduated at Rutgers College in 1836; was Attorney-General of the State of New Jersey, 1861-1866: was United States Senator, I866-1869, and again 1871-1877; was Secretary of State under President Arthur, December x2th, I88i-March 4th, I885; died at Newark, N J., May 2oth, i885. 33 CHAPTER XLVI. THE PRESIDENT'S WEDDING. FLORAL DECORATIONS-THE BRIDE'S ATTIRE-THE CEREMONY-THE MARRIAGE SUPPER-DEPARTURE OF THE WEDDED COUPLE-RECEPTIONS AT THE WHITE HOUSE-THE DIPLOMATS AND THEIR LADIESDINNER PARTIES-THE LEADER OF SOCIETY-CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENT-VETOES-OFPICE-SEEKERS-SUMMER RECREATIONS. RESIDENT CLEVELAND was married at the White House at seven o'clock on the 2d of June, I886, to Miss Frances Folsom, the daughter of his former law partner. Since the historic miansion had been occupied there had been eight marriages within its walls, but for the first time a President of the United States was the bridegroom. The day had been unpleasant, but in the afternoon it cleared off, and the sunbeams fllttered through the. foliage of the trees. Only a few relatives of the bride and high officials were invited, but a large crowd assembled around the door of the White House, where they could only hear the music of the Marine Band when the ceremony was commenced. At the same time a Presidential salute was fired from the Arsenal, and the church-bells chimed merry peals. The state apartments at the White House were profusely decked with flowers, nodding palms, and tropical grasses. The crystal chandeliers poured a flood of light upon the scene, and the warm and 516 7Tjc l[;cdding Ccrmon'oll' 517 glowing colors of the masses of scarlet begonias and jacqueminot roses mingled with the br-ght tints of the frescoed walls and ceilings. The open fire-places were filled with colias and small pink flowers, while on the mantels were large plaques of pansies bearing appropriate mottoes. Precisely at seven o'clock the Marine Band struck up Mendelssohn's Wedding-March, and the President REV BYRON SUNDERLAND, D. D. came slowly down the staircase with his bride leaning on his arm. They were unaccomnpanied-even the bride's mother awaiting her coming The bride wore a train four yards in length. Attached to the lower side of the train on the left was a scarf of soft, white India silk, looped high, and forming an overskirt, which was bordered on the edge with orange-blossomsAcross the bodice were full folds of muslin, edged with orange-blossoms. Long gloves were worn to meet the II'.. k, A; I.0 11. 1. I j t.I. '.., I.,.; il.I I P..il I PRESIDENT CLEVELAND'S WEDDING. ! 11 1! -: MRS. PRESIDENT CLEVELAND. 520 Perley's Remizzniscences. short sleeves. The bridal veil was of white silk tulle, five yards in length, fastened on the head with orangeblossols, and falling to the end of the beautiful train, which, as the bride stood with bowed head beside the President, lay far behind her on the floor Her only jewelry was a superb diamond necklace, the President's wedding present, and an engagement-ring containing a sapphire and two diamonds. President Cleveland wore an evening dress of black, with a small turned-down collar, and a white lawn necktie, a white rose was fastened to the lapel of his coat. The bridal couple turned to the right as they entered the Blue Parlor from the long hall, and faced the officiating clergyman, Rev. Dr. Sunderland, who immediately commenced the ceremony in accordance with the usages of the Presbyterian Church. After the couple had pledged their troth the President placed a wedding-ring upon the bride's finger, and Dr. Sunderland then pronounced them man and wife, with the injunction * "Whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder" The Rev. Mr Cleveland, a brother of the bridegroom, then stepped forward and concluded the ceremony with an invocation of blessing upon the pair At the conclusion of the ceremony the bride's mother, Mrs. Folsom, was the first to tender her congratulations. She was followed by Miss Cleveland and the other relatives and friends in turn. Then the band struck up the march from Lohengrln, and the President and his wife led the way through the East Room to the family dining-room, where the wedding supper was served. The decorations were of an elaborate character. A mirror in the centre of the table represented a lake, on which was a full-rigged ship, Start on their Wedding Tour. 521 made of pinks, roses, and pansies. The national colors floated over the mainmast, and smnall white flags, with the monogram " C. F" in golden letters, hung from the other masts. The guests were not seated, but stood up antd enjoyed the croquets, game, salads, ices, and creams. The health of the bride and bridegroom was pledged in iced champagne. Each guest received a box of cardboard, containing a white satin box filled with wedding cake five inches long by two broad and two deep. On the cover the date was handpainted in colors, and a card affixed bore the autograph signature of Grover Cleveland and Frances Folsom, which they had written the previous afternoon. At a quarter-past eight the President and his wife left the snpper-room and soon reappeared in traveling dress. He wore his usual black frock business suit, and she a traveling dress of deep gray silk, with a large gray hat lined with velvet and crowned with ostrich feathers. They left the back door of the White House amid a shower of rice and old slippers, and were driven to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, where they took a special train for Deer Park. BYRON SUNDERLAND was born at Shoreham, Vermont, November 22d, 1819; was graduated from Middlebury College in the class of '38; taught school for two years at Port Henry, New York; was a student at the Union Theological Seminary for two years and a half; was licensed to preach and was ordained in 1848 pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Batavia, New York, where he remained for eight years; received a call to the Park Church at Syracuse, and was its pastor until the close of 1852; became pastor of the First Presbyterian Church at Washington in 1853, and has occupied its pulpit since, except from August, '64, to January, '86, when he was temporarily absent in charge of the American Chapel at Paris, France. From i86i to 1864 he was Chaplain of the United States Senate, and resigned on account of failing health. CHAPTER XLVII. A SUMMING-UP OF SIXTY YEARS. PHEN()AIENAL PROGRESS OF NrWASHINGTOrN-GROWTH OF THE UNITED STATES-PROUD POSITION OF TIHE REPUBLIC-IMPROVEMENTS AT THE NATIONAL CAPITAL-TONE OF SOCIETY -- W\AR DEMORALIZATIONPLUNDERERS AND IMPUDENT LOBBYISTS-TONE OF POLITICAL NEWSPAPERS - CONGRESSIONAL CLAIMANTS- SOUTHERN INFLUENCESHODDY AND VENEER-A LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC CENTRE-THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, THE NA TIONAL MUSEUM, THE FISH COMMISSION, AND OTHER SCIENTIFIC COLLECTIONS-THE COSMOS CLUB' ENVOI. T HE progress of Washington City during the past sixty years —I827-1887-has been phenomenal. The United States of America, then twenty-four in number, now number thirty-elght, bound together by iron bands, then unknown, while the telegraph and the telephone add their usefulness to that of the railroads. Domestic rebellion showed itself, to be overthrown only after a struggle in which the courage and endurance of the North and the South were equally demonstrated. The teeming population of Europe has overflowed into every section of the Republic where wealth is to be won by enterprise and industry. The fertile prairies of the far West not only supply the inhabitants of the Eastern States with food, but they export large quantities of meat and of grain. The workshops and factories resound with the whir of wheels and the hum of well-paid labor, which, in turn, furnishes a market for agricultural and horti522 Marvelous Growtil. 523 cultural products. There has been of late a omnentation of ill-feeling and jealousy between classes dependent upon each other, and both equally valuable to the nation. But, on the whole, it is impossible to deny that the United States is a free, a prosperous, and a happy country. The national metropolis has, during these past sixty years, enjoyed peaceful progress. In 1827 the population of the entire District of Columbia was less than seventy-five thousand, of whom sixty-one thousand were inhabitants of the city of Washington, now the population of the District is two hundred and three thousand, and that of Washington is about one hundred and fifty thousand. The increase of wealth has been even greater than the increase of population. Then there was not a paved street, and it was often difficult to extricate carriages from mud-holes in the principal thoroughfares, now there are many miles of stone and asphalt street pavements, shaded by thousands of forest trees. Then there were twenty-four churches, now there are over two hundred. Then there were no public schools for white children that amounted to much, and it was forbidden by law to teach colored children, now there are scores of schools, with their hundreds of teachers, and twenty-six thousand six hundred and ninety-six pupils in the white schools, and eleven thousand six hundred and forty pupils in the colored schools -thirty-eight thousand three hundred and thirty-six pupils in all. The streets, then dark at night when the moon did not shine, are now illuminated by electricity and gas. The public reservations are ornamented with shrubs and flowers, lwhile numerous statues of the heroes and the statesmen of the country are to be seen in different parts of the city. 524 Perley's Roemzznl scences. That the tone of society has been wonderfully improved during the past sixty years the earlier chapters of this book bear testimony Duels and personal encounters are no longer witnessed at the national metropolis, and yet our legislators have not grown craven-hearted, nor do they lack indomitable energy and sound judgment. Neither is it true that Congress has become demoralized by railroad speculations, or degraded by the influence of shoddy, although the war subjected its members greatly to these Influences, and some succumbed to them. When the silver-toned trumpets of peace proclaimed the close of hostilities, Washington suffered from the laxity of morals and corruption attendant upon the presence of a great army of soldiers and a more unscrupulous legion of contractors. "I have seen," said Senator Hoar, on the impeachment of Secretary Belknap before the Senate, " the Chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs in the House, rise in his place and demand the expulsion of four of his associates for making sale of their official privilege of selecting the youths to be educated at our military school. When the greatest railroad of the world, binding together the continent and uniting the two great seas which wash our shores was finished, I have seen our national triumph and exultation turned to bitterness and shame by the unanimous reports of the three Committees of Congress, two of the House and one here, that every step of that mighty enterprise had been taken in fraud. I have heard in the highest places the shameless doctrine avowed by men grown old in public office that the true way by which power should be gained in the Republic is to bribe the people with the offices created for their service, and the true end for which it should be used Iniproved Tone of Society. 525 when gained is the promotion of selfish ambition and the gratification of personal revenge." The time was when the " Rex Vestiari," as the King of the Lobby styled himself, on a silver cup which he impudently presented to a retiring Speaker, had no difficulty in assembling the leading Congressmen and prominent diplomats around his table to enjoy his exquisite repasts. But there has come a more vigorous code of morality, and society is now rarely disgraced by the presence of these scoundrels. The tone of the political newspapers of the country has greatly changed since the Democratic organ at Philadelphia, then the seat of Government, thanked God, on the morning of Washington's retirement from the Presidential chair, that the country was now rid of the man who was the source of all its misfortunes. The Federal newspapers at Washington City denounced President Jefferson for his degraded immorality, and copied the anathemas hurled against him from the New England pulpits as an atheist and a satyr The letters written from Washington to newspapers in other cities used often to be vehicles of indecent abuse, and once one of them caused a duel between two Representatives, which resulted in the death of Mr Cilley, of Maine. While there is less vituperation and vulgar personal abuse by journalists of those " in authority," the pernicious habit of " interviewing" is a dangerous method of communication between our public men and the people. The daily and weekly press of Washington will compare favorably with that of any other city in the Union. A sad feature of Washington life is the legion of Congressional claimants, who come here session after session, and too often grow old and destitute while un 526 Perley's ReominiZscences. successfully prosecuting before Congress a claim which is just, but in some respects irregular These ruined suitors, threadbare and slipshod, begging or borrowing their daily bread, recall Charles Dickens' portraiture of the Jaundyce vs. Jaundyce Chancery suit, which had become so complicated that no one alive knew what it meant. The French spoliation claims that were being vigorously prosecuted in I827 are yet undetermined in I886. None of the original claimants survive, but they have left heirs and legatees, executors and assignees, who have perennially presented their cases, and who are now indulging in high hopes of success. Governmient, after more than fourscore years of unjustifiable procrastination, is at last having the claims adjudicated, and in time the heirs of the long-suffering holders will be paid. Up to the commencement of the great Rebellion, Washington was socially a Southern city, and although there have since been immigrations from the Northeast and the Northwest,with the intermediate regions, the foundation layer sympathizes with those who have returned from " Dixie " to control society and to direct American politics. Many of those known as the " old families " lost their property by the emancipation of their slaves, and are rarely seen in public, unless one of the Virginia Lees or the daughter of Jefferson Davis comes to Washington, when they receive the representatives of " the Lost Cause " with every possible honor. There are but few large cities at the South, and intelligent people from that section enjoy the metropolis, where they are more at home than in the bustling commercial centres of the North, and where their provincialisms and customs are soon replaced by the quiet conventionalities and courtesies of modern civilization. There A Modern A/ithzis. 527 are a few of the old camp-followers here who perfected their vices while wearing " the blue " or "the gray," and they occasionally indulge in famous revels, when, to use one of their old army phrases, they " paint the town red." Washington society does not all centre around the Capitol, or in the legal circle that clusters around the Supreme Court, or in the Bureaucracy, where vigor of brains atones for a lack of polish, or amlong the diplomats, worshiped by the young women and envied by the young men. Vulgar people who amass fortunes by successful gambling in stocks, pork, or grain can attain a great deal of cheap newspaper notoriety for their social expenditures here, and some men of distinction can be attracted to their houses by champagne and terrapin, but their social existence is a mere sham, like their veneered furniture and their plated spoons. Meanwhile, Washington, from a new settlement of provincial insignificance, has become the scientific and literary, as well as the political capital of the Union. Unfitted by its situation or its surroundings for either commerce or manufactures, the metropolis is becoming, like ancient Athens, a great school of philosophy, history, archeology, and the fine arts. The nucleus of scientific and literary operations is the Smithsonian Institution, which, under the direction of Professor Spencer F Baird, reflects high honor upon its generous founder, and is in fact what he intended it should be -an institution "to increase and diffuse knowledge among men " In the National Museum there is a judicious admixture of the past and present, and still more, happily blending with these, are not only the wonders of the vegetable and floral kingdom, but of those geological, 528 Perley's Remziniscences. zoological, and ethnological marvels which it is the privilege of this age to have brought to light and classified. It is not only the storehouse of the results of scientific expeditions fitted out by the United States, but the depository of the contributions of foreign nations, which added so much to the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia in 1876. The work of the United States Fish Cominission is too well known to require description, and is of itself well worth a journey to Washington. Then there are the museums of the State, the War, and the Navy Departments, with that of the Department of Agriculture and the Army Medical Museum. The Observatory, with its magnificent instruments for astronomical purposes, the Coast and Geodetic Survey, and the Naval Hydrographic Bureau, each with its stores of maps and charts; the Bureau of Education, the Indian Office, the General Land Office, and the Geological Survey are all scientific institutions of acknowledged position. The Corcoran Art Gallery, and the Roman Catholic and the Protestant Colleges, with their law and medical schools, add to the scientific and artistic attractions of the capital, while the facilities afforded by the Congressional and other libraries for study and research are of such a superior character that many men engaged in scientific pursuits have been attracted here from other sections. There are also in Washington the Philosophical, the Anthropological, and the Biological Societies, devoted to general scientific investigation, and at the Cosmos Club the scientists develop the social side of their natures. The house long occupied by Mrs. Madison has been fitted up by the Club, the membership of which includes about all of the prominent scientific L' Ein vooi. 529 men in the city, and it is said that there are more men of distinction in science in Washington than in any other city ii the country. L'ENVOI. It is not without regret that I lay down my pen, and cease work on the Reminiscences of Sixty Years of my life. As I remarked in the Preface, my great difficulty has been what to select from the masses of literary material concerning the national metropolis that I have accummulated during the past six decades, and put away in diaries, scrap-books, correspondence with the press, and note-books. Many important events have been passed over more lightly than their importance warranted, while others have been wholly ignored. But I trust that I have given my readers a glance at the most salient features of Life in Washington, as I have actually seen it, without indulging in sycophantic flattery of men, or glossing over the unpleasant features of events. "Paint me as I am," said Cromwell, and I have endeavored to portray the Federal Metropolis as I have seen it. I, 4 i 0 INDEX. ABRUTI', GEO N K' Ct' Th