The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-08-24

upon plan that would give efficiency aud complete
organization Of the volunteer system.
The PRss,DEsr That Is the most important part
The SECRETARY Wan Tho other does not amount
to much anywhere and here It would amount to nothing
at all. He proceeded to say that this would be good
opportunity to get rid of promotion by seniority for
until that done, there would mover be an efficient
army, either OF reguIars, volunteers, or militia.
The officers present then seycrally introduced TO
the President and the Secretary of War; who expressed
their qualification at this visits and after some general
conversation, the interview Terminated The officers
upon leaving the Executive Mansion again formed into
line, and marched down the far Gautiers,
where they 10 halt and they then repaired 10 the
saloon for eeshmen and spent an hour In social inter
course In reply to toast, Col Hickey said he was
glad that opportunity had been afforded to give
preston to the feelings ho had always entertained to-
wards his fellow officers no glad to meet them and
express his friendship for them citizens and associates
unconnected with the military organization, and he was
also happy TO be able congratulate them the success
that had attended their efforts to-day They had
the promise Of the highest authority In the country that
he would give attention to tho interests of tho volunteers
this District and there correative duty and OBJ
legation resting upon the officers to respond to the
Executive action and give effect to It. He hoped there
cesary qualify them for the efficient discharge of their
respective duties and the better these performed
the higher would DO tho with which they could Gu
JOY occasions Of social intercourse like the present Col
IL. then gave
The health Of Capt Peck, and to the Presi
dents Mounted Guard
Capt PECK responded In appropriate manner,
pressing his qualification tho coraty with which tho
officers had been received by the President and the Sec
rotary Of War; aud complimenting Col Hickey for the
zeal and energy with which he had iabored to bring
about the reforms that needed. He concluded by
giving
''The President and tho Secretary OF War
Col HoKnr took this occasion to speak in fitting terms
of the Chief Magistrate, who in all the walks of e as
senator of the United States minister the Court
ST. James, and President of the United States had
retained the character OF plain American citizen
one who was not democrat from mere prctenson, but
because he has 1t In his heart.
Lieut.. CAarpELL gave the following
'May this event be like the other great event
which such general rejoicing may II connect the
dscordan clements that have heretofore existed in
organization, and may they be hereafter united the
Atlantic cable unites the Old World and the New"
Capt. SoHwARrzMaN gave the following
May the good feeling which exists among us to-day
extend throughout respective commands and may
they be like society OF friends and brothers. among
whom contention should exist but that noble
contention, rather emulation Of who best work.
best agree"
Capt. TAFT said that slthorgh some former
slons he had expressed opions somewhat at variance
with those of Col Hickey in regard the proper
to be pursued in rcvving military spirit yet he wish
ed 1t to be understood that he had the highest regard
that gentleman personally, and tho only reason why he
opposed his recommendation because had many
failures heretofore that he believed nothing would
coed but independent regiment, and it would be of no
use to go to tho President Ho felt assured now how
ever that brighter days before the military of this
District and reoced that this step had been taken
Capt CLARK as commander OF the Union Guards, and
Lieut. LAxcRAx In behalf of tho Montgomery Guards, as
surcd Col Hickey that he should have the cordial coop
eution of those companies In the proposed undertaking
and oil the officers present unanimously concurred in
pressing similar sentiment The meeting then adj
ouned and the officers separated well pleased at the re-
suit OF their endeavor and determined to do all in their
powor to carry on tho good work auspiciously COM
menccd.