Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-05-31
sERENADR TO THE CABINET.

SERENADE TO THE CABINET.
The NaHoas, Johnson Union Club Of Wash
ington, Of which Hon. A. w Randall, FIRST
Assistant Postmaster General, is Pres dent, SER
cnaded the President and the members Of the
Cabinet on Wednesday night the 25d instant
The object seemed to be toelicit the seatimentsoi
these members Of the government On the pre-
sent condition of affairs-whether they sustain
the Presidents policy of Restoration, or the
Radical policy Of iudeinite Disunion.
Mr.. Seward was not at home, but his sou
spoke for him, and stated his adhesion to the
policy Of Restoration Mr.. Seward himself
had made a speech at Auburn, smooth and a
droit, deprecating any division between the
President and Congress as injurious to the coun-
try. and especially detrimental to the Union
party. of which he was one Of the founders
He thinks the great want Of the day is coneilia-
ton. The Union never having been broken,
there is nothing to reconstruct. He Is for the
early admission of loyal members from the
Southern States, and urges that failure Of re-
Cancellation for an indefinite period will be dis
union and revolution.
Mr.. McCulloch, Secretary of the Treasury,
spoke to the point, directly and eloquently, in
favorof the Presidents policy. Heis opposed to
oil tinkering with the Constitution, and warns
the radicals that if they keep up the alienation
Of the North and South, the days of the Union
party viii soon be numbered.
Secretary Stanton, of the War Department,
had been in favor ofsome Of the measures vetoed
by the President but he considered these settled
questions. He is against the project of the Re-
construction Committee, excluding the South
from representation, and considers proof Of
present and future loyalty the only prOper test,
and that every proper inducement to union
should be fostered and cherished.
Postmaster General Denison does not hest
tate as to the true policy for speedy restoration.
He SAYS but one thing remains to complete the
work of restoration, and to clOthe the South
ern States with all their constitutional privile-
ges and that is their representation in Congress.
TT IS but fair to say here that he has acted with
commeudable zeal in restoring postal facilities
to the SOUTH He kindly warns the extremists
of the dangers threatening the existence Of the
Republican party. The work of restoration,
he says, calls for every concession authorized
by the Constitution.
Secretary Wells declined speech, but was
plain and direct in favor Of the Presidents poll
cy, which one and all approve.
Attorney General Speed did not show him
self, but sent a letter to the committee stating
that he had not time to prepare fitting ad-
dress. The President will probably soon relieve
him from his pressing enS@ements-" He
ought not to be worked so hard.
Secretary Harlan also wrote letter, stating
that official engagements " rendered it impos-
sible for him to be present, He INDUCED in a
little egotism by mentioning the important fact
that he had been four times elected to the Sem
ate. was vain enough to think his past opinions
were fully known He had not the indepeu-
dence, however, to give his opinion on the great
question of the day, Union or Disunion. As
his new term of Senator will commence next
March, he doubtless deems it advisable to hold
on to his $4,000 position in the Cabinet as long
as possible. The man who cannot speak out,
at a time like this, is not suitable adviser for
an independent President.
The President merely returned thanks for
the demonstration, and added. "All that will
be necessary is to persist in the support and
maintenance of correct principles, and the day
Is not distant when the American people will
satisfy You that the good work you have COM
menced is right, as it will so prove in the end.
The Chronicle thinks Mr. Stanton perpetra-
ted a grim joke by quoting the President
against himself Nobody else saw it as For
ney saw it. He will doubtless sec many grim
images before the next Congress meets.