The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-11-10
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SpecuiatiOns as to General
Grants Cabinet. w
The General Reticent to Els
Party Leaders.
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HIS MOVEMENTS YESTERDAY.
The Present Aspect Of the Alabama
Claims Question.
WASHINGTON, Nov. g. 1858.
General S,r.,,,. s.s.t--i NJ Army Headquar.

General t,r.r,,. ss..--i NJ Army Headquar.
tors.
This being the FIRST business day since the return
OF the President elect 1t was supposed by many per-
sons that he would hold public levee Of some kind,
and most Of them thought 1t more than probable that
the headquarters OF the army woiYiti be the place.
Accordingly, the rather modest looking mansion
occupied as headquarters Of the Generalin Chtef be-
came an object OF interest to number Of people who
gathered there at an early hour in the morning In
the hope OF seeing the great little man arrive. A
vigiant watch kept by the curious for the first
glimpse of Grants black horse the appearance OF
his buggy which modes OF conveyance were most
patronized by the General before he left Washington
The General on this occasion, however, did not
adopt either OF his former methods Of going TO
his ofiice. He sailed out from home on foot
about nine O'Clock this morning, and walked
leisurely up Pennsylvania avenue, apparently un-
conscious that he was the object upon which all
eyes we're directed During the walk to his Office no
was met by several acquantances, who manifested
great pleasure at seeing him. moment or two was
spent in mutual inquiries after health and general
prosperity after which the General quietly pursued
his way. When the General approached his head
quarters he was observed by those waiting for his
arrival slowly walking through the White House
grounds with his hands In his pantaloons pockets
puffing away at his cigar. He went Immediately
into his office, where he began to receive the
multitude OF visitors who crowded in to congratu-
late him. Up TO about one O'Clock he received the
visits Of friends. acquaintances and strangers
then he took q recess for short time and left the
Office, going through the War Department the White
House grounds and the Treasury into Fifteenth
street. While passing through the Treasury the
General stopped at General Spinners room and paid
visit to the ''old watch dog OF the Treasury
After an absence Of about threequarers of an hour
he returned to his ONCE, where number OF callers
had again assembled, and the formalites OF presen.
tation and reception recommended. Among the
distinguished persons who visited General Grant to-
day were Speaker Cofax, the Secretary OF War,
General Scho1eld; Generals Candy Emory, Hum.
phries, George II. Thomas and Terry. The two last
mentioned are here to attend the Dyer court Of in
quiry. Senator Morgan and many other prominent
civilians also called upon him. Most OF those who
called upon the General introduced themselves by
their cards. These visitors generally expressed few
words OF congratulation, for which General Grant
briefly returned his thanks, after which they took
their leave and were succeeded by others. When
prominent offlcer OF the government presented him.
self he was promptly admitted and retired after q
few moments OF conversation. AT the close OF ONCE
hours the General parted from headquarters about
the same time that the clerks OF his ONCE left and
very much in the same manner-ina street passen.
ger car During the day committee from the re-
publican organizations Of this city called upon the
General to learn hts pleasure in regard TO demon
stration Of welcome which II was At first intended
to have on hls ARRIVAL but which was postponed on
account OF unforeseen obstacles. The General ap.
pointed an hour tor the committee TO call upon him
tomorrow. when he promised 10 advise with them
in regard 20 the in which the rejoicing shall
be done
Grant and His DesiGns-Pr0bable Complexion
Of His Cabinet.
Al the present time the most interesting topic OF
conversation hereabouts the probable composition
Of Genera! Grants Cabinet. On this subject there
are many claimants 70 the reputation OF being good
authorities and profound oracles are not wanting
who can foretel the egns OF the times In this re-
spect They ali have their believers; but the truth
that other President elect since the foundation
OF the government preserved 30 rigid silence
In regard 70 his future course In important State
matters as General Grant, and IS . natura, conse-
quence the vast number Of rumors now floating
around contain but very few well founded facts.
IL ID unmis.akably clear that Grant Is DESTROYS
Of making his Cahine, selections without con-
suting party leaders, and of making them
70 SUIT himself consequently ali those who
volunteer their advice In the matter are treated
alike. rom the dogmatic political manager. who
assumes 70 dictate 70 the humble aspirant for Pres
Dental favor VINO ventures only to throw out sug.
eestlon. They patiently listened to and gracIousy
permitted TO do all the talking. Thus al sucn inter.
views terminate highly unsatisfactory, without q
promise or even hint that their counsel has taken
SUFFICIENT root 10 bring forth fruit.
II is an updoubted fact that General Grant has
fully decided TO hold himself entirely aloof
frr ainfas far ha fno1o hat In
order to be free TO act in all emergencies
:or the best interests OF the country he must
not be fettered by party ties. He evidently
feels that In both his nomination and election, the
debt OF gratitude Is as heavy side as II Ii on
the other, and he regards himself as absolved from
the necessity OF accepting at the hands OF the re-
publican party nominations to important ofces and
plans for national exigencies ready made for him.
The earnestness with which the republican leaders
implored him to bear the standard through the Pres
Dental contest, the consciousness that the honor
wAs unsought and even repeatedly declined BY him,
and that when at length he acceded to their urgent
request he did 80 with the distinct understanding
that he to be Independent In action and Just
free to follow the dictates OF his own Judgment as
when ne accepted under the same conditions, the
chief command OF the armies In the feld justify his
reticence on the subject.
views Theoretically sealed, as 1t we're, In his own
mind. lie has intimate and confidential friends who
have been long tried in prudence Of good counsel,
who still share his confidence to great extent but
these friends, knowing the Importance that the Gen.
eral attaches to secrecy concerning his future &C.
TONS are almost as reticent and reserved as the
General Nevertheless, although II Is next to impos-
sbe to obtain anything In regard to the formation
OF the next Cabinet that may be announced by au-
thority, these are some slight intlmanons dropped
by those who have opportunities OF knowing, which,
when taken in connection with other known facts,
form conclusions worthy OF mention. Certain of
these intimatiops lead TO the belief that both ).
Lathrop Motley and Edwin N. stanton have
been spoken Of BY Grant an excellent
men for the ONCE OF Secretary OF state;
that Admiral d. d. Porter Is the ikeliest man for
Secretary OF the Navy, and that General j. NJ scho-
field viii most probably retain the control OF the