The West Virginia journal. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1864-1877, 1869-03-24

II, ICOJ.
politicians, who will hold on AZ long az
q breath Of popularity romans, to tho
most fossilizcd or exploded political
theories. my ranks would be more
largely recruited"
General, ! presume YOU havo seen
Grant since you arrived in Washing.
ton 2" asked.
ooh, yes" he answered, with smile
of pleasant recollection; eve dined
together. We talked over our battles,
and had very agreeable evening""
"What opinion did you form Of
Grant," modestly inquired.
avery favorable, indeed" he re-
turned. "Grant, TO ny mind, Is tho
beau ideal Of soldiers companion.
TO explain thia TO you, l might lay 1t
down M q rule TINT soldier detests
long sentences of'rhctorlc-he' prefers
short. ninlble mode Of expression.
and likes man Of general information
who is not bore. Grant has not read
very extensively, but 1t Is amazing how
clear and precise he is on every sub
jcct. His mind would appear TO flash
across n question like liYhtnin. over
the wire, aud then, after brief pause,
he gives you his opinion in the SIM
pest words, but in the tcrscst form.
1t is all mistake about his rcticcncc.
In public he is taciturr, but meet him.
~ did, in social conversation, and
under the comvivial cloud Of cigar,
and no man living can be more enter.
tanning THAN General Grant; at least to
my mind lie appeared so, and | had 10
iavors to ask him. Grant thinks deep
ly, but talks little on what lie medi-
tates most. You will tind him dcvcl.
op his policy-and be assured 1t will
be % grand onc-in detail. rs q General
dcvcl0pcs his plan Of battlc. Under
biz administration the country will
take n bound forward and achieve u
degree ofprospcrity bcyound our most
san.uinc expectations.
Mr.. Stewards LAt.e- Of lscsigna-
nation.
WASHINGTON, March Q, 1869.
To the Prcsidcnt:-DEAn SIR: APP
prcciatins the high honor conferred by
YOUR nomination, and the unanimous
confirmation by the Senate Of myself
to the Office Of Secretary, regret that
circumstances beyond our control COM
pei me to decline. Could the Difficult
Ties presented by the provisions Of the
net Of 1889, which, in organizing the
department Of the Treasury, prohibit
the Secretary frolc bei:g directly or
inG:rectly concerned or interested in
CARRYING on the business OF trade or
commerce, be overcome by any rcason-
able sacrifice, personal TO myself, ]
would willingly mako II. would
promptly transfer 10 the hnnds Of gen
iIcmcn, IN whom the public have full
confidence, every interest in the gain
and profits that could possibly accrue
to myself in tho business Of my house,
during my official term, TO bc applied
TO such public charities as their judg.
mcnt should dictate; and I have pro.
posed and sought, by the. execution oi
appropriate Instruments, to accom-.
plsh that end but serious differences
Of opinion have been expressed rs to
whether that course would satisfy the
, requirements ofthe law. Although
will not hesitate TO mako this appro.
priation. provided it would enable me
TO accept the Office, and thus unite my
efforts with your own and other mem.
bcrs Of your Cabinet in restoring econ
! omy and strict truSality in the admin
istration Of the Government, and lit
MS rapidly ~ practicable, from tho pco
pie the great burdens Of taxation, deb
and cxtlavngaucc resting upon them
yet the business relations OF my firm
, il in connection with others largel,
! interested in their continuance, and ~
such, they cnnnot be severed summa
rily, nor can my interest in il be who'll,
and absolutely dispoSed Of withou
\ producing great embarrassment ant
loss to those with whom l have beer
f connected. ! cannot consent TO enter
upon the administration OF laws b,
, action or course that can be construed
into a disregard or violation Of thu
law; and while. therefore, regret thu
plan proposed is deemed inadequate
f 10 relieve from legal and. ms it secnl
to me, technical disabilities, yield t
, the better Judgment Of others, rather
than sccm to be willing to accept ,
position in disrespcct of law. In finall!
. renewing the declination which VA
, rendered Mt the outset Of 'thrsc Objcc
. tions, repeat to you, Mr.. President
, my thanks for the honor done ME II
offering me this high position, and rs
sure you that you will have my earn
ncst efforts to sustain your admins
tration in carrying out the wise nnc
salutary measures indicated by you OF
cntcrin2 upon your Office.
, Sincerely your friend.
, ALEX. 4. STEWART.
Mrs. Grant is thus Photographed by