Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1869-03-11
FROM WASHINGTON.
Proceedings Of Congress.
NEW YORK NEWS.
Interesting Gen eral News.
&C. &C. &C.
Washington News.

Washington News.
WASHINGTON, March o.
Many persons making direct applica-
ton to the President for minor Offices
are disappointed, as they are referred to
the heads of departments.
I Commissioner Rollins was at the execu.
tive mansion to-day, in consultation with
the President, and it is understood that
the subject of conversation was the condi-
ton of internal revenue affairs in various
districts throughout the countay.
Mr.. Delano will qualify and enter for
mally upon his duties tomorrow
The impression is that many changes
in important officers connected with the
internal revenue will be made very soon.
The clerks of the Internal Revenue de-
partment have prepared memorial
which will be presented to Mr.. Rollins on
his retirement
This course met general approval of
some leading Senators and members Of the
House, but did not satisfy others who in
sisted that Mr. Stewart could not qualify
short of an absolute sale aH1 disposition
of all property be now owns, connected
with his business.
When the transfer was yesterday pro-
posed to the President, he approved Of il,
provided it could be done to meet the le-
gal objections, and expressed his high APP
,nrooia4;o,, n; NJ Gt.,,-,r,',
at the same time, said he felt scarcely
warranted in doing SO because Mr.. Stew
art would have to make SO great sacri-
flee, and not cply at this time, but in the
evening, he expressed himself to the
same effect to many members OF. Con sress
who called upon him with reference TO
the Secretaryship. In this way, publicity
was given to Mr.. Stewards purposes
The consequence OF this has led 10
many expressions of opinion ooncurring
in the view, although this would meet the
letter Of the statute, it might possibly be
construed into an evasion of its spirit I'M
der these circumstances.
Mr. Stewart determined to leave the
question to the result of a conference
with the President. IL this spirit. they
met this afternoon, and the conclusion at
which they arrived. was, that it would be
less embarrassing to the administration Of
President Grant for Mr. Stewart to place
in his hands formal declnation of the
Secretaryship, and in this manner, avoid
any comment by those who considered
the law, must be strictly complied with
The interview Was hong and marked with
Mr. Stewards letter:
WASHINGTON. March o.
To THE PREsIDENf-SIR -
Approaching the high honor conferred
by your nomination, and the unanimous
confirmation of the Senate, of myself to
the Office of Secretary of the Treasury, /
regret that circumstances hey ond our con-
troll, compels me to decline. Could the
difficulty presented by the provisions of
the act OF 1899, Which in organizing the
department, of the treasury, prohibits the
Secretary from being directly or indi-
rectly, concerned or interested in carrying
on the business of trade or commerce. be
overcome by any reasonable sacrifice per-
sonal to myself, ] would willingly make
it, | would promptly transfer to the
hands of gentlemen in whom the public
have full confidence, every interest in the
gains and profits that could possibly
occur to myself la the business of
my house. during my official term,
to be applied to such public charities as
their Judgment should dictate, and have
proposal ...d eou-ht by tho execution of
appropriate instruments to accomplish
that end
But serious differences Of opinion have
been expressed as TO whether that course
would satisfy the requirements of the law
Although i will not hesitate to make this
appropriation, provided it would enable
me to accept the Office. and thus unite my
efforts with your cabinet in restoring
economy. honesty and strict frugality in
the administration of the government,
and lift as rapidly as practicable from the
people the great burdens of taxation, debt
and extravaganza resting upon them, yet
the business relations of my firm, in its
connection with others largely interested
in their continuance, are such that they
cannot summarily be severed, nor can my
interest in it be wholly and absolutely
disposed of without producing great en-
barrassment and loss to those with whom
have been connected. | cannot consent
to enter upon the administration of laws
by any act or course that may be con-
strued into a disregard or violation of
law, and while therefore | regret that the /
plan proposed is deemed inadequate to re-
lieve me from legal, and, as it seems to |
me, technical disabilities, | yield to the
better Judgment Of others, rather than
seem to be willing to accept position in
direspect of law. In finally renewing
the declination, which was rendered at
the outset of these objections, repeat to
you, Mr.. President, my thanks for the
honor done me in offering this high posi-
ton, and assure you that you will have
my earnest efforts to sustain your admin
istration in carrying out the wise and
salutary measures indicated by you on
entering upon your Office.
Sincerely your friend,
ALEXANDER L. STEWART.
The President accepted the declination,
and thus the office of Secretary of the
H.