Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1869-02-19
FRIDAY MORNING, FEB, 10. 1869

phlUA1 MVhNxNVS EAD 1Os ACVO
On Saturday Morning last, Senator Nor
ton and Representatives Pruyn, of New York
and Wilson, of Iowa, the Committee ap-
pointed by Congress, called on Gen. Grant
to notify him of his election as President of
the United States for four years.
We copy below the substance of what
transpired.
"Senator Morton addressed the President
elect and, in few remarks, assured the
General that his election was extremely
gratifying to his countrymen, and that the
people felt assured he would, in exercising
the duties Of his distinguished Office, apply
the same energy, integrity and patriotism
that had characterized him in former sphere
of usefulness, and in concluding his remarks
said that he would have the support Of the
people of the nation, even including those
politically opposed to him. s,..: ...,
General Grant said, in reply, Il will in
form the committee that my best efforts will
be used to conduct my administration so as
to secure the best interests Of the country
and to call around me as my assistants such
men as believe will be thoroughly able and
efficient. At least my whole attention shall
be directed to that end. If l should fail in
making my first choice Of assistants and Of
hcers, I trust that second or even third
trial will result more successfully. In the
matter of removals shall be governed alone
by the interests of the public service. ]
should just as soon remove from their POI
sitions my own appointees as those Of my pre-
decessors. Ia pause. s!7 .
"There is one other matter it may be pro-
per to mention here-for it may be that
something Of the kind is expected of me-
and that is the composition Of my cabinet. !
have always felt that it would be indicate
and premature on my part to announce whom
I intend to invite into my cabinet, or even to
consult with friends in regard to their selec-
ton. I am not prepared even now to an
nounce the names of gentlemen to whom l
intend offering positions in my cabinet, and
hope that this course will meet with the ap-
prevail Of my friends" . ..a
Senator Morton bowed acquiesceace.
: General Grant continued: "Until l have
made nominations to the Senate, do not
think I shall make any declaration whatever
as to who I shall select for any position in my
cabinet" -st
The interview was of conversational
character, the speaking not being in FORM
al manner ia
At the close of Gen. Grants remarks
Representative Pruyn said that although he
differed with the President elect politically,
yet he, and the democratic party generally,
would give the administration of General
Grant cordial support. a
The committee subsequently waited upon
Mr.. Colfax, who, in response to the notiica-
lion by the committee of his election as Vice.
President of the United States, said: .
:. "Gcntzemen: Please convey to the two
houses of Congress my acceptance of the
Office to which have been elected by the
people of the United States and assure them
chat [ shall endeavor to prove worthy Of this
mark of confidence by fidelity to principle
and duty" .4 "a. - tr
Gen. Grant seems to be as positive in his
assertions as he has been reticcnt heretofore.
His expressed determination to conduct his
administration for the best interests Of the
country and to call around him able and efi-
Gent assistants, will meet with the cordial
approval Of all.
The most important part of his remarks
is addressed to the matter of removals, in
which he asserts he will be governed alone
by the interests Of the public service, and
his willingness to remove his own appointees
If inefficient That if he should fail in his
first appointments. he trusted in second, o,
even third trial he would be more success
full. This is pointed declaration to Con.
gress that he will not be trammeled by q
tenure-of-ofice law and as plainly notifies
them that it must be repealed. 4.
His silence as to his cabinet appointments
and his disinelination to consult even biz
friends, even, as to these appointments vii
strike all forcibly. Upon the whole, we ar
inclined to believe that Gen. Grant intend
to be President and that Congress had bette
stand from under.