The New York herald., 1869-03-09

earnestly desired DIR. Stewards valuable assistance
as Secretary OF the Treasury and that panied him
very much TO discover that there was any difculty
In the way. He felt more troubled by the diniculty
than by anything that had ever before occurred to
him during his whole life He however, declined to
allow Mr. Stewart to withdraw; for he believed the
repeal could be effected without much serious
opposition In both houses. He, therefore. asked
Mr.. Stewart not to abandon the matter yet but
to wait until further light could be shed upon
the probable action OF the, Senate to-day. Mr..
Stewart replied that he did not desire to have the
repeal pressed upon Congress, and would rather
withdraw than occasion the slightest embarrass-
ment to the President or Congress. The President
urged again upon Mr.. Stewart to let the matter
remain In statu quo for the time being. Mr. Stewart
and Judge Hilton thereupon left the White House
and returned to the Ebbitt Hotel Judge Hilton
here took leave Of Mr. Stewart and went down to the
Capitol, accompanied by General Babcock, to learn
the result OF the From some OF the Senators
Judge Hilton learned that at the caucus no action
was taken upon the subject Of repeating the statute
Of 1889. 1t was talked about generally In the eau
GUS but action was postponed under the suppo-
stion tnat Mr. Stewart had resigned and that there
fore nothing need be done about 1t until the truth
OF that statement should be assured. Senator
there was not q particle of truth in the story Of
Stewards resignation. On being asked, however,
whether he could state that fact positively he de-
clIned to do So and so the caucus adjourned with
out settling the question one way the other.
This explains the action OF The Senate subsequently,
in adjourning without word being said concerning
either Patterson's or sherman's measures Of re-
peal. .8 H
President CRAMPS Opinion of MIR. Stewart.
Judge Hilton. upon receiving this information got
into his carriage again, and was driven once more
to the White House. He was admitted to the Presi-
dent without delay, and then and there had most
interesting talk. He told the President how the
Senate mad beeh Induced, under false impression
to postpone taking any action on the all important
question. President Grant again expressed his
deep regret at the delay, and repeated his ex-
pressions uttered at the first interview as to
how much he was pained and embarrassed BY the
situation and how earnestly he desired the services
Of Mr.. Stewart in his Cabinet. 1t had been his pur-
pose all along he said to invite Mr.. Stewart to
assume control Of the Treasury Department. and il
he should now be obliged by legal difficulty to
abandon his long cherished design he would feel
that he himself and the country had sustained
great loss. The President then proceeded to
unbosom himself completely on the subject
Of Mr.. Stewards appointment During his
many visits to New York, ne said, he had visited
the establishments Of Mr.. Stewart, had noticed
the wonderful regularity Of everything, the order,
system and smooth working OF every depart
ment, and had been so profoundly impressed with
the capacity Of Mr. Stewart for the highest
administrative duties that he had made up his mind
Mr.. Stewart was the very man needed for
the Treasury Department Mrs. Grant had also
set her heart upon having Mrs. Stewart in
washington with her, and had frequently expressed
desire that Mr.. Stewart should be offered some
suitable post that would induce him and his esti-
mable lady to remain in Washington. Should Mr..
Stewards appointment fail, therefore, It would be
double disappointment. He would not yet give it
up, however. He felt confident the Senate and
House would still repeal the disabling section and
stated that he had strong assurances from leading
Senators and Representatives to support his belief
A Noble Proposition by Mr.. Stewart.
After very long interview Judge Hilton took
leave OF the President and returned to his hotel.
He found Mr.. Stewart alone In his room and in
very thoughtful mood. "Judge,n SAID Mr. Stewart,
ga new idea has occurred to me since we parted.
have been thinking IL over n my mind, and think
It IL ono thar win obrta me dIrsulty.n .sIndccd.o
said Judge Hilton, sming, "what b this new idea,
thensn at Is this. Judge. have been thinking OF
making an absolute transfer Of the busi-
i
might serve as Secretary Of the Treasury the
business be turned to three trustees-as for
instance, yourself, william B. Astor and Jgmes
Brown-the proceeds to be devoted to the charities
Of New York city. in any way agreed upon by the
trustees. What do you think Of 1t, JudgcY' Judge
Hilton. who understands Mr.. Stewart thoroughly,
was not In the least surprised at the proposal Any
other man perhaps would have been amazed, but
Judge Hilton was not, in the least Instead,
therefore, OF uttering exclamations OF WONDER the
Judge after mentally revolving the proposal.
answered briefly, By George, Mr.. Stewart, believe
it can be done Yes, sir, think it can be done ~
How Grant Received the Proposition.
he two thereupon set to work, rapidly maturing
the plan, ana after spending about half an hour
thus their carriage called for again. They put
on their coats and hats, ran down stairs,
jumped into the carriage and or again
to the Executive Mansion. Another visit.
and so soon, called into President Grants
face an expression as nearly resembling astonish-
ment as mis- calm features susceptible OF. When
they entered he sitting in his chair at the end OF
the long table, smoking cigar. He got up to re-
ceive them, and after his visitors were seated re-
sumed his own chair AMI cast towards them
curlously inqulstive look az much to say,
"what In the world s to come now ~ He was
not long left In suspense Mr.. Stewart opened con-
versation. .'Mr President" said he, 81 have come
to make q proposal which hope VIII be acceptable
and the same time relieve you OF all embarrass-
ment.n The President iere listened with some
expression OF solicitude. He expected, no doubt,
MIR. Stewart was about to say. 81 tender you
my unconditional resignltion.r Mr. Stewart con-
tinued, and ne spoke Grant listened with deeper
| and deeper attention. Finally Mr.. Stewart stated
| his proposal distinctly. President Grant took the
cigar out Of his mouth, t It drop on the floor, and
looked strongly in Mr.. Stswarts face without utter
ing word Mr.. Stewart lroke the silence by asking,
| "Is the proposal acceptable to your
| PRESIDENT GRAST-"Aceptabe or course IL Is.
II Is the most magnanimos thing ever heard OF IN
| my whole life. Acceptable, OF course; but l was
only thinking whether ought to allow you sir, to
make such o sacrifice formy sake.r
Mr.. srEwARr-Never mnd that, General. have
enough TO live on for thercst OF my life. 1t will be
pleasure to me to do this. My arecton for you and