The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1869-06-28
THE NEW CABINET MINISTER.
The Change in the Navy Department
What is Thought OF the New secreta.
ry-A Sketch OF his Career.

The event of Friday at Washington was the
resignation of Mr.. Borie, Secretary Of the
Navy. and the appointment Of Mr.. George NJ.
correspondent OF the Baltimore Sun writes
The resignation Of Mr. Borie just at this date
was as unlocked for as was another selection OF
q member Of the Cabinet from comparatively
obscure class, having but little notoriety in his
own State, and being absolutely unknown to
our people at large.
The resignation Of Mr.. Borie at no distant
day had been prognosticated by the Washing.
ton correspondents, but it had also been posi-
lively asserted by gentlemen representing the
Radical press, and claiming to speak '.by au-
thority," that Mr.. Borie had no intention Of
giving up the Office. His official duties, how
ever, have all along been performed by Admi-
raj Porter, the latter being. as it we're, Secre-
tary de Jfdcto. and Borie being merely de jure
head Of the Navy Department. 1t seems the
affair was brought about 30 quietly that even
some members Of the Cabinet were not aware
Of what was transpiring until Mr.. Robson had
taken the oath OF Office. And it is reported
that Mr. Borie was permitted to name his sue.
cessor, and himself suggested Robson.
WhereNt there is loud outcry from the Penn
sylvanfsns now here, who claim that OF right
and in all fairness the State OF Pennsylvania
shosld have member of the Cabinet, and they
70
OF his own State in that particular.
As for the new appointment, it has taken
everybody by surprise, and the universal in
quiry has been, "Who is Robson 2" Very lit
tie satisfaction could be obtained in response
to this inquiry. until New Jersey politician
turned up, in the course OF the afternoon, and
gave the gratifying intelligence that he is well
is, or was this morning, Attorney General OF
the State Of New Jersey; that he is 90 pretty
fair lawyer" Q good man, was once Adtutant-
General OF his State, Is bachelor, rather
above medium size, robust health ard about
torty-fve years OF age. And this is all we
know, thus far, Of tho personel or ant: cedents
Of the new Secretary OF the Navy. 1t is added,
however, that Mr.. Robeson has had no legisla-
tive or other experience to test his qualities as
O Statesman.
In conversing upon his appointment this
morning, Mr.. RObeson said he had no doubt
that the people we're surprised when the change
was announced, hut they were certainly not
more surprised than he was when he received
notice Of his appointment. 1t was entirely un-
expected and unsolicited on the part OF bIm.
self or bis friends. Mr.. Borie, tits understood,
Resigned on account Of i'll health. His resig-
nation was handed to the President this morn
ing, and his successor was Immediately ap-
pointed, and the oath Of Office was administer
ed to him at noon by Justice Cotter, OF the
District Supreme Court Hewas subsequently
introduced to the officers and heads Of bureaus
in the Navy Department, and set about famil-
iarizing himself with the duties Of his new po-
sition. It Is pretty generally understood that
Admiral Porter will retain his present position
in the department, and the presumption is,
therefore, that the general policy that has been
pursued thus far will not be changed.
The outgoing Secretary Of the Navy dined
and wined the incoming. functiouary this
evening. Among others there were present
Senator Cattell aud Admiral Porter. Mr..
Borie leaves for Philadelphia tomorrow. He
expresses the most profound disgust for official
life.
A dispatch from Trenton, N. j., says:
Hon. George 81. Robson appointed by the
President Secretary of the Navy. to fill the va
cancy occasioned by the resignation OF Secre-
tary Borie, is son of Judge William P. Rote.
son. OF Warren County, New Jersey, who was
leading Whig. long and prominently connected
with the politics of the State. alr. Robson
entered Princeton College in 184i. Upon grad.
uating. in 187 he entered the law office o1
Chief Justice Hornblower, Of Newark. Upon
concluding his legal studies in 1850, be was as
soclated in practice with Hon. A. G. u. Pen
nington. Subsequently removing to Camden
he was appointed prosecutor OF the pleas to1
that county in 1859. Upon the election OF MIR
Frellnehuysen to United States Senate in 1867:
Mr.. Robson was appointed by Governor Ware
Attorney General, which position he resigns
for bis new duties. he is about Al years old
and holds hign rank in his profession. 10 his
fine legal qualifications he unites general
knowledge and practical ability, which give
promise Of efficiency and usefulness in his new
position.
Mr.. Robeson is strong, decided Republican
on all questions Of national policy, and ia il
entire accord with the party which supported
coincidence that the only position ever held IL
the Cabinet by New Jersry man has been thai
OF Secretary Of the Navy. IL 1928, Samuel l.
Southland was appointed Secretary Of The Navy
by President Monroe, and continued in this
position during the entire administration o
John Quincy Adams. In 1884 Mahlon Dicker.
son was appointed by General Jackson, and be
continued IN Van Buren's Cabinet for more
than o year. Both were distinguished meo
and added to the national reputation by tneii