The New York herald., 1869-02-28

won't do for Joe. NOT Tor Joe; no, no, NO; not LOT
Josey'n sang Joseph, incredulously. Charles met
several others on tine way to Boutwes seat and told
each and every the same news with the same air
OF profound mystery. The consequence was that
there was q sensation before Boutwell, got bis mes
sage. Members were seen jumping from their seats
and walking towards the cloak room. Some con-
tented themselves with amere look inside in passing
others went into the cloak room. walking in one door
and out the other without stopping; still others went
right up to the General and paid their respects few
OF them, however, venturing beyond mere "Good
day, General" J" and q shake OF the hand. When
Boutwell, arrived Grant was surrounded by half
dozen persons, but Immediately drew his chair
further into the corner and sat down alone with
Boutwell, The members who had been talking with
him withdrew some distance. but did not leave the
cloak ROOM "What could Grant want with Bout
well ~ OF course was the general query at rst and
when after long time the interview had not terml
mated the curiosity became heightened and the
query changed to, "When win Grant be done with
B0utwells" there was an evident desire felt BY
everybody, except perhaps Boutwell, and Grant, that
the private confab should end But 1t continued longer
and longer, Grant whispering, smoking and listen
ing apparently In very earnest manner. Members
came to look as people do to view great curiosity
and went away wondering. Nine out OF every ten
construed the thing In but one way, namely--that
boutwell, was certainly to be one OF Grants Cabinet
Why else should he talk 80 privately to Boutwell,
However, am pretty well informed that during the
entire interview not one word was said about Cabinet
matters. This is stated without prejudice to Bout
wells chances. What Grant really spoke about was
Georgia, giving IL as his opinion to Boutwell, that
the proposition to unseat the members from that
State ought not to be adopted. That Grant intended
to take this step advised you Of by telegraph last
night
After Boutwell's interview ended John A. Girls
void, Of New York. was sent for and was taken into
Grants private corner, where he remained talking
with the General fully as long Boutwell, This
cited all the New York members. They peeped in
and out constantly and kept asking each other what
1t all meant. Logan Dlckey and three or four other
members sat on sofa near by chatting and talking
and occasionally glancing inqusitivey in the drec
tion Of the mysterious corner; but not word could
be heard that dropped from Grant and Griswold.
Ergo, one conclusion was drawn-Griswold, like
Boutwell,, was destined for the Cabinet. When Girls
wold got up at the close Of his confab he
was beset by several brother members In the
presence Of Grant and asked to tell what he knew.
'Now, Grswold," said one. "get back into that cor
ner and tell US about the Cabinet" "Yesn SAID
another, 'let us force 1t out Of him. Shall we put
him to the torture, Generalr "It would be Of little
use," replied Grswold, smiling, 81 know nothing
about the mattern ''Oh oh, oh ~ was heard from
q number OF voices at this statement Of Griswold.
''H0w are you, Secretary Of the NavyY" said one
ut won't do to play reticent, Griswold," said
another. "You cannot come that over us, you
KNOW" said q third. Griswold went of smiling, apd
Grant stood up to move away also, but was sur
rounded by little knot Of members. Eliot. OF
Massachusetts; Robinson, Of New York; Logan, OF
Illinois; Dickey Of Pennsylvania; Bingham, Of Ohio;
Pruyn Of New York, and several others shook hands
warmly with the General each making some lively
remark.
Those who say Grant can't talk ought to have seen
and heard MIN to-day He chatted away easily and
freely with everybody and made very pleasant
impression upon all who approached him. Just as
he was about to go away Colfax came in and had
a few moments conversation with the General in
that corner. Wilson, Of Iowa. also had a talk with
the General, who finally, about hafpast two O'Clock
quietly went or the moor. and wended his way
slowly towards the Senate keeping behind little
group Of people going In the same direction to
avoid recognition. In this manner he reached In
safety-that is, without interruption-the Senate
side, and went down to the basement noor and out
into the open air Just in time to hail one OF the
street cars and jump In. And 30 ended the days
visit TO the Capitol.
Next in interest to Grants visit among the occur
at the Capitol to-day the debate relative
to the contest the seat claimed by the colored
Representative, J. Willis Menard, of Louisiana.
For the nrst time In the history OF Congress man
Of African blood was allowed to speak in the House
OF Representatives during the legislative proceed
ings. Mr.. Menard sat in Alison's seat during the
debate on his case, and when allowed an opportu-
nifty to speak delivered what he had to say
with q cool readiness and clearness that sur
prised everybody. There was not the slightest
trepidatlon or nervousness perceptible. He
spoke very distinctly and commanded more at
tention than ninetenths Of the members generally.
From the fact that 1t was not generally known
that the case would come up to-day the attendance
In the galleries rather slim, but included good
number Of colored people, who evidently viewed
their champion the floor with pride and anection.
But 1t no use. Say what he might, let his case
be ever 30 clear he would not be admitted for the
committee had resolved TO lshut out he darky any
how. right or wrong. and 80 Menard was voted
down.
Interview Between Grant and the Commis-
sioner Of Customs-Thc New York Custom
House to bc Looked After.
A day or two ago the Commissioner of Customs
called at Grants headquarters, but arrived at q
time when the General was closely engaged
and expected to be for q long time. The
General sent o message to Mr.. Sargent, in
forming MIN that he unable to see him
then, Dut would be glad TO have little converse
ton with him on the next day. In accordance with
this arrangement the Commissioner made his ap :
pearance yesterday, and was admitted. After dis
posing OF the business on which he had called the
Commissioner asked the General whether he could
give him any information in regard to his branch OF
the revenue adding some particulars about the cond-
ton Of aairs in his once, In the course OF which he
remarked that there were two positions In the gov
ernment service that needed jealous ana hard work.
ing men to flll them; that the revenue should
reach, faithfully collected, $3.50, $1,000 q
year. The General asked whether ne referred to the
internal revenue and the Commissioner replied that
he was speaking Of the customs, and said tnat
through inefncent service OF the government,
caused by injudicious appointments, the collection
Of the customs revenue fell short by smuggling from
twenty to thirty millions OF dollars per annum."
Then one OF the positions you mention requiring
faithful ana energetic oficer," said Grant, lis the
New York Custom HouseY p, "Yes,n answered the