The Montana post., 1869-03-05
THE CABINET.


Notwithstanding his resolution TO
withhold the names of hts selections for
Cabinet positions until sent to the Sem
ate, Gen. Grants preferences seem to
be developing themselves, and, unless
he is making feints, the flank move
ment on the 4th of March, will have
been pretty well anticipated 1t is COM
fdently asserted that John ID. Defrees is
to be Postmaster General, and we have
Grants own avowal that civilians will
be given preference, although Schofeld
will probably be rendered a continuance
in the War Department. Tie conver-
sation reported between Grant and Col.
Mcclure we deem authentic. IL will
startle Pennsylvania somewhat. Ex>
Governor Curtin is unquestionably the
most popular man in Pennsylvania. His
der the most untoward circumstances.
In the spring of 1861, having offended
the shoidy contractors, he was assailed
with torrents of fvituperation, denounced
as swindler, charged IN the courts with
infamous crimes. and met a crisis in his
own administration cotemporaneous
with and as fearful as that of the gene-
raj government, yet come through un
scathed and untainted and is recognized
as the War Governor of the North,
whom, not alone Pennsylvania would
be gratified IN having receive, and as
sured of faithful administration ina gov>
ment Department. Relying confident
ly on Pennsylvania having member of
the Cabinet, desiring that honor cons
ferred on him, and believing it would
be. his name was withheld from the
| senatorial contest, and the choice there>
by fell on Mr.. Scott General Grant has
unquestionably the abstract right To se-
lect whom he pleases for his Cabinet,
and we must blind ourselves to the ex-
perience of the past. if we would doubt
his choosing honest, loyal, and efficient
| officers, Yet Governor Curtin pre-
eminently merits recognition of past
services. has abilities that war
rant efficiency, a record that assures
honesty and loyalty. He has the conf
dence, esteem and grateful support of
the people with whom he was promin-
emily identified as a co-laborer in direct
ing the mighty energies of the Keystone
State, to preserve the Federal UDion-
an Executive that rested not from his
labors, never faltered in the good
work-whose kindly words and good
deeds were familiar in the crowded hos
pitals and invoked blessings unnumber-
! ed from those who had sanctiied their
! loyalty with generous blood-whose ad~
ministration was marvel of economy,
promptitude and energy. This is one OF
the men Pennsylvania would have been
pleased to have seen and confidently re
lied upon as being "A member in the new
Republican Cabinet. We mentioned
yesterday the probabilities Of a close
gubernatorial contest in Pennsylvania
next autumn, and il is unquestionable
that the Cabinet selection from that
State will materially effect the result
Mr.. Stuart is not a man of political
prominence, but IL chosen may prove
good as the best. He is one of Philadel
phia's noblest sons, possessor of an inn
mense fortune, and unblemished charac-
| ter; q merchant of fine abilities, and
thorough culture, devotedly loyal and
earnest. He gave with generous liberali-
\ " from his princely treasures to aid the
government, and as President of the
Christian Commission devoted his servi-
ces for years 10 directing that great
| charitable Institution. In the prefer~
ence of Curtin for the Cabinet, IL is not
that Stuart is esteemed less, but Curtin
more, from his Identification with che
practical means for suppressing the re-
bellion. his political prominence in the
State, his personal popularity, and the
belief long formed that he would be
chosen. Mr.. Stuart, if Grant should Sc
lect him, will probably have the keys
of the Treasury and will not disappoint
the country.