The States and Union. [volume] (Ashland, Ohio) 1868-1872, 1869-05-12
Speech Of Hon. Edmund g.. Ross.
OF Kansas, In the United States
Senate, April 20, 1869.

MI. 1tOSb. MT. i nave
never but once heretofore taken occa-
sion to occupy the attention of the
Senate with a personal explanation.
Probably no man who has ever filled
a seat here has had more frequent and
ample provocation to thus occupy the
time of this body, but I have studious-
ly forborne, with the exception of the
occasion alluded to, to thus trespass
upon its valuable time. AS a general
rule it is safe to intrust to Jul consti-
tuents our personal vindication for
acts done here.
The circumstance, however, to
which I am about to allude, is one the
current version of which impugns not
my personal integrity, but my sense
of official propriety and public deco
rum, and is related as follows by the
Washington correspondent of the New
York Herald of the 18th instant, which
I will ask the Clerk to do me the IA
vor to read.
The Chief Clerk read as follows:
"a Speech of War at tho White House
-BeLigerent hterv:ew Between the
President and Senator Ross-Ws
Senator Ordered to Leave the ErectN
tire Presence. :
"Senator Ross, of Kansas, one OF
the gallant seven who voted against
impeachment, bearded the PRESIDENT
al lion IN his den this morning. Inc
report is that Ross went to. the White
House to look after certain appoint
ments for his far-of State. He had
heard that the President intended to
make certain nominations incompati-
BILE with the slate he (RossD had made
out for himself. Ross, like other Sem
ators, is human, and has a soul not
above yearning for the loaves and
fishes. His soul felt sad at what he
learned concerning the designs of
President Grant, and to give his soul
comfort he wendell his way to the
White House. He was admitted at
the same time as old Zach. Chandler,
but had the first chance to speak his
little piece to the President.
L come, Nh. President, to talk
with you about the appointments for
my State, having heard that you in
tend to make certain nominations that
may not harmonic with my desires,
if you dee it worth while to consult
them in the least"
ITO which Grant laconically and
interrogatively responded, We'll, sir?'
"This presidential response was not
in the true manner to be relished by
the Kansas Senator. Am l to un-
derstand hat I am rightly informed
as to your stated intentions to disre-
gard my preferences in the matter of
appointments, Mr.. President ? inquir-
ed the Senator.
"'-That is a question hardly sus-
ceptible of an answer, sir. To what
appointments do you allude? Inform
me, and then I can reply reioined-
Grant.
"Senator Ross liked the second an
swer as little as the first, but having
come for enlightment he was determ-
ed not to go away in a fog. The Sen
ator, therefore, with suppressed rage,
the appointments to which
he had reference.
Cranky, SIR said Grant, I in
tend not to make those appointments.
"tWhat, sir! You scorn to accom-
modate me in the least exclaimed
Ross, boiling over with rage.
"'Sir, I believe / have given You
my answer firmly but sternly replied
Grant.
"'This is not treating me fairly,
Mr.. President, nor al one gentleman
another" uttered Senator
s"I have no intention to be dicta-
to, SIR said Grant sharply.
'"Nor have l to be insulted even
Dy you, sir, were you twenty times
he President exclaimed Ross with
MS fire stirred up to white heat.
81 must decline to be annoyed
my further on the subject muttered
Grant between his teeth, and desire
he interview should terminate
"'You and your desires may go to
roared out Ross.
"fLeave the room, sir. Leave the
-oom, or l shall force you out! thun-
Tered Grant.
Gross took his departure according
y, in a terrible rage, quitting the
House like one rushing from a
and hurried to the Capital.
President Grant threw himself into a
.hair the moment the door closed and
his brow with his pocket hank
zerchief, evidently very much agita-
ed. Old Zach. Chandler approached
and was thus addressed by the Presi-
lent:
"'Excuse me for a few moments,
Senator. After hat interview I must
take a little time to cool off,"
Mr.. Ross. I trust, Mr.. President,
hat it is not necessary for me to as
sure the Senate, in which I have had
the honor of occupying a seat for now
three years, that the statements
in this extract are grossly
Incorrect and slanderous, not only in
to myself, but also in regard to
the distinguished gentleman who is
now the Executive of the nation.
1 have definitely ascertained that
this statement, and others of a Still
more outrageous nature, were prompt
dispatched throughout the country,
and especially to my W State, for
the basest personal purposes, prompt
ed by parties interested in manufac-
public opinion against myself,
who were witnesses to that interview,
and know that those statements were
1t is not on my own account solely,
1