The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-02-18

1
known, even to the gentlemen themselves,
the names of the Cabinet officers until
send their Nominations to the Senate. If I
should notify the gentlemen at all, whom I
may choose, in advance of their nomina-
tions it would not be more than two or
three days previously"
When the General stated that he would
as soon remove from Office those appointed
by himself rs he would those appointed by
his predecessor, the faces of those present
who were already in possession of comfort
able offices, were interesting to behold. The
expression Of pure perplexity depicted
therein was more calculated to excite SYM
patby for them than commiseration. This
was evidently all enigmatical sentence to
them, and did not furnish any better clue
to the policy that was to govern appoint
ments and removals than existed before
Did he mean that men now in office need
not anticipate general removal, or did he
mean that terrible onslaught was to be
made upon the appointees of his predeces-
sors? That was question just as far from
solution now as it was month ago. When
he said he had concluded to withhold the
names of the gentlemen he expected to call
into his Cabinet until they were nominated
to the Senate, Mr. Morton nodded his head
approvingly, several bystanders exchanged
significant glanccs and reporters arrested
the rapid course of their pencils as though
they were not sure they had heard the cor
portrayed in the surrounding faces seemed
to be that of disappointment. It was very
clear that tho work of investigation and
speculation a regard to the future Cabinet
was to be e. utinued until the White House
received its new occupants. AS soon as
General Grant had ceased speaking, and all
were convinced that he had no more to
say, Mr.. Pruyn stepped forward, and look
ing at the General, said:
GENERAL GRANT: After tho allusion made
by Senator Morgan to the sentiments of re-
spect and confidence entertained towards
you by those who did not concur in your
election, and after hearing your statement
Of the leading principles which you intend
shall govern your nistration-name]y,
economy, retrenchment, fuithful collection
of the revenue and payment of the public
debit will not be presumed out of place
to soy feel fully warranted in believing
that the political party with which I act,
will give to your policy in these regards
cordial support"
The addresses having been disposed of,
there was rush ut General Grant, followed
by shake hands all round, and a stream of
congratulations poured forth, oil of which
the General gravely acknowledged by bow
ing.
The committee, after leaving General
Grants headquarters, proceeded to the
Capitol and waited upon Speaker Coltax in
his reception room. They presented him
with a certificate OF his election rs Vice
President, signed by the President of the
Senate, and then severally congratulated
him, to which friendly expressions he re-
sponded as follows:
''GENTLEMEN: Please convey to tho two
Houses of Congress-, my acceptance of the
Office to which I have been elected by the
people of the United States, and assure
them that shall endeavor to prove worthy
of this mark of confidence, by fidelity to
and duty"