The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1869-05-14
SCENES IN WASHINGTON.
The Presidents General Reception-Of-
hcc-huntlnG-Mrs. DIR. Walker ON tho
RampaGe-A Talt with Postmaster
General Cressweu .. j

OfenGr01 CTeSSVwcu.
The Washington correspondent of the Bati-
more Sun, writing on the 10th inst, gives the
following sketches of the way in which official
interviews are conducted in the capital:
The President held general reception this
morning. and, as usual on such occasions was
visited oy motley crowd Of white and black,
Old and young, rich and poor. at these recep-
tions the President occupies chair near bis
desk, and hears the complaints or requests of
the visitors, as the case may be, in turn. Ali
sorts Of people, come forward. One wants
is seeking a position for friend, some want
cierkships, and others want to be messengers
all want something.
Among the visitors to-day we're large num-
Der OF females. each OF whom wanted sOme es-
pecial favor. Now comes woman who has q
case which seems to interest the President, for
ne listens with unusual attention. But he
seems unmOved and replies in low tone until
after awhile the woman becomes more earnest
in her appeals and adds tears to her pleadings
The tears or something else accomplish the
desired object; for the President leans over to
his desk and writes something on card, which
he encloses in an envelope and hands to his
petitioner, who seems we'll satisfied, for she
leaves with smile and hearty God bless
you," for the President. There may come sew
eral in succession who show large bundles OF
papers. The President waves them off, and
declines to read the papers, but refers the ap-
plicant to the head OF department; for these
endorsements of the applicant.
A young woman who seemed determined not
TO take no Tor an answer steps up. She makes
her request, which the President attentively
hears, and then answers in the negative. still
the applicant insists. The President extends
his hand in another direction, inviting another
visitor to his side. and as soon as the latter is
disposed of the importunate female renews her
request. The President waves her away, but
still she will not leave and finally, to get rid of
eer aHhd the visitors are then ali turned
rom the room. And so it goes as the time for
these public receptions come round. Whoever
pressed with the fact that the President Of the
United States Is emphatically the servant Of
the people, and that he is subjected to moro
petty annoyances on these occasions than
+ Among the visitors to Postmaster General
Creswell's Office to-day was Mrs. DR.. Mary
Walker. (boon1cr,) who has been an inveterate
Office seeker for some weeks, carrying her i'm
portunitles everywhere, from the President
down. To-day she secured Mr.. Cresweli's ear,
and, after some preliminary conversation in q
mild tone. the fair doctor '.let her angry pas
sions rlse," and 'ssailed i'm in approved style,
when about the following dialogue ensued:
Mrs. Walker. tell You l must have an ap.
pointment. / am as deserving OF 1t as any one
else. and insist that my claims shall be recog-
nized.
The Postmaster General, (very calmly But
have told you there are no vacancies.
Mrs. Walker, (snappishly.l Well, then. make
The Postmaster General. l cannot. All the
positions are filed, and, besides. the ladies' IN
the department would object to your being
placed IN o room with them.
Mrs. Walker, with gestures.l They do
Well, then, turn some OF tho rebels out and
put mesin. 1 have alway been loyal.
Tho Postmaster-Gener (quietly.l was
not aware that there were any rebel women in
the department..
Mrs. Walker. Well, know it.
The Postmaster General. Well, give me q
list of t. EN-, and will attend to them at once.
| Mrs. Walker. can't give list now, nor can
! I name them, but il you will let me in the de-
partment I'll soon find out who they are.
The Postmaster-G General, (evidently desirous
OF terminating the interview.) have given
ment.
| Mrs. Walker. But that answer is not sufi-
| cient for me-. must have the appointment
because am entitled to it.. II the women OBJ.
| ject, pnt me IN an Office with tile men. am
not afraid of them, and besides am perfectly
| competent 10 do mans work.
| Mr.. Cresweil, at this point, oondescended to
| explain to his persistent visitor that he was
! limited by law to certain number Of ap
| pointees; that the number of females to bt
I employed was specified, as also the number o.
males, and that there were no vacancies. Mrs
Walker insist ed, however, that q vacancy
| should be made for her even II some 'malt
bipe6' was displaced, and had much to say
| about her loyalty, her army record &c., in cup
port Of this claim Her manner was peremp
fed and composed, and, although much an
noyed. did not for moment lose his temper
Mre. Walker declares, however, that she vii
have an Office.