The Van Buren press., 1873-10-14

for every vacancy there were conflicting
recommendations:
That by the management of seine Of its
leaders the party seemed to be reunited the
war upon him In its ranks had ceased. and IL
presented itself to him as united party
claiming from him recognition as the politi-
cal organization which had elevated him to
power, and he had no right to repel it,
10 my inquiry wether or not, where there
were conflicting recommendations for office
the Tact that one of the applicants was re-
publican and the other not, would be az, over-
ruling consideration. he answered in the
negative, saving that in such case he would
nave To decide 1t according to all its circum-
stances; though all other things being equal
the fact of one Of the applicants being mem
per OF III; own political party. would necessa-
riy' and as with any other administration,
nave Its certain amount of weight.
To my suggestion that in some localities in
the state, a republican could not be found
VINO WAS iii FOR any public station be frankly
assented, say ing that in such an instance he
would have to choose the best qualified and
least obnoxious of the opposition
Upon my stating that there was very
general apprehensin that he would By some
eohtriyance OF his party leaders. be induced
or compelled to vacate his Office thus turning
The government over to Lieutenant Governor
onlth, he assured me, with much animation
and very considerable emphasis and energy.
that there was not money. nor was there posi-
tloh enough in the United States, to induce
him to resign until the eexpiration of his term,
or the people had chance to elect another in
his stead.
Upon tho subject of registration he was
most positive in his assurances to me that
there would be no change either now or for
The election of 1874, except where vacancies
might casually occur. when they would be
AZ Al.
him in the selection OF the present registrars;
and that no registrar would be removed eX-
cept for failure to properly do his duty,when
II the fact was made known to him, he would
remove the registrar whoever he Inight be.
Upon my stating that the people had been
so grossly deceived sometimes by some OF the
leaders OF his own party in the state that
there was IA feeling of intense dread among
them when they witnessed the remarkable
coincidence of somersault by the Repubi-
can. and a change in the policy Of the eXecu
tive at the same time, and both of them oc
curing so suddenly. too, he replied that when
no lirst contemplated the important step in
regard to the militia, alluded to, he was aware
that it was likely to he misunderstood and
cause apprehension in many quarters but
that he considered it best for all concerned,
and if the people should suspect him unjust
ly. or accuse him wrongfuly. he knew of no
-
it, which he alleged he did most sincerely.
Upon being reminded that these changes.
so sudden in their nature, had taken place
Just on the eve of an election and were popu-
larly believed to have been brought about by
a sudden swoop on the part of senator Clay
ton, and that apprehension was felt in the
Public mind that Immediately preceding any
other election, the senator might produce just
such another political earthquake, If he was
indeel as powerful with the state administra-
tion rs the current rumOrs gave him credit
tor.--the governor reiterated the assertion of
his total independence OF all undue and i'm
proper influences, from whatever quarter,ahu
his determination to conduct the affairs Of
government to the end of his term OF service,
in such manner rs to leave to none just
grounds OF complaint.
Upon the subject of a constitutional con-
he said that he had for long time
thought that it was the only means of pcrma-
nently and satisfactorily remedying the Ills
in government so generally complained of,
and that when legislature came up from the
people ie intended. in his message. to submit
the question to it, and if it should see fit to
call one, so far from throwing any obstacles
in its way he would gladly assist in its early
conyocaiion.
And now, doctor, you have the governors
side of the story, as given by himself against
it. We have the assertion of some that they
ER9r the fact that Senator Clayton has 4 bill
OF sale of him. the declaration of Others that
the ring" has returned to power, and the
thousand and one lid rumors alloat in the
community. etc, etc.
There is nothing for us to do but await de-
velopments. keeping alive in the meantime
the ierVent hope that instead of pleasing his
enemies well enough to do the things they
predict Of him, Governor Baxter will improve
all the time. and will continue to administer
the government for the full protection Of all
the rights OF the whole people. We will see
what We will see.
Please present my re yards to your family.
and my many other friends in ever faithful
Saline" and write to me often.
Truly, yours, etc
X. G.. NkwToN.