The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1873-03-21

aliuueu 10, and thus spoke the General
Now. johnson was an honest man. He
hated hypocrisy, and that was one Of several
good traits he had. johnson was an honest
man In money matters, aud no one could get
him to steal. Why, when they settled up his
salary, at the close of his presidential term,
he thought he was getting too much by two
OF three hundred dollars, and he came to me
with bis draft, saying it was too much
and he did not want to take it. I went to the
Auditor and Controller about it, while he
waited in my room. It was just about four
years ago this very time. His accounts were
examined and found all right. It was the
mode of settlement that had deceived him.
The Presidents salary is paid quarterly, and
johnson, coming into office about the middle
OF the quarter, had been deceived by the
manner of settlement"
was entertained by some remarkably in.
teresting "reminiscences of the late President
Lincoln, concerning his indifference to draw
ing his salary, investing it, and so forth.
General Spinner used frequently to take bis
draft to him, get his endorsement, and invest
1t in Government bonds for Mr.. Lincoln,
owing to the extreme disregard he seemed to
have for it. Assistant Secretary Harrington
has also done this for Mr.. Lincoln: ven.
tured TO ask in the course of this very plea
SAINT conversation the secret Of the great per-
sonal friendship that President Grant enter
tains for Treasurer Spinner, and was inform
ed that he Uhe Treasurer) supposed that it
was because the President knew of his long
and very great regard for him, which Gene
raj Spinner said dated from the time Of Fort
Donaldson. The President calls very
often to see the Treasurer, and frequently
remains one or two hours with him. / don't
believe the old gentleman has returned any
of the calls, though always invited. Grant is
not ceremonious, however, and comes again.
/ wound up my interview by asking the
Treasurer what he thought of the new Secre-
tary of the Treasury, Judge Richardson.
He said: " He will make 'tip-top' Secre-
tary. He entertains, I think, tnaucial views
similar to MIR. Boutwel's, and ought to be
confirmed. as | think he will he, without
reference to a committee"
And now, if have not exceeded the pro-
per limit, desire to say that the General,
although not strikingly handsome in per-
sonal appearance, is quite fayorite among
the ladies. aud his room, as have said he
fore. bears striking evidence of their tasteful
bandiwork. He has Il hand "Open as day
to melting CHARITY" and although we may
smile at the ecccntriciticS Of his signature,
wc cannot but admire his whole-souled
charities. Up to the period of the Seth
johnson detalcation the Genera had
good reason to felicitate himself that during
his financial administration not a dollar had
been lost to the people of the United States.
This latter affair has been the cause Of great
chagrin to the Treasurer, not only Oh ac-
count of the close personal relations he held
with johnson, but also Oh account of the
heretofore successful management of the Of
fee. Although 4 generous Congress has re-
lievcd him and his hondsmen Of any pecu-
mary responsibility, it is to be regretted that
the long and useful career which is now in
the natural order drawing to close should
be marred by such ungratcful thieyery.
TrvoS