The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-01-07
WA sHINcTON.
Presidential View Of the 0ppo-
sition to Williams.
Caleb Cushing as Minister to Spain
Confirmed by the Senate.
No Reduction Of Army an
Navy Budgets.

WASHINGTON, Jan. Q. 1874
Presidential View or tho Opposition to
WilIiams-Ho VIII BE Sacrificed Only
to Save the Party. ,,
Great anxiety exists here tonight among the
politicians, the lawyers and the members Of the
Supreme Court to know what the President Is
going to do about the tottertng nomination of At
torney General Williams for the post OF Chief JUS
tice. Up to the present point he can only be
said TO be weakening; but this Is regarded
by the well-informed as Q good omen
for the country. the cases being rare
in which he has faltered in any matter
where his personal feelings have been engaged;
but his few falterings have thus far ended in his
entire surrender. 1t is but fair the President to
say that the reception Of his favorite for the
vacant seat Of Chief Justice Chase by che senate,
II not by the country at large, has been COM
plete surprise to him. Leaving out OF the ques-
tion mis- personal opinion Of and regard for Mir.
Williams, the President has all along believed that
his nominee possessed o very large share Of es-
TEEN in the political circles OF tho country. His
standing in the Senate, when q member Of that
body, the President supposed was considerably
above the average and does not find 1t di1icult to
recall numerous incidents, extending through his
Senatorial term, to support such q view. In
matter so important, for instance as the impeach-
ment trial OF President Johnson, 1t was Senator
Williams who was selected, in caucus of republi-
can Senator's to bring the Senate to q vote on the
articles Of impeachment afrording the strongest
hopes Of conviction, a duty at the time consid.
cred such as to demand careful and skful man.
agement, by member possessing at least
the respect OF his opposing and wavering
colleagues Then. when Mr.. Williams was
defeated In his expectations Of q reelection
as Senator from oregon, it was universally under
stood at washington to be through no want of
strength or popularity in his party, but solely
because Of one OF those political reverses that all
parties are exposed to at the hands Of disap-
pointed and vengeful subordinate leaders, who
will not brook delay In their demands on the
party. AS a consequence OF this very defeat for
another Senatorial term ex-senator Williams was
pressed upon the President for q Cabinet
position, not then vacant, with an ardor
that would have been indecent II 1t had
not borne the appearance OF an enthusiastic and
united expression Of the conviction OF the whole
body Of republicans on the Pacific Coast that the
party should not lose the influence and services of
Its foremost leader of that section through tenn
porary reverse In halfhedged State like
Oregon. The selection Of Judge Williams
a. one Of the distinguished five Of the
American half Of the Joint High Commission
was the Presidents response TO and confirmation
OF the demonstration OF the Pacific Coast republi-
cans. and to this very day 1t Is beyond all question
that the President believes that the gentleman
from oregon bore his part as bravely and well as
any other member Of that really distinguished
body. Following the dissolution OF the Joint Com
mission came the present candidates. entry into
the ONCE Of Attorney General position which
brought him into closer and more frequent rela-
lions with the President, and it is out
OF this latter acquaintance that has grown
the Presidents sincere conviction that Mr.. Will
liams Is the very man, though by no means the
only man. fitted to adOrn the exalted station of
Chief Justice The argument Is not admitted as
extending beyond the question Of capacity and
character. The President Is understood to feel
under obligation to select not the best man, but
At man. All Of his predecessors have acted upon
similar view of the case, and have not deprived
themselves OF the satisfaction of personal choice
That the selection OF his Attorney General to be
Chief Justice was q very 1T and proper
one was also the unanimous opinion Of his Cabinet
oficers. to whom the President in the absence OF
the Attorney General. submitted his name, not
asking for perfunctory confirmation, but for an
Independent expression from any ana all present
Secretary Fish. who, by virtue OF the quasi prece-
dence of his ONCE and his personal independence
ofpolitical place and emolument, enjoys, by repu-
tati0n at least, kind OF separate station from
his colleagues OF the Cabinet was as warm
in approval OF Judge Williams as the rest,
and could hardly have had In remembrance
any unfavorabe "reminiscences of their joint
service ON the High Commission. AS before inti-
mated the President has never had suspicion until
that the faint Of unftness attaches to his nom
nee. The circumstantia matters that have now
made their appearance against the inchoate Chief
Justice are beyond question much newer to the
than n a
Washington, and, being yet without proof, and
under semi-judicial investigation by the Senate
committee, constitute no ground Of execu-
tive action. Last summer the President
committed himself to the promise to
give to the country an acceptable
Chief Justice, and has believed himself to have
deemed that promise in Offering man possessing
the characteristics OF popular American states
manship-obscure origin and high station reached
through self toll, energy, patience and keen APP
probation OF the ''man chance" The opinion so
tndustriousy circulated that Mr.. Williams solely
owes the higher, later and more rapid
steps Of his promotion to fortunate so
cial influences, 1t may safely be averred
finds no credence at the White House. There the
nominee is regarded as not q brilliant but safe
man, the safe side of his character explaining his
rise under adverse circumstances, and assuring
for him ultimate and sure growth to the necessi-
ties of his new position III he gets IT., and his
want OF brilliancy and polish accounting both for
the honest distrust OF his capacity OF the country
and the supercillous sneers OF New England
scholarship in Senate and House. But the Pres
dent has other warm friends and retainers In public
Iife who have not been offered, or have declined,
or VINO could not accept the position snught by
Judge Williams; and II hi appointment, added to
the other crimes and mistakes and shortcomings
Of the republican party, is to heavily weigh these
friends and retaners In their future career. then
he will have to 60 to the wall, take lower place
or wait better opportunity. This week will, 1t Is
said. settle the fate Of she nomination. - u
Sentiment I'm Spain Toward America.
Detailed mail advices were received here this
morning nom Madrid. At the time the news OF
the capture of the virginius reached there and