New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-07-02
WASHINGTON.
A VACANCY IN THE CABINET.


MR.. HALE wITHDRAws HIS ACCEPTANCE OF THE
POSTMASTER GENERALsHIP-MR CREsWELL CON-
sENTs TO ACT AS HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT
UNTIL HIS SUCCESSOR 10 APPOINTED.
WASHINGTON, July 1.-Representatiye Hale re-
turned to Washington last night and Immediately
called on President Grant to thank him for his mark
Of confidence and friendship in rendering him the
appointment of PostmasterG General, but at the same
time respectfully to withdraw his acceptance of that
office. Mr.. Hale has been in Altoona for a few days.
and thought that he would be able to enter upon
the duties of the position to-day, as Mr.. Creswel
had made his arrangements to retire yesterday. He
had recovered in slight degree, from the fatigue
incident to long session of Congress, but the ex
cessive heat of the few days past has so weakened
him as to compel decnation of the honor and re-
qure him to seek at his home the rest and recupera
ton imperatiyely required. He will, therefore,
leave for his home in Maine tomorrow The Cabinet
met at 1920 o'clock this morning, Messrs Creswel
and Hale being present. All the members expressed
their regret that personal considerations have COM
PEELED Mr.. Hale to decline the POstmaster-General-
ship.
Ex-Postmaster-Gen Creswell stated on leaving
the Cabinet meeting to day, that he would act as
Postmaster-General until his successor should be
appointed, but he intended to insist upon leaving
the Department as soon as possible. Returning to
the Department he directed the First Assistant Mar
shall tc sign some documents presented to him, de-
Ginning to settle any questions decide any matters
except such as were necessary to keep the Depart
ment in operation with responsible head 1t is said
that o successor will be appointed in few days.
MR.. HALE's RESIGNATION sURPRIsE-Ins HEALTH
THE CAUSE OF THE ACTION-TITE PRESIDENT Ex-
PRESSES REGRET AND DIsAPPoISIMENT-No
Adjournment YET MADE.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUSE.I
WASHINGTON, July 1.-Mr. Hales resignation to-
day, of the Postmaster Generalship, was quite as
much of surprise as his appointment was, week
ago. But one consideration governed HIM in this
action, and that was, for his health. Mr.. Hale
Is not man of strong constitution and during 1.-THE
past Winter, as a member of the Appropriations
Committee of the House, his labors were greater
than his strength warranted him in performing.
His first idea was to accept the place and request
Mr.. Creswell to remain in office few months until
he Mr. Hale) could obtain the needed rest. This,
Mr.. Creswell declined to do, and Mr.. Hale did not
think il advisable to accept the office and intrust
the work Of the first quarter to an assistant. lie
then thought he would accept and do the best he
could until his health improved, and acted on this
idea. Subsequently, he was advised by physicians
that it would be dangerous for him to remain In
Washington. hard at work, during the hot months.
His family ALSO is not in the best of health and so.
all things considered, he concluded to serve out his
term in Congress- The President expressed much
regret and disappointment at Mr. Hales determine
ton to decline the portfolio of the Post-Oice De-
partment but agreed with him that the first con
sideration of apublic should be to preserve his
health. The appointment of successor was dis
cussed in the Cabinet meeting, but no decision was
reached. 1t was expected that the President would
select to-day, but up to late hour this even
ing no appointment had been announced The
place will probably be given to ]ngressman Geuni
w. Scoflield of Pennsylvania, if he will accept it.