Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-07-19
EI- Secretary DristoVs Reply to
President Grant.
Washington, July Is. The following is cx-Scc-
rotary Bristow' reply TO the President:

Washington, July Is. The following is cx-Soc-
| rotary Brlstow's reply TO the President:
New York, July lS
MR. President Il have the honor this mo-
ment TO receive your letter of yesterday, in which,
referring with approval to my refusal to testify
before committee of the House Of Representa-
tives, to what occurred between the President
and myself while held the Office of the Secreta-
ry OF the Treasury, you are pleased to add that
you wish to relieve me from all obligations OF
secrecy, and to express your desire that all mem
bers of your cabinet may be called upon to testify
fully. When | appeared before the committee
last week in obedience to the sumr9nn' i,fas"d
to answer any and all qnest'0ue iir.q d
| me to state any conversation bctween yUu and
myself touching official matters whether such
conversation took place at a meeting of the Cabi-
net or at any time saying, however, to the com
mittee, that 10 inference adverse to any one
should be drawn from my refusal to answer their
questions.
took the position distinctly that ! considered
| all conversation between the President and heads
of the departments on official matters, confden-
tal and privileged, and that the privilege existed,
not so much for the position of the parties imme-
diatey concerned, for the interest of the public
service. If was right in this view of the matter
it would seem to follow that the privilege cannot
be waived BY either or both of the parties. Ia
deed, said to the committee that | would not
feel at liberty to these questions with your
consent although had no opportunity to exam
inc authorities on the subject. | am still of the
opinion that the public duty to treat such CONVEX
sations confidential and privileged, is not re-
moved nor modified by your consent. That
should make full answer to the questions of the
privilege were merely personal it might be waived,
but place it on higher grounds. respectfully
suggest that the appearance of the several heads
of departments before q committee of Congress to
testify to conversations between the President and
themselves, running through period of many
months, would almost Inevitably lead to the dis
closure of differences of recollection and present
to the country unseemly conflict to which l
would not willingly be party
Besides, it seems to me that such an inquiry
by committee of Congress tends to the ab,orp-
ton if not to the complete destruction of the ex
ecutlve power and to the establishment of pure
ly legislative government. In any view am able
| TO take, it seems to me that duty requires me to
adhere to my announced purpose not to answer
the questions propounded to me by the commit
tee. 1 beg to remind you that my opinion on the
subject was repeatedly stated to you and the men,
bers of your cabinet, and, as l understood, met
your approval.
My withdrawal from the cabinet does not alter
or modify my duty in this respect, nor have my
views undergone any change. hope l will not
be recalled by the committee, but should they
see proper to call me sgain, l cannot consent, as
at present advised, to testify to the conversations
held with the President ON official business. With
great respect am
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) b. III. BRIsTow.