The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-03-10

Against the confirmation of the Cabinet
as nominated by the President it is urged
that the names are in great part those OF
men who have no political following, who
do not represent any important portion
of the party elements or any dis
tinct party force. 1t might be adj
mitted that this objection would have
weight if it were altogether true or
altogether pertinent; and in so far as it is
either true or pertinent it is worthy consid-
Grafton. AS to the pertinence of this objec-
ton it has more or less force with regard to
different Cabinet offices. It has no force
at all with regard to the Office of Sec
rotary of State No one can have any
distinct political body or power be-
relation with some one of our internal divis-
ions and party complications but the Sec
rotary who is to deal especially with foreign
governments should be absolutely free from
relations with these sources of dissension.
In SO far as Mr.. Evarts is without any espe-
cial division of party force behind him, he
is precisely in the position Mr.. Fish was
when called to the Cabinet of President
Grant yet Mr.. Fish has proved one of the
most acceptable and successful Secretaries
of late years. It cannot be doubted that
nm important element Of his strength was
that he was not related to any school, sect
or clique of politicians in the country;
was, therefore, without temptation to
pervert issues with foreign govern
ments into occasions for giving prom
inence or glorifcation to the ideas
of clique, and was free to deal with
all issues in n national spirit But while
Mr.. Evarts is without following in this
narrow sense-and is, we believe, the better
without tit cannot be said that his name
is without the most practical and effec-
tive support in the best public opin-
ion the whole country over. He
whose nomination EFFORTS the ap-
proval of the whole superior intelligence
of the country, and whose name excites
the enthusiasm Of this element, cannot be
regarded as having less strength in virtue
of a following than the man who is the mere
organ of one clique of Pennsylvania office
holders. It has somewhat surprised md has
not pleased the country to find that Cab
met to which it IS not possible. to make
any objection on the score of probity or
capacity. which can be opposed for no reason
not related to intrigues for Office, is opposed
in the Senate, where the people would like
to believe there exists an unselfish regard
to public duty. But, itshould be observed,
that the name, which for some reasons is
the best of the seven, is the one that meets
with most opposition in committee. Gen.
eral Devens, Mr.. Thompson, Mr.. McCrary,
and Mr.. Schurz are not opposed; Mr..
Sherman is confirmed, and Mr.. Keys
name is apparently held under considera-
ton from divergent views as to the good
policy of Southern appointment Mr..
Evarts' name is the only one, therefore,
that seems on its own account unacceptable;
but the difference is due to the quality Of
the committees. In all there appears to be
more courtesy, more consideration of good
manners toward the President than in the
Committee on Foreign Affairs But the
name must be acted on by the Senate, and
there the narrow spirit of intrigue will not
prevail as it may in o committee.