The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-01-01

matou IN rNE0ru 10 tnc tHDlnet puSltiOn MT
Hale asked his advice, and II was frankly given.
II was understood then that Gen. Garfield was
TO succeed John Sherman as Senator from
OHIO. Con. Garfield had caused 1t to be so un-
dcrstood. Tho leadership of the Republican
eide in the House would in this cvont naturally
fall to Mr.. Hale This Of tsclf was sufficient,
Mr.. Blaine urged to induce him TO decline tho
proffer. Moreover" said Mr.. Blaine. ." 1t ia
evident TO mo at least that Mr. Iayess Admin
istratlon will not be one which IL would be ad-
vantageous 20 you and your friends to be closely
identified WITH lio has vagarics which may
prove something worse. IN regard 20 Che policy
TO be pursued toward the South"
There wos n conference with the Maine dele
cation. and Il was unit with Mr. Blaine. 1t
agreed. however. that the delegation should In
courtesy present another ecntcman's name.
and as Mr.. Frye seemed TO have m ambition in
that direction. he was erntinod. OF course it
was not expected that Mr.. Hayes would accept
the suggestion. hut It was believed that he
would preserve confidence. and not pettlshly
display pique by giving out that he had thought
OF MIR. Hale as the representative of both
Blaine and Zach Chandler. and II he couldn't
have him. he would not take Blainc's second
lieutenant.
Subsequent t. the interview with Mr.. Blaine.
Mr. Hayes determined to seek for Secretary
OF War who would bc the political antipodcs of
Gen. Grant. He had made up his mind to have
a rebel and n distinguished one. II he could
capture him. in his Cabinet. H. sent for dis
tingushod Republican. and after convorsa-
ton on immaterial topics. Mr.. Hayes abruptly
said | have dctcrminclto to invite some repre-
sentative Southern man. one who will command
| the confidence Of the people Of that section and
satisfy tho men who prevented the llibustcrs
from accomplishing their object. l think wo
owe them something. have thought Of Gen.
Joe johnson don't you think it would be a
graceful thing. II he would accept. to make him
Secretary Of War;
Tho gen'lcman did not reply. Figrratlvciy
speaking. his breath had been taken clean
away In sporting rarlancc. he was knocked
ont oft.mc. Hayes saw il. There was an awk-
ward silence for few seconds. which doubt
less seemed hours to the two men. and then
Hayes said. see it does not strike YOU favor
ably"
Mr.. President" in substance said tho in
vitpd counsellor. We hero ia Washington are
accustomed 90 rny great dcicrcnco 90 the men
WHO occupy the high station you are about 20
assume, and It t. with some reluctance that
venture to give frankly the opinion you have
done me the honor 20 nsk In my judgment to
DO what you propose would be fatal 10 your Al
mini-tra,ion. fatal TO the Republican party. and
q serious. n not fatal. blow at the prn 'ipcs in
volyei in the constitutional amendments. which
a vast MAJ iority Of the Northern people cherish
TO invite Joe Johnson to accept Cabinet posi-
ton would. Of course not bc so bad as TO invite
JEFF. avis but whcrein is tho difference IN
principle To place Johnson in the War De-
rnrtmcnt-to turn over 10 n man who educated
by the Government and wearing honors con
fcrrcl upon him. yet in tho hour Of sulremes
peril not only deserted its nag. hut arrayet
himself against it-woull that inspire younl
officers with that loyalty to their country whicl
is 50 essential? Would it not be an insult t,
every loyal sodierl Would 1t not be rewarl
for treasOul"
Much more the gentleman would have said
but he observed that wha, he hol said was
not reishcd by Mr.. Hayes. ami he paused
There was another awkward silence. onll
broken when the visitor was 10 take his leave
Il is needless to say that he has never since hel,
communication with Mr.. Hayes.
The tender OF the War Department t. Jol
johnson was never formally made tut indirect
ly he was sounded to soc whether he woul,
neccpt; ana | have reason 70 believe that th'
little encouragement received from him de
termined Hayes to abandon his search in thi
direction for rcbel Cabinet officer. II was onl'
after repoatel failures in still other direotlon
that Key was finally hit upon. In his cNtrem
anxiety to find n distinguished rebel for n con
nlcntal adviser Hayes sent an infundie FIRM
10 ,raR upon one oJ Ne Distinguished co,p,st
for 7ilirn before The Electoral Commission
and requested a visit from him for the purpos
of advice and counsel The invitation was 20
licy hut firmly declined.
All these facts which have briefly set fortl
, wore woli known u nearly IL not quite. all tn
Republican lead r. IN Washington. Why then
lid they not cu, loose from Hayes. dcnounr