Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-11-24
THE PACIFIC COAST AND THE CABINET

For some time past there have been
rumors to the effect that President Arthur
intended to give the Pacific coast repre-.
sentation in his Cabinet, and that he had
in fact already selected ex-senator A. A.
Sargent for this position, and contemplated
offering him the portfolio of the Interior
Department, or perhaps that of the Navy.
If these reports do indeed at all faithfully
reproduce the Presidents inclinations, the
people of the Pacific coast will have cause
for congratulation, and the country will
gain very able, conscientious and in every
way fit man to administer whichever de-
partment Mr.. Sargent may be put at the
head of. Comparisons are proverbially
odious, and yet it is necessary to express the
belief that there Ia no other public man on
this coast who has given proof of being
nearly so well fitted for Cabinet posi-
ton as Senator Sargent. His services to
California have been conspicuous and mani
fold. No more faithful, competent or ener-
getic man has ever been sent from this
coast or this State to represent the people
in either chamber of Congress. As Repre-
sentative and as Senator he devoted his
whole time and abilities to his constituents
and to the country. The sterling quail
ties which compose his character were fully
recognized and appreciated at Washington,
and no member, either of the House or the
Senate, commanded more respectful atten-
tion when he rose to speak, or when he pre-.
posed legislation in the committeeman.
An indefatigable worker, no toll was too
ardaous for him in the pursuit of his public
ends, and it may be said that all his work
was in the interest of the people. Possess
ing thorough practical knowledge alike
of legislative and departmental work, hav-
ing mastered the routine as well as the
principles in both cases., he needs no
coaching" to prepare him for the proper
discharge of ministerial duties. A Repub.
lican of deep convictions, statesman of
tried capacity, a man OF high mental at
tainments, great firmness, and unblemished
integrity, it would not be possible for Pres
ident Arthur to make happier choice for
his Cabinet. OF course we do not seek to
conceal our belief that Senator Sargent, as
Secretary of the Interior, might be able to
confer some special benefits upon this coast.
This, however, belongs naturally to his
familiarity with local interests and needs.
1t has happened sometimes that tie Sec
rotary of the Interior inflicted positive in
jury upon the Pacific coast through ignor-
anes of its peculiar conditions and re-
quirements. So much would be saved US
by the appointment of Senator Sargent /;
but, however, highly we may think of his
fitness in such regards we should not feel
justified in indorsing him for so respon.
sible position were we not equally con.
WINGED of his ability to satisfy the demands
OF the whole country. In short, we may
say that there is no better Cabinet timber
IN the Union than Senator Sargent offers,
and If President Arthur appoints him to
one OF the Departments he will have the
satisfaction of rejecting that he has done
that which will be regarded with very gen.
erai and hearty approval on this coast, and
which will at the same time strengthen his
administration greatly.