Mexico weekly ledger., 1881-11-03
THURSDAY, NOV. 8, 1881
THE ARTHUR ADMINISTRATION.

THE ARTHUR ADMINISTRATION.
The new administration is now over
a month old; but beyond attempted
prostitution of the appointing power,
90 as to influence the coming Virginia
electors, there has been no reliable
indication Of what its future character
will I've. There has been a check and
faltering somewhere. The govern
mens is neither what it ought to be,
nor what its head designed it should
be. 1t is neither half-breed nor stall
wart, Conkling nor anti-C onkling,
Grant ner anti Grant, nor even an
avowed Arthur administration, and
as long as it is neither the one nor
the other, there will lie interference
and perhaps dictation from parties,
who are the very last from whom
President Arthur ought either to seek
or accept counsel.
Things cannot long remain in this
condition. If Arthur does not soon
boss the administration, jim Blaine
and the Cabinet will boss him.
The Cabinet resembles patchwork
badly put together. The appoint
ment of Gov. Morgan to a position
he did not aspire to, and was afraid
to accept, was a blunder, and it re-
mains to be demonstrated whether
the selection of Felger will turn out
more fortunately.
At present it seems to be taken for
granted that Folger will display as
much financial ability as Window,
and be at least able to place bonds at
not over one-half per cent. interest
above market rates, and ready and
willing to enter upon the solution of
questions affecting revenue collections
which, under Window, we're either
suffered to accumulate, or we're turn
ed over for settlement to his subordi-
mates. As either a financier or re-
former, Window was both a failure
and q farce. In his helplessness and
weakness his subordinates became his
masters, and it "a only by accident
that as much as is known Of treasury
populations leaked out.
Judge Folger is not wholly new in
his connection with the Treasury.
Under Grant he was Assistant Treas
urer of New York City, and set up q
claim for an extra allowance of over
500. 900 for services rendered in sell
ing stamps; but has not, heretofore,
demonstrated his ability to master
financial complications. 1t is said,
however, that Gen. Arthur does not
look forward to anything of that sort.
In his opinion, the financial policies
Of the country are settled. He only
expects attention to detail in apply
ing existing laws and the enforcement
of honesty and economy from a Sec
rotary of the Treasury.
Judge Folger ls very acceptable to
the New York bankers, brokers and
importers, and that forms the chief
objection that has as yet been urged
against him. That fact seems to In
dictate what his policy is expected to
be by those that are best acquainted
with his views, and everybody un-
derstands that every financial policy
of the government, excepting those
relating to the silver dollar and the
legal-tender qualities of the green
backs, have been toned down to suit
eastern demands.
Judge Folger is undoubtedly a great
lawyer but Notwithstanding this, his
views in regard TO extra pay and ex-
ira services have been declared to be
illegal.
Politically, the Judge is said to be
Grant onklin Arthur, whatever that
may turn out to mean.