National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-02-12
Cabfnet-Making Perplexities.

S1UAhCt-thA1hihS CI piCAiesSS'
1t might put General Garfield to some
inconvenience to please everybody dur
ing his incipient movements in prepar-
ing the foundations for his administration
of the Government; but, after all, itwould
seem to some, no doubt, that he might
evince spirit of accommodation in this
respect. Now, cotemporary ventures
the remark that General Garfield is
bolder man morally than he has credit
for, or he would not announce that he
will take ten days in Washington before
the Inauguration to consider the Cabinet
question. His distraction will, however,
rest upon his own head" This conclu-
sion of our cotemporary is very natural.
All the responsibilities, labor, distraction,
and risks attending the makeup of a
Cabinet will most certainly crest upon
his own head" and, as it now looks, it is
decidedly his choice and determination
that they shall rest there. We have no
doubt that General Garfield has all the
| boldness of character attributed to him,
and, unless we are mistaken, he is actu-
ated under his boldness of spirit by
patriotic desire to place his Cabinet on
high plane of ability, and to make his
selections representa- proper geographical
relation. That he is embarrassed by
multitude of counsel of diverse views and
motives there can be no doubt; but until
he proves himself unworthy of it by his
own action we shall preserve an abiding
faith in his patriotism, wisdom, and sense
of justice in the discharge of the RESPONSE
bic duty he has in hand.
OF course most people, who really have
nothing to do with the matter, are duly
qualified in their own conceit to advise
and even direct as to the formation of the
Cabinet. They do not seem to consider
the patent fact that the President has as
much if not more interest in securing
eminent ability, character, and wisdom
in the makeup of his Cabinet than any
other citizen or community of citizens in
the country. President Garfield's Cabi-
net is to characterize his administration.
If he surrounds himself with true, tried,
and able Republican statesmen it will
add greatly to the comfort, honor, and
success Of his administration of the Gov
ernment, for it will reflect in clear and
living light the principles of the Repub-
lican faith. We are among those who
believe that no other principles are
adapted to the wise and successful con-
duct of Republican form of Govern
ment, and we confde implicitly in the
sound Judgment of the incoming Presi-
slowly in the formation of Cabinet, and
though that may not be in line with the
impatience of jealous friends who would
be advisers, it clearly vindicates the wis
dom and sagacity of the President-elect.
Blunders are often made under inconsid-
crate haste that involve consequences
which it were far easier to avert than to
rectify.
Our hope and expectation is that the
Cabinet will combine within its organ
ization the wisest craftsmanship, the
most eminent ability and integrity per-
sonal and political, representing geo.
graphical sections and interests with I'M
impeachable judgment. If this hope and
expectation is disappointed it will be all
the worse for the country and wise ad-
ministration of it's affairs. The misfor-
tune of such disappointment will fall
heavily upon the country, but with
greater force upon the President himself
This he understands full well, and hence
his jealous and impatient friends should
cheerfully concede to him at least ten
days in Washington before the Inaugural
ton, during which time he can form de-
liberate and wise conclusions that will
secure for himself comfort and success in
the administration of the Government
No doubt the future of President Garfield
will hinge in no small degree upon the
character of his ministerial advisers dur
ing his approaching term, and he cannot
be unmindful of this fact.