Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-03-22
Letter from Washington.
WAsHIxGTox. ID. C.. VI

w AsHfSsIoS- ~ -. hhiNh 10
The city is almost as quiet as if there had
been no such thing as an inauguration
There have been no startling changes as yet
in the Departments. and if there are any who
are trembling in their boots they keep it
bravely TO themselves. There was a great
furry about the changes to be made, yet the
Administration is nearly three week. old,
and the changes are yet unknown. The
President has just appointed his private secre
tary but with this exception everything re-
mains rs it did under President Hayes. 1t is
probable that the various Secretaries are
waiting until they become more familiar with
their Departments before making changes.
Yet the Office seekers continue TO besiege the
White House and the offices Of the Secre-
taries, and the hotels are crowded with ex
Congressman, majors. colonies and judges,
who have axes TO grind. The devices to OBJ
tain interviews with the President are many,
various, and certainly ingenious. Every ex-
pedient il resOrted to in order to gain speech
with the head of the Nation. Few cards of
private individuals are sent in but bear on
them in addition to the name, a message Of a
few words. One anxious writer sent in his
card with the following message: General,
can you spare me Ave minutes" Another
adds to his name, Formerly Of Hiram Col
lege," and the number of men who ''knew
Garfield when he was boy is daily in
creasing.
The reasons ,rhy these men should have
the Offices they seek are occasionally anus
ing. heard one man say. Il am certain to
get place. MY father lent Secretary -
some money once; and went right to him
and reminded him of it,
"And what did he say" was asked.
80, he asked me if was a republican !;
and told him no, that I was democrat,
ALWAYS had been and always should be-"
'what did he say TO that"
'.He said he liked my honesty
l saw this mans papers, or recommends
tons. He was recommended for the place
because his father had been soldier, and a
brave man. There was not word about
himself But he was sure of his place, and
prophesied that il would he one worth 50 800
at least.
The large discharge from the Census office
on the 18th inst. has made an extra pres
sure on the other Departments. Most of
those who were discharged were ladies and
the lamentation among them is loud.
One young girl asked for place in one of
the Departments because she wanted to take
drawing lessons and her father didn't think
| he could give them to her. Another secured
place because she 'thought it would be so
nice to secure money in such an easy way"
,E =. IL.
liked than General Francis a. Walker, Su-
perintendent of the Census. He is exceed
| insly kind hearted, a thorough gentleman.
possessed of great executive ability, and
| faithful to his duties to an unusual degree.
He is at his Office early and late. and frequent
ly when so hoarse from cold that he could
not speak above whisper. He is great
favorite with his clerks, and has earned their
respect as well as their liking.
On Thursday evening. the 18th inst Presi-
dent and Mrs. Garfield gave a reception to
the Judges of the Supreme Court, Cabinet Of
| ficers, and members of the Senate and House.
| The rooms were handsomely decorated with
flowers. and the conservatory was thrown
open, affording an extended promenade. The
| receiving party stood in the Blue Parlor, and
the guests were intro luced to the President
by Vice President Arthur. and by him TO
Mrs. Narnel0. 1 ne lauleS Oh the CdUlnet
stood Just back of the President. Mrs. Gar
| field was dressed in ruby silk velvet.
with bows 1of satin OF the same
shade. and a corsage bouquet of white rose
and fern leaves. Mrs. Secretary Blaine wore
an elegant toilette of black brocade. and Miss
Blaine a walking suit of geranium silk
trimmed in point lace ruffles, gold and pearl
ornaments.
| Every one comedies that Garfield will be
far more popular as President than Hayes
ever WAS. The latter was personally little
liked. This high position won him homage
but he had no place in the hearts Of the peo-
pie he ruled. 1t is said, but believed by few,
that Hayes saved but &c, 900 of his salary.
But il he paid the debts on the Burchard es-
tate is he not the gamer in having the estate
unincumbered? General Grant saved moth
ing during his first term. but he saved about
s6O. 900 during his second. Mr.. Lincoln did
not save anything. The present Secretary
Of War bears a striking resemblace TO his il
lustrious father and seems to have inherited
several of his fathers well known traits OF
character. Mrs. Lincoln was a Miss Harlan,
and they have three children. the eldest IL
years of age. QunL.